Letter to the Editor: History of the Renton Libraries

I recently researched and wrote a piece about the history of Renton libraries for the Renton Historical Society Quarterly newsletter, and I was fascinated to see the parallels with today's debates.  Library location and cost have preoccupied Renton residents since 1913 when Neva Bostwick Douglas began preparing an application to the Carnegie Foundation for funds to build the first library.  Most wanted a downtown location, but some balked at buying land, so much so that Rentonites nearly missed out on receiving foundation funds because they couldn't agree on a site. The State Librarian advised the city to choose a site in "a central location...in the midst of saloons if necessary."  But Renton decided to build its library on land on Bronson Way donated by the Sartori family.

Although Renton had begun to outgrow its Carnegie Library as early as the 1930s, voters were reluctant to approve funding until 1964.  Meanwhile, the independent library struggled to provide services to patrons, and the Library Board began discussing joining the county system as early as 1947.  Three bond issues failed before voters agreed to support a new Renton library.

Again, cost and location were hotly debated issues.  Once again, in 1962 the State Librarian recommended that the library be relocated "in a pedestrian traffic center."  "If it is true that businesses are leaving the main downtown center because customers are shopping elsewhere," she wrote, "a well-stocked, attractive library would be one factor which would draw customers back to the center."
Voters finally backed the construction of a new library after they got excited about a proposed civic complex on the Cedar River, with a new City Hall, library, senior center, community auditorium, and park all in one location.  Unfortunately, most of those amenities didn't last long near the library.

The State Librarian's 1962 report concludes on a sad note about library services in Renton.  "It would appear that Renton's library service has served many who have never vocally expressed their desires for more and better materials and services," she reported. "We cannot accept the thinking of the few who felt that recordings, films, etc. are luxuries which the Renton Library shouldn't have to provide."

Elizabeth P. Stewart
Director, Renton History Museum