The newly renovated and expanded Magnolia Branch of The Seattle Public Library will reopen to the public with a festive community celebration beginning at noon Saturday, July 12.
The 7,799-square-foot-branch at 2801 34th Ave. W. is the last of the 27 projects completed under the 1998 “Libraries for All” voter-approved building program.
The architect was Snyder Hartung Kane Strauss Architects. Graham Contracting Ltd. was the contractor. Bainbridge Island artist Kristin Tollefson designed a pair of site-specific sculptures for the building, a branch suspended from the meeting room above the south window and a basket outside the south window.
The dedication ceremony will begin at noon with city librarian Deborah L. Jacobs (Jacobs recently announced she has accepted a job at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), Mayor Greg Nickels, Library Board Vice President Michael Parham, City Councilman Nick Licata, the Library book fairy “Lulu” and the Cajun band La Band Pastiche.
As part of the opening day celebration, Starbucks Coffee Company will provide free coffee and snacks. The branch will remain open until 6 p.m.
The Magnolia Branch reopening celebration is made possible by premier sponsor Starbucks Coffee Company, signature sponsor Safeco Insurance and The Seattle Public Library Foundation.
About the building
The $4,419,645 project included a new meeting room, upgraded technology services and equipment, better electrical, communication and computer connections, more efficient circulation desk and work areas, improved ventilation, energy-efficient windows and an updated book collection.
The branch was designed by architect Paul Hayden Kirk and won national recognition when it opened in 1964. Seattle’s Landmark Preservation Board has designated it as a landmark building.
Libraries for All
In 1998, Seattle voters approved a $196.4 million bond measure to fund improvements to all 22 existing branches, build new branches in underserved areas and construct a new Central Library. The reopening of the Magnolia Branch marks the end of the LFA program. For more information about the building program or branch opening, visit the Magnolia 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: 20 June 2008
06/20/2008
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