The Toronto Letter Writers Society (TLWS) is a group of handwriting and snail mail enthusiasts who meet for a monthly letter writing social at Toronto’s First Post Office, where they write to friends, family and pen pals all over the world. They meet every second Sunday of the month (scheduling may change to avoid conflicting with holiday weekends) – all are welcome to attend and it’s free; attendees can bring their own supplies or use the TLWS’s. Those unable to attend in person can email them for the Zoom link to join live, but virtually: torontoletterwriters@gmail.com

A free, monthly drop-in for letter-writers, bullet journallers, and all those who would like DEDICATED WRITING TIME in good company!

In a 21st century world of digital device typing and texting, the TLWS aims to keep the art of handwriting alive – a skill that can decline over time without practice, and that can benefit fine motor skills and memory. Co-run by Jessica Lewis and Andrea Raymond-Wong, their monthly gatherings also offer attendees the opportunity to reconnect with handwriting, including improving their penmanship and finding their cursive writing style. Inspiring people to pick up a pen and put it to paper in a social gathering, they make time and space for a fun, collegial few hours of handwritten messaging.

Listen to this interview with CBC’s The Current, featuring the Toronto Letter Writers Society. The segment also talks about the benefits of handwriting.

(Photo credits: The Toronto Letter Writing Society / Toronto’s First Post Office. Top left: Jessica Lewis)

What we like about this letter writing club

We love how the Toronto Letter Writing Society is keeping the art of handwritten letter writing alive – not to mention offering the opportunity for folks to gather in a friendly social atmosphere to practice and improve their penmanship. Many of us are familiar with the experience of seeing our handwriting become less legible over time – mostly because we’re out of practice and rushing as we write! We’ve gotten so used to the speed of typing that our hands need to get reacquainted with the more leisurely, finely-tuned pace of handwriting.

We’re so attached to our devices these days, and texting and emailing messages to family and friends has become a habit we don’t think twice about. There’s something about writing or receiving a handwritten letter that seems so much more personal, more intimate – from the physical writing of the message as you put pen to paper, to the feel of the envelope as you open it and slide the letter out to read it. There’s an emotional and visceral connection with a handwritten message that text and email simply can’t duplicate. (Written by C.M.)

Accessibility information: There is a stair-free entrance at the rear of Toronto’s First Post Office. Enter the courtyard behind the Post Office building from the laneway just east of 262 Adelaide Street East, or just south of the Post House Condo on George Street. Look for the ramp and a sign that says “Toronto’s First Post Office.”

Ideas for where you can go from here:

• Follow the Toronto Letter Writers Society to keep up to date on their upcoming events.
• Learn about Toronto’s First Post Office. If you’re in the Toronto area, drop by for a visit: 260 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
• Who would you write a letter to? Pick up some nice stationery and write a letter to that person. Young W carries some lovely stationery to inspire and help get you started.
• And if you’ve ever wanted to try a fountain pen, we have those too, including some very beginner-friendly models.

We love letter writing clubs because they inspire you to write handwritten letters. Writing handwritten letters allows you to connect more deeply and thoughtfully with your message and its recipient. Connecting more deeply and thoughtfully with your message and its recipient is part of the flourishing offline life Young W helps you discover: by exploring PAPER and the other 8 pillars of Arts & Letters, including those you may be hesitant to try.

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