The Seattle Public Library’s Douglass-Truth Branch, 2300 E. Yesler Way, is tentatively scheduled to close at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 17, so construction can begin on an exciting expansion project.
The date is tentative because the Library is currently advertising for general contractor bids, which are due to be opened March 31. The closure date will be finalized once the bids are received and reviewed.
The Library will add staff to nearby branches to help meet the need for library service during the closure. In addition, librarians will continue community outreach to children and young adults and will make school visits in the Central District area.
Branches near the Douglass-Truth Branch are: Columbia Branch, 4721 Rainier Ave. S., 206-386-1908; Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch, 1134 33rd Ave., 206-684-4705; Capitol Hill Branch, 425 Harvard Ave. E., 206-684-4715; and the Beacon Hill Branch, 2821 Beacon Ave. S., 206-684-4711. Patrons also may use the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., 206-386-4636.
Users may choose any other Library location as a pickup location for items placed on hold, interlibrary loan requests or purchase suggestions. Patrons may return library materials to any branch. If Douglass-Truth patrons don’t select an alternate branch, their holds will be sent to the Columbia Branch.
Sunday, April 17 is the last day to pick up an item on hold, or check out or return materials at the Douglass-Truth Branch. The book drop, however, will stay open until 5 p.m. Friday, April 29.
Schacht/Aslani Architects designed the addition to be spacious and light, while still relating to the original branch built in 1914 that was designated a landmark by Seattle’s Landmarks Preservation Board. The Library worked with the landmarks board throughout the design process to preserve the architectural character of the building.
The branch will grow from its original 8,008 square feet to 16,493 square feet. It will include a larger, updated collection of books and materials, more room and better accessibility for the African-American Collection, a new children’s area, more seating and computers, larger and more efficient staff work areas and upgraded electrical, mechanical and ventilation systems.
The branch also will include artwork by Auburn mixed-media artist Marita Dingus, who is creating sculpted pieces made from discarded materials for the expanded building. The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs manages the Library’s public art program.
The estimated construction cost for the project is $3,878,350. The overall project budget is $4,848,053, which includes the Library Board-approved addition in February 2003 of $1,304,053 to fund increases in the scope of construction and associated fees.
After the Douglass-Truth Branch closes, staff will prepare the books and other materials and the African-American Collection to be moved into storage. Construction work, which will begin after the building has been emptied, is expected to last about 15 months. The expanded branch is projected to open in the second half of 2006 after the furniture, equipment, books and materials are moved back into the building.
The expanded branch is part of the $196.4 million “Libraries for All” bond measure that Seattle voters passed in 1998. The bond money, which can be used only for construction of libraries, is funding new and improved branches, in addition to the new Central Library.
To date, the Library has completed the new Central Library and the Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill, Columbia, Delridge, Green Lake, Greenwood, High Point, NewHolly, North East, Rainier Beach, Wallingford and West Seattle branches. The renovated Fremont Branch opens Saturday, April 16, and many other branches are currently in the planning, design or construction phase.
The Seattle Public Library Foundation continues to raise funds from private sources to enhance the public bond commitment and keep pace with the demands of patrons for a high level of library service. Every dollar raised will ensure a level of excellence in the Library’s facilities, collections, and programs that would not be possible through its tax-based support alone.
For more information about “Libraries for All” or the Foundation, visit the Library’s Web site at www.spl.org.
(For more information, call Caroline Young Ullmann, assistant communications director, 206-615-1627.)
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Content modified: 22 March 2005
12/30/2005
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