SEATTLE – The Green Lake Branch of the Seattle Public Library will be closed for an extensive period, beginning February 1st, as it undergoes a seismic retrofit. The city's Department of Construction has identified the Green Lake Branch, as one of the three historic Carnegie buildings, as being at high risk for damage and potential loss of life in the event of a major earthquake. In addition to the structural upgrade, the library will also receive new HVAC systems, accessibility improvements and interior modernization. The project is funded by the 2019 Library Levy and is expected to cost more than $7.5 million. The Green Lake Branch opened in 1910 and has not undergone any renovations since 1999. The library's Communications Strategist, Bennett Barr, stated that these improvements will help the branch provide ongoing services to those in need, both in terms of shelter and traditional library services.