97 images. Carnegie Bldg., Tacoma Public Library Jardine, Kent & Jardine (New York), arch. Norton L. Taylor, supervising arch. Everett Babcock, assistant supervising arch. Michael C. Conly, contr. -funds donated by industrialist Andrew Carnegie -dedicated 6/4/1903 -opened 6/5/1903 -original glass dome on roof damaged in 1949 earthquake -bldg. used for storgage and meeting rooms after the new main library bldg. was built in 1952, reopened to general library use in 1978 -added to Tacoma Register by Resolution No.23183, 1/14/1975 -reopening celebration 6/2/1978 - 6/4/1978 -grand reopening after remodeling/restoration 4/28/1990 -formerly 1120 Tacoma Ave. So., 1118 Tacoma Ave. So.
TDL 2/8/1901 p.1 Gift from Carnegie
TDL 3/12/1901 p.5 Mr. Carnegie's gift increased
TDL 3/13/1901 p.1 Library located
TDL 3/22/1901 p.2 Library site yet undecided
TDL 3/26/1901 p.5 Library may be built this spring
TDL 3/29/1901 p.2 Council selects a library site
TDL 5/18/1901 p.2 Library plans reach the city
TDL 5/22/1901 p.5 Accept library plans
TDL 5/24/1901 p.3 Six months to build library
TDL 7/10/1901 p.8 Library plans sent by express
TDL 8/6/1901 p.5 Nearly ready to build library
TDL 9/5/1901 p.3 Changes in the library plans
TDL 9/21/1901 p.3 Soon to begin work
TDL 11/8/1901 p.5 Found flaws in the foundation (inspection by architects C.A. Darmer and A.J. Russell)
TDL 11/9/1901 p.2 Conley explains change in plans
TDL 11/11/1901 p.3 City will not pay
TDL 12/19/1901 p.5 Taylor must make decision T.Evening News 1/12/1903 Palatial new home ... (il)
TDL 8/31/1902 p.9 (floor plan and construction details)
TDL 3/8/1903 p.17 Tacoma's new Carnegie Library building will be occupied in early April (il) T.Evening News 5/9/1903 To move next week (interior il)
TDL 5/10/1903 (il under construction)
TDL 5/17/1903 p.11 Library building is all ready
TDL 6/5/1903 p.8 Tacoma's library is open today
TDL 6/7/1903 p.5 After the work was all done (city officials names removed from marble plaque after public outcry) TDN 1/16/1905 Annual p.42 (description)
TDL 01/28/1924 Tacoman drops dead while at public library
TNT 10/29/1946 p.1 Badly out of date (interior il)
TNT 2/4/1951 p.A4 Carnegie gift was start of library here
TNT 4/7/1953 p.E10 City public library first on Puget Sound (interior il)
TNT 5/24/1953 p.C14 New stage at old library (remodeling by Silas E. Nelsen, arch. and Dolph Jones Co., contr.) (interior il)
TNT 11/16/1955 p.C18 To beautify library plot (Sea Cadet volunteers)
TNT 4/11/1957 p.C12 Arbor Day gift (il of red Trilby Rhododendron plant donated by garden clubs)
TNT 8/16/1967 p.D11 Library wing to cost more (proposal to demolish the Carnegie Bldg.)
TNT 8/21/1968 Library addition cost reset at $1.28 million (proposal to demolish Carnegie Bldg.)
TNT 3/1/1972 Carnegie Library building may qualify for preservation grant
TNT 4/8/1976 p.D15 Building inspector hurt in library fall; paramedics treated Robert Wonn after skylight plunge
TNT 4/9/1976 Library fall victim listed as critical
TNT 5/21/1978 p.D1 Old Carnegie Library soon 75 years old (il, interior il)
TNT 5/30/1978 Special Commemorative Edition
TNT 5/31/1978 p.B3 Old library to reopen (il c.1907)
TNT 4/23/1990 (suppl. for grand reopening)
TNT 1/1/2000 p.B1 Nothing can stop couple's nuptials, not even Y2K (marriage moved to library due to conflict at County-City Bldg.)
TNT 11/8/2001 p.B5 Thief takes 4 paintings from Tacoma library T.Weekly 9/18/2003 p.A6 100th anniversary ... first Carnegie Library in Washington
TNT 9/25/2003 p.E1 We wanted college money, and we got Carnegie library (100th anniversary celebration) (il)
TNT 9/26/2003 p.E1 Library lovers (interior il)
TNT 6/29/2009 p.C1 Carnegie's legacy lives on ... Mr. Cargnegie's Grand Tour of Washington (interior il) Seattle Times 11/13/2011 A room with the long view (Now & Then photo by writer Paul Dorpat)
TNT 3/25/2019 p.A1 Former first lady visits Tacoma (interior il of Michelle Obama)
TNT 10/18/2020 p.8A Tacoma libraries face $2 million in cuts in proposed budget. (int il) 071 F779F 9/9/1904 p.1 (il); 12/25/1907 p.25 (il) 338.973 P83Pt 1918 p.28 (il) 352.3 G42S p.63 (il under construction) 917.97 W52 1902 p.21; 1904 p.26; 1905 p.26; 1909 p.24 917.9778 C498c (il) 979.72 F88 p.10 979.72 H91 Vol.II p.255 979.72 T11C (sketch) 979.72 T11R Tacoma; the rising center of commerce and manufacture. Delisle & Milliken publishers
TDL 3/23/1919 p.D12 On Tacoma Avenue as pharmacist 25 years (O.B. Lien Pharmacy)
TDL 10/7/1923 p.E8 In new home (Lien & Selvig Drug Store moves from bldg. to 1022-26 Tacoma Ave. So.)
TNT 3/25/1951 p.C12 New library building forces out landmark (occupants included the Wheeler Apts., Jack 'n Jill Cafe ) (il of demolition) 615.1 B465P p.792 (mention of Lien's Pharmacy)
97 images. Main Library Bldg., Tacoma Public Library Silas E. Nelsen, arch. Alfred M. Githens, consulting architect Dolph Jones, contr. Worthen & Wing, consulting engineers -exterior of Walker Wilkeson sandstone -modular construction supported by pillars -ground breaking 3/20/1951 -cornerstone laid 2/12/1952 -dedicated 11/2/1952 -Thomas Schofield Handforth Art Gallery -remodeled in 1987-1990 by The Tsang Partnership, arch. and Mar-Jon Contractors, Inc., contr. -library closed for remodeling 9/12/1987 -grand reopening after remodeling 4/28/1990
TNT 11/14/1945 p.6 Study need for library
TNT 5/15/1946 p.1 Library expansion need cited to city council
TNT 8/26/1946 p.1 New library, city hall proposed
TNT 4/28/1948 p.1 Site fixed for new library (proposed site at So. 11th & Market St.)
TNT 5/1/1948 p.1 Oppose site for library
TNT 5/3/1948 p.1 Postpones row over library
TNT 5/11/1948 p.13 Board upholds site selected for library
TNT 5/13/1948 p.15 Group raps library site (Downtown Assoc. of Tacoma)
TNT 5/26/1948 p.1 Hot fight rages over site for new library
TNT 6/3/1948 p.9 Backs site for library
TNT 6/13/1948 p.A10 Urge library be left on Tacoma Ave. site
TNT 6/16/1948 p.1 Action on library delayed
TNT 1/3/1949 p.1 Library by old site favored
TNT 2/7/1949 Delay site on library
TNT 4/23/1949 p.1 Nelsen to draw plans
TNT 6/1/1949 p.1 Pick site of library
TNT 8/3/1949 p.6 Green light for library
TNT 11/10/1949 p.1 Deeded site for library
TNT 2/14/1950 p.D13 New library ... (sketch of proposed bldg.)
TNT 2/13/1951 New library plans now ready (sketch)
TNT 2/20/1951 p.1 Clear way for library
TNT 3/4/1951 p.A1 New library contract let
TNT 3/13/1951 p.1 Library job due to start
TNT 3/18/1951 p.A6 New library starts soon (sketch)
TNT 3/19/1951 The new library (editorial)
TNT 3/25/1951 New library building forces out landmark
TNT 6/3/1951 p.B4 Forms for basement of new library in place (il)
TNT 6/6/1951 p.A14 Injured in fall (il)
TNT 8/2/1951 p.A1 Speed work on library
TNT 8/12/1951 p.C13 Construction ahead of schedule, steel on hand (il under construction)
TNT 10/28/1951 p.C14 Library walls going up (il)
TNT 1/10/1952 p.A11 Architects show work
TNT 1/13/1952 p.C15 Library going up
TNT 2/4/1952 p.1 Cornerstone laying set
TNT 2/10/1952 p.A1 Will cement library's cornerstone Tuesday
TNT 2/13/1952 p.1 Milestone for city library
TNT 3/2/1952 p.A16 Air raid shelters ...
TNT 3/9/1952 p.C14 New library shaping up
TNT 3/20/1952 p.A10 Library begun year ago, now rising fast (il under construction) T.Reporter 7/23/1952 p.1 Library nears completion (il)
TNT 9/6/1952 p.1 Delay library dedication South Tacoma Star 10/30/1952 Library building dedication slated ...
TNT 10/31/1952 p.C1-C16 (Special Library Dedication Section) (il,interior il)
TNT 11/2/1952 p.A1 Open house at library p.C10 Broadcast of the dedication
TNT 11/3/1952 p.1 Many help dedicate library p.7 Meet library family, from director to page
TNT 11/21/1952 p.A10 U. of W. visits library (interior il)
TNT 7/18/1953 p.1 New library bldg. accepted
TNT 3/17/1954 p.14 Vote library improvement
TNT 4/1/1956 p.A21 Sea Cadets will replant library shrubs
TNT 4/5/1956 p.D7 Tacoma Library grounds to get face lifting
TNT 4/11/1957 Arbor Day gift (il of red Trilby rhododendron)
TNT 3/15/1959 p.A14 Two trapped long hour in elevator
TNT 4/7/1959 p.C4 (il)
TNT 11/12/1961 p.D11 Writer for young people to talk here (il of Beverly Cleary)
TNT 5/8/1962 p.C3 City library board makes future plans (il)
TNT 10/28/1962 p.A8 ... approved for fallout shelters
TNT 11/17/1966 p.B4 New library front OKd
TNT 8/21/1968 p.A14 Library addition cost reset at $1.28 million (proposal)
TNT 9/19/1973 Library may get new doors
TNT 4/27/1976 p.A4 Library books mammoth overhaul; here's new floor plan (departments reorganized)
TNT 12/3/1976 p.A3 City library celebrating its brand new appearance
TNT 12/26/1977 Computers will guide library soon
TNT 6/18/1979 Library security alarm closes book on thieves
TNT 6/17/1981 Library board OKs parking lot bid call
TNT 10/24/1981 Library plans free parking
TNT 1/12/1986 p.B1 It won't be One Percent but libraries will have art
TNT 9/12/1987 Tacoma library to close, relocate
TNT 1/21/1988 p.B1 Mayor: House County Council at library (proposal to add library bldg. to County-City Bldg. complex)
TNT 2/3/1988 p.B1 Main library office plan gets shelved
TNT 8/24/1998 p.E1 Building for books (il of model of proposed remodeling)
TNT 4/3/1989 Project update (il of remodeling under construction)
TNT 4/23/1990 (suppl. for grand reopening)
TNT 4/26/1990 One for the books
TNT 2/9/2002 p.B1 Man jailed in library syrup case T.Weekly 5/26/2005 p.A1 Downtown TPL branch may get $1.5 facelift (interior il)
TNT 12/27/2005 p.B1 Check out the changes at Main Library; $1.5 million refurbishment begins; an entrance closes ... T.Weekly 11/30/2006 p.D1 Downtown library gets facelift inside and out (interior il)
TNT 12/23/2006 p.D1 What's that? (remodeling and repairs by Tatley-Grund, Inc. of Seattle, contr.) (il of wrapping and scaffolding around bldg.)
TNT 9/15/2022 p.4A People found this Tacoma library branch'depressing.' A $6 million face lift is coming (int il) 022 T11D 022.3 T121MA 022.3 T121MB
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;
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;