Dovercourt Branch, Toronto Public Library 1913

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted September, 2009

Here at 1101 Bloor Street West, a block east of Dufferin Street, is what used to be called Dovercourt Branch Library. Now the Bloor Gladstone Branch, there is a 2009 Heritage Toronto plaque in front of the building. As well, an information panel just inside the front doors gives some historical information. Here's what the plaque has to say:

Plaque coordinates: 43.659920 -79.434028

Originally named for its local community, the Dovercourt Branch was the first Toronto Public Library building to be constructed solely with funds from the City of Toronto, and without the aid of Carnegie grants. Designed by the Toronto firm Chapman and McGiffin, Architects, the branch is a Beaux Arts adaptation of the Italian Renaissance style. Its symmetrical plan features a low, hipped roof with extended eaves, Flemish bond brickwork with stone and terracotta detailing, and expansive round-arched windows. Considered the largest library branch in Canada at the time, the building was also noted for the outdoor reading terrace between the wings of its U-shaped plan. It was later renamed the Bloor/Gladstone Branch to indicate more clearly its location. Renovated and expanded in 1976, the building was nearly doubled in size with the completion, in 2009, of a contemporary addition on its western side.

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Posted August 24, 2011
I love this branch!

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