The newly renovated Queen Anne Branch of The Seattle Public Library will reopen to the public with a festive community celebration beginning at noon Saturday, Aug. 25.
The 7,931-square-foot branch at 400 W. Garfield St. is the 23rd project completed under the 1998 "Libraries for All" voter-approved building program.
The architect was Hoshide Williams Architects. Biwell Construction Inc. was the contractor. Dennis Evans designed artwork for the building. Evans, a Seattle-based artist, created two painted, mixed-media works for the branch that are part of a series of artwork for five of the Library's Carnegie branches. All of the pieces reflect classical liberal arts themes.
The dedication ceremony will begin at noon with City Librarian Deborah L. Jacobs, Mayor Greg Nickels, Library Board Trustee Gilbert W. Anderson, City Councilman David Della, the Library book fairy "Lulu" and Cajun band Folichon.
West Garfield Street between Fourth Avenue West and Fifth Avenue West will be closed between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to give the neighborhood room to celebrate.
The rest of the schedule is as follows:
A children’s craft project will be happening all afternoon in the lower-level meeting room. Starbucks Coffee Company will provide free coffee and snacks. Artist Evans will be available inside the branch to talk about his artwork and answer questions. The branch will remain open until 6 p.m.
The Queen Anne 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 $853,523 renovation project included new seating, improved ventilation, upgraded technology services and equipment, more electrical, communication and computer connections, more efficient circulation desk and work areas, better acoustics in the meeting room and an updated book collection.
The Carnegie-funded branch, which was designed by W. Marbury Somervell and Harlan Thomas, opened in 1914 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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. For more information about the building program or branch opening, visit the Queen Anne Branch home page at www.spl.org, or call (206) 386-4636.
Spot Lulu in Queen Anne on Aug. 23 (EXCELLENT VIDEO/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY)
She's 8 feet tall, has green skin and sports a colorful sequined tutu. Who is this flamboyant character? It's Lulu, The Seattle Public Library book fairy. "She was created so when residents spotted her, they would know their neighborhood library was about to reopen," said Karen O'Connor, who is helping plan festivities for the reopening.
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SHE’S A SPECTACLE This is Lulu. She’s a hip and modern Library fairy. She’s the life of the party and the Mistress of Ceremonies. She’s a Library user too. When you spot her on the street, you know your favorite branch library is back in business. Back in the business of feeding your curiosity for books, your hunger for words, and all for free. Because words ARE free, books ARE food — it’s Free Food at your branch of The Seattle Public Library! |
LULU’S SCHEDULE Thursday, Aug. 23 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Lulu will stroll down Queen Ann Boulevard and greet the community. 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Lulu will visit the Queen Anne Farmers Market at McClure Middle School, 1915 First Ave. W. |
(For more information, call Andra Addison, communications director, 206-386-4103.)
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Content modified: 31 July 2007
07/31/2007
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