The new International District/Chinatown Branch opened June 11, 2005. It was the 16th project completed under the "Libraries for All" building program. The branch is located inside International District Village Square II. Long hanging lamps illuminate a ceiling canopy made of ribbons of wood.
A new community space in a historic neighborhood
The library’s space is leased from the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority. The complex also includes 57 units of affordable family housing, a community center and retail space. You can pay to use the underground parking, and street parking is also available.
Part of International District Village Square II
The space was designed by Miller Hayashi Architects and built by Cope Construction Co.
A community art installation
The branch also includes artwork by San Francisco artist Rene Yung. Yung used teacups collected from local residents and companies to create sculptural artworks for the branch.
Spaces named for donors include:
Maria Lee Koh Children's Area, Atsuhiko & Ina G. Tateuchi Reading Area and HSBC Study Room.