In 1911, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated $70,000 to build two branch libraries in Seattle; one of them was in Queen Anne.
In 1912, Queen Anne residents discussed where to locate the branch. They chose the current site at Fourth Avenue West and West Garfield Street. Col. Alden Blethen, Queen Anne resident and owner of The Seattle Times, contributed $500 toward the site; the city paid the balance of $6,700. The two-level branch opened on New Year's Day in 1914.
Regular branch open hours resumed June 18. Hours were temporarily reduced May 29 for safety while a leaking skylight above the public computer area was replaced.
Regular open hours are:
Ongoing construction continued through October, which affected onsite parking and ADA access.
Several construction projects started in April to replace the skylight, rebuild the worn chimney, clean and repair the slate roof, and re-landscape areas affected by the construction.
All work was completed by the end of October.
The Carnegie-funded branch, which was designed by W. Marbury Somervell and Harlan Thomas, opened in 1914. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The renovated branch now has: