Temple of Justice Centennial

The State Library

When the Temple of Justice opened in 1913, the Law Library was a division of the State Library. The Law Library collection was housed in the Main Reading Room, and the rest of the State Library collection was "temporarily" located in five rooms in the basement, with rare/historical documents in a vault.

The State Library collection was too large to fit in its allotted space, and by the 1950's, books were often stacked floor to ceiling.

In 1958 the State Library moved to the Prichard Building, and is currently located in an office building at Point Plaza East in Tumwater. The library joined the Office of the Secretary of State in 2002.

In 1959, RCW 27.20 made the State Law Library a part of the judicial branch, under the control of the Supreme Court. (RCW 27.20.030)

More information on the history of the State Library can be found on their website and in the book Dynamics of Change, by former State Librarian Maryan E. Reynolds.


Sponsors The WA State Administrative Office of the Courts The WA State Courts The WA State Law Library The WA State Legislature The WA State Historical Society The WA Secretary of State	Acknowledgments The Temple of Justice Centennial Committee would like to acknowledge the efforts of the many people who have contributed to the Temple Centennial Celebrations. We appreciate the contributions of The WA State Digital Archives and The University of WA, Digital Collections.	About the Centennial Press Releases Contact