On July 1, 1964, the Magnolia Branch, The Seattle Public Library opens to patrons at 2801 34th Avenue W. Formal dedication will take place on July 17, 1964 when Mayor J. D. "Dorm" Braman (1901-1980) turns the branch over to the community. The design of the new building will win awards for architectural excellence.
From 1943 to 1964, Magnolia readers were served by the Magnolia Manor station at a variety of rented locations. Before that, library users were served by a Bookmobile or had to journey to Ballard, Queen Anne, or downtown to check out books and do research. In 1956, voters approved a $5 million bond issue for a new central library and for new branches. Magnolia was one of three branches built after the new main library was completed in 1960.
The new 6,523-square-foot branch was designed by Paul Kirk (1912-1995) of Kirk, Wallace, McKinley, and Associates (who had designed the Faculty Club at the University of Washington along with Victor Steinbreuck (1911-1985). The concept for the structure was influenced by the location and several existing trees were incorporated into the design. A large madrona tree determined the arrangement of the main entry. Exposed posts and beams provided abundant natural light. Landscaping was by Richard Haag (b. 1923). Cost of construction was approximately $214,000.
In 1965, the American Library Association granted its Award of Excellence to the structure. In 1966, the building was published in Architectural Record for "the modesty of its architectural solution, the unaffected residential scale appropriate to the area it serves, and the delightful use it makes of its wooded hill site" (Architectural Record in Landmark Nomination). Architecture students at the University of Washington were assigned to study the building and report on its design.
Furniture included solid walnut tables and chairs custom designed by George Nakashima. The community raised funds to commission a wall-mounted sculpture by University of Washington Art Professor Glen E. Alps, and the sculptures Doves on Driftwood and Girl Holding Doves by Ebba Rapp McLauchlan.
On March 21, 2001, the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board designated the Magnolia Library a Seattle landmark building.
