Description:
Willard Library, built 1905. From the Battle Creek Daily Moon, April 27, 1905, p. 1:
LIBRARY IS OPENED
Beautiful New Building
Turned Over to the
People Today.
HUNDREDS OF VISITORS
Reception Committee Greets
Large Number of Battle
Creek Residents.
Structure Is One of the
Handsomest in the State
of Michigan.
The beautiful new Wlllard library
was opened to the public this afternoon, the front doors swinging open at 1 o'clock for the reception of guests.
Although the opening continues until 10 O'clock this evening, hundreds of citizens have already swarmed into the magnificent structure up to the time the Moon goes to press.
The library, complete in its various details, was made more beautiful by the tasty distribution of ferns and potted plants, and the sight was a most pleasing one to the public that
has waited long for this event to occur. For five years Battle Creek waited for the will of the late Charles Willard to reach the point wherein the library could be constructed and for the past year the public has waited and watched for the completion of the fine building.
This afternoon found practically everything in place—tablets, memorial paintings and all. The books have been in place many days.
In the receiving line this afternoon stood Superintendent and Mrs. Coburn, of the public schools, members of the board of education, the representatives of the Willard estate, except Charles e. Thomas who is in California, and Architect Llewellyn, who put the appropriate of the honored Mr. Willard into its present tangible shape.
This evening from 7 to 10, the reception will continue and the people of Battle Creek will be wwelcomed into an institution that will be thoroughly their own in the future.
Tomorrow the active life of the library begins with the distribution of the new cards for book holders and by next week the Willard library will be a part of moving Battle Creek.