Magnolia Library Gets Set For Twenty First Century Transformation

Magnolia Library Gets Set For Twenty First Century Transformation
P. Scott Cummins © 2005 The Urbane R

The theme of Seattle’s 1962 World’s Fair was “Century 21.” Look around today at the major public buildings in our city – from Fisher Plaza to City Hall, Experience Music Project to the Washington State Convention Center – our city’s architecture has become a reflection of that space age theme. Our Magnolia Library has a place in making that happen: as one of the first public buildings commissioned after the World’s Fair – the bold Asian-modern design signaled wider public acceptance of that style in public buildings. Think about that next time you are sitting down to an Asia-Pacific inspired feast at Wild Ginger.

Flash-forward forty-some years and our library is one of the busiest small libraries in the city. It performs admirably in a variety of missions, from celebrating literacy and kindling a love of leaning in toddlers, providing research tools for lifelong learners, and serving as a friendly community crossroads. All in a small, even intimate, community setting. Designated a landmark building in 2001, it was included in the “Libraries for All” bond issue passed in 1998 to update (and in some cases, replace) facilities, improve technology, and add to collections. Most notable has been completion of the new downtown library. There are other eye-catching examples though, like the soon-to-be-completed Ballard branch library. If you like bold architecture, well, then this is your kind of town.

A quick visit to HistoryLink.org on the subject of our local library was interesting, but not surprising. Like most really good things done in this community over the years – Magnolia’s library was the dream of not-to-be-messed-with mothers - who got tired of the limitations of the bookmobile during World War II. These Magnolia moms, who also started cooperative preschools during this time so that they could get to work on behalf of the war effort, were not about to use up precious gasoline ration coupons to drive clear over to Ballard and Queen Anne just to check out books. So they took over a derelict tavern building at 32nd and McGraw, and made it into a library. Convert a derelict tavern into a place of community pride that celebrates art, literacy and culture. Hmm, can we meet with our jogger strollers over next to US Bank on 30th? We’ve got another derelict tavern to convert, stay-at-home parents invited to lead the charge, just like in ’42.

And these moms (really, some things never change around here) did that library up in inimitable Magnolia style: knocking out walls, painting, bringing in proper tables and chairs. But that wasn’t all. No, not nearly, this is Magnolia, remember? They then went over to the Seattle Art Museum, and walked away with “loaned” works of art to decorate the place! The Library Board got the message: within two years they took over the lease. That little library had almost 4,000 patrons borrowing on a regular basis in the 1940’s. Clearly, those moms knew their market, and how to execute on a business plan.

So, like any successful business venture, they expanded. In 1959 the library moved into a former Safeway grocery store at 34th and McGraw – even while planning was underway for a “landmark” location of architectural significance and importance. Legendary Seattle architect Paul Hayden Kirk studied the site of our current library, at 34th and Armour – and in a remarkable early display of progressive environmental consciousness – designed around the ancient Madrone tree at the corner there. True to form (yet again) of Magnolia values and priorities, our Community Club established a library art fund to commission pieces for the facility, and they did so before it had even been opened.

Thanks to consistent vision and devoted patrons, the current Magnolia library has served us well since 1964. In the months ahead you will have opportunity to share your “hopes and dreams” for the library remodel - directly with the designers and project managers for the renovation - slated for 2007. But you can go right now to the library and ask for help in accessing their website www.spl.org and comment directly about this project.

The Magnolia library renovation is an ambitious project, its scope will “(a)ssess feasibility of expanding 5,904-square-foot branch by 1,800 square feet. The renovation will include upgraded technology services and equipment, better electrical, communication and computer connections, more efficient circulation desk and work areas, improved ventilation, new carpeting, energy-efficient windows throughout and an updated book collection.”

What would really benefit our community for another generation is simple: a burgeoning group of community heroes to step up and get involved with making this a successful project. Here’s the good news: it all won’t fall on your shoulders. There is a group called Friends of the Library - that has done the really hard work of organizing and providing a means to take advantage of your contributions. And like Magnolia community volunteer/auctioneer extraordinaire Rene Spatz says: there are no fundraising goals in Magnolia which cannot be achieved if really rocking parties are involved. So pass that pitcher of Margaritas and let’s make this library project really exciting!

(P. Scott Cummins is a Magnolia-based parent, writer, community volunteer, and native tree planter - always happy to party for a good cause.)