University Branch, Seattle Public Library

Established in 1906, the University Branch of the Seattle Public Library first opened in the University Pharmacy Building near the entrance to the University of Washington campus. It was relocated to another temporary location, the University M.E. Church, a few months later. In 1910, a permanent library building was constructed, following a donation of funds from the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who provided funds for three separate new branch libraries in Seattle. The University Branch Library was designed by the architectural firm of Somerville and Cote, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. A major renovation was completed in 1987, and the property was listed as a Seattle Landmark in 2002.

The University Branch Library is one of the oldest public libraries in Seattle. It was established in 1906 as a small lending library, initially based in various temporary locations on the campus of the University of Washington. In 1910, a permanent University Branch Library was constructed through funding from the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. When it was completed in 1910, the building was still surrounded by unpaved dirt roads with a road sign directing people how to find it. In addition to fostering the modern idea of the free public library, Carnegie viewed branch libraries as an effective way to reach people, rather than investing solely in one grand central library located downtown.

In the late 1890s, the Carnegie Corporation began donating money for the establishment of free public libraries run by city governments or by library boards. Carnegie emphasized both efficiency and progressive planning in terms of library funding, construction, and operations. He also favored practicality over artistic expression. As a result, hundreds of Carnegie libraries were built in the U.S. over the next few decades. While they were often designed in a stately Neoclassical style, the buildings were usually not overly elaborate. By 1910, Carnegie had funded more than half of the 3,500 public libraries in the country.

Upon completion, the University Branch Library became an important community meeting space and a place for learning with its collections of books and its public auditorium. Through the 20th century and to the present day, the Branch Library continues to serve the community as part the Seattle Public Library system, which was founded in 1868. The first public library in Seattle began as a small loan library, containing approximately 100 books, near the corner of First Avenue and Cherry Street. Other attempts to create free libraries in Seattle were taken up the Ladies Library Association and by local philanthropists, with a large collection of books at the Yesler Mansion managed as a public library branch of the city government by the turn of the 20th century.

In 1982, the University Branch Library at 5009 Roosevelt Way was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and a major renovation was completed in 1987. As noted on a historical marker placed at the site, the restoration and renovation of this building was made possible through the funding from the Seattle Public Library and through the support of citizens in the Seattle 1-2-3 Bond Issue, as well as through a generous bequest from Maria Luise Fischer. In 2002, the Seattle Landmark Preservation Board designated the property a City of Seattle Landmark. Today, it continues to serve the community as a branch of the Seattle Public Library.

Marsteller, Duane and Tracy. "University Library", Historical Marker Database. May 4th, 2022. Accessed July 22nd, 2023. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=197166.

"Report on Designation: University Library, 5009 Roosevelt Way NE", Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board. January 2nd, 2002. Accessed July 22nd, 2023. https://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/Neighborhoods/HistoricPreservation/Landmarks/RelatedDocuments/university-library-designation.pdf.

"Seattle Public Library, University Branch", National Archives. August 2nd, 1982. Accessed July 22nd, 2023. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75611198.

"University Branch Highlights", The Seattle Public Library. Accessed July 22nd, 2023. https://www.spl.org/hours-and-locations/university-branch/university-branch-highlights.