The South Tacoma Library

About Us :
In May 1911, the South Tacoma Library opened its doors for the first time, and with that, the first branch in the Tacoma Public Library system was launched. But years earlier, in 1905, the idea for the library first emerged. The Women's Christian Temperance Union initially paved the way for the future South Tacoma Library. Organization members sought an alternative to the many saloons in the area for evening entertainment.

For $20, the group rented out the Gried Building on South Union Avenue (now South Tacoma Way). They used the space as a reading room, providing materials such as books, newspapers and magazines. The organization's treasury paid the first month's operating fees, and after that gifts and donations maintained the services.

Late that year, in October, the reading room took significant steps toward becoming a library. The Tacoma City Council voted to permit J.T. Eshel, the City Librarian, to spend up to $30 a month to help equip and maintain the building and turn it into a library branch in South Tacoma. He purchased the room's contents, including the books and equipment.

The new library moved into the Sauriol Building, and later into a store building. Under new ownership, the branch became known as the Free Reading Association. A short time later, the name was changed to the South Tacoma Library Branch.