Seattle's Public Library Gets a Grand Opening

The opening of the new Seattle public library rooms last night developed into a public function, and the deep interest of the public was manifested by the number who attended the inaugural exercises. The spacious rooms were handsomely adorned with flowers, the gift of the commissioners and employees of the department. The rooms presented a brilliant appearance as the throng passed admiringly through them, enlivened by the strains of the Rialto band. Judge Eben Smith, chairman of the library board, told the story of the endeavors that resulted in the establishment of the Seattle Public Library. He stated it was possible that a proposition would be submitted to the people in 1895 to issue bonds in the sum of $300,000 to buy a suitable site and put up a proper building. Ex-Senator J. B. Allen remarked: 'We build jails to confine men, but we build libraries to free men.' Mayor Phelps pledged his support to the work. Judge C. H. Hanford, recalling Seattle's days as a village, noted that while the city was once considered only an energetic, money-making place, such a fine library served as a testament to its refinement.