The Seattle Public Library’s Green Lake Branch to Temporarily Close for Seismic Retrofit and Major Renovation on February 1
release date: January 9, 2023
The Seattle Public Library’s historically landmarked Green Lake Branch (7364 E. Green Lake Dr. N.) will temporarily close from Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, through early 2024 for major renovations. This project, funded by the 2019 Library Levy, will include the seismic retrofit of the branch, installation of an electric HVAC system (including air conditioning) and a number of interior and accessibility improvements. The branch book return and parking lot will also be closed for the duration of the project.
Patrons of the Green Lake Branch may continue selecting the branch as their holds and pickup location until Friday, Jan. 13, when it will be removed from the online catalog as a selection option. Any materials held for patrons at the Green Lake Branch that have not been picked up by Monday, Jan. 23, will be transferred to the holds area of the nearby Greenwood Branch.
Patrons may change their default pickup location for future holds any time through their MySPL account online or at any Library information desk. Nearby Library locations include:
- Greenwood Branch, 8016 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-684-4086
- Northeast Branch, 6801 35th Ave. N.E., 206-684-7539
- Northgate Branch, 10548 Fifth Ave. N.E., 206-386-1980
- University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-684-4063
- Wallingford Branch, 1501 N. 45th St., 206-684-4088
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND SCOPE
The Seattle Public Library’s 2019 Library Levy helps fund major maintenance work on our libraries to make them safer, more accessible, and better able to meet the evolving needs of the community. Among the major maintenance projects funded by the levy are seismic retrofits to our Green Lake, University and Columbia branches; three of our historic Carnegie libraries.
The Library is taking the opportunity provided by these seismic retrofit projects to make other significant improvements to each branch, like the installation of new HVAC systems that will allow them to serve as public shelters from extreme weather and wildfire smoke. The improvements and renovations at the Green Lake Branch include:
- Seismic Retrofit: The Green Lake Branch will receive a comprehensive structural upgrade that will significantly increase the safety of the building during an earthquake.
- Accessibility Improvements: The entire building will be made more accessible for patrons with a new ramp from the sidewalk, a new ADA parking stall, new restrooms and a new fully accessible, west side building entrance leading to a new elevator serving both floors.
- HVAC System Replacement: The current gas-fired boiler system will be replaced with a new, highly efficient electric heat pump. The system will provide heating and air conditioning throughout the branch, allowing it to remain open and provide shelter and relief for the community on hot days.
- Interior Renovations: Interior improvements include renovations to the auditorium, two new study rooms, remodeled staff work areas, a new circulation/service desk, new lighting and new furniture will allow more efficient and flexible use of building space.
- Sustainability: The LEED-certified project is designed to meet the City of Seattle’s goals for environmentally responsible design.
MORE INFORMATION
Check spl.org/hours for a complete list of hours and services at each branch. For up-to-date information on unexpected closures and schedule changes, the Library will update http://www.spl.org/Today.
Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information.