There is no common centre of gravity to bring them into healthful action; they are like coals lying asunder which give no heat.

... We want an institution which shall bring them in contact, and give them the benefit of mutual light and heat, and action.

[8] By 1856, the Athenaeum had "160 proprietors and ... a library, in the hall second story of the Canal Bank building [on Middle Street], of 8,500 volumes.

[10] In 1861, the Athenaeum erected a brick building on a lot previously purchased in Plum street.

[16] The main library moved to Monument Square in 1979,[16] into a new construction which replaced the three-story Clapp Block.