September 2026
The University of Toronto Libraries’ Pacific Rim-related collections are anchored by the Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, located in the John P. Robarts Research Library on the St. George campus. As the largest research collection on East Asia in Canada and one of North America’s leading East Asian research libraries, the East Asian Library serves as a vital intellectual and cultural hub connecting Canada to the Pacific Rim. Pacific Rim scholarship also draws on the Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library and the Richard Charles Lee Chinese Canadian Archives, supporting research on Hong Kong, Canada-Hong Kong relations, and Chinese Canadian history.
The East Asian Library’s story begins with the acquisition of the Mu Collection (慕氏藏書) in 1935, originally assembled by Chinese scholar Mu Xuexun (1880-1929). Approximately 40,000 rare volumes were purchased in Beijing through the efforts of Rev. William C. White and other benefactors and transported to Toronto. This acquisition laid the foundation for East Asian studies at the University and established a tradition of research excellence that continues today.
From these beginnings, the Library has grown to house over 700,000 volumes in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Tibetan, with additional materials in Mongolian, Manchu, and Uighur. The collections support interdisciplinary teaching and research across the humanities and social sciences, including history, literature, religion, diaspora studies, media studies, political science, and gender studies. They are used by University of Toronto faculty, students, and visiting scholars from around the world.
The East Asian Library’s special collections of rare books, manuscripts, newspapers, maps, and archival materials form the backbone of research and teaching across a wide range of disciplines. Among its notable holdings is the Lhalungpa Collection of traditional Tibetan pecha, assembled by the late scholar and monk-official Lobsang P. Lhalungpa, which provides rare insight into Tibet’s cultural, religious, and political heritage and supports global scholarship in Tibetan studies.
Additional Pacific Rim-related resources within the University of Toronto Libraries include the Richard Charles Lee Chinese Canadian Archives and the Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library, providing a strong foundation for research on transpacific connections and diaspora communities.
The East Asian Library has been a national leader in digitization initiatives, beginning in 2004 with Toronto Korean-language newspapers. A substantial portion of its rare books and special collections, including the Chinese Rare Book Collection, has been digitized and made openly accessible via Internet Archive. These efforts remove geographical barriers, foster equitable research opportunities, and enable global collaboration.
Key digitally accessible collections include:
The Library also preserves and provides access to community and heritage archives, including:
Rare Korean Min Family Correspondence Collection, featuring historic letters and documents from the late 19th to early 20th century.
The University of Toronto Libraries is proud to serve as Canada’s gateway to East Asia and the Pacific Rim. Rooted in historic rare book acquisitions and strengthened by decades of collection building, diaspora archiving, and digital innovation, the Libraries continue to evolve in response to emerging research needs and community partnerships.
We look forward to deepening collaboration with PRRLA members through resource sharing, joint initiatives, and new forms of digital and scholarly engagement, collectively advancing access to Pacific Rim knowledge for future generations.
For more information regarding University of Toronto Libraries, you may refer to the website HERE.