Plans Approved For New Library

Thu., Dec. 12, 1996

Kathy Mulady Correspondent

Work is progressing on two North Side branches of the Spokane Public Library.

The Shadle Park branch is expected to move to its new building at Wellesley and Belt, near the Shadle water tower, in February. Plans for the Indian Trail branch have been approved and it is expected to open in February 1998.

The library board recently approved the design for the Indian Trail branch. It features lots of windows, high ceilings, cozy reading areas - and a cupola.

“I tried to combine tradition with modern detail,” said architect Ron Tan, of Tan-Heyamoto Architects. “I want the residents to feel the building belongs to that neighborhood.”

Inside, the 10,000-square-foot library will be open and airy. “You can stand in one spot and see everything,” said Tan.

The children’s area can be easily monitored from the circulation desk, and by parents in the adult book area.

But there are also small reading nooks and public meeting rooms with seating for about 65.

The inside of the library will feature wood and glass, the outside will probably be brick.

The library will be located near the intersection of Indian Trail and Barnes roads, next to the Indian Trail Community Church.

The cupola adds a distinctive touch to the building, but also balances the design. Inside, the cupola offers comfortable seating for reading.

Tan-Heyamoto also designed the East Side library branch, which features rich wood and natural light.

Tan-Heyamoto has designed eight other libraries, including one in Tonasket, Cheney, and the Foley Center at Gonzaga University.

Tan is especially pleased with the Indian Trail branch design.

“I like the gentleness of the architecture, it is a friendly building, not oppressive or overbearing,” said Tan.

Meanwhile, Shadle Park librarians are excited about the February move.

The Shadle library long ago outgrew its tight quarters in the Shadle shopping center, where it has been since 1964.

The new branch is 18,000 square feet of gentle curves, sloping roof, and faces Shadle Park.

It’s one of the busiest in the citywide system, with the highest circulation behind the downtown library.

“This facility has certainly served the community well over the years, but it wasn’t designed initially as a library,” said Andrea Sharps, Shadle manager.

“The community is excited too. We get questions daily,” said Sharps.

The larger library will have more room for adult and children’s programs. There will also be a public meeting room.

“We worked closely with the architect so the vision we had would be reflected in the new library,” said Sharps.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Drawing

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.