Runnymede Public Library

The design for the Runnymede Library on Bloor Street West at Glendonwynne Road in Toronto was created in 1929 by architect John M. LYLE during a very fertile Canadian-style period, and is one of his most enduring works. The building combines styles and architectural elements inspired by indigenous traditions, forms, materials and details. Lyle developed this style in response to the shortcomings he saw in the new wave of European modernism that was spreading throughout the world during the 1920s. Finding it too generic and lacking in national flavour, Lyle explored local and regional forms and combined French, English and Aboriginal elements.