Renovated Madrona-Sally Goldmark Library Reopens

The newly renovated Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch of the Seattle Public Library will reopen to the public will a festive community celebration Saturday, May 10.
The dedication ceremony begins at noon with City Librarian Deborah L. Jacobs, Mayor Greg Nickels, Library Board Vice President Michael Parham, City Councilman Nick Licata, the library book fairy "Lulu" and the Cajun band La Band Pastiche.
As part of the opening day ceremony, the Gansango Dance Company will perform from 3-3:50 p.m. and Starbuck Coffee Company will provide free coffee and snacks. The branch, located at 1134 33rd Ave., will remain open until 6 p.m.
The $893,213 renovation project included new seating, upgraded technology services and equipment, better electrical, communication and computer connections, more efficient circulation desk and work areas, improved ventilation, a modern mechanical system and an updated book collection.
Heliotrope Architects designed the reconfiguration of the interior so patrons and staff could more efficiently use the branch, separating activities such as busy children's story times from the holds pickup area.
The renovated branch will emphasize materials for children, popular fiction, DVDs and space for holds pick up.
Outside, the main entry has been moved north toward East Union Street to improve visibility. A canopy — subsidized by one of The Seattle Public Library Foundation's donors — will protect patrons from the weather.
The 1,707-square-foot branch is the 26th project completed under the 1998 "Libraries for All" voter-approved building program. The library opened in 1973 in a converted firehouse that is heavily used by residents and schoolchildren.
For more information, call 206-386-4636 or visit www.spl.org.