Wallingford Branch Highlights
The Wallingford Branch is a bustling reading oasis in a walkable neighborhood. Branch artwork features reading activities on five colorful neon signs. Patrons enjoy browsing, hanging out, reading, and picking up their holds.
The current Wallingford Branch opened Jan. 29, 2000. It shares space in the Solid Ground building with FamilyWorks. Literacy tools, information access, community services and resources can be found in one location.
History
Serving the Wallingford community since 1949
The Wilmot Memorial Library opened Sept. 10, 1949 in a converted house. Alice Wilmot Dennis donated the house in memory of her sister, Florence Wilmot Metcalf.
In 1985, the branch moved to remodeled quarters in a former police station. It was renamed the Wallingford-Wilmot Library. The Wallingford branch shared its new space with the 45th Street Clinic. The clinic eventually expanded and asked the library to relocate.
In 2000 the branch relocated and now shares space with Solid Ground. Solid Ground is a nonprofit organization that fights poverty in Seattle.
In 2009, the branch reopened after a three-month closure for refurbishing. Improvements included a reconfigured interior layout. New paint and carpet were also added.
Architecture
A window to the world: the shared-use building was planned and built for the Library and Solid Ground.
Storefronts on North 45th Street typically open onto the sidewalk. To match other businesses, the building has a shop front window. Patrons can enjoy sitting in the corner bay window.
Architects: Miller|Hull Partnership, 2000.
Art
Ellensburg artist Richard Elliott designed five colorful neon signs to represent activities going on in the library. There is also a pictorial timeline of the Wallingford Branch’s history.