| 1894 |
 |
 March 12: First Central Library opens in City Hall |
|
|
December 31: Mayor Stuart signs two ordinances consolidating the Philadelphia
Public Library into the Free Library and establishing the Free Library's
Board of Trustees |
| 1895 |
|
 February 11: The Central Library moves to 1217-1221 Chestnut
Street |
|
|
June 7: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania authorizes Philadelphia to levy taxes
and make appropriations for the establishment and maintenance of public
libraries |
|
|
 November 11: Mayor Charles F. Warwick signs ordinance for the maintenance and
enlargement of the Free Library of Philadelphia |
| 1896 |
|
July 16: Mayor Charles F. Warwick authorizes a first referendum on borrowing $1
million for a central library site and building; it fails |
| 1897 |
|
May 14: The Free Library's Board of Trustees forms committee to select a
suitable site for a central library building |
|
|
September 27: Mayor Charles F. Warwick authorizes a second referendum on a loan that includes $1 million for a central library site and building; it succeeds |
