Mayor John Anderson addresses the crowd during the March 20, 1951, ground breaking for the new main branch of the Tacoma Public Library to be located at 1102 Tacoma Avenue South. The mayor's speech would be broadcast over KTNT radio. Behind the mayor was a giant billboard message donated by Foster & Kleiser urging the use of the public library for information, education and recreation. Among those in attendance was Thomas J. Porro, Library Board president (seated third from left). ALBUM 14.

Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Public speaking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Porro, Thomas J.; Billboards--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Mayor John Anderson lifts the first shovel of dirt during the ground breaking for the new main branch of the Tacoma Public Library. Assisting Mayor Anderson is Library Board president Thomas J. Porro with Library director Howard M. Rowe observing. ALBUM 14. (TNT 3-21-1951, p. 1-alt. photo)

Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Porro, Thomas J.; Rowe, Howard M.; Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960;