Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch

🏢 The Seattle Public Library — Seattle, Washington

Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch

Housed inside a converted 1919 fire station that is itself a Seattle historic landmark, the Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch carries the neighborhood's motto "The Peaceable Kingdom" in the animal sculpture that stands on its grounds — a tribute to Madrona's long identity as one of Seattle's most intentionally racially mixed communities. A large reading-bench window and 24/7 book return make it a neighborhood constant on this diverse stretch of 33rd Avenue.

📖 About Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch

The Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch occupies a building constructed in 1919 as a Seattle fire station — a structure the City of Seattle has designated as a historic landmark. Madrona is an east Seattle neighborhood along Lake Washington whose motto, "The Peaceable Kingdom," reflects its decades-long identity as a racially integrated community; early 20th-century coal mining drew Chinese immigrants, and shipbuilding later brought African American residents, creating an unusually mixed neighborhood for its era. The branch is named in honor of Sally Goldmark, a longtime Seattle Public Library employee and advocate. Outside, "The Peaceable Kingdom" animal sculpture echoes the neighborhood's motto, while inside a large window fitted with a reading bench draws natural light deep into the converted space.

⭐ What makes this branch special

• Housed in a designated Seattle historic landmark — a 1919 converted fire station
• "The Peaceable Kingdom" animal sculpture on the grounds, echoing Madrona's neighborhood motto
• Large picture window with built-in reading bench
• 24/7 book return for after-hours drop-offs
• Designated a Safe Place for community members in need

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