The Seattle Public Library is planning a special celebration in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Douglass-Truth branch (2300 E. Yesler Way).
The public is invited to join in the festivities from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27 at the branch. Enjoy a scavenger hunt, button making, canvas-bag decorating, historical presentations, performers and refreshments.
Historical clothing and accessories from the 1900s will also be on display throughout the Douglass-Truth branch.
At 12:30 p.m., community speakers will share brief remarks on the Douglass-Truth Branch’s 100th anniversary, including City Librarian Marcellus, former King County Executive Ron Sims and Val Matson, public relations chair for the Seattle chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha/
All activities are free and open to the public; no registration is required.
Library service in the Central Area dates back to 1914, with the opening of what was then called the Henry L. Yesler Memorial Library. In 1965, the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., a national sorority of black college women, donated books to launch what is now called the African-American Collection. In 1975, the branch was renamed the Douglass-Truth Branch, after Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth.
The branch was expanded in 2005 as part of the voter-approved Libraries for All building program. The addition expanded shelf space for the African-American Collection, added a new children’s area and increased the amount of seating and computers.