Ballard Branch Named Spaces
Read about the donors who generously donated to The Seattle Public Library Foundation to help build the Ballard Branch.
Helen G. Rosen Children's Reading Area
Helen G. Rosen and her husband William raised their seven children in Ballard and were active members of the Seattle community. As an avid borrower from the Ballard Branch for over 55 years, her love for books instilled the enjoyment of reading in her children and grandchildren. An omnipresent volunteer around Seattle, Mrs. Rosen was involved with the Red Cross during and after World War II, and raised money for the “new” Ballard Hospital; she also served on the board and helped run its gift shop and volunteer program. She enjoyed acting as an extra at the Seattle Repertory Theatre, tutoring students in reading, and generously contributing to a myriad of charities and causes. The children’s reading area is named in her memory by her children and their families, honoring all that she did for so many during her lifetime.
Ian McKenzie Black Reading Area
An anonymous gift honors Ian McKenzie Black with this named space.
Miriam Twitchell Alberg and Thomas A. Alberg Meeting Room
Miriam Twitchell Alberg and Thomas A. Alberg were longtime residents of Ballard, where they raised their five children. The family’s Swedish heritage was a touchstone. Mrs. Alberg was an enthusiastic reader of novels and her husband read widely in business, finance and scientific publications. Knowledge of the important and the obscure was pursued and honored. They passed onto their children a love of reading and learning. The Albergs encouraged civic involvement, and this meeting room is named in their honor by their son, Tom A. Alberg and his wife Judi Beck on behalf of the entire Alberg family.