The Fremont Branch Library remains closed due to COVID restrictions, but is expected to reopen on August 4th. Late breaking news that came to us thanks to a dedicated staffer of the Branch.
Today, July 27th, Fremocentrist.com wants to take a moment to celebrate the wonderful, historic structure that the Fremont Library occupies – opened on this day 100 years ago.
Since 1894, the Fremont community had a Reading Room, with local farmer Erastus Witter campaigning among wealthy residents and business owners for book donations, and other resources. Witter’s residence was the Reading Room location until 1901 when Sidney S. Elder gave him rooms above his Fremont Drug Co. The site is still exists, with Jai Thai located in the former drug store.
In 1902, the Seattle Library System took over Association operations, and in 1903 the Fremont location became a branch (now the oldest operating branch in the SPL.) With our continued commitment to our library, local business owners and neighbors became determined to find a permanent, free-standing site for it. Fundraisers were held, such as rummage sales, card parties, and a circus, to raise money for land and a building. The local Business Men’s Club also applied to philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and the Carnegie Foundation for funding.
In one of his last bequeaths, Carnegie gave Fremont $35,000 – less than the neighborhood hoped to receive. Due to the shortness of funds, plans to hire a big name architect were scrapped and the City Architect was pressed into service. Architect Daniel R. Huntington decided to have fun with the project and took his inspiration from Italian Crafter’s Cottages.
The building, completed and opened on July 27th, 1921, remains one of Fremont’s treasures – a sweet, structurally sound and entirely practical place perfect for our reading room. The need for air conditioning and an elevator were not known back in the 1920s, but the building otherwise provides a perfect spot for relaxing and reading – or accessing the knowledge and resources that Seattle Public Library staff eagerly supply.
The Fremont Branch Library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is recognized by Seattle’s Landmarks Preservation Board. The neighborhood misses this vital piece in the ebb and flow of our community – and the staff who often stand as Very Important Persons, and minor celebrities, for their hard work keeping us all informed.
For more information on the Fremont Branch Library, visit the SPL webpage (click here.) For more information on the re-opening of Seattle Library facilities, visit the SPL website (click here.)