The photograph is taken from an elevated position on present day Kellogg Boulevard. Roof trusses are in place and soon the roofing materials will be fixed in place. The power lift is still needed to move materials to the various floors of the library. Construction workers can be seen on the roof. Below the power lift can be seen three round arches. These arches make up the loading and delivery dock for the library.
The photograph is taken from the present day corners of Washington and 4th Streets. The entrance on the far left of the photograph is for the James J. Hill Reference Library. The entrance to the center of the photograph is for the Saint Paul Public Library.
The photograph is taken from an elevated position on present day Kellogg Boulevard. The scaffolds with their cranes, and the power lift have been removed. Finishing work continues on the room. Three rectangular openings on the roof will be for skylights. Windows that have the frames installed are now being sealed.
The photograph is taken from an elevated position on present day Kellogg Boulevard. The roof work is complete. A moving cover is in place over the skylights. Most of the windows have frames and are being sealed. Near photo's center, a man works on scaffold suspended from roof. Also a bell sits to the right edge of the pile of building materials, although neither the Central Library nor any branch of the Saint Paul Public Library is known to have a bell.
The photograph is taken from present day 4th Street. Work continues on the main entrance to the Saint Paul Public Library. Some windows remain open for delivery or removal of building materials.
The photograph is taken from an elevated position on present day Kellogg Boulevard. A wooden staircase allows easy access to the second floor of the library. An advertisement on the barricade reads in part "Gordon Pure Fur?".
The photograph is taken from an elevated position on present day Kellogg Boulevard. Building materials are piled up in the worksite. Note the three horse drawn wagons on the building site.
The photograph is taken from the staircase on the 4th Street side of the library. The oval decorative motif depicts the coat of arms of the library, a theme that is repeated within the library building.
Completed ceiling decoration in the then-Circulation Room of the Central Library of the Saint Paul Public Library. Windows look out to Market Street. Today this room is known as the Non-fiction Room.
Photograph is taken from the present day corners of Washington and 4th Streets. Landscaping is completed. The flag is flying from the third floor of the library. The identities of the people standing in front of the library are not known.
The finished decoration of the Greenleaf Clark Room, which was also known as the General Reference room, of the Central Library of the Saint Paul Public Library. The panels on the ceiling have been painted, and the chandeliers hung. Today this is known as the Magazine Room.
This photograph shows the then-Periodical Room (now known as the Nicholson Information Commons) completed without interior furnishings. The floor is tiled with cork. The ceiling has been painted and decorated. The door connects to the James J. Hill Reference Library.
Exterior view of the Hosmer branch of Minneapolis Public Library. Originally known as the Thirty-sixth Street Branch, this building was built in 1916 with funds from the Carnegie Corporation and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
This is the Reading Room, on the second floor of the library, looking from the east toward the west. The room is in the very early stages of interior work.
This photograph was taken from what is now Market Street between 4th and 5th Streets. Smoke is coming from the chimney of the James J. Hill Reference Library, indicating that the heating system is now working. Work is still being done on the main entrance to that library. A crane is still in front of the Saint Paul Public Library. An advertisement on the barricade reads "Say Gordon When You Say Hat."
This room was dedicated to Mr. Greenleaf Clark, and is on the third floor of the library. The ceiling panels show the decorative patterns that will eventually be painted.
Interior of the North branch of Minneapolis Public Library, showing Miss Irene Newman at the circulation desk. This building, at 1834 Emerson Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, was designed by architect Frederick Corser and served the north Minneapolis community from 1893 to 1977.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Children and youth are gathered in a reading area of the Camden Branch of the Minneapolis Public Library, which was housed in the John D. Webber Memorial Fieldhouse in Webber Park from 1910�1954. It was renamed Webber Park Library in 1954 and razed for a new library building in 1979.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior view of a small building housing the Long Lake branch of the Hennepin County Library. Library service to the Long Lake community in western Hennepin County began in 1913. For several decades, the library operated out of various locations in the community, until it settled in 1995 in a commercial storefront space at 1865 Wayzata Boulevard West.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Interior view of the Robbinsdale branch of the Hennepin County Library, showing the reference desk and patrons reading. The library was located at 4915 42nd Avenue NorthRobbinsdale library patrons are now served by the Rockford Road Library in Crystal, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior view of the Robbinsdale branch of the Hennepin County Library, located at 4915 42nd Avenue North. Robbinsdale library patrons are now served by the Rockford Road Library in Crystal, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Interior view of the Robbinsdale branch of the Hennepin County Library, showing a librarian at the reference desk and patrons reading. The library was located at 4915 42nd Avenue North. Robbinsdale library patrons are now served by the Rockford Road Library in Crystal, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Ethel Berry stands next to the open side of an early Hennepin County Library bookmobile. A delivery box used to transport materials between library branches sits in the foreground.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
A Hennepin County Library bookmobile is parked in front of the Wayzata Public Library, housed at that time in the City Hall building\. Wayzata Library serves Wayzata- and Lake Minnetonka-area residents. In 1905, space for a library was made available in Wayzata City Hall. When a fire destroyed City Hall in 1955, the library moved into a temporary location in the Kallstead Building. It reopened in 1957 in the new City Hall and again in its current location in Wayzata town square with a view of Lake Minnetonka.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior view of a small building housing the Long Lake branch of the Hennepin County Library. Library service to the Long Lake community in western Hennepin County began in 1913. For several decades, the library operated out of various locations in the community, until it settled in 1995 in a commercial storefront space at 1865 Wayzata Boulevard West.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior of the North branch of Minneapolis Public Library. This building, at 1834 Emerson Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, was designed by architect Frederick Corser and served the north Minneapolis community from 1893 to 1977.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Serving the community of Northeast Minneapolis, the Logan Park branch of the Minneapolis Publlic Library was located in the fieldhouse of Logan Park until 1957, when the branch moved and was renamed the Pierre Bottineau branch.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
West Duluth; Public Library Branch at Central Avenue corner Elinor Street; four children sitting on steps with their dog; houses in background; built in 1912; snow; winter
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Children in a basement room of the Seven Corners Branch of Minneapolis Public Library. The Seven Corners (Cedar-Riverside) area was teeming with new immigrants and the library was quite busy. This branch, at 300 Fifteenth Avenue South, was in service from 1912 to 1967.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Children play a game under the supervision of library staff at the Seven Corners Branch of Minneapolis Public Library. The Seven Corners (Cedar-Riverside) area was teeming with new immigrants and the library was quite busy. This branch, at 300 Fifteenth Avenue South, was in service from 1912 to 1967.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
A party for night school students in the Reading Room of the Sumner branch of the Minneapolis Public Library. The branch opened in 1915 in a building funded by the Andrew Carnegie Corporation. It is named for Charles Sumner, a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. Before 1915, the library was located in a rented room at 901 6th Avenue North.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The Sumner branch of the Minneapolis Public Library opened in 1915 in a building funded by the Andrew Carnegie Corporation. It is named for Charles Sumner, a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. Before 1915, the library was located in a rented room at 901 6th Avenue North.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The Sumner branch of the Minneapolis Public Library opened in 1915 in a building funded by the Andrew Carnegie Corporation. It is named for Charles Sumner, a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. Before 1915, the library was located in a rented room at 901 6th Avenue North.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Children reading in the Sumner branch of the Minneapolis Public Library. The branch opened in 1915 in a building funded by the Andrew Carnegie Corporation. It is named for Charles Sumner, a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. Before 1915, the library was located in a rented room at 901 6th Avenue North.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The Reading Room in the Sumner branch of the Minneapolis Public Library which opened in 1915 in a building funded by the Andrew Carnegie Corporation. It is named for Charles Sumner, a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. Before 1915, the library was located in a rented room at 901 6th Avenue North.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
A woman in a fur coat peruses a book from the Hennepin County Library Bookmobile on a snowy day. Shown in the background is the Hennepin Hardware Company building.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The Hennepin County Library service began in 1922 and originally had its offices in the downtown Minneapolis Public Library (Old Main). County services continued to operate out of the Minneapolis Central Library downtown from 1961-1973, when the County's library services moved to the Southdale Library. They later moved to the Ridgedale Library building in 1981, where they continue today.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The Hennepin County Library service began in 1922 and originally had its offices in the downtown Minneapolis Public Library (Old Main). County services continued to operate out of the Minneapolis Central Library downtown from 1961-1973, when the County's library services moved to the Southdale Library. They later moved to the Ridgedale Library building in 1981, where they continue today.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Exterior view of the small, one-room Hamel branch of the Hennepin County Library. This library operated from 1922 to 1968 and the building is currently used as a local history museum for the town of Hamel.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The Music Department in Minneapolis Public Library's original Central Library. "Grace Nelson at desk, at table (back to front) Ruth Wedermann center table in fur coat, Sadie Fisher Petersen (singer); table far right, Frances Kelley (pianist)."
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
A fireplace in the East Lake Branch of Minneapolis Public Library. The East Lake Branch opened in this building at 2916 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota in February 1924. In 1976 the library moved to a new building two blocks west.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The front entrance of the East Lake Branch of Minneapolis Public Library, which opened in this building at 2916 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota in February 1924. In 1976 the library moved to a new building two blocks west.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The East Lake Branch of Minneapolis Public Library opened in this building at 2916 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota in February 1924. In 1976 the library moved to a new building two blocks west. Streetcar tracks are visible running along Lake Street.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The children's section in the East Lake Branch of Minneapolis Public Library. The East Lake Branch opened in this building at 2916 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota in February 1924. In 1976 the library moved to a new building two blocks west.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
This building used to house the Robbinsdale Community Library, a branch of the Hennepin County Library. Built in 1925 by the Robbinsdale Library Club on Rockford Road, now known as 42nd Avenue North, it now houses the Robbinsdale Historical Society and Robbin Gallery.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
"Art Department of the Minneapolis Public Library, Dec. 13, 1926. Before the Music Department was moved from the front room. Leonora Mann (left) and Ruth Thompson (right) at the charging desk. Phot made by J.H. Kammerdiener and given by him to the Minneapolis Collection, April 1942."
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
This branch of the Minneapolis Public Library opened in the Citizen's Aid Building in 1927 to provide resources to the workers in that building, which were mainly related to social work, child welfare, public health and crime prevention.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The Roosevelt branch of the Minneapolis Public Library, at 4026 Twenty-eighth Avenue South, opened in 1927 and wasadded to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Central Hillside; Howard Pyle room at Public library; Carnegie Library interior; hardwood floors; books; bookshelves; children; boys and girls; librarian; people; tables; chairs; desk; door; ceiling lights
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Librarian Mrs. Elva Bailey, first head of the Minneapolis Public Library's Hospital Service, is shown bringing a cart of reading material to a Children's Ward in Minneapolis General Hospital in 1928.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
Central Hillside; Duluth Public Library; Carnegie Library interior; bookshelves; sign Don't Forget the Little Folks Put Books in Their Christmas Stockings; book display; posters; oak and glass display case with open books; table; chair; person on chair is blurred
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Central Hillside; Duluth Public Library's Children book week; Carnegie Library interior; display of books; children's books; bookshelves; tables; desk; windows with shades drawn; plant; ferns; posters; ceiling lights; chairs; fishbowl
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
Page 1. "This Year's Children's Book Exhibit," A black and white photograph of the Exhibition room depicts the theme of the annual Children's Book Exhibit, it is the romance of chivalry. The young ladies in costume are members of the Girl Scouts. Over 5,000 people attended the event. Page 2. "Those Christmas Gifts," The director thanks those who donated during the holiday season. "The Gay Parade Of Children's Books," A detailed acknowledgement of those members of the community and their contributions to the book exhibit. N.C. Wyeth sent four canvases in oil, that were for the book the "Scottish Chiefs," Page 3. "The Miracle List," described a booklet dealing with the then popular play "The Miracle." "Propaganda!" In an article the director proposes the use of propaganda for the benefit of the library. Page 4. "Twenty Three Foreign Languages," The library collected a number of books in languages other than English. A sampling of titles in other languages are listed.
"Mrs. Margaret A. Norton, 1912 Lyndale Avenue South, is pictured coloring slides in the Minneapolis Public Library Art Department. Making and coloring of slides is now part of the library WPA project. WPA workers have made 7,500 slides in recent years. In 1938, the lilbrary circulated 106,729 slides free."
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The first issue of The Library Beacon to be published. Page 1. "The Library Beacon" was published under the direction of Webster Wheelock, the library director. "In brief, the purpose of this little publication, which we intend to issue monthly except in July and August, was to give the people of St. Paul information about their Library--what it is doing, what it hopes to do, and the many ways it serves individuals, different interests, groups and different activities scattered all over the fifty-four square miles comprised within the city limits and all over Ramsey County also. 'And What May This Be.' Request for the "The Library Beacon" for the year of 1935. An introduction to the publication. Page 2. "Something For Everybody," So many different groups to serve. The editor could only list a few : children, teachers, business managers, hospital patients, rural districts and so on. "Gifts to the Library," The director thanks those who so generously remembered the Library. Page 3. Lists the names of those who have donated materials. "Many-Sidedness," the editor states that " functions of the Public Library is to give light to the human mind so that its possessor may himself enjoy and give forth light." Page 4. "No Red Tape," The registration process of a library card is easy and the rewards are without boundaries." "Our Sporting Page," The editor reveals the process involved in the naming of this news letter.
Page 1. This issue begins with the title, "A Helpful Gift," It describes a Trust fund established by Mrs. James H. Skinner and her son. Also mentioned were the bequests by Judge Greenleaf Clark and Judge Henry Hale. Page 2. "A Unique Experiment," The library agreed to manage a collection of books for the Boy Scouts to assist them in their activities at the St. Croix Boy Scout camp. "The Wearin' O' the Green," Children at the Arlington Hills Branch Library, describe a program of Irish songs riddles, and dances in traditional customs. Page 3. "For Knights and Ladies of the Trowel," What the library had to offer for spring gardening. "On House Cleaning," This article let the reader know that the periodical collection contained many tips on cleaning and decoration inside and outside the house. Page 4. "Magazines In the Reading Room," Well over 1,000 periodicals were subscribed to. A sample list of 32 titles represented the wide variety of topics and subjects in the periodical collection.
Page 1. With this issue the library director issues an open letter "To Service Club Members," The Beacon intended to tell from month to month the great variety of the library's activities. The expectation was to have service clubs promote the services of the library to their members. Page 2. "Three Gifts," The director acknowledged gifts from Mrs. W.W. Skinner for a museum display case; Maplewood Women's Club for a cash donation to be used for children's books ; St. Paul Council of the Parent-Teacher Association to purchase books for the parent teacher collection. "Many Thanks!" Thanks expressed to those who made donations. "A Corner For Parents," described a gift from the Saint Paul Council of the Parent-Teacher Association. Page 3. "Librarians Teach In Schools," Describes a program were librarians taught sixth grade pupils how to use reference resources and the card catalog. "Giving The Child His Chance," Parents where urged to begin a home library and to read to their children. Page 4."The Library Chanty," Come to the Library and see what there is to see. "How Pay Books Work," A pay collection will pay for itself. In 1928 earnings of the Pay Collection made it possible to purchase 452 volumes for the Free Collection while 653 volumes in the Pay Collection were transferred to the Free Collection.
Page 1. "Continuing Education," Graduation is just the beginning of learning. For some graduates their formal education may be at an end. Fortunate are those who realize that their education has just begun. The public library existed to help the adult student for life. Page 2. "That Country Cabin," Look to the library for building or decorating ideas. "The Saint Paul Institute and The Public Library," Complementary institutions both ready to serve you. The Institute was founded in 1906 by Mr. C. W. Ames and Dr. Arthur Sweeney. In 1927 it moved to the Old Merriam home on Capital Hill. The Saint Paul Institute was the forerunner of the present day Science Museum. "These, Too, Have Helped," Grateful acknowledgement of books and gifts donated to the library. "How Far One Book Goes," The editor reviewed the physical life span of a book. A popular fiction book may have 54 circulations. It will be repaired and circulate again. The book may then be rebound for a total of 100 circulations. Page 3. "Going Abroad At Home," A library card is your passport to the world. "The Buyer's Guide," Before subscribing to a journal, why not examine the scope, readableness and overall usefulness of the journal at the library? Page 4. "Simply Perishing," Phone Garfield 3386. Become one of the 5000 persons each year who call the library with their questions. "Books For Commencement Gifts," The Central Library and branches will exhibit books suitable for commencement gifts for students. "The Library Talks," The director and staff are always willing to address mothers' clubs, study groups and service clubs, industrial or commercial houses. "Good-Bye till September."
Page 1."Hale Memorial Hamline Branch Library," A sketch and description of the long delayed Hamline Branch Library graced the cover of this issue. The library was built with a working fireplace that remains in use to this day. Page 2. "Two New Branch Buildings," After almost four years of legal negotiation contracts were signed and construction set to begin. The proposed Merriam Park Library could not be opened till completion of the Hamline Branch. "Gifts To The Library," The editor thanks those patrons for their continued support. "Special Gifts," Northwest Baptist Hospital Association presented 432 books to be used for Library service to hospitals. The Library began service to city hospitals in 1921. Page 3. "Chocolates Or Food," To assist the serious reader subject bibliographies were prepared by the American Library Association. "Reading With A Purpose," The titles of 50 booklets, each prepared by a specialist are listed. Each provided a balanced introduction to a particular topic. Page 4. "Travel Posters," These posters decorated the rooms of the library and are an example of posters as art. Posters were available for use by various groups who needed contact the office of the Librarian.
Page 1. "Hale Memorial Merriam Park Branch," A sketch and description of the library are presented on the first page. Similar in size to the Hamline library it would be different in design. The library would have a collection of about 23,000 volumes. Page 2. "Travel Week At The Library," A library program in conjunction with the Travel Bureau of the First National Bank could make a dream come true. A movie-tea program was be presented by experienced Saint Paul travelers who will shared their own slides and movies. "They Had Their Troubles, Too," Two selected curses to bring down on those who damage or steal a book from your library. "An Expression Of Public Spirit," The Library Director conveyed his gratitude to those who donated books and funds. Organizations that donated include : Merriam Park Study Class, Northwest Airways, Ramsey County Sunday School Association. Page 3. "Library Hours," The Library Director presented his view on hours of operation. The director wanted the library open every day in the year except Christmas and the Fourth of July and every evening until 10:00 o'clock. Perhaps dormitories were to be assembled in the attic of the library for use by the Director and staff? "Exhibits At The Library." The Exhibition Room hosted traveling exhibits from the St. Paul Institute. Attendance from January to June was 13,402. The Children's Book exhibit brought between 2,000 to 3,000 to the exhibit. . Page 4. "Old Friends," The Circulation Room at Central Library maintained a shelf of favorite authors that included William Ware, Georg Moritz Ebers and Jane Austen. "For Music-Lovers and Musicians," The Fine Arts Room housed scores for mixed church choirs, a large collection of sheet music, instruction for books for piano and violin. A valuable collection of old hymn books was also present. It is possible that some of these old hymn book survive to this present day.
Page 1. "Serving The County," A black and white photograph shows a "book wagon" and children lining up to select books. The book wagon made three trips weekly carrying about 600 books and magazines to schools and stores for men, women and children. Page 2. "The Encyclopaedia Britannica," The 14th edition of this work was proudly placed in the Reference Room. "The Miracle," a play at the St. Paul Auditorium was endorsed by the editor. "More Helpful Friends," The assistance of public donations to the library was again noted and appreciated. Page 3. "Gifts To The Children's Room," Gifts from the Skinner family were acknowledged. "Children's Book Exhibit," The Art Exhibition Room was transformed into a medieval castle. Local publishers and booksellers contributed new titles. "The Library And The Church," The library stood ready to assist all denominations in their religious needs. It aimed to have books on a vast number of religious subjects. Victrola records of a religious character are lent to churches. Page 4. "For Parents Only," For sale, only 10 cents, were three pamphlets on child training and development. "A Graphic Arts Exhibit," The American Institute of Graphic Arts held an exhibit of 'Fifty Books' and Printing for Commerce."
This photograph shows the old St. Peter Public Library, which was located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and Mulberry Streets. Andrew Carnegie provided funds for its construction.