Exterior of Swasey library. The 7,000 square foot George O. Swasey Memorial Library was dedicated on October 7, 1960, and opened for business the following day. Designed by the Tacoma architectural firm of Lea, Pearson & Richards, the West End branch library cost $160,000 including land, construction, equipment and books. The entire cost was funded from the estate of the late George O. Swasey who had lived here for fifty years after his arrival in 1908 from the east. The opening of the branch would inaugurate public library service in the West End of Tacoma. At that time it was Tacoma's largest branch library. Norman McDonald would serve as the branch's first librarian. (TNT 9-25-60, C-15, TNT 10-7-60, A-11))

Tacoma Public Library, George O. Swasey Memorial Branch (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma;

The George O. Swasey Memorial Branch Library opened at 7001 Sixth Ave. in October, 1960, to serve the readers of the growing West End of Tacoma. The open house and dedication on October 7th drew several hundred visitors; they were able to take a look at the 65 magazine and nearly 15,000 title collection. In this night exposure, the interior of the Swasey library can clearly be seen through the building's floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The library branch was designed by Lea, Pearson & Richards and built by McKasson Bros. Construction. Landscaping was provided primarily by the West End Gardeners League. The building was later renovated with funds provided by 1984's 15.8 million dollar bond project. (TNT 10-7-60, A-11-article, 10-8-60, p. 2-article)

Tacoma Public Library, George O. Swasey Memorial Branch (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Swasey Library dedication. Dignitaries present at the dedication of the George O. Swasey Memorial Library included (l-r) Vice-president of the Library Board William F. LeVeque, Vice-president and trust officer Puget Sound National Bank John M. Gilbertson, member of Library Board James P. Moceri and architect Charles Pearson. The library, located at 7001 Sixth Ave., was dedicated on October 7, 1960. It would be the first library branch in Tacoma's West End.

Tacoma Public Library, George O. Swasey Memorial Branch (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Building dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; LeVeque, William F.; Gilbertson, John M.; Moceri, James P.; Pearson, Charles;