Per Columbus, Georgia 1828-1978 publ. Apr 1978 by Columbus Sesquicentennial, Inc., p. 87: "Since 1880, the Columbus Public Library Assoc. - supported by private contributions - had maintained a small collection of books. Its last librarian, Mrs. Nina Holstead, encouraged the action whereby the Carnegie Foundation gave $30,000 to establish a free library. The city agreed to contribute $3,000 each year to maintain and increase the library holdings. Facing Broadway (1400 block), the new library was built among the majestic oaks and the beautiful wildflowers on Mott's Green. This riverside, downtown location was convenient as Columbusites still lived in the area of the original city. Phenix City children (up to age 14) were allowed to use the library without charge. Miss Loretto Chappell remembers the exciting first day the new library opened. She first worked there as a volunteer in 1908, as a staff member for a short period in 1915, and then from 1937 until 1962. For at least two generations of children, she made the library a warm and intellectually exciti! ng place to visit. By 1950, the center of population shifted to the east, and Muscogee mills had expanded to the edge of the Carnegie building. A new library building was needed, but some people felt it should not be moved from downtown. The William C. Bradley Memorial Library, built on his former estate with some of its constructions cost donated by his family, flourished in the new location and expanded its facilities in 1977."