The Founding Charter of the Seattle Public Library
A look back at the 1888 constitution of the city's first library association, which operated on membership dues, fine-print regulations, and a dream of civic enrichment.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
This association shall be known as the 'Seattle Public Library Association' and shall be located in the City of Seattle, Washington Territory. Its objects shall be the establishment of a library and reading room, and it shall be competent to receive donations of money, books and other property for uses and purposes of the association. Any person may become a life member by paying one hundred dollars, or an annual member by paying six dollars per annum. Any person may become a quarterly member by paying one dollar and fifty cents, or a monthly member by paying seventy-five cents per month. The board of trustees shall have power to fill all vacancies in its body, enact suitable by-laws, and perform whatever in their judgment may be necessary to carry out the objects of the association. The library shall be open every day throughout the year, except Sundays and legal holidays. Ministers of the gospel, whatever their religious denomination, who are residents of the city and engaged in their calling, shall be considered honorary members.
“Its objects shall be the establishment of a library and reading room, and it shall be competent to receive donations of money, books and other property.”
While today's public libraries are supported by taxes and are free to all, the 1888 Seattle Public Library began as a private, subscription-based institution. It serves as a reminder that the city's commitment to public knowledge was once a fragile, grassroots experiment funded by neighbors rather than the state.
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