Earlscourt Branch, Toronto Public Library 1921

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted May, 2009

At 1625 Dufferin Street, just south of St. Clair Avenue West, is what used to be called Earlscourt Branch of the Toronto Public Library. Now the Dufferin/St. Clair Branch, a 2008 Heritage Toronto plaque in front has this to say:

Plaque coordinates: 43.676989 -79.442439

Originally named for its local community (annexed by Toronto in 1910), Earlscourt Branch replaced a smaller Toronto Public Library branch opened in 1913 in a nearby rented space. Toronto architect Charles J. Gibson designed this building in a Georgian-influenced style, visible in its strict symmetry, round-arched windows, and entrance portico with columns. Earlscourt Branch was further distinguished by its interior murals, painted between 1925 and 1932 by George A. Reid, principal of the Ontario College of Art, and by two of Reid's former students, Lorna Claire and Doris McCarthy. In 1973, the branch was renamed Dufferin/St. Clair to indicate more clearly its location. The murals were painted over in 1964, but through the leadership of local residents, one was restored to view in 2004. Other murals were restored during a renovation completed in 2008.

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