Lake City Branch Temporarily Closes May 7, 2018, for Improvements
release date: April 26, 2018
The Lake City Branch, 12501 28th Ave. N.E., 206-684-7518, will temporarily close beginning Monday, May 7, 2018, for improvements to make the branch a more enjoyable space to read, study and collaborate. We expect the renovated branch will reopen by the end of the year.
Nearby branches include:
- Northgate Branch, 10548 Fifth Ave. N.E., 206-386-1980
- Northeast Branch, 6801 35th Ave. N.E., 206-684-7539
- Broadview Branch, 12755 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-684-7519
While the branch is closed, patrons may choose any other Library location as a pickup location for items placed on hold. If patrons haven’t selected an alternate branch by Friday, April 27, new and outstanding holds will be sent to the Northgate Branch.
The Library was unable to secure a workable location for a local temporary book drop so patrons should return materials to any other branch; the Northgate and Northeast branches are the closest to Lake City.
The Library plans to hold story times, Homework Help, book groups and summer programs at alternate locations during the closure. Please check the online Event Calendar or call 206-386-4636 for the up-to-date schedule.
The changes are part of Chief Librarian Marcellus Turner's vision for The Seattle Public Library. One of his five service priorities is "re-imagined spaces" – adapting and energizing Library spaces for new uses in keeping with changing services, programs, interests and needs of Library users and the changing ways that they use Library spaces.
Originally built in 1965, the Lake City Branch was expanded as part of the 1998 voter-approved "Libraries for All" bond measure that renewed and revitalized libraries across the city. The larger building opened in October 2005.
While the expanded building served the community well, there is now a strong demand for collaborative space, basic computer instruction and staff help with technology in general. The branch also has the busiest Homework Help program in the system.
Improvements include adding about 1,600 square feet of public space by opening up the entrance and corridor, creating flexible spaces for children, teens and adults, adding comfortable seating and more outlets to charge devices, moving the public computers closer to the service desk, adding movable walls to increase the flexibility of meeting space, and consolidating the public service desks.
“Our priority is to make sure our libraries meet the needs of the community,” Turner said. “This renovation will allow the branch to more effectively serve a growing, diverse community and support a wide variety of patron uses, services, and partnerships with local social and human service organizations.”
The improvements are designed to make it easier for people to interact with one another, create flexible, open, welcoming spaces and improve access to technology.
The $3.2 million budget includes funds from the 2012 voter-approved Library levy, the real estate excise tax, a Library gift fund, and a targeted fundraising campaign by The Seattle Public Library Foundation.
The Library is where the community comes together to share experiences, learn new skills, become entrepreneurs and successful students, take part in civic life and interact with one another. The Library promised to protect the public’s investment in its buildings as part of the levy. The branch improvements are part of the Library’s commitment to ensuring its buildings are well-maintained, clean and comfortable for patrons.