Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch Highlights
The Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch is in a former fire station building. It has a big window with a bench to sit on while reading or telling stories. A sculpture of animals called "The Peaceable Kingdom" is on the lawn.
The branch has a unique collection of Madrona neighborhood mementos, including photos and scrapbooks.
History
Serving the Madrona community since 1973
Madrona neighborhood library service began after efforts by local activist, Irma "Sally" Goldmark. She was a New Deal worker and Madrona Community Council secretary. In early 1971, Goldmark worked with The Seattle Public Library to open an informal reading center for children. It was in an old firehouse renamed the Book-tique. The reading center operated for three months.
In late 1971, Goldmark and the Library worked together to remodel the Book-tique to serve as a full library. The Station House Branch opened Feb. 8, 1973. After Goldmark's death in 1986, it was renamed the Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch.
The building was upgraded in 1986, but problems remained with the old firehouse. A 2008 Libraries for All renovation included better electrical connections and improved ventilation.
Architecture
During the 2008 renovation to the Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch, an interior steel beam was added. The children’s story time area and holds pickup area became separate spaces.
To improve visibility, the main entry moved north toward East Union Street. The former main entry became a bay window with an indoor bench.
The former fire station building also gained a new composition shingle roof, along with new gutters and downspouts.
Architect: Heliotrope Architects, 2008.
Art
There are two pieces of art in the building: an oil painting by Seattle artist Mary Iverson and a ceramic sculpture “The Sleepy Goat” by artist and longtime Madrona resident Monad Elohim.
Richard Beyer's sculpture, "The Peaceable Kingdom," which depicts a panther, pig, sheep and wolf, remains on the lawn outside the branch.
Named Spaces
Mimi Howard Reading Area
The reading area is named for Macon "Mimi" Howard, former member of The Seattle Public Library board of trustees and The Seattle Public Library Foundation board.