Many changes are taking place at Seattle libraries, and that includes branches in North Seattle, with about half of the facilities in the area under construction and many future projects planned.
The improvements and replacements are being undertaken because of a bond measure totaling $196.4 million that Seattle voters passed in 1998.
This year, the affected libraries include the Fremont, Greenwood, Lake City and North East branches.
Fremont
The Fremont branch, at 731 N. 35th St., is closing for renovation on Saturday, May 22.
Plans include improving the lobby and circulation desk area, converting a storage area and increasing the library by almost 800 square feet.
Also, Seattle Parks and Recreation staff plan to create a green area next to the facility in conjunction with the library remodel.
The library, which is scheduled to reopen sometime next year, will have better wheelchair access with the creation of a ramp between the park and the lower level of the library.
In addition to building improvements, the library's collection will be updated and computers will be added.
North East
Last June, another library, the North East branch, at 6801 35th Ave. N.E., closed for reconstruction. The branch - the most highly used library in the city after the downtown branch, according to library officials - will be more than double the former structure's size when finished. It will have 34 computers, more than 66,000 books, a meeting room and more parking spots.
According to project manager Frank Coulter, the North East branch will open at noon on June 26.
Greenwood
The Greenwood branch is being torn down and replaced. The construction, which began late last year, will result in a library twice the size.
Some of the unique features of the new building including extensive windows that will provide a mountain view and art, including works by Portland artist Fernanda D'Agostino. The library, at 8016 Greenwood Ave. N., should reopen in 2005.
Lake City
The Lake City branch, which is slated to be ready for patrons by next year, will expand by almost 6,000 square feet. The facility will be part of a new city-service area, which will include a parking garage, a neighborhood service center and a park area.
Like the other branches, the collection of books will be updated and more computers will be installed.
Finally, there is a $33,000 art budget for selected artists Linda Haworth and Jane Grafton. Also, the land-mark's building courtyard and gates, which the artist George Tsutakawa designed, will remain unchanged.
Green Lake
One of the recently remodeled libraries that is now open is the Green Lake Library. The improved library has a new circulation desk, reference desk and a redesigned entryway.
The building's electrical and mechanical systems have been updated. Also, the large exterior windows were fixed so that they can open, increasing air circulation.
According to Green Lake library staff member Mark Pond, the lighting also has been dramatically improved. The building previously had only pendulum lights, he said, and now, with new recessed lighting, it's possible to read in the library even when it's dark outside.
Other branches available
Library patrons also can go to the Wallingford (1501 N. 45th St.) and temporary Northgate (10548 Fifth Ave. N.E.) branches. These facilities have additional staff to meet the increased demand due to the numerous library closures.
Future projects are planned for creating a branch at Sand Point and one on the current temporary library site at Northgate.
For more information on the construction projects, log on to www. spl.org, or call the Seattle Public Library, at 386-4624.
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