On September 1, 1944, Montlake Station, The Seattle Public Library, opens in a vacant grocery store at 2304 24th Avenue N (later 24th Avenue E). The Library Committee of the Montlake Community Club rents the space using contributions from residents of the neighborhood. The library system provides 1,500 books and the services of a librarian.
In 1943, the Montlake community asked for a library, but the Seattle Public Library Board could not afford it. Following the path set by other communities such as Greenwood, the Montlake Community Club collected over $2,000 and rented a vacant grocery store. The library system provided the services of a librarian and 1,500 books. The library committee paid rent, utilities, and custodial services until 1947 when the lease was taken over by the library. In 1979, the station moved next door into the vacant Royal Drug Co. at 2300 24th Avenue E.
Sources:
Undated, anonymous typescript, "Montlake History," folder, Montlake Branch Library; "Montlake Library Is Now Open To Public," University District Herald, September 2, 1944, newsclipping, Ibid.; "Public Opening Set at Montlake Library," University District Herald, August 31, 1944, newsclipping, Ibid.; "Annual Report 1979," typescript, Ibid.; "Montlake Library -- Annual Reports," folder, Seattle Public Library Archives; "Montlake Library -- Miscellaneous Papers," folder, Ibid.
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