Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/662

 580 HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY determined to open a reading room and plod along as best they could until they could see more light. At one of their meetings they taxed themselves up to 50 cents each to carry on current expenses. The citizens were invited to contribute old books, magazines and any old reading matter to start a nucleus for a library. Entertainments were given for the benefit of the library fund, and after some persuasion the council made a tax levy which yielded for the first year the sum of $100. On New Year's day. 1894. at 2 p. m., the reading rooms in Gladstone block were opened to the public for the first time, and about 300 visited the rooms during the afternoon. The rooms were airy, well lighted and heated, and furnished with chairs and tables, and supplied with the current magazines and other literature. The first president was D. M. Xeill. who served two years, and was succeeded by AY. II. Putnam, who has since served continuously in that capacity. W. E. Taylor served as vice-presi- dent for three years. P. M. Parker one year. O. M. Hall seven years, VY. F. Kunze four years, and S. II. Loeken, secretary. George H. Cook has been secretary since the beginning, except one year, when F. M. Parker held the office. The first members of the board were IT. B. Lovgren, A. l. Prink, D. M. Xeill. ( '. L. Opsal, George II. Cook, YY. F. Taylor, R. L. Grondahl, C. E. Friedrich and Oscar Forssell. Mrs. X. J. Jones was chosen the first librarian, and served for several years. She was succeeded by Mrs. Lillian Tandy. In December, 1901, the city received an offer from Andrew Carnegie of $15,000, which was increased to .$17,000, for a suitable public library building, on condition that a fund of $1,500 (afterward $1,700) per year be provided for maintenance and that a site be furnished. Poth these conditions were easily met. James Lawther donated the lot on the corner of Third street and West avenue, as a suitable location for the new library, in memory of his son, which was gratefully accepted. Plans were submitted and the building was erected and dedicated October 23, 1903. It Avas called the Carnegie-Lawther library. It is built of brick and presents a very neat appearance. Upon the right of the main entrance is the cozy reception room, fitted up with exquisite taste and harmonious coloring. A wide border of thistle and shamrocks is a characteristic design in the fresco work, in honor of the nativity of Mr. Carnegie and Mr. Lawther. The reading room is a picture of light and cheerfulness and com- fort. In the rear of the building is the children's room, decorated with a handsome fire-place and mantel, and surmounted by a plastic frieze. The stock room and librarian's quarters corre- spond in comfort and elegance to their surroundings. The refer-