Past still present at renovated Queen Anne library

The Seattle Public Library's Queen Anne branch reopened Saturday after a seven-month makeover — and it didn't look much different. That was by design.

"This library has been here since 1914, meaning people voted for Woodrow Wilson in the basement; so, for 93 years it's been an important piece of the community," branch-library manager Bob Hageman said as scores of library patrons got reacquainted with the red-brick building that's officially a city landmark.

"I love the old look," said nearby resident and longtime library patron Donna Jorgensen. "I think they've done a wonderful job of maintaining its individuality."

Originally funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and others, the 7,931-square-foot library closed in January to undergo a general sprucing up, including new paint, carpet and improved ventilation and acoustics. In a nod to modern life, the number of public computers was increased from eight to 20.

The renovation was funded as part of the 1998 "Libraries for All" bond measure.