The Seattle Public Library

Libraries for All

Proposed
1998 Capital plan
for the
Seattle Public Library

Submitted March 13, 1998

West Seattle Library

Needs and Opportunities:

One of Seattle's first three Carnegie-funded neighborhood libraries, West Seattle was designed by W. Marbury Somervell and Joseph Cote. It opened in 1910 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building has been renovated since 1986 at a cost of nearly $649,000, and a computer learning lab was recently installed. The demands of a growing patronage warrant improvement and expansion of the existing building, while respecting its historic character.

Recommendations:

Renovate the existing building and convert the basement to add 2,323 square feet of program space, and provide:

  • Total program space of 9,993 square feet

  • New multi-purpose meeting room with kitchenette

  • New seating

  • Upgraded technology services and equipment

  • More electrical, communications and computer connections

  • Enhanced collection

  • Better lighting and acoustics

  • More efficient lobby, circulation desk and work areas

  • Air conditioning

  • Energy-efficient windows throughout

  • More efficient book return

Estimated capital costs: $778,000

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 West Seattle Library to open in 2001.

West Seattle at a Glance:

Address: 2306 42nd Ave. S.W., 98116
Phone: 684- 7444
Librarian: Karen Spiel
1997 circulation: 237,327 materials checked out
In-house activity: 31,053 uses of materials
Information services: 39,277 reference questions answered
Current facility: Built in 1910, renovations since 1987; 7,670 square feet
Currently open 64 hours, 7 days per week

Service profile: West Seattle attracts a large patronage from both older adults and growing numbers of young children and their families. Young adults make heavy use of its new computer learning lab, and the library's small meeting room hosts many discussion groups, storytelling programs, and community meetings.

Return to the Neighborhood Libraries Directory page
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Last modified: 26 March 1998