Profile: Deborah L. Jacobs

Deborah L. Jacobs, who holds a bachelor's degree in government from Mills College and a master's degree in library science from the University of Oregon, came to Seattle in 1997 to lead The Seattle Public Library into the next century. Jacobs spent her first four months on the job developing a comprehensive plan to nearly double the space in the current 22 neighborhood libraries and add five new libraries, as well as replace the downtown library, through careful expenditure of some $280 million. Her commitment to the effort and extensive work in every neighborhood resulted in overwhelming public support for the "Libraries for All" bond issue, which passed in 1998 by a majority nearing 70% – at the time, the largest bond measure ever approved for libraries in the country. Under Jacobs' leadership, The Seattle Public Library Foundation has raised an unprecedented $83 million for library construction and endowments.

Among many other honors, in 2004, Engineering News Record named her Newsmaker of the Year for "engaging citizens and inspiring designers," and in 2004 Seattle Magazine included Deborah Jacobs in its listing of the 25 most influential people in Seattle.

In 2003, AIA Seattle welcomed her as an Honorary Member, noting "Deborah Jacobs has made it her mission to engage the public in the selection of work of design teams for the much-heralded Seattle Central Library, and for facilities in neighborhoods throughout the urban region. AIA Seattle applauds this visible and committed advocate for design understanding and quality."

Since its May 2004 opening, the Seattle Central Library has drawn widespread critical acclaim (including recognition in the AIA Seattle 2004 Honor Awards for Washington Architecture, AIA 2004 Honor Awards for Architecture, and #1 among Time Magazine's 'best architecture of 2004') and has attracted record crowds of visitors. Branch libraries located throughout the greater Seattle area also generate critical and public attention for innovative design.

We urge Fellows/Honors Council attendees to bring young architects and colleagues as their guests, to share the inspiration and experience of this presentation.

Cordially,

Donald Carlson FAIA
President, Fellows/Honors Council