Three heritage library branches on Doors Open, May 28-29
Only a few more sleeps until Doors Open, which runs on May 28-29. It is THE weekend that architecture buffs eagerly anticipate for a chance to get a close-up look at almost 150 significant Toronto buildings.
This year, Doors Open features three of Toronto Public Library’s heritage branches, and special events are planned at each location.
Beaches Branch will be the starting point for two neighbourhood walking tours on Saturday May 28 at 10 am and 1 pm.
The branch opened in 1916 with Carnegie funding, and was one of three identical libraries – Wychwood and High Park were the other two – that were planned by Eden Smith & Sons, the architectural firm credited with bringing the Arts and Crafts movement to Toronto.
The design was “a decided revolt” from the Classical styling of earlier Carnegie libraries, and was planned, Chief Librarian George H. Locke explained, "to bring to the minds of the people of the outlying districts some recollection of their Scottish and English village type of architecture."
In planning the west wing, added when Beaches Branch was renovated and restored in 2005, architect Phillip H. Carter incorporated some design elements from the fourplexes built on neighbouring streets after the old Scarboro' Beach Amusement Park closed in 1926.
Queen/Saulter Branch and the Ralph Thornton Centre have been housed in old Postal Station G since 1979. Tours, exhibits and entertainers are some of the activities offered there on Saturday, May 28, 10 am to 5 pm. Details
Designed in 1913, the Beaux Arts style building was a post office until 1975. It was one of the last projects of famed Toronto architect, E. J. Lennox. Two of his other buildings, Old City Hall and the Casa Loma stables and potting shed, also are included on Doors Open.
Runnymede Branch is nationally recognized for its distinctively Canadian style. Opened in 1930, the library was designed by John M. Lyle, one of this country’s most distinguished 20th-century architects. He used Canadian aboriginal motifs for much of the decoration, including totem poles at the main entrance and arrowheads in the iron railing above. Carvings of native plants and animals also embellish the building.
John Lyle's granddaughter, Lorna Harris, will curate an exhibit about the architect on Saturday, May 28 only. The library also will be open on Sunday May 29, 1:30 to 5 pm. Details
Comments