[2] The first York library opened in 1961 at Glendon College and was housed in Falconer Hall.

In 1963 the library moved to its own building, named after recent Ontario premier Leslie Frost.

An early decision was also made not to duplicate research strengths at the University of Toronto and soon the Libraries owned impressive collections in American history, French Canadiana, and later sociology and psychology.

[6] Archibald Macleish was awarded an honorary degree at a special convocation at the official opening of the building on 30 October 1971.

At the main Keele Campus: At the Glendon College campus: In addition to almost 150 full-time staff, approximately 40 academic librarians are responsible for faculty liaison, collection development, and research instruction across every major discipline and field taught at York.