PORT TOWNSEND — In anticipation of its centennial anniversary in 2013, the Port Townsend Public Library is beginning a search for photographs taken of and around the building.
“We want to collect a comprehensive history of the library from the bits and pieces of information that is out in the community,” said Theresa Percy, director of the library at 1220 Lawrence St.
“We are hoping that people will look in their attics and old photo albums and find some great old photos.”
The library is creating a historical retrospective for the centennial observance. It seeks photographs of the building, library employees, volunteers and activities, particularly from its first 75 years.
Programs and other souvenirs of library events also are welcomed, as are personal reminiscences of library activities.
Color photos
Percy said that early color shots of the library building would be particularly valuable.
Otherwise, those pictures containing people will add the most to the project.
“We are looking for pictures that capture the time in which they were taken,” she said.
The gathered material will be incorporated into a book that will be published in time for the centennial.
Percy said there is no publisher lined up at this time.
Since its dedication in 1913, the building has been home to Port Townsend’s library, although it has been expanded since then.
The library is currently involved in raising the money for another expansion, which will re-open the front entrance and return the upstairs room to its original appearance.
Carnegie library
Of the 43 libraries built in Washington State by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation in the early 20th century, 33 buildings survive.
The Port Townsend Library is one of 14 of these that still function as libraries.
A photo exhibit of the state’s Carnegie buildings, created by Lewis Stock of Port Townsend, is now displayed in the library stairwell.
The library is hoping to gather photos by Oct. 1.
Any pictures donated will be scanned and returned, Percy said.
After the celebration, all items will be returned or donated to the Jefferson County Historical Society, according to donors’ wishes.
For more information, e-mail Percy at tpercy@cityofpt.us or phone 360-385-3181.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
