“Can you imagine a time before free libraries?” a woman whispered, clutching a well-worn paperback. “It seems impossible now.”
We’re standing before the Pullman Branch Library, a stately brick building that has borne witness to the changing tides of history. This library wasn’t always the free public institution it is today. It began its life in 1883 as a generous, yet conditional, gift from George Pullman, founder of the Pullman Palace Car Company and the town itself.
Pullman, a visionary in his own right, believed in the uplifting power of knowledge. He envisioned this library as a beacon of enlightenment for his workers. However, access wasn’t entirely free. Adults paid a $3.00 annual fee, a significant sum in those days, while children paid $1.00. This “membership fee,” as Pullman saw it, instilled a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Despite the fee, the Pullman Branch Library flourished. Mrs. Lucy D. Fake, the first librarian, curated a collection of 5,100 volumes, ranging from classic literature to scientific treatises. The library wasn’t just about books; it became a hub for the community. The Women’s Union held meetings here, while the Boys’ Provident Club and even a whist club found a home within these walls.
The library’s grand interior, with its peacock-colored frescoes and plush carpets, was a source of pride for Pullman and a testament to his vision for a refined company town. Interestingly, a separate entrance and plainly furnished reading room were provided for workers with “soiled hands and faces”, so they too could enjoy the library without sullying the main space.
After Pullman’s death in 1897, the company, and later his widow, Mrs. George M. Pullman, continued to support the library. It was Mrs. Pullman who, recognizing the growing movement towards free libraries, finally removed the subscription fee in 1908.
The Pullman Branch Library stands today as a symbol of enduring community spirit and the transformative power of knowledge for all. It’s a testament to the belief that everyone deserves access to the world of ideas, regardless of background or income. The next time you walk through these doors, remember the whispers of history echoing within these walls and the legacy of a community built on the foundation of learning.