yorkville branch is the toronto public library's oldest building, the first of four libries constructed with a 1903 grant from the carnegie corporation. it replace the library's first branch, 'northern', which had opened in the former yorkville town hall in 1884, only one year after toronto's annexation of yorkville and the introduction of free library service to the city. this building was designed by city architect robert mccalum in beaux-arts style, thought to give an appropriate seriousness to a civic structure. typical of many carnegie libraries it is marked by a broad flight of steps leading to a raised single storey, and by strong symmetrical classical details best seen in the imposing central entrance with its columned portico. constructed of yellow brick with ohio sandstone, yorkville branch was renovated and expanded in 1978.
city of toronto inventory of heritage properties
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