The Seattle Public Library’s (SPL) historically landmarked Green Lake Branch will reopen on Monday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m., after the completion of a 20-month renovation project funded by the 2019 Library Levy.
SPL spokesperson Elisa Murray says opening be will “a celebratory event that shows off the improvements to the branch, including a climate-friendly HVAC system (and air conditioning for the first time), seismic retrofit, accessibility improvements and more, while preserving historic features, original architectural components and important cultural legacy of the branch in alignment with its historic landmark status.”
Renovations also include a new elevator and exterior ramp to increase accessibility and new and improved restrooms, meeting rooms and other interior changes to provide more usable space for library users.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome our community back inside,” Tom Fay, Chief Librarian of The Seattle Public Library, said in an announcement of the reopening.
Join the celebration
The reopening celebration is open to all and will run from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday. It will start with an official ribbon-cutting on the steps of the branch, followed by refreshments and coffee, special programming, live music, a pop-up book sale, and guided branch tours with the project architect.
Registration is not required. For more information about this event, please visit the SPL Event Calendar.
A historic library
The Green Lake Branch first opened in 1910. It is one of the Library’s Carnegie buildings and a protected historic landmark. Renovation was guided by Seattle’s Landmarks Preservation Board with close attention paid the building’s historic features, original architectural components. Some original structural elements of the branch were uncovered during construction and have been retained and highlighted in public areas. The branch has been closed since February 2023.
This project was funded by the 2019 Library Levy, which will help fund two projects of similar scope at the University and Columbia branches. Both projects include a seismic retrofit and installation of an electric HVAC system to provide air conditioning and improved ventilation.
Next up: University and Columbia branches
Like the Green Lake Branch, when work is complete at the University and Columbia branches, they will be able to function as cooling centers during summer heat waves, as well as clean air centers during periods of poor air due to wildfire smoke. Library officials say such improvements help increase neighborhood resilience to the harmful impacts of climate change.
As announced in August 2024, a FEMA hazard mitigation grant award of $5.5. million is funding the HVAC installations at the University and Columbia branches, as well as the Fremont, Queen Anne and West Seattle branches. When work is complete at the five Carnegie buildings over the next three years, all Library locations will have air conditioning.
The University Branch will close for renovations in early 2025 and is projected to reopen in late 2026. The timeline for renovations to the Columbia Branch is still being determined.
All services go at Green Lake
Beginning on reopening day, patrons will be allowed to choose Green Lake Branch as their preferred holds location, check out and return materials, use the book return and reserve its meeting rooms. Green Lake Branch weekly schedule will be as follows:
| Green Lake Branch Schedule
Mon 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tue Noon to 8 p.m. Wed Noon to 8 p.m. Thu 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fri Closed Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
Find current schedules for all SPL locations on the online Hours and Locations Page.
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