Exterior improvements underway for Swasey Library
Tacoma’s Swasey Library, opens a new window (7001 6th Avenue), built in 1960, is a beloved community library known for its midcentury-style building with large windows set back from the street in Tacoma’s West End neighborhood. It is one of the eight libraries that makes up the Tacoma Public Library (TPL) system.
Tacoma Public Library Foundation, opens a new window recently received an anonymous donation of $270,000 for improvements to Swasey Library's building exterior and landscaping. Since receiving the funds, library staff sought out AHBL, opens a new window to develop a landscaping plan that would tackle several maintenance, accessibility, and sustainability issues for the grounds and building.
“We are thrilled that our partners at the Tacoma Public Library Foundation were able to accept an anonymous donation to beautify the exterior of Swasey Library while addressing some structural issues,” TPL Director Amita Lonial said. “Like most of our libraries, Swasey has not received any facility upgrades in at least a decade,” Lonial continued.
The first step in preparing the grounds for improvements is to cut down diseased and dying trees and to trim or remove overgrown shrubs from the existing landscaping.
“Unfortunately, the existing trees on the east side of the library are diseased and must be removed. In a later phase of the project, will re-plant the grounds with native trees, shrubs, and flowers,” stated TPL Deputy Director Kendra Jones.
Following tree and shrub removal, parking lot medians will be repaired and damaged stucco will be patched on the building’s exterior walls in early to mid-June.
These changes will prepare the grounds for more extensive portions of the project such as exterior painting, sidewalk and walkway repaving, and larger landscape work. One of the most impactful portions of the upgrades will be re-grading the grounds on the east side of the library to direct rainwater runoff away from the foundation.
“The goal for these improvements is to make Swasey Library safer and more inviting while also upgrading landscaping features that will help us avoid costly maintenance in the future,” said TPL Deputy Director Kendra Jones.
In order to keep staff and patrons safe, Swasey Library will need to close later this year while the substantial portion of the work is underway.
“We anticipate a closure in the early fall to replace windows and complete other work to the structure,” stated Jones. “We will inform patrons about project updates and timelines as we progress in the project.”
For more information, contact the TPL Public Information Office.
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