E.J. Pratt Library: Architectural Design & History

This annotated bibliography provides an overview of primary and secondary sources documenting the architectural design of the E.J. Pratt Library.

It encompasses both published and unpublished primary materials, including the library’s opening in 1961 under the leadership of Victoria University Librarian Margaret V. Ray, as well as the revitalization of the its interior forty years later during the tenure of Chief Librarian Robert C. Brandeis.

While the bibliography is not comprehensive, it offers starting points for understanding how the library’s collections and services determined the original design of the building and subsequent renewal of its interior space.

The E.J. Pratt Library at Victoria University, designed by Gordon S. Adamson and Associates in 1960, is a highly acclaimed modernist building. Its exterior is constructed from Credit Valley limestone.

The Piggott Construction Company built the impressive structure, with the project supervised by Barney Rickard, an experienced construction superintendent who worked for the company.

Canada Council contributed a $375,000 grant to support the construction of the library.

Officially opened on September 21, 1961, with a speech by Prime Minister John G. Diefenbaker, the library was renamed in honour of Canadian poet E.J. Pratt six years later.

By the late 1990s, the library required extensive upgrades to its electrical and mechanical systems, as well as reconfiguration to accommodate increased information technology use. Additionally, the library’s collections had outgrown the existing shelf space, and more study areas were needed.

Kohn Shnier Architects, a partnership between John Shnier and Michael Kohn, along with Shore Tilbe Irwin and Partners, were responsible for redesigning the library’s interior. The architects respectfully incorporated the modernist principles of the existing exterior design to reimagine the space.

John Shnier’s architectural design aimed to to open up the interior of the library. The abundant use of glass, skylights, and natural and artificial lighting, as well as the creation of various “vistas,” contribute to a sense of space and movement throughout the interior.

Telmet Design Associates created the wayfinding and graphic design visible throughout the building. Paul Ehnes, a renowned Canadian landscape architect, designed the Lester B. Pearson Garden for Peace and Understanding.

In 2004, the library received an Award for Excellence in Library Architecture and Planning from the Ontario Library Association.

Victoria University Archives and Library. Digital Collections: E.J. Pratt Library. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025. 

The university’s archival and special collections feature an extensive online collection of digitized photographs. This includes pictures from the official opening of the library on September 21, 1961, as well as images of the library’s exterior and interior created between 1961 and 2014, and photographs of various events hosted by the library.

“The Architecture of Education: Victoria’s Buildings Reflect a Long and Rich History.” Vic Report vol. 40, no. 1, Autumn 2011, pp. 8–10.

Published on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of Victoria University’s founding, the articles provides a brief description of the library’s revitalization. It also contextualizes the building in relation to other spaces on campus.

Brandeis. Robert C. “E.J. Pratt—Library for the 21st Century.” University of Toronto Libraries Newsletter, Spring 2002.

The article provides essential details on the redesign of the library’s spaces, analyzing the architect’s intention to open up the interior through the use of light, color, glass, and other elements. 

It includes photographs depicting the various areas of the library before and after the renovations.

Culham, James. “High-Minded Modernism.” Azure, vol. 18, no. 40, March/April 2002, pp. 70–72.

This article, accompanied by extensive photographs of the library's interior following the renovations, includes an interview with John Shnier, who served as the principal design architect.

Shnier offers detailed descriptions of the various design elements. The article is available in-print on the second floor of the library.

Curtis, Mark. “Modern Thinking Inside the Box.” Tandem, 27 Jan. 2002, p. 17.
The articles outlines the changes in the various areas of the library following its revitalization.

Hume, Christopher. “Library Re-Do Embraces Best of Modernism.” Toronto Star, 17 Nov. 2001, J2.

In this article, the renowned architectural critic provides discerning evaluation of the renewal of the library, asserting that “the library presents a vision of comfort and rationality that ennobles [students'] work without taking it into elitist realm of earlier university structures.” 

Hume also situates the library's design elements within the context of the Modernist movement in Canada.

“The Lester B. Pearson Garden for Peace and Understanding.” Vic Report vol. 25, no. 2, Winter 1997/98, p. 15. 

“Library of the Future.” Vic Report vol. 25, no. 2, Winter 1997/98, p. 14. 

Ms. Halyna Kozar (Senior Reader Services & Collections) and Dr. Robert C. Brandeis (Chief Librarian Emeritus) kindly provided extensive information about the design and history of the library.

created by: Agatha Barc | reviewed & updated: 24 February 2025