Fremont Branch Highlights
The current Fremont Branch was renovated and reopened April 16, 2005. The Library features a wheelchair ramp to the lower-level meeting room. The historic branch has since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and named a landmark building by Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board.
History
Serving Fremont since 1902
In 1902, the Library took over the Fremont Reading Room Association and provided service to the community in a rented space. Library service was upgraded to branch status in 1903, but residents were determined to find the library a permanent home.
To buy land for the Fremont branch, the local Business Men's Club and Fremont residents raised funds with rummage sales, dances, card parties and street fairs. Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated $35,000 to build the library, but budget issues and World War I delayed the project.
The two-level branch was opened July 27, 1921. The historic branch has since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and named a landmark building by Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board.
Architecture
Mission Revival-style Carnegie
The renovated Fremont Branch is the 14th project to open under the "Libraries for All" building program.
The renovations, which were designed by Hoshide Williams Architects and built by Biwell Construction Inc., respect the historic character of the branch while improving its efficiency.
Art
"The Seven Liberal Arts" by Dennis Evans
Artist Dennis Evans was commissioned to create two pieces of artwork each for five of Seattle's historic Carnegie-era libraries. Building on the ideas of learning, education, and history, Evans linked the libraries with paintings based on the seven liberal arts. Called the “Seven Liberal Arts Suite,” his work celebrates the seven branches of knowledge that initiate everyone into a life of learning. Each branch features one “reference painting” that is similarly composed at each location. The second art piece at each library is unique to that location and explores one of the seven liberal arts. The unique work featured at the Fremont Branch explores the art of Arithmetic and Music.