The Seattle Public Library

Libraries for All

Proposed
1998 Capital plan
for the
Seattle Public Library

Submitted March 13, 1998

Ballard Library

Needs and Opportunities:

Since opening in 1963, the Ballard Library has become one of the system's busiest branches, and it has seriously outgrown its 7,296-square-foot floor area. The present building lacks a meeting room, poses barriers to the disabled, is noisy and poorly ventilated, cannot accommodate adequate computer equipment, and does not meet current seismic standards. The Library has spent $61,245 on improvements to Ballard since 1986, but these expenditures cannot overcome the simple fact that too many patrons and staff are crowded into too few square feet of space.

Recommendations:

Replace existing library with a new building to provide:

  • Total program space of 15,000 square feet

  • Added book and seating capacity

  • Expanded adult reading and reference areas

  • Enlarged areas for children, young adults, tutoring, and homework programs

  • Added computer and instructional space

  • A multi-purpose meeting room

  • More parking

  • Possible co-location of a community service agency

  • Expanded book collection

Estimated capital cost: $6,523,000

Next Steps: Assuming approval of capital bonds, the community will be invited to participate in key siting, service development, and design discussions for a new Ballard Library to open in 2001.

Ballard at a Glance:

Current address: 5711 24th Ave. N.W., 98107
Phone: 684-4089
Librarian: Sibyl de Haan
1997 circulation: 411,148 materials checked out
In-house activity: 110,767 uses of materials
Information services:113,531 reference questions answered
Current facility: Built 1963; 7,296 square feet
Currently open 64 hours, 7 days per week

Service profile: Ballard houses an extensive maritime collection for use by professional and recreational sailors; a major Native American collection; and a Ballard history file assembled and maintained by volunteers. It hosts popular programs for preschoolers and for adult book clubs.

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Last modified: 24 March 1998