The History of Thrall

CHAPTER III
Thrall Library - Beginning and Early Years
On Saturday January 12, 1901 the doors of Thrall Library
were opened to the public. A major step had been taken in the
history of 11brary service to the citizens of the city. 40
On March 3, 1899 the trustees, designated in the will of
Maretta Thrall, received the money and within less than two years
completed and completely equipped the building ready for 11brary
use. The equipment furnished by Mrs. Thrall's bequest included a
periodical rack, a sixty tray card case supplied with 38,000
cards, two round tables, four reading tables and assorted types
of chairs. Wooden shelves were constructed and were sufficient
for about 20,000 volumes which allowed for expansion. At the
time of the opening, the library numbered about 8,500 volumes.
The walls in the reading room were light green and the ceiling
decorated in panels. Quartered oak trimmed the building and
every window was of polished plate glass. 43
In his presentation speech given before the library was
opened to the public on the evening of January 4, 1901, Mr. John
maretta s. thrall