The Seattle Public Library

Libraries for All

Proposed
1998 Capital plan
for the
Seattle Public Library

Submitted March 13, 1998

Holly Park Library

Needs and Opportunities:

This small, 1,924-square-foot library occupies a converted residential unit built in 1943 as part of the Holly Park housing project for defense workers. The former garden community and adjacent properties are now being transformed into a mixed-income neighborhood. A new "Campus of Learners" is also being developed to house South Seattle Community College classes, Private Industry Council career resource and training programs, and youth tutoring activities. This campus and the new community will place greater demands on an already busy library.

Recommendations:

Relocate library in a new facility on Campus of Learners to provide:

  • Total program space of 4,000 square feet

  • Expanded seating and collection space

  • Upgraded technology services and equipment

  • Special youth focus area

  • Expanded service at 48 hours per week

  • Expanded book collection

Estimated capital costs: $750,000
This amount, together with a $250,000 Community Enterprise grant and $110,000 in Cumulative Reserve funds previously allocated to this project will complete the funding requirements.

Next Steps: The community is already involved in design discussions for a new and expanded Holly Park Library to open in 1999.

Holly Park at a Glance: Current address: 6748 35th Ave. S., 98118
Phone: 386-1905
Librarian: Bobbie Daniel
1997 circulation: 9,648 materials checked out
In-house activity: 11,414 uses of materials
Information services: 2,101 reference questions answered
Current facility: Built 1943; 1,924 square feet
Currently open 40 hours, 6 days per week

Service profile: Holly Park's "SPLASH" (Seattle Public Library's After School Happenings) program serves a large number of younger students with specialized reading and writing programs and homework assistance. The library also features a low- vocabulary collection to help adults improve their literacy levels, and many recent immigrants use Holly Park to learn English and prepare for citizenship.

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Last modified: 27 May 1998