South Park Branch Highlights
The South Park Branch welcomes you to the neighborhood with a warm cedar and stucco exterior.
A plaza provides an outdoor gathering place for the community. Neighborhood celebrations pop up at the South Park Branch during the summer months.
History
Serving the South Park community since 1911
South Park residents began asking for a branch library in 1908. In July 1911, the Library opened a book deposit station at the South Park Pharmacy. These stations acted as satellite branches with smaller collections and shorter hours. They served the city during times of recession or immigration booms. The pharmacy received one cent for each deposited book.
The station moved and reopened several times until 1947, when the bookmobile replaced its service. From 1947 to 2006, the bookmobile served seniors, childcare centers, community centers, and people who were housebound.
But residents still wanted their own library branch. In 2000, neighborhood residents formed a South Park Library Steering Committee and advocated for a permanent location. By Sept. 9, 2006, the South Park Branch opened, funded by the voter-approved 1998 Libraries for All bond measure.
In 2019, improvements were made to the branch. These updates were funded by the 2012 Library levy, the Real Estate Excise Tax, and The Seattle Public Library Foundation. Workers painted the interior and installed new carpets. Additions included more electrical outlets, mobile shelving, and new furniture.
Architecture
A pattern in the concrete path that winds through the plaza imitates the original path of the Duwamish River. The branch’s sign doubles as a fountain, with water cascading down the concrete monument.
Inside the branch, the 90,000 holes in the wood ceiling are both decorative and help absorb noise.
In 2016 the Duwamish River Community Coalition (formerly known as the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition) received a grant to combat air pollution. The grant also installed walls covered in living plants, known as green walls, throughout the Duwamish Valley. The South Park community selected the South Park Branch as a green wall site.
Local youth installed green walls on the South Park Branch’s plaza in 2017. The Hazard Factory, a local welding shop, helped young adults build the walls.
Architects: Johnston Architects, 2006.
Art
Our South Park Branch study room features a community mural created by teen patrons and local artist Angelina Villalobos. Also outside, Seattle artist Franklin Joyce created projection art called "South Park Lights."
Named Spaces
Spaces named for donors include:
- Guiseppe and Assunta Desimone Reading Area
- Satterberg Foundation Children's Area