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Northgate Branch of The Seattle Public Library opens on July 15, 2006.

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On July 15, 2006, the Northgate Branch of The Seattle Public Library opens its doors to patrons. The $6.7 million building is the first branch for the Northgate neighborhood and was built with funds from the 1998 Libraries For All levy. Borrowers can choose from 40,000 volumes in the branch and can access other learning resources through 25 computer terminals with Internet access. The branch is located at 10548 5th Avenue NE, Seattle, next to the $8.5 million Northgate Community Center.

After World War II, Seattle's population and city limits expanded northward. New branch libraries opened in neighborhoods such as Broadview and Lake City, but the Northgate area did not get a library. As part of the 1998 $196.4 million Libraries for All levy, all 22 of the city's neighborhood branches were remodeled or replaced, a new Central Library was constructed, and three new branches were built.

The Library opened a temporary branch in 2003 to serve patrons while other branches were closed for remodeling. The design of the new Northgate Branch was by The Miller/Hull Partnership architects. Construction began in March 2005.

The new building is home to artwork in glass and metal, as well as a sculpture by Rita Kepner, which once sat at the old Central Library downtown.

Sources:
Nancy Bartley, "Newest Library's Patrons Hungry for More than Just Books," The Seattle Times, July 16, 2006, p. B-1; "New Northgate Branch, Community Center and Park to Open July 15," Press Release, June 29, 2006, The Seattle Public Library.

By David Wilma, July 28, 2006

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