1944 Toronto City Council approved a recommendation by the Parks Committee that a portion of Lawrence Park, at the south-east corner of Lawrence and Yonge Street, with a frontage of 165 feet on Yonge Street and having the required depth, be deeded to the Toronto Public Library as a site for a new branch public library (TPL Board, Buildings & Finance, 7 September 1944). TPL Board given a capital grant of $ 125,000 by the City of Toronto for construction and equipment of a new library in the northern part of the city.
1949 George H. Locke Memorial Branch opened 5 January, Beck & Eadie, Architects. Named to commemorate George H. Locke (1870-1937), Toronto Public Library's chief librarian, 1908-1937.