Northeast Branch Highlights
The current Northeast Branch was expanded and reopened June 26, 2004. It has a large children’s area with family-friendly seating. It is one of the most heavily-used branches in our Library system.
History
Serving the Ravenna community since 1945
In 1945, members of the Ravenna Community Club went door-to-door to raise $3,000 for a library station. The Ravenna-View Ridge deposit station opened in December 1945. Deposit stations had smaller collections of books and were open fewer hours than branches. They served the city during times of recession or immigration booms.
The station was heavily used and needed a permanent branch. In 1953, the Seattle City Council budgeted for the Library to buy a bookmobile and build three branches. That budget included the Northeast Branch, which opened June 3, 1954.
The Northeast Branch circulated a higher percentage of its collection than any other branch in the system. Thanks to the 1998 voter-approved Libraries for All building program, the Northeast Branch was expanded and reopened on June 26, 2004. Workers installed more power outlets and upgraded technology access. Seismic safety and lighting were improved, energy-efficient windows were installed, and a meeting room was added.
The voter-approved 2012 Library Levy helped the Library make changes to improve access to the Northeast Branch. In 2013, workers expanded the children’s area to support early learning activities. They also reorganized the rest of the building’s interior.
The branch temporarily closed in November 2023 for major renovations. The work included modernization of its mechanical and electrical systems. A gas-powered furnace was replaced with an electric HVAC system. The new HVAC system provides improved ventilation and air conditioning which helps prevent unplanned closures during hot weather. The renovated Northeast Branch reopened on March 4, 2024.
Architecture
For the expansion, the Miller|Hull Partnership valued continuity between the old and new building. They preserved the pavilion-like feel of the original building by keeping the roof peak.
The roof of the addition is the inverse of the roof of the original building.
Architects: Miller|Hull Partnership, 2004; Paul Thiry, 1954.
Named Spaces
Spaces named for donors include:
- The Jodi Green and Mike Halperin Children's Area
- The Faye G. Allen Reading Area
- The Fred and Barbara Guptill Meeting Room