City librarian Deborah L. Jacobs named winner of Shaping Community: The A. O. Bumgardner Award

Deborah L. Jacobs, Seattle Public Library city librarian, was honored with the Seattle Architecture Foundation's prestigious 2005 Shaping Community: The A. O. Bumgardner Award on June 6, 2005. The Shaping Community Award recognizes individuals who make lasting, quality contributions to the creation, appreciation, and advocacy of excellent community design.

"In 2005, there is no clearer example of the power of design to improve lives—or a more visible example of community participation in architecture—than the Libraries for All program," said Sydney Dobson, executive director of the Seattle Architecture Foundation.

Libraries for All is the name of The Seattle Public Library's $256 million building program, funded by voter-approved bonds and private donations, to renovate, replace or build a total of 28 libraries citywide.

She added that the new branches in particular, provided significant additions to the city and were examples of the power of community support for excellent architecture.

"In presenting this year's award to Jacobs and the "Libraries for All" campaign, The Seattle Architecture Foundation recognized that accomplishments such as the Central and neighborhood libraries have been the result of an enormous community effort of engaged citizens, dedicated specialists—architects, engineers, construction managers—and the commitment, vision, and tenacity of their leader, Deborah Jacobs."

Albert O. Bumgardner, a prominent Pacific Northwest architect, was the founder of Bumgardner Architects. He served as Seattle president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). A bequest in his will was an early and significant gift setting up the Seattle Architecture Foundation and continues to significantly support the foundation's efforts today. The Shaping Community Award celebrates and continues Bumgardner's lasting contributions to the community.

The Seattle Architecture Foundation offers guided walking tours, youth programs exhibits and other events to help members of the public understand how architecture and design enriches their lives. The foundation believes design shapes people and that people should take an active part in shaping the design of their communities.