From the April 2008 Madrona News

The newly renovated Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch of The Seattle Public Library will reopen to the public with a festive community celebration beginning at noon May 10. The dedication ceremony will include appearances of City Librarian Deborah L. Jacobs, Mayor Greg Nickels, Library Board Vice President Michael Parham, City Councilman Nick Licata and the Library book fairy â??Lulu.â?? There will be entertainment and Starbucks Coffee Company will provide free coffee and snacks. The branch will remain open until 6 p.m.

The library, which has been closed since last fall, is housed in a converted firehouse and is heavily used by residents and schoolchildren. 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. Seattle artists Mary Iverson and Monad Elohim designed artwork for the building. Iverson created an oil painting and Madronaâ??s Monad made a ceramic sculpture.

The main entry was moved north toward Union Street to improve visibility, and the renovated branch will emphasize materials for children, popular fiction, DVDs, and space for holds pick-up. Heliotrope Architects designed the reconfiguration of the interior so patrons and staff could more efficiently use the branch, separating activities such as busy childrenâ??s story times from the holds pickup area.

For more information about the building program or branch opening, visit the Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch home page at www.spl.org or contact Andra Addison, SPL Communications Director, at 386-4103.