The Seattle Public Library will be celebrating its 100th anniversary of the West Seattle Branch on July 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. The library is one of three original Carnegie Libraries celebrating 100 years in Seattle. The other two celebrating the same day are in the University and Green Lake.

Here's the wikipedia entry on Carnegie Libraries.

CLICK THE PHOTO TO SEE MORE IMAGES OF THE LIBRARY

The library, which opened in 1910, is a Carnegie-funded branch designed by W. Marbury Somervell and Joseph S. Coté. It is listed on The National Register of Historic Places.

On exhibit will be vintage clothing styles provided by representatives from Goodwill Industries featuring an interactive hat show with hats to view and try on.

Branch Manager Sibyl de Haan said, "The West Seattle Branch library opened on July 23rd, 1910. About a week later they opened the University Branch and a week after that they opened the Green Lake Branch(...) We're going to have period piano music, cookies and lemonade, we hope and the Goodwill vintage collection."

The celebration will also feature children's craft activities and commemorative giveaways.

Event Notes Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. Registration is not required. The photo is provided courtesy of MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry). For more information visit www.spl.org .

West Seattle Branch 206-684-7444 or ask a Librarian.

NOTE: The library will close for approximately one month beginning Sunday, August 15.

Here's a brief history of the branch from SPL.org

History
In 1908, wealthy philanthropist Andrew Carnegie agreed to donate $35,000 to build a library in West Seattle. That same year, the Niesz family and other West Seattle residents donated land for the branch at 42nd Avenue Southwest and Southwest College Street.

The 9,460-square-foot branch, which was designed by W. Marbury Somervell and Joseph S. Coté, cost $38,344.48 and opened July 23, 1910. Two days later it began circulating books and became the first permanent branch building to open in Seattle.

Two main-floor reading areas flank the entry and lobby. The lack of a lower-level auditorium was an exception to typical Carnegie designs. Wings on either side of the building feature two sets of large operable vertical windows that allow natural light and fresh air to pour into the building.

Tall ceilings contribute to a sense of spaciousness and rich detailing and use of wood throughout the interior add to the warm, historic feel of the branch.

Early on, librarians advertised their services by posting lists of new books at the post office and hanging signs on the West Seattle Ferry.

The branch has a long history of working closely with schools and children. In 1918, owing to a shortage of teachers, the principal of the West Seattle School sent the eighth grade to the library for one period during the last three weeks of school. In 1949, when an earthquake destroyed the Lafayette School, the library took in the school's library books.

In 1984, Seattle voters approved a bond issue, in part to improve the Library's seven historic Carnegie-era branches. The West Seattle Branch was closed for renovations between February and October 1987.