OpenStreetMap (new tab)

Google Map (new tab)

Google Streetview (new tab)

Overview

This was the second Seattle Public Library facility on this site, the first completed in 1954 as the Susan J. Henry Memorial Branch. This larger second branch was funded by the landmark 1998 Libraries for All bond issue that transformed Seattle Public Library facilities during the early 2000s.

Building History

Architect Ray Johnston worked with the larger Seattle architecture firm of Cutler Architects on this Capitol Hill Branch Library beginning in 12/1999. This new branch library, opened on 05/31/2003, provided space for approximately 40,200 books and other library resources and more seating and computer terminals for public use. The building had underground parking and a meeting room.

Building Notes

A $42,953 budget was set aside for public art at this library branch. Artist Iole Alessandrini produced an green wall installation called "Contour." The Seattle Public Library web site said of it: "Merging art and architecture, Iole Alessandrini's "Contour" is a green, living wall over the entrance to the Capitol Hill Branch. Both evergreens and vines are supported on a stainless steel frame of mesh screens. The lattice wraps around the building and goes inside to frame the two-story reading room." (See Seattle Public Library.org, "Capitol Hill Branch Highlights," accessed 07/31/2019.)

PCAD id: 12837