The newly expanded Douglass-Truth Branch of The Seattle Public Library will reopen to the public with a festive community celebration beginning at noon Saturday, Oct. 14.
The 16,493-square-foot branch at 2300 E. Yesler Way is the 21st project completed under the 1998 "Libraries for All" voter-approved building program.
The architect was Schacht Aslani Architects. Construction Enterprises & Contractors Inc. was the contractor. Auburn mixed-media artist Marita Dingus created copper wire sculptures of cherubs and sea grass for the expanded branch. Artist Vivian Linder, who lives near the branch, created three-dimensional relief panels that depict her interpretation of Aztec, Mayan and Western African influences.
The dedication ceremony will begin at noon with City Librarian Deborah L. Jacobs, Mayor Greg Nickels, Library Board Trustee Michael Parham and former trustee Gordon McHenry Jr., City Councilmen David Della and Richard McIver, the Library book fairy “Lulu” and Cajun band Bande Pastiche.
The celebration will continue with performances by Washington Middle School Strings and the Garfield High School Jazz Trio. Local dancer-poet duo Vania C. Bynum and Melissa Noelle Green will perform a piece titled “Where Movement and Word Become One.” Seattle author and artist Sultan Mohamed will read from his children’s book, “The Story of Coffee.” Artists Dingus and Linder will be available to talk about their branch artwork and answer questions. Craft projects will be happening all afternoon in the children’s area. Starbucks Coffee Company will provide free coffee and snacks. The branch will remain open until 6 p.m.
The Douglass-Truth Branch opening celebration is made possible by premier sponsor Starbucks Coffee, signature sponsor Safeco Insurance and The Seattle Public Library Foundation.
About the building
The $6,784,252 expansion project increased the 8,008 -square-foot branch to
16,493 square feet. The expanded branch has an updated collection capacity of
66,700 books and materials. Approximately 9,000 new books, DVDs and music CDs
were added to the collection, including more than 1,000 new items to the African-American
Collection. The significant collection of African-American literature and history
now contains nearly 9,200 items.
The project also included a new meeting room, a spacious children's area, 36
computers for the public (up from 15), more efficient staff work areas and upgraded
electrical, mechanical and ventilation systems. The Library worked with the
Landmarks Preservation Board to preserve the architectural character of the
building.
Libraries for All
In 1998, Seattle voters approved a $196.4 million bond measure to fund improvements
to all 22 existing branches, build For more information about the building program
or branch opening, visit the Douglass-Truth Branch home page at www.spl.org,
or call (206) 386-4636.
(For more information, call Andra Addison, communications director, 206-386-4103.)
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Content modified: 3 October 2006
10/03/2006
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