Toronto Woman Embarks on 300 km Library Trek to Honor Mother's Memory
In a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Marci Stepak, a 55-year-old Toronto resident, is preparing to walk 300 kilometers across the city to visit all 100 branches of the Toronto Public Library. The journey, scheduled from April 7 to 16, 2026, serves as a profound expression of love and remembrance for her mother, Eunice, who passed away from cancer just under a year ago.
A Love Letter Through Libraries
Stepak describes this ambitious walk as "a love letter" to her mother and the library system that played a central role in their relationship. Eunice died the day before her 88th birthday on April 7, 2025, but her passion for libraries endured until her final days. Just before her death, she reminded Stepak to return her books so others could enjoy them, highlighting the selfless spirit that inspired this tribute.
Reflecting on their bond, Stepak shared, "We grew up in the Jane and Finch area, and our local library was the York Woods Branch. She took me there every week for story hour—probably as an excuse to drop me off so she could smoke Rothmans cigarettes in the parking lot. As I got older, she introduced me to used book shops and different library branches across Toronto. Reading was our through line; swapping books was our love language, and it all started at the library."
The Journey Ahead: Training and Support
Stepak has been rigorously training for this physical challenge, including completing a 180 km hike in Tobermory, Ontario, last summer and working with physiotherapists to strengthen her ankles. She plans to average 30 kilometers per day, starting at the York Woods Branch and concluding at the Toronto Reference Library. Her partner will serve as her support crew, ensuring she stays hydrated and fed, while her children, aged 23 and 25, along with other family members, will join parts of the trek.
She encourages strangers to participate, saying, "I actually want this to be hard. I needed somewhere for all this grief to go, and this is something I can control. It's also a great way to rediscover the city, as there are pockets of Scarborough and Etobicoke I've never explored."
Community Engagement and Fundraising
During her visits, Stepak will get her library passport stamped at each branch, with many librarians reaching out to offer support and companionship. The Toronto Library Foundation has promoted her walk, fostering connections within the community. Stepak, a content strategist for Heart and Stroke, is also fundraising for the Toronto Public Library, with a goal of $5,000. Donations can be made through her Instagram account, @beingmarci, where she will post daily updates.
"The best part so far has been the connections I've made," Stepak noted. "People reaching out has made me feel less alone in this journey."
This walk not only honors a personal legacy but also celebrates the enduring power of libraries and community in navigating grief and fostering hope.
