A Different Name and Location: The City Takes Over 1895-1901
By 1894 the unions of Spokane had difficulty funding the Union Library. Also, public opinion was predominately in favor of a city controlled library. The Union Library Association members agreed to relinquish control of the library to the City of Spokane. City Mayor Horatio N. Belt accepted the establishment of a City Library on August 21, 1894. The library was moved into two rooms in the City Hall Building located at the corner of Howard St. and Front Avenue.
source:
Gengler, Rita A. "Spokane's Public Libraries,1880-1956" Typescript 1957 Spokane Public Library, Special Collections Northwest Room.
"Public Opinion in Favor of City Library" Spokane Review, June 24,1894
"Mayor Belt Favors City Library" Spokane Review, July 18, 1894
Image: Photograph "Old City Hall Spokane, Washington" [1891]
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