High Point Branch History
The High Point Library opened on Nov. 3, 1942, in a 14-foot by 16-foot cloakroom of the High Point Housing Project. The library was originally intended for project residents only, many of whom were federal defense workers. The library began to welcome nearby residents in 1944.
In April 1961, the library moved to a larger space in a duplex provided by the Seattle Housing Authority. The second floor was sealed off, and the first floor was renovated to house the library. In the mid-1970s, the library expanded to 1,200 square feet.
High Point Branch 2004 replacement
The original branch was a 1,200 square feet and needed to be replaced with a bigger building so we could better serve the community’s needs.
The new branch now has:
- expanded collection capacity of 27,700 books and materials
- more seating
- program areas for children and teens
- homework areas
- more computers
- a meeting room
- parking
Quick facts
- Project type: Replace existing branch
- Completion date: 2004
- Budget for capital costs: $2.7 million
- Total library program area: 7,200 square feet (formerly 1,200 square feet)
- Computers: 17 (formerly 5)
- Artist: Steven Gardner
- Art budget: $28,918
- Library Board steward: Gilbert W. Anderson
- Architect: Miller Hayashi Architects (formerly Selkirk Miller Hayashi Architects)
- Contractor: Cope Construction Co.
Milestones
- June 2004: The new High Point Branch of The Seattle Public Library opened at noon Saturday, June 19.
- May 2003: Construction began on the new branch.
- April 5, 2003: The former High Point Branch, 6338 32nd Ave. S.W., closed for good.
- September 2002: Residents attended a meeting to see the design of the new branch.
- July 2002: The Seattle Design Commission approved design development plans for the new branch.
- April 2002: The Seattle Design Commission approved schematic design plans for the new branch.
- October 2001: The Seattle Public Library board of trustees decided to build the new branch on the southeast corner of 35th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Raymond Street. The decision replaced an agreement the Library made with the Seattle Housing Authority, which also owns the new site.
- July 2001: The Library signed a letter of intent with the Seattle Housing Authority to buy land at the southeast corner of Southwest Lanham Way and 35th Avenue Southwest for the new branch.
- September 2000: The Library explored other sites after difficult property negotiations stalled progress on the preferred site for the new branch.
- August 2000: The Library Board selected Seattle artist Steven Gardner to design ceramic relief artwork for the new branch.
- June 2000: Residents attended a presentation on the design of the new building.
- May 2000: Residents attended a pre-design "hopes and dreams" meeting to share their ideas on design, services and programs, collections and artwork.
- March 2000: The Library Board selected a parcel at the southeast corner of 35th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Graham Street for the new branch. Earlier in the month, residents attended a community meeting to talk about where to build the new branch.
- October 1999: The Library Board selected Selkirk Miller Hayashi Architects to design the new branch.
High Point Branch 2016 Improvements
After 12 years of use, the interior was improved to support the changing ways that you are using libraries. We’ve heard that you want quiet study spaces, areas where you can use electronic devices and work with others, and spaces where you can sit with your kids to read or use technology.
We closed the High Point Branch in late 2016. It closed Dec. 5, 2016 and reopened Jan. 9, 2017. Patrons celebrated the improvements at a public reception Jan. 29, 2017.
The changes made it easier for you to interact with each other. We created flexible, open spaces and improved access to technology.
Improvements included:
- self-checkout in the holds area
- a laptop bar in the teen area
- more seating and space for small groups in kids area
- more power outlets in seating areas and at tables
- more seats
- technology and sound enhancements in the meeting room
- new carpet
We promised to protect the public's investment in its buildings as part of the 2012 voter-approved Library levy. The High Point Branch improvements are part of our commitment to keeping Library buildings well-maintained, clean and comfortable for you.
Budget:
- Approximately $542,000
- Sources of funds
- 2012 Library levy
- Real Estate Excise Tax
- The Seattle Public Library Foundation
Key dates:
- Nov. 7, 2016: Open house to describe improvements
- Nov. 25, 2016: Holds pick-up location changes to Southwest Branch unless patrons have selected a different branch
- Dec. 4, 2016: Last day to check out or return materials at the High Point Branch
- Dec. 5, 2016: High Point Branch closed
- Dec. 9, 2016: Delridge Branch opens from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays while the High Point Branch is closed
- Jan. 9, 2017: 1 p.m. Refurbished High Point branch reopens
- Jan. 29, 2017: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Reopening celebration with refreshments