TORONTO (Sept 7, 2011) - Heritage Toronto will be presenting a plaque recognizing the historical significance of the George H. Locke Memorial Library on September 10.

This branch was named to commemorate George H. Locke (1870-1937), the Toronto Public Library’s chief librarian from 1908 to 1937. When the library opened in January 1949, it was the first public building in Lawrence Park and the first Toronto Public Library branch built since the Depression.

The building is a distinctive combination of contrasting design elements. The clean horizontal lines, typical of Modern design, are softened by bow windows and the use of rough-finished stone. The masonry is similar to many local buildings, helping the library to blend with both its park setting and its neighborhood.

Historian and local history librarian Barbara Myrvold along with Lynda Moon, of the North Toronto Historical Society, will lead a free Heritage Toronto Walk of Lawrence Park: A Garden Suburb just prior to the presentation.

Councillor Jaye Robinson and City Librarian Jane Pyper will also be on hand to speak.

What:              Heritage Toronto plaque presentation           

Where:            George H. Locke Memorial Library

                       (3083 Yonge Street, closest intersection is Yonge Street and Lawrence Ave. East)

When:             Saturday, September 10, 2011

                        10:30 – Noon. Heritage Toronto local history walk

                        Noon – 1:00 pm. Speakers, plaque presentation and refreshments

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow more than 32 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131. 

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Media Contact:

Michelle Leung, Communications Officer, 416-397-5936

mleung@torontopubliclibrary.ca