The Seattle Public Library

Libraries for All

Proposed
1998 Capital plan
for the
Seattle Public Library

Submitted March 13, 1998

Southwest Library

Needs and Opportunities:

The growth and cultural diversification of the Southwest community has outstripped the service capacity of the existing 1961 library. This facility requires extensive modifications and expansion to meet current and projected community needs.

Recommendations:

Renovate and expand the existing building by 7,443 square feet to provide:

  • Total program space of 15,000 square feet

  • Expanded book collection

  • New seating and shelves

  • Reorganized and expanded program, service and work areas

  • New computer work stations and study areas

  • Multi-purpose meeting room with kitchenette

  • Upgraded technology services and equipment

  • More electrical, communications and computer connections

  • Better lighting

  • Modern mechanical system

  • Improved seismic safety

  • More accessible and safer parking

  • Expanded service at 60 hours per week

    Estimated capital costs: $4,356,000

    Next Steps: Assuming passage of the capital bonds, the community will be invited to participate in design and service development discussions for a renovated and expanded Southwest Library to be completed in 2004.

Southwest at a Glance:

Address: 9010 35th Ave. S.W., 98126
Phone: 684-7455
Librarian: Christy Tyson
1997 circulation: 186,564 materials checked out
In-house activity: 30,114 uses of materials
Information services: 28,729 reference questions answered
Current facility: Built 1961, renovated in 1986; 7,557 square feet
Currently open 51 hours, 6 days per week

Service profile: The Hispanic community and recent Asian and African immigrants make heavy use of Southwest's English- as-a-second-language collection. Its staff works closely with area schools as a designated homework center, and its computer learning lab and Internet classes are heavily used by children and families. Large audiences attend the library's annual summer reading club, poetry programs, and banned book presentations. Adults and seniors support two monthly book discussion groups. Southwest enjoys the support of many volunteers and an active Friends of the Southwest Library group.

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

Last modified: 24 March 1998