The Seattle Public Library will reveal the design of the renovation and expansion of the Magnolia Branch to the public from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14, at Catharine Blaine School, 2550 34th Ave. W.
Representatives from the library and designers from Snyder Hartung Kane Strauss Architects will discuss the design and answer questions.
The 5,904-square-foot Magnolia Branch, which opened in 1964, will be renovated and expanded by about 1,200 square feet. In 2001, Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board voted to designate the branch as a landmark building. The library will work with the landmarks board to preserve the architectural character of the library.
The renovation work includes replacing decayed structural wood and aging mechanical system components, upgrading technology services, equipment and ventilation, improving electrical, communication and computer connections, adding energy-efficient windows, improving the interior layout and updating the collection of books and materials.
The $2.8 million project includes a Library Board-approved addition of $340,000 for construction and architecture and engineering costs and $1,624,365 through the Opportunity Fund, a special fund created as part of the Libraries for All bond measure to be used for new or unanticipated neighborhood library capital needs.
The project is part of the $196.4 million Libraries for All bond measure that Seattle voters passed in 1998. The bond money, which can be used only for construction of libraries, is funding new and improved branches, in addition to the new Central Library.
To date, the library has completed the new Central Library and the Ballard, Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill, Columbia, Delridge, Fremont, Green Lake, Greenwood, High Point, International District/Chinatown, Lake City, NewHolly, North East, Northgate, Rainier Beach, Wallingford and West Seattle branches. The Montlake Branch opened Aug. 12. Many other branches are in the planning, design or construction phase.
The Seattle Public Library Foundation continues to raise funds from private sources to enhance the public bond commitment and keep pace with the demands of patrons for a high level of library service. Every dollar raised will ensure a level of excellence in the library's facilities, collections and programs that would not be possible through its tax-based support alone.
For more information, visit the Library's Web site at www.spl.org.[[In-content Ad]]
