West Seattle Branch Highlights
The renovated West Seattle Branch opened April 3, 2004. At this Carnegie library, tall ceilings contribute to a sense of openness. Rich detailing and use of wood throughout the interior add to the warm, historic feel.
History
Serving the Admiral District since 1910
In 1908, Andrew Carnegie donated $105,000 for three branch libraries in Seattle; one of them was in West Seattle. That same year, the Niesz family and other West Seattle residents donated land for the branch at its current location, 42nd Avenue Southwest and Southwest College Street. The branch opened July 23, 1910. It was the first permanent library branch to open in Seattle.
In 1984, Seattle voters approved a bond issue, in part to improve the Library's seven historic Carnegie-era branches. The West Seattle Branch was closed for renovations between February and October 1987.
Architecture
An exceptional Carnegie Library design
The renovated West Seattle Branch is the seventh project completed under the 1998 voter-approved Libraries for All building program.
The renovation was designed by Snyder Hartung Kane Strauss Architects and built by W.G. Clark Construction Co.
Art
Rotating artwork by Dennis Evans
Seattle artist Dennis Evans created artwork for five of the Library's Carnegie branches. It is a series of painted, mixed-media works titled "The Seven Liberal Arts," which denote the seven branches of knowledge. All the pieces reflect classical liberal arts themes. Each branch has a permanent reference painting, and a painting designed to circulate among the other Carnegie branches. The unique work at the West Seattle Branch represents "Logic."
Named Spaces
Spaces named for donors include:
The Stim Bullitt Reading Area and Anne and Langdon Simons Children's Area.