The Library That Roared: Seattle’s Public Library Hits Record Readership Amidst Civic Pride
As the city's new library celebrates its first anniversary with over 100,000 volumes and daily visits from thousands of citizens, officials declare it a 'wonder' of its kind.
Seattle’s Public Library is only visited by 20,000 readers. It has been proudly noted in the local press as a new wonder of its kind. The library is situated in the old Post Office building and is considered a marvel of modern architecture and civic spirit.
Librarian Fenn spoke today regarding his pleasant staff of workers. 'You can hardly think that we have been so fortunate,' he said, 'that we are every county at a real library order.' He noted that since October 1st, they have added about 10,000 volumes and now hold about 100,000 volumes. The library has attracted about 20,000 visitors; 4,000 readers are daily.
Almost every person in the city has read cards. Today any table public that we have all limited in February at free reading rooms and those holding free cards 'are ready to draw them.' It is a rare case of such a large number of well-read daily. There are also special collections for children, works of fiction, and other literature.
The library is with its specific features. Even the former idea by the school board has been modified financially at the last regular meeting. The library is now a center of learning.
This 1904 report on Seattle’s fledgling public library highlights an early moment of civic investment in shared knowledge—a stark contrast to today's debates over library funding and digital access. Just as the paper celebrated the library as a 'wonder' for its time, modern Seattleites continue to view public libraries as essential infrastructure for equity and community connection.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.