Many patrons are seated on chairs arranged throughout the sunken reading area of the Popular Library located on the first floor. The three small flights of stairs that lead down into the sunken level can be seen in the photo. A tall magazine rack lines the south side of the room under the windows, while a smaller shelf containing circulating magazines and local periodicals lines the east side. Books are shelved along the outer east wall on the upper level. The hats of the men reading can be seen placed on tables, and several men have placed theirs under their chairs. Originally the Periodical Room, the Popular Library contained the library's popular titles and periodicals for easier patron access. The sunken area of the Popular Library was filled in during the 1996 renovation to bring it back up to first floor level. Transcribed from back of photo: 'Popular Library, Portland Public Library, Main Branch, Mar. 1960'.