Fremont Branch Highlights
The Fremont Branch is a Mission Revival-style building. It is on The National Register of Historic Places. The architecture and large, arched windows attract readers and researchers alike.
The Fremont Branch is a short distance from the Fremont Troll statue. The proximity makes it a popular destination for visitors. Community groups frequent the meeting room and nearby park.
History
Serving the Fremont community since 1902
The Fremont Branch is a historic portal to Seattle’s library history. Library services were first offered in 1902. SPL rented the space from the Fremont Reading Room Association. The Fremont community rallied to find a permanent home for the library.
Fremont residents raised money to buy land through fundraisers. They partnered with the Business Men's Club to host events such as rummage sales and street fairs. Industrialist Andrew Carnegie donated $35,000 to build the library. Unfortunately, budget issues and World War I delayed the project.
The two-level branch opened July 27, 1921. In 1945, The Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) moved from the Central Library to the Fremont Branch. Residents could access WTBBL services in the basement of the branch. In 1954, WTBBL moved to the Susan J. Henry Branch (now Capitol Hill Branch).
In 2005, the Fremont Branch underwent renovation. The building’s energy efficiency and accessibility were updated. Simultaneously, Seattle Parks and Recreations developed a park next door. Ramps at both sites provide access to all users.
Architecture
The Fremont Branch was built in the Mission Revival style. It was Carnegie-funded and is on The National Register of Historic Places. Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board has named the Fremont Branch a landmark building.
Features of this style include gable and hip roofs, clay roof tiles and stucco cladding, ornamental metal and arched openings.
The 2005 renovation of the reading room preserved the original building’s attributes. It restored the heavy timber trusses and plastered walls. Central shelving was returned to its original lower height, which allows more light to enter.
Architects: Hoshide Williams Architects, 2005; Daniel R. Huntington, 1921.
Art
Artist Dennis Evans was commissioned to create two pieces of artwork each for five of Seattle's historic Carnegie-era libraries. Building on the ideas of learning, education, and history, Evans linked the libraries with paintings based on the seven liberal arts. Called the “Seven Liberal Arts Suite,” his work celebrates the seven branches of knowledge that initiate everyone into a life of learning. Each branch features one “reference painting” that is similarly composed at each location. The second art piece at each library is unique to that location and explores one of the seven liberal arts. The unique work featured at the Fremont Branch explores the art of Arithmetic and Music.