Toronto's Historical Plaques
Learn a little of Toronto's history as told through its plaques.
Riverdale Branch, Toronto Public Library 1910
Photos and plaque text by Wayne Adam - March 2007
Here, at 370 Broadview Avenue, is the 97 year old (as of 2007) Riverdale Branch Library. The plaque reads as follows:
Designed in Georgian Revival style by city architect Robert McCallum, Riverdale Branch was one of ten public libraries built with Carnegie grants in what is now Toronto. The wedge-shaped building was erected on part of the Don Jail Governor's garden, and replaced an earlier branch, Eastern (1888), located on Boulton Avenue near Queen Street East. Constructed of red brick with Ohio sandstone finishing, Riverdale library features a distinctive upper balustrade, a retaining wall in matching materials, and, rare for a Carnegie library, a corner entrance. Riverdale was one of the first Toronto branches to provide children's services, for which a Boys and Girls Library wing, designed by W.S. Butler, Architect, was added in 1927. Surviving a fire in 1969, this important community landmark has since been further enlarged twice.
Location Co-ordinates: 43.665605 -79.352896
Photos and plaque text by Wayne Adam - March 2007
Here are the comments for this page.
(none yet)
Write a comment for this page.
(Note: If you wish to ask me a question, please use the email link in the menu.)
Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours (usually much sooner).