The Seattle Public Library's University Branch to close for renovations on January 29, 2025
release date: December 16, 2024
The Seattle Public Library’s historically landmarked University Branch (5009 Roosevelt Way N.E.) will temporarily close from Wednesday, January 29, until late 2026 for major renovations, including a seismic retrofit to make the building safer in the event of an earthquake.
When the branch reopens in late 2026, patrons will be able to enjoy several significant improvements, including installation of an electric HVAC system and air conditioning, new study rooms, a music room, remodeled restrooms, the installation of an elevator, new furniture, lighting, carpeting and more.
The University Branch’s new electric HVAC system will replace the gas furnace currently in use, reducing annual carbon emissions by approximately 20-30 metric tons. Recent HVAC installations at the Northeast and Southwest branches reduced emissions by over 50 metric tons in 2024, and the new HVAC system at the renovated Green Lake Branch is expected to reduce emissions by another 20-30 metric tons in 2025.
SERVICE IMPACTS
The last day the branch will be open before work begins will be Tuesday, January 28. Any University Branch holds that have not been picked up by the end of that day will be transferred to the holds area of the nearby Northgate Branch for pickup.
Patrons may continue selecting the University Branch as their holds pickup location until Friday, Jan. 17, when it will be removed as an option for new holds. Patrons may change their preferred holds pickup location anytime online through My Account or by visiting any Library information desk.
Existing University Branch room reservations scheduled for before Wednesday, January 29 will be unaffected by the closure, but new room reservations have been paused. The branch book return will be closed for the duration of the project, but patrons may return materials to any other Library location.
For access to Library programs and services during the closure of the University Branch, patrons are invited to visit one of our other 26 locations, including these nearby neighborhood branches:
- Green Lake Branch, 7364 E. Green Lake Dr. N., 206-684-7547
- Northeast Branch, 6801 35th Ave. N.E., 206-684-7539
- Northgate Branch, 10548 5th Ave. N.E., 206-386-1980
- Wallingford Branch, 1501 N. 45th St., 206-684-4088
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND SCOPE
Seattle voters overwhelming passed the 2019 Library Levy, which helps The Seattle Public Library fund major maintenance work on branches to make them safer, more accessible, and better able to meet the evolving needs of patrons and the community.
Among the major maintenance projects funded by the levy are seismic retrofits to the Green Lake, University, and Columbia branches – all historic Carnegie buildings. Renovations to the Green Lake Branch were completed in October 2024. University Branch renovations are expected to be complete in late 2026. Columbia Branch renovations are being designed now.
The University Branch is one of The Seattle Public Library’s oldest neighborhood branches and, along with the Green Lake and West Seattle branches, one of the Library’s three original Carnegie branches, all of which first opened in the summer of 1910. The University Branch was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 and designated a historic landmark in 2001. The cultural legacy and historic character of the University Branch will be protected and preserved at every stage of this project.
Planned renovations to the University Branch include:
- Seismic Retrofit: The University Branch will undergo a seismic retrofit to make the building safer during an earthquake.
- HVAC Installation: The gas-powered furnace will be replaced with a modern, electric HVAC system, providing air conditioning, and improved ventilation while reducing carbon emissions.
- Accessibility Improvements: Access to the branch will be improved with new accessible ramps and paths from perimeter sidewalks to branch entrances, new accessible entrances at the southwest corner and north side of the branch, new accessible parking spaces, new accessible restrooms, and the installation of a branch elevator.
- Interior Renovations: The branch interior will be reconfigured to add two new study rooms, a dedicated music room, a relocated and renovated meeting room, and additional public restrooms. New and improved lighting, shelving, carpets, and furniture will also be installed in the branch.
- Exterior Renovations: The branch exterior will be repaired and repainted. Historic design elements, including exterior windows and stucco, will be restored and weatherproofed. The existing clay tile roof will be retained with minor repairs.
- Sustainability: The renovated branch will meet the City of Seattle’s goals for environmentally responsible design and will be LEED Gold Certified. Along with other energy conservation improvements, the branch will be outfitted with solar panels on the roof and capacity for future EV charging stations in the parking lot.
This project is primarily funded through the 2019 Library Levy, and we are grateful for the support of Seattle voters. Additional funding for this project is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through Hazard Mitigation and Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant awards.
MORE INFORMATION
The Library believes that the power of knowledge improves people's lives. We promote literacy and a love of reading as we bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.
Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at www.spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information.