ACO Toronto - Runnymede Library

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Runnymede Library

LAST UPDATE: December 19 2022 login to edit this building

Runnymede Library around 2006. (Photo by Bob Krawczyk.)

Runnymede Library on May 6, 2021. (Photo credit: Alessandro Tersigni.)

Detail on front gable and dormer windows. (Photo credit: Alessandro Tersigni.)

Detail of Canadian lily motif. (Photo credit: Alessandro Tersigni.)

Detail of chieftain face relief. (Photo credit: Alessandro Tersigni.)

Detail of beaver totem on entrance pilaster. (Photo credit: Alessandro Tersigni.)

Detail of raven totem on entrance pilaster. (Photo credit: Alessandro Tersigni.)

Detail of bear totem on entrance pilaster. (Photo credit: Alessandro Tersigni.)

Detail of southern entrance entablature. (Photo credit: Alessandro Tersigni.)

Squirrel motif above Glendonwynne Road entrance. (Photo credit: Alessandro Tersigni.)

Variegated red and yellow Credit Valley limestone block walls. (Photo credit: Alessandro Tersigni.)

Runnymede Library, 1930 (City of Toronto Archives)

BUILDING INFORMATION

Name & Location:

Runnymede Library
2178 Bloor Street West
Toronto
High Park North

Year Completed:

1929

OTHER IDENTIFICATION

Awards:

An award was given to G. Bruce Stratton Architects by the Ontario Association of Architects Awards for the library's 2007 addition.

Notes:

The design of this uniquely Canadian building blends steep, hipped Quebecois roofing and Georgian symmetry with Indigenous imagery. The pilasters flanking its Bloor Street entrance recall Haida totem poles and depict stylized beavers, bears, and ravens. The blocks of its variegated red and yellow limestone walls were quarried locally in the Credit Valley.

(Research and text by Alessandro Tersigni.)

Status:

Completed

Map:

Loading Map

Companies:

The following companies are associated with this building

Architect - John M. Lyle <-- More buildings by this architect.
Architect - Stinson, Montgomery and Sisam - Partnership between Jeffery Stinson, Terry Montgomery and David Sisam. <-- More buildings by this architect.
Architect - Bruce Stratton Architects <-- More buildings by this architect.

BUILDING DATA

Building Type:

Library

Current Use:

Library

Heritage Status:

Listed

Sources:

Click to see 3 Source(s)

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Runnymede Library

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