Green Lake Branch showcases the future of library projects
The Green Lake Branch is one of Seattle’s most historic libraries. After a major renovation project, it also demonstrates how our city can adapt libraries for the present and future.
The branch was closed from last February until this October for extensive retrofitting, including for seismic safety, HVAC installation, improved accessibility, and upgrades to the interior space. The project was mostly funded by the Library Levy approved by voters in 2019. The Foundation contributed advocacy and supplemental support external through funders like 4Culture.
At the reopening celebration, patrons marveled at how the library felt new and old at the same time.
(Photo by Anthony Martinez)
Patrons raved about how the historic features blend seamlessly with the modern improvements. Joanna Trefethen, who worked as a children’s librarian at the branch in the 1990s, admired the way its character was kept intact. “There are such deep traditions at this branch,” she said. “They did a great job!”
Matt Aalfs, the principal architect of the renovation, said that “visual dialogue” between historic and upgraded features was a central theme of the project. For example, the old door to the managing librarian’s office now opens into a public study room. In the meeting room downstairs, designers exposed two original steel beams where you can see numbers painted by steelworkers in 1908.
Preserving these characteristics while making the branch safe for modern use, and resilient for the decades to come, was no small task.
“These old buildings don’t have structural systems to resist earthquakes,” Aalfs said. “So you’re not strengthening the systems that are already there, you’re adding an entirely new structural system.”
Designers sought to meet a higher-than-standard level of seismic resistance without resorting to a full tear-down of the branch. New steel frames were shaped to frame the space and integrate with historic features while leaving the original walls in place.
The renovation was also an important opportunity to build climate resilience. The branch did not previously have air conditioning, which meant it had to close on hot summer days.
The new HVAC system will do more than keep the branch cool in the increasingly warm summers to come. According to Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment, the highly efficient electric system will actually prevent 20 to 30 metric tons of carbon from entering the atmosphere each year.
Accessibility improvements include a new ramp from the sidewalk, new restrooms, and a new side entrance that required lowering the earth next to the building. The branch’s beloved interior, with its tall windows facing the lake, maintains the same feel but with modern, adjustable, high-capacity shelving
to store more books.
The result is a fully modernized library that still feels like a welcoming place for longtime patrons and new neighbors alike.
Christine and Sebastian visited on reopening day to see the branch for the first time. They moved into the neighborhood in 2023 during the closure and hadn’t had the chance to use their nearest library until now.
“It’s a great space for people to study or read or come together without having to buy anything,” Christine said as she took in the building. “It’s the most democratic space we have.”
With the Green Lake Branch serving as a model, what is ahead for library renovation projects?
Two more Levy-funded renovations starting soon: Seattle voters overwhelmingly approved the Library Levy in 2019. Thanks to your support, two more historic branches will follow Green Lake: University, set to close for a retrofit in early 2025, and Columbia after that. Both will also feature higher than-standard seismic safety, air conditioning and climate upgrades, and more accessible spaces.
Expanding state and federal support: Library advocates have helped secure more than $10 million in the past two years for library infrastructure projects. This includes state funds through the Department of Commerce, federal earmarks sponsored by Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Adam Smith, and a recently announced $6 million FEMA grant to install air conditioning at all SPL locations.
Rising costs and unfunded projects: Unfortunately, inflation and high construction costs are impacting the library’s budget. Projected costs for the Green Lake, University, and Columbia projects have nearly doubled since the passage of the Levy. Even with more state and federal funds, SPL faces shortfalls to complete those renovations. Additionally, the library has conservatively estimated around $30 million in unfunded capital project needs over the next five years. This includes energy efficiency improvements as well as necessary maintenance work like roof replacements.
You can help! The Foundation is committed to providing resources to refresh, renovate, and reimagine library branches. Give today to support safe and upgraded spaces for all, and advocate to help us pass the next Library Levy in 2026 and support increased budgets at the city, state, and federal levels. Sign up here for our advocacy action alerts.