Hello Seattle!

Hi Gals and Guys,

I am in between a few books and am a bit behind on my requests. To those who I said I would review, please be patient, I am currently writing a review and am in between a couple more books. :)

In the meantime, I would like to share with you a bit of history from Seattle. With permission from my lovely friend with a passion for architecture, I would like to present to you... *drum roll please* the Seattle Public Library!

A bit of history:

(c) A.T.R. 2018

The Seattle Public Library had a rough start. In 1868, the town gathered to form a library association, which later became an official city department in 1890. Tight budgets led to a small existence for the library until 1899, when the library rented the Yesler Mansion, the "city's most elegant structure!" Unfortunately, in early 1901, a fire destroyed the mansion and much of the collection. The library had to be restored. Andrew Carnegie heard of the disaster and agreed to donate $200,000 to help create a fireproof library, which benefited the $50,000 budget the city had already raised towards a new library and maintenance. After much debate between city members and the library board, it was decided that the block between Fourth and Fifth Avenue and Madison and Spring Streets would be the new site of the library and was bought in 1902. An architecture competition then ensued, with a total of thirty firms competing! The ultimate winner of the contest was Peter J. Weber, who created a design for the library based on a Beaux-Arts design. Beaux-Arts architecture is a style that evolved from Roman and Greek influence, focusing on symmetry, interior spacing, columns and pediments, stone materials, statues/figures, a raised story, and a very decorative surface in all. (Seattle Public Library Website, Chicago Architecture Foundation)

(c) A.T.R. 2018

Over time, the library grew as the city did, with branches opening in the surrounding neighborhoods. Andrew Carnegie was a key philanthropist and donated much to fuel the growth of the libraries. But, by the 1920's and continuing into the depression, the library (termed the Carnegie Library due to the amount funded by the philanthropist) went through much change. Overzealous patrons who were down on their luck and a dwindling budget led to crowded facilities, an issue that helped push the city to develop a 10-year plan to expand the library. The library was also a source of information during wartime, with circulation increasing throughout the years. With its popularity rising, the library had to undergo physical changes to accommodate the public's needs. The old Carnegie library was knocked down, and in 1960, a new main library branch designed by a Seattle firm, Bindon & Wright. This new branch had a particularly interesting innovation - a drive-up window for book pick-ups! (Seattle Public Library Website)

(c) A.T.R. 2018

Celebrating its 100th birthday in 1991, the Seattle Public Library looked once more into revamping the premises. In 1998, a project titled "Libraries for All" proposed a makeover for the library, which gained much public approval, and the project was voted in. The project led to four new library branches in neighborhoods without libraries, as well as the overall expansion and renovation of current branches, including the large main branch. This once again led to a decision of who would design the new renovated branch. Out of 29 architecture projects, Rem Koolhaas won with his unique glass design, for which he won the highest architecture honor: a Pritzker Prize. Rem Koolhaas is known for his "gravity-defying" architecture designs, focusing much on glass and shape. His designs have built up his reputation to be one of the best architects of the 21st century! His design of the Seattle Public Library provided a glass and steel frame, which now houses a book spiral and a "living room" overlooking Fifth Avenue. The reopening of the main branch was in May 2004, with the Libraries for All project finishing in 2008. (Seattle Public Library Website, Architecture & Design Magazine)

A spectacular open and airy space to visit, relax, and read, the Seattle Public Library has helped provide a haven for those seeking knowledge and leisure since it was built. If you have not visited yet, both my friend and I highly recommend it!

(c) A.T.R. 2018

(c) A.T.R. 2018

(c) A.T.R. 2018

Have you visited any remarkable libraries lately and would like to share your story? Let me know in the comments below!