In honor of the man who as librarian from 1861 to 1897 devoted thirty-six years of enthusiastic service to his native city in the development of a great educational institution for the free use of all the people." Harris, the first two presidents of the City Library Association, was by vote of the directors May 10, 1892, named "This building erected in 1871 on land given by George Bliss with money contributed by Springfield citizens stimulated by the zeal of John L. A bronze tablet displayed at the entrance to the library commemorated the dedication with these words: The City Library Association had been formed only four years earlier, their book collection housed in a borrowed room at city hall beginning in 1857. In 1892, the edifice was renamed "The William Rice Building," after the librarian who had by then spent over three decades as Springfield's steward of letters, starting in 1861.
The Springfield Public Library on State Street was completed in 1871. Here are some old photographs of the area of State Street near the library and museums, scanned from the 1905 book, Springfield Present and Prospective, published by Pond & Campbell. A good source to check occasionally for upcoming local history happenings is the Springfield Museums' web site, specifically the "In the News." page.
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