Basement storage at the new Tacoma Public Library Main branch with unstocked shelves. These shelves would provide the library with extra shelving space freeing up more space on the upper floors for movement. These shelves would also allow the library to house a larger collection.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Shelving;

Looking down storage bins, Tacoma Public Library Main branch. View down one long row of shelves.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Shelving;

The women's rest room in the 1952 addition to the Tacoma Public Library. The modern plumbing fixtures were supplied by the Crane Co. Installation was performed by Tacoma's F.C. Grosser & Co. who was the mechanical contractor on the job. They also installed the heating, ventilation as well as the plumbing for the new addition to the library. Photograph ordered by the Crane Company. (TNT 10-31-1952, C-5-Ad)

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rest rooms;

The board room in the 1952 addition to the Tacoma Public Library has a door onto an upper balcony. The door as well as the wall on that side of the room is glass. The buildings on the other side of Tacoma Avenue South can be seen clearly with the Bargain Spot and Gensco, Inc., signs visible. The Hartman Apartments were above Gensco.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Conference rooms--Tacoma;

The grand staircase at the new Tacoma Public Library Main Branch, Silas E. Nelson, Architect. Photographed prior to library's November 1952 opening. Ordered by Standard Iron and Wire Works Inc.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stairways--Tacoma; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);

The grand staircase in the 1952 addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch. The stairs appear to hang unsupported from the adjoining walls creating an open feeling to the 1950's modern architecture. Reinforced concrete construction provided more options for interior spaces. Silas E. Nelsen was the architect for the addition. Ordered by Standard Iron and Wire Works Inc.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stairways--Tacoma; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);

An unidentified man is pictured on October 24,1952, on the grand central staircase at the new Tacoma Public Library, 1102 Tacoma Avenue South. The feeling of spaciousness was accentuated by the use of bowed stainless steel balustrades and fine grained birch handrails. The staircase would be altered in future library remodeling, removing the pictured railings and covering the steps with carpeting. (TNT 10-31-1952, C-14)

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stairways--Tacoma;

The addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch was a three-story, modern building with expansive use of plate glass windows designed by the Silas E. Nelsen firm of architects. Nelsen maintained an on-site office behind the library. The ground-breaking ceremony was held on March 20, 1951, and razing of the Lien & Selvig Drug Store and the old apartment building which stood on the corner had already been started as of that date. (TNT, 3/9/1952, p.A-10) BU-11814

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);

This close-up of the main entrance to the addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch shows the display windows on either side of the glass doors and the pierced concrete trellis on the third floor. An exhibit of old and new furniture fills the window on the right and a sign in the left display window reads: "Books are Basic."

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Window displays--Tacoma;

This is the new addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch as it appeared just before its dedication on November 2, 1952. The building was designed by the Silas E. Nelsen firm of architects. Silas Nelsen was a major architect in Tacoma for over 50 years. Besides the Main Branch libary, he was the architect for 150 homes, 15 churches, four branch libraries, the City Light building, and most of the buildings on the campus of the University of Puget Sound. The Main Branch Library was remodeled between 1987 and April of 1990.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);

This is the children's area on the second floor of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch as it appeared just before its dedication on November 2, 1952. A large fireplace is seen near the center of the photograph. Doors to the right of the fireplace led to the Handforth Gallery. Doors to the right led to the Story Hour room and a second fireplace. The open area is filled with tables and chairs with shelving for books around the walls.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);

Patrons peruse periodical racks and shelves of books on the spacious reading room on the main floor of the New Tacoma Public Library Main Branch. Recessed "egg crate" style florescent lights reflect off the modern vinyl floor tile. The vinyl plastic floor was durable, lustrous and easy to maintain throughout the buildilng. (TNT 10-31-1952, C-13-alt. photo)

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Shelving;

A second fireplace was located in the Story-Hour room in the north-east corner of the second floor of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch. It was back-to-back with a larger fireplace that faced into the children's area on the second story. Goodyear vinyl tile provided an attractive appearance and required no waxing.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Fireplaces--Tacoma;

A view in from the deck on the third floor of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch shows the administrative area with desks, file cabinets, typewriters, table, chair and counter. The main telephone switchboard is the taller, dark object near the center of the photograph. The library was furnished with all new blonde casework.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Office furniture; Offices--Tacoma--1950-1960; Telephone switchboards--Tacoma--1950-1960;

An angular view from the corner of South 11th Street and Tacoma Avenue of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main branch. The International design was executed with a cantilevered marquee and roof, and a stone and glass fascade. Design by the Silas E. Nelsen firm of architects. BU-11795

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);

A view of the front elevation of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch from the southeast with a small section of the Carnegie Library building visable on the far left The addition is a three-story building on the northwest corner of South 11th Street and Tacoma Avenue designed by the Silas E. Nelsen firm of architects.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);

The addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch provided one floor below street level for book stacks, two floors for service and work areas, and administration offices on the third floor. The addition provided much-needed space since Tacoma had outgrown the Carnegie Library built in 1903. The facing of Walker-cut stone consisted of random ashlar on the horizontal lines and large slabs covering the central tower that housed the ventilating system mechanism. TPL-6565

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);

The addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main branch is shown at night aglow from interior lights which reflect off the wet pavement of Tacoma Avenue. The building was designed by the Silas E. Nelsen firm of architects.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Avenue entrance of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main branch is an invisible wall of glass with two sets of double glass doors at the center. Charging and receiving counters are seen on either side with magazine racks off the central entry that extends to the back wall. BU-11796

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Doors & doorways;

A view of the Order Department in the new addition to Tacoma Public Library's Main Branch where clerks added the names of incoming copies of books to the "Shelf List". Book shelves line the walls, two large desks with typewriters are on the left, with one in the center, and a smaller desk on the right. Overhead egg-crate light fixtures are seen against the ceiling. Ordered by Hendricksen & Kent.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma;

Interior of new Tacoma Public Library, Main location, as photographed on October 25, 1952. Periodical racks in center with book shelves on exterior walls. Lustrous vinyl tile floor installed by Selden's, Inc. which specialized in home furnishings and provided an interior decorating service. Vinyl was chosen due to its durability and low-maintenance. This photograph is very similar to A69847, image 15, minus the people. (TNT 10-31-1952, C-13)

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A view of the main floor of the addition to Tacoma Public Library's main branch featuring the ceiling and lighting above the periodical section. Shelving, tables, chairs and desks are arranged around the concrete support columns. Lighting was supplied by the Condon Company, Inc. Note: white lines due to film deterioration.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma;

The basement of the addition to Tacoma Public Library's main branch provided shelf area for the library's stacks where books not frequently accessed were maintained.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Shelving; Bookstacks--Tacoma;

The main floor of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library's main branch features the periodicals area on the left and the reference desk on right near the Tacoma Avenue entry. The lighting was provided by Condon Company, Inc.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma;

The order department was located on the second floor of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library's main branch. A woman believed to be Phyllis Brown is looking at the "Shelf List" which was kept in a non-public card catalog in the order department. Other workers are seen at desks working to maintain the smooth flow of orders being placed, books arriving at this central location, being cataloged and prepared to be distributed to all library locations. BU-11804

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma)--Employees; Office furniture; Card catalogs--Tacoma;

The main floor of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library's main branch showing the receiving counter on the left and the charging counter on the right of the Tacoma Avenue entry. A public bulletin board is seen near the receiving counter.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma;

Several administrative offices were located on the third floor of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library's main branch. Windows in the walls of the offices provided natural light during the day. A small table and four chairs are seen in this workroom.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Office furniture;