Improved Lake City Branch to Reopen Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019
release date: November 16, 2018
The Lake City Branch, 12501 28th Ave. N.E., 206-684-7518, will reopen at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, after being closed for eight months for improvements.
The 53-year-old branch closed May 7, 2018, for improvements that support the changing ways that patrons are using libraries and make the branch a more enjoyable space to read, study and collaborate.
The changes were designed to make it easier for people to interact with one another, create flexible, open, welcoming spaces and improve access to technology.
“Our priority is to make sure our libraries meet the needs of the community,” said Chief Librarian Marcellus Turner. “This renovation will allow the branch to more effectively serve a growing, diverse community and support a wide variety of patron uses, services, and partnerships with local social and human service organizations.”
The renovation added about 1,600 square feet of public space to the branch by opening up the entrance and corridor and created flexible spaces for children, teens and adults. The public computers were moved to be closer to the service desk, and the addition of movable walls makes the meeting spaces in the branch more flexible. Patrons also will see more comfortable seating and more outlets to charge devices.
A public celebration with refreshments and entertainment is being planned for the afternoon of Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019.
Originally built in 1965, the Lake City Branch was expanded as part of the 1998 voter-approved "Libraries for All" bond measure that renewed and revitalized libraries across the city.
The expanded building, which opened in October 2005, served the community well and there is now a strong demand for collaborative space, basic computer instruction and staff help with technology in general. The branch also has the busiest Homework Help program in the system.
The changes are part of Turner's vision for the Library to "re-imagine" its spaces and find innovative, creative solutions to meet the public’s changing needs and interests.
The $3.2 million budget included funds from the 2012 voter-approved Library levy, the real estate excise tax, a Library gift fund, and a targeted fundraising campaign by The Seattle Public Library Foundation.
The Library gives everyone the opportunity to learn and excel and promised to protect the public’s investment in its buildings as part of the levy. The Lake City Branch improvements are part of the Library’s commitment to keeping its buildings well-maintained, clean and comfortable for patrons.
Patrons who picked up their holds at another branch during the closure should talk with a staff member if they need help to restore their holds pickup location to the Lake City Branch.