Fairhaven Library, Bellingham
Some of the library's history, excerpted from: whatcom.kulshan.com/Washington/Whatcom_County/Bellingham/...
"In 1890 a small group of people began the Fairhaven Reading Room in the Mason Building so men could 'spend a evening somewhere besides a saloon.' A child who grew up in Fairhaven could climb 3 flights of stairs to get a book; so in 1904 a new library was built. Andrew Carnegie promised $12,500, and the construction was begun. (He also promised some funds to begin a northern library because it was so difficult to travel between the two.) The same year he gave an additional $3,500 so the building could be opened that year. It was originally built of red brick on a concrete foundation. (The original brick can be seen at the rear of the building.) In 1974 the interior was remodeled and much of the woodwork was lost. Due to the diligence of the current librarian and the Fairhaven Friends of the Library the woodwork is being replicated and refinished. The imposing building can be credited to Carnegie."
Fairhaven Library, Bellingham
Some of the library's history, excerpted from: whatcom.kulshan.com/Washington/Whatcom_County/Bellingham/...
"In 1890 a small group of people began the Fairhaven Reading Room in the Mason Building so men could 'spend a evening somewhere besides a saloon.' A child who grew up in Fairhaven could climb 3 flights of stairs to get a book; so in 1904 a new library was built. Andrew Carnegie promised $12,500, and the construction was begun. (He also promised some funds to begin a northern library because it was so difficult to travel between the two.) The same year he gave an additional $3,500 so the building could be opened that year. It was originally built of red brick on a concrete foundation. (The original brick can be seen at the rear of the building.) In 1974 the interior was remodeled and much of the woodwork was lost. Due to the diligence of the current librarian and the Fairhaven Friends of the Library the woodwork is being replicated and refinished. The imposing building can be credited to Carnegie."