The Seattle Public Library

Libraries for All

Proposed
1998 Capital plan
for the
Seattle Public Library

Submitted March 13, 1998

New Neighborhood Libraries

Delridge

Needs and Opportunities:

The Seattle Public Library opened a small collection, computer terminal and self-service unit in the Southwest Youth and Family Services Center in 1996. This pilot project's high use quickly demon- strated that Delridge needed much more. Further, West Seattle is generally underserved compared to other areas, and its topography complicates com- munity-wide access to the area's three existing libraries.

Recommendation:

Construct a new Delridge Library to provide:

  • Total program area of 5,000 square feet

  • Seating for up to 50 patrons

  • Capacity for a collection of 15,000 books

  • Modern technology services and equipment

  • Special areas for both children and adults

  • A multi-purpose meeting room

  • Computer work stations and instruction areas

Estimated capital costs: $2,982,000

Next Steps: Assuming passage of the capital bonds, the community wll be invited to participate in key siting, service development and design discussions for a new Delridge Library to open in 2004.

International District:

Needs and Opportunities:

Residents of this vibrant, multi-ethnic community make heavy use of other libraries and deserve a facility that can focus on their needs and those of Seattle's larger Asian-American community. Development of the International District Village Square offers an exciting opportunity to co-locate a new library in a complex shared by housing and social service programs. This facility should be a magnet for the region's 27,000 resi- dents who belong to 45 distinct Asian and Pacific Island ethnic groups.

Recommendation:

Co-locate a new International District Library within the International District Village Square Phase 2 development to provide:

  • Total program space of 4,000 square feet

  • Seating for up to 40 patrons

  • Capacity for a specialized collection of 12,000 books

  • Modern technology services and equipment

  • Access to a multi-purpose meeting room

  • Computer work stations and instruction areas

Estimated capital costs: $289,000

Next Steps: Assuming passage of the capital bonds, the community will be invited to participate in service and design discussions for a new International District Library to open in 2000.

Northgate:

Needs and Opportunities:

Northgate is one of Seattle's fastest growing communities. It has been designated as an urban center in the Comprehensive Plan and its population of 16,000 is projected to double by 2020. A new library would offer direct service to this area and benefit residents of the nearby Maple Leaf, Victory Heights, Haller Lake, and Pinehurst neighborhoods, and help to give the community a strong new civic focus.

Recommendation:

Construct a new Northgate Library to provide:

  • Total program area of 10,000 square feet

  • Seating for up to 100 patrons

  • Capacity for a collection of 30,000 books

  • Modern technology services and equipment

  • Special areas for both children and adults

  • A multi-purpose meeting room

  • Computer work stations and instruction areas

Estimated capital costs: $5,119,000 Next Steps: Assuming passage of the capital bonds, the community will be invited to participate in siting, service development, and design discussions for a new Northgate Library to open in 2004.

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

Last modified: 24 March 1998