Library staff outline seismic retrofit progress, deferred Columbia project and planned branch upgrades

Seattle Public Library staff told the Feb. 19 committee that the 2019 levy financed a range of building maintenance projects—major seismic retrofits, routine maintenance, and capital replacements—and that some large projects were deferred to preserve service levels.

Rob Gannon reviewed maintenance categories and highlighted seismic work: two seismic retrofit projects were completed or underway in the levy period. He said Green Lake’s retrofit was completed in 2026 and University branch work is underway and expected to finish and reopen to the public in the fall. Gannon said the levy also funded roof replacements (Greenwood, Queen Anne), HVAC upgrades, electrification work required for air conditioning installations, and a relocated automated materials handling system and operations center.

Staff told members that to preserve hours of service and avoid staff reductions, a $5 million levy allocation originally planned for Columbia’s unreinforced masonry project was deferred this year. Council members asked whether air conditioning would be completed at remaining branches; staff said four projects (Columbia, West Seattle, Fremont and Queen Anne) are scheduled this year and noted permitting and electrification work increase cost and complexity.

Gannon and other staff said the library pursues federal and state grants and has applied for an outstanding FEMA-related earmark from Rep. Adam Smith for the Columbia branch; they cautioned federal funding remains contingent on broader appropriations.