“It’s beautiful!”
“I love it!”
“We were waiting and waiting and waiting, and we’re so happy to be back!”
At 10:00 a.m. yesterday, just after The Seattle Public Library Board President Dr. W. Tali Hairston cut the ribbon to officially reopen the Green Lake Branch, a small crowd of neighbors, City officials and Library leaders streamed into the 114-year-old, historically landmarked library.
They were eager to see the results of a lengthy seismic retrofit and renovation project that brought the branch into the future while preserving its beloved past.
Within minutes, the space was busy and joyful. Visitors spied neighbors and friends, waved to (and sometimes hugged) staff, oohed and aahed, and visited their favorite spaces to see what had changed.
Families and kids beelined to the new teen section and the remodeled children’s section, bright with new furniture and book selections.
Staff from a neighborhood home day care shepherded in a group of preschoolers, and were holding a story time in no time.
A patron named Laura praised how the renovations maintained the historic character of the branch. “I like that you can still see the wear on the front steps,” she said. Laura has been visiting the branch since 1975, and recently moved to a retirement community around the corner. “I’ve always wanted my library in walking distance.”
To the left of the door, the adult reading room drew patrons with cozy new chairs, more space for reading, original wooden tables, and the tall windows that the branch is known for.
Sharp eyes might have noticed another change: Some of the windows are now bordered by steel frames, part of the seismic retrofit that protects the branch from earthquakes.
BuildingWork principal architect Matt Aalfs explained that the frames were “shaped and sized to coordinate with the historic features so that they nest together,” an example of how the design brings the old and the new “in visual dialogue with each other.”
Other improvements to the main level include a new all-gender bathroom, a water bottle filling station, and two new study rooms. One study room used to be the librarian’s office, “back when one librarian managed the branch,” said regional manager Dawn Rutherford. The sign on the room tells the story.
Downstairs, the celebration continued in the significantly renovated lower level.
In the remodeled meeting room, The Friends of the Seattle Public Library gave away dozens of books and stickers, and shared information about their pop-up book sales. The Seattle Public Library Foundation gave away Library swag, candy and donuts that was much appreciated by the kids who came through. (The Foundation contributed advocacy and supplemental support to the branch renovations through funders like 4Culture.)
A new community gallery space featured a pop-up letterpress event by Press Power during reopening. “Books Are” posters soon colorfully decorated the gallery.
Next to the gallery, a new entryway and elevator – part of making the branch fully accessible – helped patrons using walkers, wheelchairs and strollers access the main floor. The floor also includes two all-gender restrooms.
One of the most important features of the renovation is the least visible: The branch now boasts a highly efficient electric HVAC system that will help it provide relief for the community on hot days.
According to Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment, it will also prevent 20 to 30 metric tons of carbon from entering the environment each year. So, you can be proud that your library – with your support — is also combatting climate change.
A library closure is a true hardship for the community, and we appreciate our Green Lake Branch neighbors’ support and patience during this lengthy project. Please let us know what you think!
MORE: Watch the Seattle Channel story about the Green Lake reopening.
Cool facts about the Green Lake renovation
- Levy supported: The Green Lake Branch renovation was funded by the 2019 Library Levy, which was overwhelmingly passed by voters in August of 2019. The levy will also help fund two projects of similar scope at the University and Columbia branches.
- Seismic Retrofit: A comprehensive structural upgrade significantly increased the safety of the building during an earthquake. It was designed with a higher-than-standard level of seismic resistance that will help protect the building help it serve the community in a disaster situation.
- Accessibility Improvements: The building is now fully accessible, including a new ramp from the sidewalk, a new ADA parking stall, new restrooms and a west side building entrance leading to a new elevator serving both floors.
- HVAC System Replacement: A new, highly efficient electric heat pump, provides heating and air conditioning throughout the branch.
- Interior Renovations: Renovations to the auditorium, three new study rooms, remodeled staff work areas, a new circulation/service desk, new lighting and new furniture will allow more efficient and flexible use of building space.
- Sustainability: The LEED-certified project was designed to meet the City of Seattle’s goals for environmentally responsible design.
- Air conditioning for all: The University Branch and the Columbia Branch will undergo similar renovations. The Fremont, Queen Anne and West Seattle branches will receive HVAC upgrades, funded by a recent $6-million-dollar FEMA grant. At that point, every Seattle library will have air conditioning.
Caption for top photo: The Green Lake Branch on reopening day. Photo by Anthony Martinez.
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