When this photo was taken in January 1953, Tacoma Public Library's new Main Library at 1102 Tacoma Ave South had been open for just over one year. Shown here is the check-out desk, where a man in a topcoat waits for his library book to be checked out to him by a library employee. Across…
Our Patrons Love the Wheelock Branch
In November, the Wheelock Branch put up an interactive display asking their patrons to “Tell Us What you Love about your Library!” During the few weeks it was up there were over 65 responses. I love the employees!! The librarians are so helpful and so knowledgeable. Baby storytime I love that, with a bit of…
Hidden Treasure: Song Index
Our little known, almost secret, Song Index is located in the back of Reference. Started over forty years ago by retired librarian Jenny Hartley, it is still kept accessible for the convenience of staff and patrons. This amazing and unique collection of sheet music is only available through browsing now. But those in the know…
Presidential Birthday Cake, 1937
In January 1937, polio victim Shirley Ford, Mayor George Smitley, and Model Bakery owner Gus C. Westerdale posed with a special cake created for the President Roosevelt Birthday Ball to benefit Infantile Paralysis (Polio) research. The cake was topped with a bust of FDR and would be put on display in the bakery's window. Young…
Colors, Cookies & Calm
On January 4th, 2017, the Swasey Branch of Tacoma Public Library hosted its monthly coloring event for adults! Adult coloring is the latest trend in relaxation and we welcome everyone from ages 16 to 116 to come out and join us. This event is hosted every first Wednesday of the month so be sure to…
Frozen Sing-Along Recap
On Saturday, December 17th forty-five children and adults delighted in all things Frozen at the Wheelock Branch. Children decorated crowns and made snow wands before getting their pictures taken with Elsa. During the interactive showing of the film, we sang along and bounced balloons when we spotted trolls, blew bubbles when Olaf sang about summer…
Fort Lewis, 1969
Army personnel could choose from cold and hot snacks at the built-in vending machines at Fort Lewis in January of 1969. Milk, sodas and ice cream were located near the right wall, and soups and dry snacks were on the left. Bright red chairs coupled with turquoise tables provided space to dine and gather…
And now for something a little bit different: Northwest Room periodicals
Your local library branch subscribes to a wide selection of newspapers and periodicals, but in the Main branch’s Northwest Room you can find magazines devoted to all things Washington and the Pacific Northwest. Titles include Mazama Monthly Bulletin, Sea Chest, Washington Thoroughbred, Wooden Boat and a variety of historical society newsletters. For the genealogist in…
Mother’s March, 1958
On January 20, 1958, ten women posed on the steps of the Tacoma Athletic Commission's headquarters on Ruston Way to support the Mothers March of Dimes annual campaign. Pierce County was very active in collecting funds for the March of Dimes, with areas of the county divided into several sections and campaigns carefully planned to solicit…
Minutes of the Board of Trustees December 21, 2016 Meeting
The 2016-12-21-library-board-of-trustees-minutes were approved at the January meeting of the Library Board of Trustees…
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