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

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

Northbound view of Tacoma Avenue South in the fall of 1952, showing newly completed Main Branch of the Tacoma Public Library and older Carnegie Library with impressive dome. The library's third-floor deck overlooks the Charles Geiger Building (formerly housing the Lein & Selig drugstore). It appears to now have the Sunshine Apartments on the top floors. Leeder's Grocery, Tacoma Meats, City Dye Works, the Carpenters Building and on the So. 8th St. block, Central School, are lined up on the same side of the street as the new library. The Geiger Building and businesses adjacent to it would be demolished later in the decade for the construction of the new County-City Building. The Main Library would be extensively remodeled in the late 1980's.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Charles Geiger Building (Tacoma); Central School (Tacoma); Carpenters Building (Tacoma); City Dye Works (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

Father Time Has a New Face. Mrs. Betty Overland, clerk in the Fine Arts department of the Tacoma Public Library, stands on a ladder next to a wall clock placed high above book stacks. This photograph was included in a special section of the October 31, 1952 News Tribune filled with articles and photographs of the new Main Library. The clock shown above was embedded in the wall with stainless steel rectangles and triangles appearing as its "numerals." It, and other clocks, was an example of modern features now prevalent throughout the new structure. (TNT 10-31-1952, C-2)

Overland, Betty; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma)--Employees; Clocks & watches; Books;

A close-up view exterior of the new addition to the Tacoma Public Library shows the smooth stone surface with the name of the library and the seal of the City of Tacoma along the top.

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

Patricia Shannon, an assistant in the reference division of the Tacoma Public Library, is looking for the answer to a question from someone who called the library's telephone reference service. This photograph appeared on October 31, 1952 in a special section in the News Tribune devoted to the "new" Main Branch Library which had its grand opening on November 2nd. Even in 1952, the library believed that "Your library is as near as your telephone." (TNT 10-31-1952, C-4)

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma)--Employees; Telephones; Books; Shannon, Patricia;

Somewhere in this stack of books must be the answer! Kenneth Morrison intently examines one of the many reference sources found in the Tacoma Public Library's new Main Library. Awaiting his perusal are copies of Granger's Index to Poetry, Columbia Encyclopedia, Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, Information Please Almanac, Index to Children's Poetry, Dictionary of Phrase and Fable and Twentieth Century Authors. Kenneth was looking for a quotation needed for school work. Students were urged to ask for assistance from library staff if they needed help with tough questions. The Main Library was dedicated on November 2, 1952 and provided residents with a much larger building and expanded collection of books. (TNT 10-31-1952, C-12)

Morrison, Kenneth; Books; Reading--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Lucille Herian, first assistant in the Fine Arts department of the Tacoma Public Library, gazes at a bust of Thomas S. Handforth, after whom the Handforth Gallery is named. A selection of his work is displayed on the gallery's walls. Many local artists continue to have their work exhibited in the Handforth Gallery which is still at the Tacoma Public Library, although moved from its second floor location. (TNT 10-31-1952, C-3)

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Thomas S. Handforth Gallery (Tacoma); Galleries & museums--Tacoma--1950-1960; Herian, Lucille; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma)--Employees; Sculpture;

A close-up view of the Seal of the City of Tacoma that was placed on the south side of the upper floor of the new addition to the Tacoma Public Library shows the sun rising behind Mount Rainier and the City Waterway leading to the industry of Tacoma.

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

Agnes Martin, a clerical worker in the General Reference Department, looks over a hanging row of newspapers at the new Tacoma Public Library Main location in late 1952. Each paper was in its plainly marked niche. Four patrons are enjoying reading in the Newspaper area on the first floor, sitting at spacious tables with backstops that were designed to prevent personal belongings from falling to the floor. The area's new bright lighting was highly praised by readers. The smoking lounge is directly in the rear, next to the staircase. This room was set aside for people to relax and read while smoking. (TNT 10-31-1952, C-13)

Martin, Agnes; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma)--Employees; Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Newspapers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Reading--Tacoma--1950-1960;

This photograph of the west side of Tacoma Avenue South looking north from South 12th Street was taken in October of 1952 shortly after the completion of the new Tacoma Public Library Main Branch building, 1102 Tacoma Ave. S. The "new" County/City Building at 930 Tacoma Avenue South had not yet been built. Further north on the left are: Tacoma Meats at 1020, Holland Furnace Company at 1016, City Dye Works at 1014, the Carpenters Building at 1012 1/2, and the tower of Central School in the close distance. On the east side of the street are: Tacoma Supply House at 1125, M & M Electric at 1119 1/2, the Horse Shoe Tavern at 1117, the Ozark Tavern at 1107, and Allen's Sport Shop at 957. A good selection of old model automobiles is parked along the street. TPL-9288

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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;

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 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. This office has been furnished with a blond wood desk, book shelves and a side chair.

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

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 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;

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 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);

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;

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;

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);

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);

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 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;

Architect Silas E. Nelsen is flanked by the contractors involved in building the new Tacoma Public Library Main Branch. Silas E. Nelsen was so eager to have the building just right that he even drove to the stone quarries at Wilkeson to oversee the choice of stone for the exterior and fireplaces. L-R, William O. Proby of Seattle, lighting; B.H. Raymond of Tacoma, electrical contractor; Silas E. Nelsen, architect; Robert C. Wing and F.R. Worthen, Lakewood consulting engineers. (TNT, 11/1/1952, p.C-4)

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Nelsen, Silas E.; Proby, William O.; Raymond, Burt H.; Wing, Robert C.; Worthen, F.R.;

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;

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);

Five men in the Children's Department at the new Tacoma Public Library, 1102 Tacoma Ave. So., October of 1952. They are the contractors involved in building the new library. Seated from left to right are architect Silas E. Nelsen and electrical contractor B.H. Raymond. Standing from left to right are Lakewood consulting engineers F.R. Worthen and Robert C. Wing with lighting contractor William O. Proby at far right. The room was well lit with Panelux lighting fixtures designed for soft reading illumination and filled with furniture built for small children. Note the fireplace in the background. (TNT 10-31-1952, C-6-Ad.)

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nelsen, Silas E.; Proby, William O.; Raymond, Burt H.; Wing, Robert C.; Worthen, F.R.;

A view of the children's area on the second floor in the new addition to Tacoma Public Library's Main Branch. A huge stone fireplace is seen against the far wall. Special reading tables with slanted tops and benches have been added for children. The librarian's desk is seen on the left. Ordered by Hendricksen & Kent, plastering contractor. Zonolite acoustical plastic ceilings, crack-free and fireproof, were installed by the Tacoma firm of Hendricksen & Kent; "sound controlled" for patrons' reading pleasure. (TNT 10-31-1952, C-4- Advertisement)

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

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;