Reflecting the longhouse theme, the Broadview Library stands as a testament to community spirit. It has served Seattle’s Broadview neighborhood in one form or another since 1944. Let’s uncover the layers of history embedded in this building.
The Broadview Library’s story began in a humble portable classroom. Nine community groups joined forces. They needed to provide space and furniture for a King County Library branch. The Red Cross shared the building during the war. On April 8, 1944, the North End Branch opened its doors.
But the library’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. The lumber company purchased the school property. The community rallied again. They raised money for a new home. Volunteers cleared land. They transformed a surplus army building. In 1947, the North Branch found its permanent location.
In 1954, Seattle annexed the North End. The library became Oakview Station, a branch of the Seattle Public Library. Librarian Virginia Ziels noted the community’s evolving interests. Astronomy and DIY projects gained popularity.
A major curveball came in 1967. The city council shifted library funds to renovate Sicks’ Stadium. This was for the Seattle Pilots baseball team. The Broadview community was outraged. They organized protests. Elsie Von Stubbe led a “Read In” at the vacant lot. Children and adults read books to draw attention to their cause.
Finally, in 1975, construction began. The Broadview Branch opened on December 13, 1975. The new building featured Native American art. There were spaces designed for children. The library even housed a large collection of automotive manuals.
In 1998, voters approved the “Libraries for All” bond. This led to a major expansion. The Broadview Library reopened in 2007. The renovation retained the longhouse theme. It incorporated original support logs. High ceilings and clerestories let in natural light.
Today, the Broadview Library stands as a modern hub for learning. It has 66,000 items. Forty new computers support digital literacy. Meeting rooms foster community engagement. Artwork by Marvin Oliver and Theresa Batty enriches the space. The Ruth and Ralph Jacobson Meeting Room honors those who valued knowledge and the arts.
So as you explore the Broadview Library, remember its past. Think about community activism. Appreciate the blend of history and modernity. It is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Broadview’s enduring commitment to literacy and community.