Queen Anne Branch History
In 1911, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated $70,000 to build two branch libraries in Seattle; one of them was in Queen Anne.
In 1912, Queen Anne residents discussed where to locate the branch. They chose the current site at Fourth Avenue West and West Garfield Street. Col. Alden Blethen, Queen Anne resident and owner of The Seattle Times, contributed $500 toward the site; the city paid the balance of $6,700. The two-level branch opened on New Year's Day in 1914.
Queen Anne Branch 2018 Improvements
Regular branch open hours resumed June 18. Hours were temporarily reduced May 29 for safety while a leaking skylight above the public computer area was replaced.
Regular open hours are:
- 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
- Closed Friday
- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
- 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Ongoing construction continued through October, which affected onsite parking and ADA access.
Several construction projects started in April to replace the skylight, rebuild the worn chimney, clean and repair the slate roof, and re-landscape areas affected by the construction.
All work was completed by the end of October.
Queen Anne Branch 2007 Renovation
The Carnegie-funded branch, which was designed by W. Marbury Somervell and Harlan Thomas, opened in 1914. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The renovated branch now has:
- Updated book collection
- new seating
- improved ventilation
- upgraded technology services and equipment
- more electrical, communication and computer connections
- more efficient circulation desk and work areas
- better acoustics in the meeting room
Quick Facts
- Project type: Renovate existing branch
- Completion date: 2007
- Budget for capital costs: $909,000 (includes Opportunity Fund allocations)
- Total library program area: 7,931 square feet
- Computers: 20 (formerly 8)
- Artist: Dennis Evans
- Art budget: $14,950
- Library Board steward: Gilbert W. Anderson
- Architect: Hoshide Williams Architects
- Contractor: Biwell Construction Inc.
Milestones
- August 2007: The renovated Queen Anne Branch of The Seattle Public Library reopened at noon Saturday, Aug. 25.
- January 2007: Construction began on the renovation of the branch.
- December 2006: The branch closed Dec. 16 for renovation.
- April 2006: Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board issued the Certificate of Approval for the interior renovation of the branch.
- January 2006: Residents attended an open house to see the design of the interior renovation.
- March 2005: The Seattle Public Library board of trustees selected Hoshide Williams Architects to design the branch renovation. An advisory panel that included Queen Anne residents evaluated proposals and interviewed architect finalists.
- February 2005: Patrons met architect finalists at a public reception.
- June 2004: Eleven architects answered the Library's call for architects to design the interior renovations to the branch.
- April 2004: The Library Board selected artist Dennis Evans of Seattle to create artwork for the Fremont, Green Lake, Queen Anne, University, and West Seattle branches.
- December 2001: Seattle's landmarks board voted to designate the branch as a landmark building.
- September 2000: The Library Board voted to set aside $101,523 to reconfigure interior space in the branch.
- August 2000: The Library's Citizen Implementation Review Panel recommended that the Library Board reserve $100,000 of the $6 million Opportunity Fund to reconfigure interior space in the branch.
- April 2000: The Friends of the Queen Anne Branch proposed using a portion of the Opportunity Fund to reconfigure interior space in the branch.