“My” Library is Back!

 

12/2/24 Green Lake Branch Library

Seattle Public Library’s Green Lake Branch had been closed for nearly two years for major renovations. Although I didn’t mind the longer walk to the Northgate Branch, I still missed “my” library (it’s a lovely Carnegie building that I’ve sketched many times). After some delays, it finally reopened in October, but I missed the grand reopening event. A book on my hold list became available this week, so I used that as an opportunity to see the “new” library.

The biggest improvements are invisible, such as the seismic retrofit and installation of an electric HVAC system that includes air conditioning. I was happy and relieved to see that historic features and original architectural components were preserved.

In fact, they did such a good job of retaining the original building that it was hard to find something to sketch. However, I noticed right away that the main desk where the librarians work had been moved from the entryway to a more central part of the floor. Noting the new tables and chairs in the main reading room, I stood facing the new desk and modern light fixture above it.