Get to Know the Library Neighborhood of Mercer Island

This post is the fifteenth in a series offering insights into the unique characteristics of specific neighborhoods on Mercer Island and surrounding Lake Washington, including Dawn Vista, Tarrywood, Sammamish, Orcas Island, Issaquah, West Seattle  and Pine Lake.

Situated between Island Crest Way on the West, 92nd Ave SE on the East, SE 47th on the South, and SE 42nd on the North is a quiet neighborhood known as the Library Community. This well-located neighborhood is very typical of Mercer Island in most ways – it is convenient, quiet, good topography and has many positive community features, the most popular is, of course, the terrific Mercer Island Library and Rotary Park.

The Library community is just a short walk away from the high school, the Boys and Girls Club, several parks (including Ellis Pond), and several popular churches. Trails and level topography help connect the community and its features.  It is also served by a bus route.

The current Library structure was built in the early 1990s. It has become the site for many city and community meetings, art exhibitions, and musical performances. Beginning in early 2014 renovations will ensure that the library facility can accommodate an ever-growing collection of publications ranging from print and digital books and journals, print and digital magazines, public use computers and research tools and technologies, as well as special collections of interest to the community. Current plans call for improvement of interior acoustics and window replacement. Renovations will also refresh the interior of the existing building (no changes to the footprint of the buildig) as part of this 1.6 million dollar renovation.

The second major attraction in the Library neighborhood is Rotary Park, which was created in 1970 as a project of the Mercer Island Rotary Club.

 The park is located across from the Library and close to St. Monica's Church.  Over the years, it has evolved into a neighborhood park. Every spring, volunteers from the Rotary Club and the high school Interact Club clean up the park and make minor improvements. Activities in 2013 included: (1) planting nearly 50 trees, ground covers, etc., (2) barking all tree stands, (3) laying a gravel cover along the path, and (4) installing a new bench.

Two homes in the Library neighborhood have sold in the last 180 days. One, located at 4248 86th Ave SE, sold for $788,000. This single level home with west exposure for sunset viewing was originally a five bedroom home. It is now a two bedroom with master suite and bonus areas. It features hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, French doors, circular drive, fenced back yard and large patio (http://www.matrix.nwmls.com/Matrix/Public/Portal.aspx?ID=9860422010).

There are currently no homes in the Library community for sale. One home is currently under construction in the neighborhood.

To be notified when a home becomes available or to list your home, please call me at (206) 230-0833.