The Davis Library under construction.
Almost as soon as it opened in 1933, the Alexander Library was not big enough to meet the demands of the city's many readers.
During the 1960s, it was thought that the advent of readily available television would result in a reduced demand for books. Not so. As a response to this, a report on extending the Alexander was presented to council, but deemed too costly to implement.
Support for an extension or relocation of the library was building and in June of 1974, the SM Davis Estate Trust awarded $150,000 to facilitate a new building, a considerable sum in those days. This was on the understanding that there was no financial burden on the city's ratepayers.
Preliminary drawings for a new build were presented in July 1977. Council approved the concept, and public donations were called for to the tune of $160,000.
A year later discussions still continued around whether the demand would be met by an extension to the existing building or by relocation. If it was to be a new building where would it go?
The vacant lot behind the Alexander, where the Queens Park school had stood, was the optimum site. It was close to the Alexander, but belonged to the Education Board and was by then zoned recreational. The Education Board still had an office on site. Then a proposal was put forward to clear the way. Council offered a suitable alternative site for the Education Board's needs. Thus, a land swap took place.
With two libraries in the offing, it was decided to split the function of each. The new library would be the lending library and the Alexander the reference library.
Meantime, the money came flowing in from businesses and individuals.
However, the sum required fell short and council agreed to cover the balance. This did not sit well with the major sponsor, the Davis Estate Trust. They reminded councillors that the original generous sum was made on the condition that ratepayers would not be burdened. This issue was finally resolved by the estate donating a further $50,000.
The contract for the build went to Titter Construction who were paid $284, 232 to complete the building within 12 months.
On October 5, 1979, the trustees of the Davis Estate, Gordon Swan and Frank Smith, turned the first turf. Building was under way, and from then on progress was steady. By April 1980 the steel framework was in place. A month later the distinctive roof ridge was visible. In August the library was named, against the major donor's wishes.
Come late September, in preparation for the opening of the Davis Library the Alex was closed for three days to allow for books to be transferred and the new library shelves to be stacked.
On October 5, exactly 12 months since work began, the Davis Library was opened. The trustees declared themselves well pleased with the result.
At the opening, it was predicted that an upsurge in library use would ensue. Today a quarter of a million people visit the library annually, checking out more than 450,000 items. Is it time for an extension to the 40-year-old Davis?