Library to Close for Renovations

The Seattle Public Library's Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch, at 1134 33rd Ave., is expected to close its doors for a lengthy renovation at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 21.
During the closure, the library will add staff to nearby branches to help meet the needs for library service. Librarians also will continue community outreach to children and young adults and will make school visits in the branch's service area.
The closest branches to the Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch are: the Douglass-Truth Branch, 2300 E. Yesler Way, 684-4704; the Montlake Branch, 2401 24th Ave. E., 684-4720; and the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., 386-4636.
Users may choose any other library location as a pickup location for items placed on hold, interlibrary loan requests or purchase suggestions. Patrons may return library materials to any branch. If Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch patrons don't select an alternative branch, their holds will be sent to the Douglass-Truth Branch.
April 21 is the last day to pick up an item on hold, or check out or return materials at the Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch. The book drop, however, will stay open until 5 p.m., May 4.
Heliotrope Architects designed the renovations so patrons and staff could more efficiently use the interior space. The branch will emphasize materials for children, popular fiction, DVDs and space for a holds pick-up.
The project includes an improved entrance, new seating, upgraded technology services and equipment, better electrical, communication and computer connections, a more efficient interior layout, improved ventilation, a modern mechanical system and an updated book collection.
The 1,707-square-foot branch opened in a converted firehouse in 1973 and is heavily used by residents and schoolchildren.
After the branch closes, staff will prepare the books and other materials to be moved out of the building. The collections and furniture will be stored while construction is under way.
The date of the actual closure is tentative because the library is currently advertising for general contractor bids, which will be opened April 12. The closure date will be finalized once the bids are received and reviewed.
Assuming the library receives satisfactory contractor bids, construction work will begin after the building has been emptied. The renovated branch is projected to reopen in late 2007 or early 2008 after the furniture, equipment, books and materials are moved back into the building.
The $392,213 project is part of the $196.4 million "Libraries for All" bond measure that Seattle voters passed in 1998. The bond money, which can be used only for construction of libraries, is funding new and improved branches, in addition to the Central Library.
To date, the library has completed the new Central Library and the Ballard, Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill, Columbia, Delridge, Douglass-Truth, Fremont, Green Lake, Greenwood, High Point, International District/Chinatown, Lake City, Montlake, NewHolly, North East, Northgate, Rainier Beach, South Park, Southwest, Wallingford and West Seattle branches. Several other branches are in the construction phase.
For more information, visit www.spl.org.