History of Swansea, Massachusetts, 1667-1917; - citizen hylbom blog

246 History of Swansea
Statistics for the year ending Jan. 31, 1900, shows that
there were 561 names on the list of cards drawn; that the
number of books belonging to the library exclusive of magazines
and pamphlets was 2,451; and that the circulation was
8,686.
The general character of the library at that date, is indicated
by the classes and numbers of volumes which follow:
History, 133; Biography, 159; Geography and Travel, 118;
Science and Art, 185; Poetry and Drama, 56; Literature and
Language, 64; Fiction, 1,385; Philosophy and Religion, 65;
Miscellaneous, 238; Reference, 48.
Throughout the history of the Association, at every stage
of its progress, one name appears as chief among its generous
promoters. Frank S. Stevens was ever ready to anticipate its
growing wants and to rejoice in its increasing usefulness. And
so, when the time came for its adoption by the Town, as a
Free Public Library, he was among the first to co-operate with
the State Librarian, C. B. Tillinghast and E. M. Thurston, to
secure the necessary action.
Under the present management (1896) the town makes an
annual appropriation of $350 for its support; and it also
receives the interest of the Association fund of $200 together
with the proceeds of occasional entertainments and individual
gifts, notably, the "Around Town Dramatic Club" donated
90 volumes at one time.
In the event of Mr. Stevens death, which occured April
25, 1898, by the terms of his last will and testament, the Town
of Swansea received the income of $2,500 for the purchase of
books for a free public library, and the executors were directed
to expend $10,000 in erecting and furnishing a public library
on the lot occupied by the Town Hall, erected by the testator,
to be known as the "Stevens Public Library Building."
It seems fitting at this point that brief mention should be
made of the new building, the corner-stone of which was laid
Oct. 31, 1899. By the provisions of Mr. Stevens' will, the sum
of ten thousand dollars was given to the executors, in trust,
to erect a library Building of stone or brick on the town hall lot.
For the erection of such building as seemed needed and proper
it was found that there was not sufficient available frontage.
To provide for this, Mrs. Stevens deeded to the town the estate
adjoining, thus furnishing a most desirable site, and added
$10,000 to the building fund.
Mr. Henry Yaughan, of Boston, was chosen the architect,
and by a generous increase of the original sum by Mrs. Stevens,
the erection and furnishing of this structure was made possible.
The entire work was done under the daily supervision of a