On June 5, 1909, the Columbia Branch, The Seattle Public Library opens in the Columbia City town hall. The opening had been planned for June 1, but was postponed so as not to interfere with the opening of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. The new branch has 1,200 volumes and is open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily except Sundays and Holidays. Librarian Fanny L. Dudgeon is in charge.
The library occupied the main room of the town hall, which was provided rent-free. The restroom was across the street in a furniture store. According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, "It measures 35 x 45 feet and has many windows admitting plenty of light. The room has been newly furnished and fitted up with a cork carpet, tables shelves and other furniture in old Flemish ... A reading table and magazine table have also been furnished."
Fannie L. Dudgeon was the first librarian. In 1915, the branched moved to a new building, a gift of Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919).
Sources:
"Columbia Branch Library Opened," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, June 7, 1909, Sec. 2, p. 1; "Columbia Branch History," typescript, September 15, 1932, in folder, "Columbia Library -- History," Seattle Public Library Archives.
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