Beacon Hill Branch Highlights
On July 10, 2004, the current Beacon Hill Branch opened. The new library has a canopied stone entry plaza that offers protected seating and bicycle racks. The branch was refurbished in 2017.
History
Serving Beacon Hill since 1945
The first Beacon Hill Library opened Oct. 23, 1945. Members of the Beacon Hill Community Club, Beacon Hill Parent-Teachers Association and Jefferson Park Ladies' Improvement Club contributed time, money, materials and labor.
On Dec. 6, 1962, the library moved to a larger, rented space that was originally built in 1927 as a food store and later converted to a retail store. In 1968, fire destroyed a neighboring store, but heavy rain kept the library from burning. The Library bought the building and property in 1975.
Architecture
A community focal point
The new Beacon Hill Branch was the 11th project completed under the "Libraries for All" building program.
The building was designed by Carlson Architects and built by Steele Corp. The architects designed the sweeping roof forms, which allow natural light to flood the building, to provide a visual landmark and establish a focal point for the community. Wood and stone are used throughout the building to provide a harmony of natural warmth and enduring craft. Plaster and interior finishes were donated by Mark Ricketts of Medici Architectural Finishes LLC.
Art
Neighborhood writers shine
Eleven Beacon Hill-area writers and poets have haikus, prose or fiction throughout the branch and outside on quarry rocks. Also outside, a boat sculpture called "Dream Ship" moves with the wind.
Named Spaces
Friends of The Seattle Public Library Meeting Room
Since 1941, the Friends of the Seattle Public Library has been a grassroots volunteer organization that has supported the Library as an essential institution in society.