The new public library is practically completed and will be ready for occupancy the latter part of the month. The building was constructed at a cost of $10,000, the money being secured under the Carnegie library plan. It is heated by city heat, lighted by electricity, and is modern in every way. Prof. W.H. Powers perhaps deserves the major share of the credit for providing Brookings with this very useful and handsome institution, and the contractor, J.H. Roberts, is to be congratulated on the full value that he has given the committee for the money expended.

The library has a splendid location, standing as it does in the midst of many of our public buildings. It is located at the corner of Williams and Sixth Street, two blocks from Main Street, and it faces the school houses and is opposite the new courthouse.

It is constructed of red pressed brick and just below the eves are panels of oak with centers of pebble dash, and the underside of the eves is also pebble dash. 

With the red tile roof and large narrow-paned windows, it presents a unique and handsome appearance. It is one story and a full basement, the basement having full windows above ground.

The building faces to the north, and the entrance is toward the east side. The entrance leads into a lobby, from where stairs ascend to the main floor and descend to the basement. The lobby is finished in brown with walls of paneled oak.

At the head of the stairs leading to the main floor is a short lobby, and directly facing this is the delivery counter, where books will be checked out and in. The main reading room is on the west and is 33 square feet. It will be divided into two rooms by book cases, south half for the children’s reading room and the north part for the public reading room. 

This room will be furnished with reading tables, chairs, magazines and newspaper racks, with book cases around the walls. In the southeast corner of the floor is the librarian’s office, 14 x 12, and north of this is the reference room, 14 x 22. The rooms on this floor are divided only by archways and will be partitioned off by cases. The woodwork on this floor is light fumed oak, the ceilings are tinted a light cream and the walls are of maple green. 

Particular attention has been paid to the light, the windows being numerous and large. The semi-direct electric lighting system is used. This floor will be carpeted. In the basement is a lecture room, 33 square feet, a ladies’ toilet and store room, and unpacking room. The woodwork on this floor is trimmed fir.

The committee in charge is congratulated on this accomplishment of its trust. and we heartily wish the Brookings Public Library a sincere God speed. We will do all in our power to help it grow.