What's On at the Library

Every year, chemist Leslie Barton leads two Chemistry Walks, one through the eastern part of downtown, the other through the Distillery District. Making the connections between chemistry, art, architecture and the industrial history of old Toronto, these walks (June 15 and July 2) reveal a city that few of us really see. Have a look at the fabulous photos from previous walks.

2011 is the International Year of Chemistry, so the walks are part of a whole program of activities here and around the world. Earlier in the year as part of IYC, TPL hosted talks on the science of crystal growing with Ravi Ramachandran. For more IYC events, check the IYC Canada website.

The Downtown Chemistry Walk walk takes in the Flatiron Building and the cast iron buildings on the south side of Front Street, the CN Tower (concrete, in case you were wondering) and the Redpath sugar factory to name but a few of the sites.

Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts at Yonge and Front St.

When: Wed. June 15, 6 pm (rain date: June 22) for about 1.5 hours. In case of rain or other problems, contact Leslie at chem-walk@hotmail.ca or call 416-484-9972.  

Above, Mill Street Brewery. Right, oxidized copper on the steeple of St. James Cathedral.  The stone came from Ohio as ballast in ships crossing the lake. Photos by Leslie Barton.

Leslie has compiled an extensive selection of readings (email chem-walk@hotmail.ca to receive the list) all of which are in in Toronto Public Library's collection, many at Toronto Reference Library. Check out, for example:

Toronto: the place of meeting by Frederick Henry Armstrong. 1983.

Toronto then and now by James Duff and Sarah Yates. 1984.

Toronto's Distillery District: history by the lake by Sally Gibson. 2008.