University Branch library closed for major renovation

A major renovation of Seattle Public Library’s (SPL) University Branch is underway. The branch closed on Jan. 29 and is expected to reopen in late 2026, once the work is completed.

The work scope includes a seismic retrofit to protect patrons, staff and the building in the event of an earthquake and a host of other renovations. Those include the installation of an electric HVAC system that will replace an existing gas-powered furnace, an elevator, additional restrooms, study rooms, and a new dedicated multipurpose room.

The branch, at 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., is one of the oldest libraries in the city and opened in 1910. It is one of six Carnegie libraries in SPL’s network and was designated a city of Seattle landmark in 2021.

The branch was last extensively renovated in 2007.  The latest renovations are designed by SHKS Architects. Kassell and Associates is the general contractor for the refresh, and Swenson Say Faget is the structural engineer.

The library’s interior will be reconfigured with the addition of two new study rooms (located in an addition to be built at the building’s northwest corner), a dedicated music room, a relocated and renovated meeting room and additional public restrooms. The existing circulation/service desk will be replaced and there will be new and improved lighting, shelving, carpets and furniture installed throughout.

Upgrades are also planned to the exterior, which will be repaired and repainted. Historic design elements, including exterior windows and stucco, will be restored and weatherproofed. The Carnegie’s existing clay tile roof will be retained with minor repairs.

Access to the branch will be improved with new accessible ramps and paths from perimeter sidewalks to branch entrances, new accessible entrances at the southwest corner and north side of the branch, new accessible parking spaces, new accessible restrooms on both floors, and the new elevator.

The renovated branch is targeting LEED Gold certification and is also designed to meet the city of Seattle’s goals for environmentally responsible design. Sustainable elements include the new HVAC, rooftop solar panels and capacity for future EV charging stations on the parking lot.

The renovation is funded by the 2019 Library Levy, which provides $13.8 million to seismically retrofit and upgrade SPL’s historic Green Lake, University and Columbia branches.

The Green Lake Library renovation was completed in November by Kassel and Associates. BuildingWork was the architect.

The timeline and team for the Columbia Branch renovation is still to be determined. The library previously said this project could begin in late 2026 or early 2027.

A FEMA hazard mitigation grant of $5.5 million is funding the HVAC installations at the University and Columbia branches. The grant will also fund new HVACs at the remaining Carnegies in SPL’s network. Those are the Fremont, Queen Anne and West Seattle branches. Once those projects are completed, all the SPL Carnegies will have air conditioning and can act as either heating or cooling shelters in the case of extreme weather events.

More Photos