Scranton Public Library - History of the Scranton Public Library

This legal document establishes a land swap wherein William Silkman acquired the property and building now known as Silkman House from his cousin A.B.Silkman.

This photograph is undated, but appears to be circa 1940. Note the soot on the building facade absent from earlier and later photographs. The following is stamped on the back: "If it's a photograph remember the name Baroff. Phone 4-5135. Scranton, PA"

Undated. Central High School is clearly reflected in the door glass.

Though undated, this photograph appears to date from just before the building's completion. Most of the windows in the main wing have not been installed, and there is no fencing or landscaping. Two blurry figures, one near the northwestern corner of the Stack Wing and one (bending) near the western stairs, appear to be people in motion, perhaps workers. The children are sitting on a stone. The last two letters, "H" and "T," can be discerned. If the children's legs are hiding the rest of the word "ALBRIGHT," this stone cannot be found in the completed building.

Seven page article that addresses the recent transfer of the Silkman House from the Silkman Family to the Scranton Public Library. Includeds photos.

"Pictured are Mrs. Jane Shaw, Children's Librarian, and Mrs. Fred Pfaff." Note that open windows indicate the lack of air conditioning. Air conditioning was installed in the early 1990's.

Photograph of early library staff members. This is believed to be the "first library staff" based on the caption of another photo taken on the same day. Left to right: Lulu James, Josephine Hawley, Anna Edwards, Emma A. Th (undereadable), Myra Millit, Jessie Keefer, Bess Handenberg, Cora Decker.

Original has matting added at a later date and appears to be laminated. Includes a label with the date, title, and names of the personnel in the photo. Left to right: Eileen Dickstein, Ann Wright, Marie Crispino.

This photo is undated, but is taken in the Albright Memorial Library at night. Elizabeth Short was the librarian at the Providence Branch (Silkman House) for many years.

Photograph of Reference Room looking west. Original has matting added late 20th Century. Photograph is undated, but the woman's hat style suggests 1920s.

The camera is looking southwest probably in the afternoon (judging from the sunlight in the windows).