Seattle Public Library has officially confirmed that Ballard Branch Library (5614 22nd Ave NW) will close from Monday, May 9, for up to two months for refurbishing and interior improvements.
Parking garage hours will be revised to match the hours of the Ballard Neighborhood Service Center (NSC) and a temporary book drop will be installed between the main entrances of the branch and the NSC.
The Library is planning to hold several programs such as story times and book groups at alternate locations and to park its new bookmobile near the branch to provide limited access to books and other items on selected days while the branch is closed.
Ballard’s 15,000-square-foot branch opened in May 2005, thanks to the 1998 voter-approved “Libraries for All” bond measure that renewed and revitalized libraries across the city. According to Seattle Public Library statistics, it is one of the most heavily used branches in the Library system.
SPL confirms that after 11 years of heavy use, the branch needs to be re carpeted. While the branch is closed for that work, the Library also will consolidate staff service desks, add comfortable seating, group most public computers in a single area and add a self-checkout kiosk. The changes are based on branch usage and trends in library services.
The changes to the layout are part of City Librarian Marcellus Turner’s vision for The Seattle Public Library. One of his five service priorities is “re-imagined spaces” – adapt Library spaces for new uses in keeping with changing services, programs, interests and needs of Library users and the ways they use Library spaces.
The Library will confirm the closing date once construction bids have been reviewed. Most of the branch will be fenced off during construction.
While the branch is closed, locals may choose any other Library location as a pickup location for items placed on hold and may return materials to any branch.
If patrons don’t select an alternate branch, their holds will be sent to the Greenwood Branch (8016 Greenwood Ave N). The branch can be contacted at (206) 684-4086.
SPL reports that construction work is expected to be completed within about two months.
For more information, call the Library at (206) 386-4636 or click here.
