Seattle Public Library, Seattle, ca 1899 (MOHAI 903)

The city of Seattle established a public library in 1890 after several earlier attempts by private citizens. The library was housed in various places and finally ended up in the Yesler Mansion, just uphill from its current site. After the mansion burned in 1901, industrialist Andrew Carnegie donated $200,000 for a new building which opened in 1906.
Sign in image: Free Public Library.

Caption by MOHAI staff.
Subjects (LCTGM): Public libraries--Washington (State)--Seattle; Houses--Washington (State)--Seattle