The Seattle Public Library

Libraries for All

Proposed
1998 Capital plan
for the
Seattle Public Library

Submitted March 13, 1998

Greenwood Library

Needs and Opportunities:

Available space and materials in this small library are woefully inadequate to meet the needs of its growing patronage. The Literacy Action Center, housed in Greenwood's basement, is also cramped. The entire building suffers major system problems and poses a high seismic risk despite repairs made since 1985 at a cost of $158,428.

Recommendations:

Replace existing library with a new building to provide:

  • Total program space of 15,000 square feet

  • Additional seating and collection space

  • Large children's, young adult and homework program areas

  • Upgraded computer work stations and instructional spaces

  • Expanded book collection

  • Multi-purpose meeting room

  • Adult reference and reading areas

  • Modern electrical, mechanical, and ventilation systems

  • Additional and fully accessible parking

  • Possible co-location with a community service agency

  • Expanded service at 60 hours per week

Estimated capital costs: $6,475,000

Next Steps: Assuming approval of capital bonds, the community will be invited to participate in key siting, service development, and design discussions for a replacement Greenwood Library to open in 2002.

Greenwood at a Glance:

Address: 8016 Greenwood Ave. N., 98103
Phone: 684- 4086
Librarian: Mary Ross
1997 circulation: 202,404 materials checked out
In-house activity: 10,377 uses of materials
Information services: 18,932 reference questions answered
Current facility: Built 1954, repairs since 1985; 7,094 square feet
Currently open 48 hours, 6 days per week

Service profile: In addition to a general collection heavily used by children, young adults, and adult readers, Greenwood offers special materials to aid job seekers, immigrants, and English-as-a-second- language students served by the Literacy Action Center housed in its basement. The library's Internet connections and meeting room are also busy most of the time. Greenwood enjoys the support of an active neighborhood branch of Friends of the Public Library, and it displays local creations during the annual Greenwood Art Walk.

Return to the Neighborhood Libraries Directory page
Return to the Capital Plan Contents page

Last modified: 24 March 1998