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;

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 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;

An independent work station is shown in what is believed to be the Order Department in the new addition to Tacoma Public Library's Main Branch. Reference books are shelved behind the wooden desk that has a telephone, calendar, pen in its holder, a folding clock and possibly a radio. An Underwood typewriter sits to the side. The new addition would open officially on November 2, 1952, when more than 4,000 people attended dedication ceremonies.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Desks; Typewriters--1950-1960; Telephones;

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 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);

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;

The office of director Howard M. Rowe at the Tacoma Public Library's main branch has room for a desk with side table for a telephone and dictating machine and a long conference table. A wall of doors is seen beyond the talble and another door is seen on the wall at the left. Mr. Rowe has carefully placed his briefcase under the desk. The furniture even includes a wooden trash basket. (TNT, 11/1/1952, p.C-4)

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Office furniture; Offices--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 third floor of the Tacoma Public Library's main branch provided an open office area with two blond-finish desks provided by Stationer's, Inc., including Hoosier desks, Gunlock chairs and two work tables. Office equipment includes standard typewriters, an adding machine and a safe. Against the divider on the right is the library's main switchboard.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Office furniture; Telephone switchboards--Tacoma; Safes; Stationers, Inc. (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;

Dedication of the new Main Library. The Tacoma Public Library had rare Sunday hours on November 2, 1952, as the new addition to the Main Library was officially dedicated. More than 4,000 visitors were crammed in the new structure to view ceremonies and later tour the building. Architect Silas E. Nelsen (seated, second from left) presented the building to the city and Mayor John Anderson (seated center, third from left) in turn gave the keys to the building to Tacoma Public Library Board President Thomas J. Porro (seated, extreme right). Dr. Henry Schmitz, president of the University of Washington, was the principal speaker. He is seated next to Mayor Anderson. Rabbi Bernard D. Rosenberg (far right, second row) of Temple Beth Israel gave the invocation while Dr. R. Franklin Thompson, president of the College of Puget Sound, gave the benediction. Dr. Thompson is standing next to Rabbi Rosenberg. Also pictured above was Library director Howard M. Rowe (standing, extreme left.) (TNT 11-2-52, A-1-article; TNT 11-3-52, A-1-article)

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Schmitz, Henry; Porro, Thomas J.; Rowe, Howard M.; Rosenberg, Bernard D.; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Nelsen, Silas E.;

Dedication of new Main Library. Tacoma Mayor John Anderson addresses an overflowing crowd of more than 4,000 at the grand opening of the new addition to the Tacoma Public Library. The library opened its doors on Sunday, November 2, 1952, for two hours so that visitors might be able to tour the various departments, all of which would be open and staffed. It had overgrown the old library building (now called the Carnegie Building) and the new $1,250,000 structure would provide more space for employees and room for more books. Several other dignitaries would be present for the dedication including principal speaker University of Washington president Dr. Henry Schmitz, College of Puget Sound president R. Franklin Thompson, Temple Beth Israel Rabbi Bernard D. Rosenberg, architect of the project Silas E. Nelsen, and Library Board president Thomas J. Porro. (TNT 11-2-52, A-1 article; TNT 11-3-52, A-1 article)

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Building dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960;

On November 2, 1952, Architect Silas E. Nelsen addressed a crowd estimated at 4,000 or more at Sunday dedication ceremonies for the new Tacoma Public Library at 1102 Tacoma Ave. So. He presented the building to the City of Tacoma and Mayor John Anderson (obscured by microphone) who in turn gave the keys to the building to TPL Board President Thomas J. Porro. After the dedication ceremony concluded, the crowd was invited to stay and tour the facility.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nelsen, Silas E.; Building dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960; Crowds--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The main entrance of the Tacoma Public Library's new addition separated the receiving counter on the left from the charging counter on the right. BU-11803

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

Patrons visiting the Tacoma Public Library's new Main branch were fortunate to be able to view collections of artwork in the Thomas S. Handforth Gallery. Mr. Handforth, a Guggenheim Fellow, left many pieces of his art to the library. The art gallery was named in his honor. View of Handforth Gallery with mounted artwork. Photograph ordered by General Electric.

Galleries & museums--Tacoma; Thomas S. Handforth Gallery (Tacoma); Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; General Electric Co. (Tacoma);

Howard M. Rowe was the Tacoma Public Library Director at the time that the new Main library on South 11th and Tacoma Avenue South was built in the early 1950's. He is pictured working at his desk in this January, 1953, photograph. Mr. Rowe was appointed to replace Aubrey F. Andrews who had died in November of 1950 and assumed his new position in mid-January of 1951. He had been the chief librarian for the city-county library in Santa Barbara, California prior to his coming to Tacoma. His administrative offices were located on the third, and top, floor of the Main library. Besides having the boardroom nearby, there was a long, rectangular table in Mr. Rowe's office which was used for meetings with library personnel. Photograph ordered by General Electric. (TNT 1-12-51, p. 4-article on Mr. Rowe's arrival in Tacoma)

Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Rowe, Howard M.; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma)--Employees; General Electric Co. (Tacoma);

A Tacoma Public Library employee can barely be seen at the end of long stacks of books in the Main library's basement. Bright fluorescent lighting helps the worker find the necessary items. It appears that he may be shelving in the documents/reference section. Photograph ordered by General Electric.

Public libraries--Tacoma; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Books; Bookstacks--Tacoma; General Electric Co. (Tacoma);

The Main branch of the Tacoma Public Library had a very well equipped Fine Arts department in the 1950's. Patrons pictured in this January, 1953, photograph enjoy the department's resources on the library's second floor. Large plate glass windows in addition to numerous light fixtures help provide more-than-adequate lighting. The Main library on Tacoma Avenue South was dedicated in November, 1952. Photograph ordered by General Electric.

Public libraries--Tacoma; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); General Electric Co. (Tacoma);

The main floor of the new addition to the Tacoma Public Library's main branch provided several tables and chairs for reading near the periodicals area. The Tacoma Avenue entrance is seen along the left beyond the periodicals.

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

The children's area of the new addition to the Tacoma Public Library's main branch featured a large fireplace in the rear, several tables and chairs for reading and a separate card catalog. A circulation desk is seen on the right. Miss Dorothy Hairgrove headed the children's department at this time.

Public libraries--Tacoma; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Tables; Chairs; Card catalogs--Tacoma; Fireplaces--Tacoma;

Several patrons enjoy the spacious new quarters of the Tacoma Public Library's main branch at 11th and Tacoma Avenue South. Abundant lighting made reading and looking for books an easier task. View of book shelves make it apparent that there is plenty of room for additional reading material. Flooring is linoleum, sturdy enough to hold up to many years of foot travel. Photograph ordered by General Electric.

Public libraries--Tacoma; Bookstacks--Tacoma; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); General Electric Co. (Tacoma);

The main branch of the Tacoma Public Library had a Fine Arts department, headed by Miss Carol Gander, on the library's second floor located adjacent to the Handforth Gallery. The books, magazines, pictures and record collection were to be developed to include painting, sculpture, interior decorating and flower arrangement. A listening room was also housed in this department with three turntables with earphones for individual listening for people to listen to phonograph records before borrowing them. Lucille Herian was the first assistant in the fine arts department and Mrs. F.L. Newnham worked as assistant between both the fine arts department and the business and technology departments. (TNT, 11/1/1952, p.C-6) BU-11797

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

A well-dressed man in topcoat waits for his library book to be checked out to him in a January, 1953, photograph. The Tacoma Public Library employee is using a new charging machine in order to complete the transaction. There are books on the shelves beside her waiting for patrons to pick them up. Across from the charging area is the receiving department where returned books are discharged. The Main branch of the Tacoma Public Library had recently opened in their new location on Tacoma Avenue South. It was housed in a modern, three story building with extensive use of plate glass windows. Photograph ordered by General Electric.

Public libraries--Tacoma; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Books; General Electric Co. (Tacoma);

View of the new Tacoma Public Library's main branch looking eastward towards Tacoma Avenue South. The library appears deserted on a January, 1953, evening although the building is still aglow with extensive lighting which reflects off the well-polished linoleum. The first floor is indicative of the spaciousness of the new facility; there is plenty of room for magazines, books, card catalogues and desks. Photograph ordered by General Electric.

Public libraries--Tacoma; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); General Electric Co. (Tacoma);

The catalog department of the new Tacoma Public Library's Main branch, headed by Phyllis Brown, was located on the second floor. It was in a large, open room with plenty of shelving and room to move carts of books. As in other parts of the building, the room was air conditioned and well lighted. The Main library was dedicated in November, 1952. Photograph ordered by General Electric.

Public libraries--Tacoma; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); General Electric Co. (Tacoma);

Both children and adults enjoyed visiting the new children's room at the Tacoma Public Library's Main branch in January, 1953. There were always plenty of books and magazines to read. The children's room was located on the second floor and was furnished with book shelves, rectangular and round tables, a card catalog, and chairs. The large fireplace was apparently for decorative purposes only; it was never used. Photograph ordered by General Electric.

Public libraries--Tacoma; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); General Electric Co. (Tacoma);

When the new Main Branch of the Tacoma Public Library at 1102 Tacoma Avenue South was built in 1952 it offered more then just new shelves and fresh paint in its expanded building. One special new service for the Library's patrons was a separate, air conditioned smoking room located on the first floor by the check-out desk. There, seated on cushioned chairs, readers could light up cigarettes while enjoying the latest best sellers or the newest issue of the Tacoma News Tribune. In later years shelving was added to the room to hold part of the Library's reference collection including Chemical Abstracts. The smoking room was closed about 1979. (Photograph ordered by General Electric.)

Public libraries--Tacoma; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Smoking rooms--Tacoma; General Electric Co. (Tacoma);

Row upon row of books were stored in the basement stacks of the new addition to the Tacoma Public Library's main branch. It was not imaginable at the time these shelves were installed that they would not provide enough space for the books with limited circulation but at the time the addition to the main library was remodeled in 1987 these shelves were modified to become rolling shelves to accommodate the growing collection of materials at the main library.

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