HIGH POINT LIBRARY REMODELING: Closure ahead, but first, Q&A open house

| High Point | West Seattle news

(High Point Library photo by Architectsea via Wikimedia)

We recently noticed a building-permit application for unspecified work at High Point Library and asked SPL what’s planned. Today, we finally have the official word of the remodeling plan, which will require some closure time later this fall – read on for details plus announcement of an open house for your Q&A in a week and a half:

The High Point Branch, 3411 SW Raymond St., 206-684-7454, is tentatively set to temporarily close effective Monday, Dec. 5 for refurbishing. The book drop also will close.

During the closure, the Library plans to hold several programs at alternate locations and to open the nearby Delridge Branch, 5423 Delridge Way SW, 206-733-9125, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays. Alternate services will be confirmed after a firm closure date is set.

The 7,200-square-foot High Point Branch opened in June 2004, thanks to the 1998 voter-approved “Libraries for All” bond measure that renewed and revitalized libraries across the city.

After 12 years of use, the branch needs new carpet. While the branch is closed for that work, the Library also will add seating and electrical outlets, expand the holds area, and expand the children’s area to provide a more welcoming space for families. Acoustical panels in the meeting room will be added to reduce the sound of street traffic. Improvements are based on branch usage and projected service needs.

Patrons are invited to learn more about the improvements at an open house at the branch from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7. City Librarian Marcellus Turner and other Library staff members will be on hand to answer questions and explain alternate services.

While the branch is closed, patrons 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 by Friday, Nov. 25, their holds will be sent to the Southwest Branch, 9010 35th Ave. SW,  206-684-7455.

The construction project is currently out to bid. The Library expects to confirm the closing date in mid-November after bids have been reviewed. The refurbished branch is expected to reopen in January; a reopening date will be set once construction work is underway.

dsa October 27, 2016 (3:00 pm)

Acoustic panels for road noise, good luck with that. Acoustic glass and HVAC if there is a problem from outside noise. Panels are for reflected sound, and can help with sound buildup.

d October 27, 2016 (5:11 pm)

Another prime example of wasted money that building was just built not that long ago it’s very new

WSB October 27, 2016 (5:17 pm)

As noted in the announcement, it’s 12 years old, and getting some new features. A lot of things have changed in 12 years. – TR

Ken October 27, 2016 (7:21 pm)

When it was a predominately black neighborhood, the library building was one of those quickly built (in 1942) slab on grade conversions with an uneven floor. Now 12 years is too long for a carpet? That’s progress…. I have no problem with the work as planned or with the cost of the fairly small upgrades as listed. I just think the current locals should be aware of just how harsh the institutional racism around here is and was.

Gina October 27, 2016 (9:42 pm)

When West Seattle was a primarily working class neighborhood there was only one branch of the library until 1961.

Things change. Once upon a time libraries had no carpets. Now they do. And carpets wear out.

Kind of nice that there are more libraries in more parts of Seattle with meeting rooms and computers and all.

Sillygoose October 28, 2016 (8:49 am)

This was just built with Tax Payer dollars, it is already being remodeled!! What a waste of money that should be spent on something more pressing.

WSB October 28, 2016 (8:54 am)

Maybe UPDATING is a better word than REMODELING. The library is 12 years old. Needs some updating. Besides the carpet, please read the details of what they’re adding – technology that didn’t even exist in 2004.

skeeter October 28, 2016 (11:19 am)

Expanding the children’s area is a good improvement. There are oodles of kids in the neighborhood and the current kid area is too small. I’d love to see a couple more couches, tables, chairs, in the kid area so our young scholars will have a place to read and learn.

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