Seattle magnolia library

Other works followed. Over the years, the Magnolia branches had some bad luck with weather, vandals, and burglars. In , the station on W McGraw Street was flooded three times, once as a prank, once by frozen pipes, and once by heavy rains. The new library suffered vandalism and thefts in the s and early s and burglars made off with the McLaughlan sculptures.

The Alps piece disappeared in All the artworks were either replaced or recovered. Librarian Elizabeth Hansmann took over at Magnolia station in She managed things at the branch through the floods and shifts in reader interest in the s, through the move to the old Safeway store in , and into occupation of Paul Kirk's building in She retired in Public libraries are among the most heavily used buildings, and by it was clear that the Magnolia branch required renovation.

In , the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board declared the Magnolia Branch a landmark building, and the library and the community laid plans to upgrade the existing structure while preserving its original design. The renovation included roof replacement, upgrading the mechanical systems, adding energy-efficient windows, and bringing electrical, communications, and computer systems up to date.

The remains of a wind-damaged walnut tree were fashioned into a custom table and bench by Meyer Wells, a Magnolia furniture shop, and the library's original furniture, designed by master craftsman George Nakashima, was restored and refinished. The original landscaping, designed by Richard Haag in , was restored, and madrona trees that had been lost in the late s were replaced by strawberry trees Arbutus marina. The year-old structure had grown in size by more than 20 percent, to 7, square feet, providing a new meeting room and a small study room.

Also available to patrons are more computers 19 instead of 11 and more books and other materials about 37, items. SHKS Architects finds elegance in necessity, elevating the core principles of each unique site and building project to reflect our clients' aspirations. Through collaboration, care, craft, and discovery, we reveal architecture's inherent optimism, contributing to our local community and to the global stewardship of natural and built environments.

The Seattle Public Library's Magnolia Branch presents a quintessential example of twentieth century Northwest architecture. Meeting rooms, study rooms and in-person programs are not yet available. Thank you for your patience. Many Library locations are now open with modified hours and services, as well as public computers, Wi-Fi and restroom access.

Rediscover your local library this fall. The current Magnolia Branch was expanded and reopened July 12, The landmark building is recognized as an example of Northwest design with distinct influences of Japan. Get the latest about Library events, new programs and services and other Library news delivered to your inbox. If you need help or have a question or suggestion, we want to hear from you. You can reach Library staff by chat, email or phone during open hours.

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet. Fat Chance, Charlie Vega. The Mirror Season. Lupe Wong Won't Dance. The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez. Dancing Hands. The Soul of A Woman. Music to My Years. Spirit Run. Perfectly You. My Time to Speak. An Unlikely Journey. Get the latest about Library events, new programs and services and other Library news delivered to your inbox. If you need help or have a question or suggestion, we want to hear from you.

You can reach Library staff by chat, email or phone during open hours.