Enlarged Facilities at Carnegie Library
General Approval Follows Public Inspection of Improved Institution – Convenience and Utility Have Been Considered
Bradford Era: November 23, 1963

Many persons availed themselves of the opportunity to visit and inspect the enlarged and improved Carnegie Public Library yesterday between the hours of 3 and 9 o’clock p. m. Expressions of delight were frequent from those who saw for the first time the added facilities for handling the work as well as the numerous additions for the comfort of patrons.
The office now occupies the central portion of the lobby directly opposite the main entrance while the space formerly devoted to office purposes is used as a workroom. Here are repaired volumes which volumes have suffered damage from handling and this item of labor is by no means a small one. At the left of the main entrance, the space formerly devoted to reference purposes is occupied by the department for monthly magazines. Six new tables and twenty-four new chairs have been added to the equipment of this department. Occupying the opposite space on the right of the main entrance and the office enclosure is the department from weekly magazines and current daily newspapers. Here the old tables at which is was necessary to stand, have been replaced with new tables and chairs which add much to the comfort and convenience of patrons. In the children’s department at the rear, new tables and stacks have also been supplied. The present reference room is large, commodious and practically fireproof and this latter feature has resulted in the acquisition recently of 108 volumes of the Edinburgh Review, the property of the late Dr. Chester S. Hubbard who in his lifetime had frequently promised to donate this valuable work when the library provided a fireproof receptacle for it. The work covers in almost entirety the period from the year 1802 to 1860 inclusive, and but few volumes are missing. Mrs. Jane Hubbard, widow of Dr. Hubbard, being conversant with the latter’s desire concerning its disposition, presented the work on the completion of the repairs.
NEW STACK ROOM
The annex provides space for the new stack room, which is now two stories but can be increased to three stories by the addition of another gallery, raising the present stacks one story each and replacing the present lower one with one so constructed as to bear the entire weight. This new annex is practically fireproof in all respects. The construction is of brick and concrete, the windows are lighted through fireproof glass and the stacks are of cast-iron covered with aluminum, thus assuring strength, cleanliness and “safety first.” Here are to be found the bound volumes of newspapers, government reports, state publications and records, bound volumes relating especially to city and county historical matters including a complete series of all directories issued for the city and vicinity.
The space at the front of the stack room has been fitted up as a private office for the librarian, Miss Susan Sherman, thus enabling someone in authority to be in constant touch with all departments of the library. With the exception of the stacks mentioned the interior finish is in golden oak throughout, the walls are painted in a buff tint, which blends nicely with that of the woodwork, and the ceilings are all white. By this arrangement the light from the semi-direct electric burners is reflected evenly over every part of the institution, providing a near approach of daylight at all times. The improvements are now complete, the staff comfortably located and the prospect for continued usefulness brighter than ever.