West Seattle Branch Highlights
The renovated West Seattle Branch opened April 3, 2004. At this Carnegie library, tall ceilings contribute to a sense of openness. Rich detailing and use of wood throughout the interior add to the warm, historic feel.
History
Serving the Admiral District since 1910
In 1908, Andrew Carnegie donated $105,000 for three branch libraries in Seattle; one of them was in West Seattle. That same year, the Niesz family and other West Seattle residents donated land for the branch at its current location, 42nd Avenue Southwest and Southwest College Street. The branch opened July 23, 1910. It was the first permanent library branch to open in Seattle.
In 1984, Seattle voters approved a bond issue, in part to improve the Library's seven historic Carnegie-era branches. The West Seattle Branch was closed for renovations between February and October 1987.
Architecture
An exceptional Carnegie Library design
The renovated West Seattle Branch is the seventh project completed under the 1998 voter-approved Libraries for All building program.
The renovation was designed by Snyder Hartung Kane Strauss Architects and built by W.G. Clark Construction Co.
Art
"The Seven Liberal Arts" by Dennis Evans
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 West Seattle Branch explores the art of Logic.
Named Spaces
Spaces named for donors include:
The Stim Bullitt Reading Area and Anne and Langdon Simons Children's Area.