Beautiful library really. Nothing else I could say except that everyone should make this a tourist attraction and visit here at least once in their life! 10 floors with so many areas for computer work, reading, lounging, etc. I did visit the top of the view outlook and it was quite scary... read more

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What a beautiful library! Such a cool spot and it's huge, with 11 floors. I suggest checking out the 4th floor to see the red floor, it's so trippy! So fun to just wander around and see all the different areas. I suggest using a bathroom on a higher level. read more

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This was the most unique experience I've ever had in a library! It's like a work of art from the outer architecture to the inner interior decor! Every floor is different and they even have get this an actual look out on the top floor of the library! It's just amazing! So many floors and so much to marvel at. There's not only history in the books on the shelves but they have it built into the entire place! This was one of my favorite stops in Seattle! My only downside to the place is they wouldn't let me get a library card since I don't live in the area! I wish libraries would let you join no matter where you live. Staff was super friendly about it but to no avail! read more

Seattle Public Library - Central Library - So many levels - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I came here for the architecture. I left impressed beyond the architecture. Seattle Public Library Central Branch is probably most known for their unique architecture which can be best appreciated outside or inside on the 10th floor. NOTABLES: 0. Before I get started, there are so many unique and cool things, be sure to pick up a "library map" on the third floor entrance or at information desks. In addition to laying out the various floors, it has a phone tour. You can call the phone number and listen to a tour as you wander the library. 1. Spiral bookcase on Floors 6-10. Basically, the floor is slanted and "winds up" these floors. Very unique. 2. Floors 3 and 5. Where you can eat in select areas. 3. Floor 3: Friends of Library gift and book store. 4. Floor 3 or 4 had arts and crafts the day we went. 5. There are also genealogical archives somewhere on prem. read more

Seattle Public Library - Central Library - The tenth floor views are incredible. - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

OMG! This was the first time I had ever been inside of this public library and I was instantly inspired. Not just because of the architecture, but it does have a lot to do with it since the way it was built gives you access and views to multiple parts of the library at once. There is an ample amount of space for people to enjoy in whatever setting they prefer to use a library. What I mean by that is there are open space rooms for more interaction vs. quieter individual spaces, . there is a beautiful map room that I've never encountered that has a collage called bibliotopia that I feel changed my brain chemistry so try to check it out before as well as the red floor. I also read some pamphlets where they offer different courses at the library, including a genealogy class and it made me sad because I don't live in Seattle and I just wish my local city library had these options. Lol This library also offers many restrooms and feels very inviting. I wanna go back to Seattle just so I can spend time at this library. read more

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This is one of my favorite libraries I've ever been to! We are so lucky to have this gem in Seattle. An absolutely beautiful building with so many resources. I've gotten a document notarized for free, used archival materials for research, checked out plenty of books, and seen live music here. They also do book talks and have activities for children and adults alike. The 10th floor has some great views of the city. You can get lost and explore here for hours. Support our libraries! read more

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As a local occasionally with time to kill while I am in downtown, I finally discovered the downtown library is an awesome place to do exactly that - hang out, wander, browse, and get free books (yes, you read that right, free to keep!) Though I have visited this Central Library branch through the eyes of a visitor, I don't tend to look at it through the eyes of a local. A few notes for the locals: - All King Country residents qualify for a library card. - Any items checked out from here needs to be returned to one of the Seattle Library branches, not to a King County library. - For those leery of the safety inside, it is perfectly safe with security guards walking the halls. There are some houseless folks inside; they have the right to be there. They keep to themselves and are quiet. - Some spaces are closed during certain days, especially the weekend. - This library has a treasure trove of history; some items are on display on the 10th floor. - A free book rack was on the main floor just inside the 4th floor entrance. Don't know if that is available all the time. My odd viewpoint is that despite the architectural accolades of this building, I am less impressed with the building and more impressed with the contents and the staff. I looked with jealousy at the nearly complete sets of manga ready to borrow. Maybe in the winter, I will borrow a stack to hibernate at home. A super cheerful staff member greeted me on the 3rd floor (5th Avenue counter). The staff at the 4th Avenue counter were helpful and informative. read more

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The library was cool! I had some free time and was with some friends. We all are studying architectural design and our teachers mention this building pretty much every other class we take. It is interesting to see all the different floors. There's an escalator that'll take you to the 10th. There are a variety of spaces and there were many people there when we visited. Rating a 4 because directly outside it smelled foul and I think it could be maintained a little better. Inside there are valuable community resources where people were accessing computers to further their education and file taxes. read more

Seattle Public Library - Central Library - Red room - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Beautiful library with an incredibly extensive collection. Visit all of the floors (not just for the view) but to see the collections. There is even a map room. It was fun to weave our way up to the top floor and meander through each level. There are stairs, escalators, and even an elevator- you can sort of pick and choose how you spiral up to the top floor. The architecture is stunning as well. Lots of interesting programs and events. Lots and lots of work spaces. It's a great library and this must be so fun to have as your local library. . Check out the Friends of the Library store on the entrance level. Great used books but also lots of gift ideas. You could get your Seattle souvenirs here easily. read more

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Beautiful on the outside. Then you walk in an immediately get the smell of urine. We were visiting from CA and recommended to go in to get out of the cold for a cup of coffee. The entire lobby was filled vagrants using the power ports to charge their cell phones and use the bathroom. Would be a nice pace to visit but not for us. read more

What an amazing library! We went to Seattle and it was crazy that the library came up on their "must see" lists a number of times. As a personal book lover, I obviously had to make the journey. Their library really does create a sense of community. There are different areas segregated for different activities, and a book spiral that allows someone to venture all 11 stories without having to take an elevator to each floor! It spirals through all the stacks within the center of the building. Truly an amazing feat. The building itself is gorgeous and I am so amazed at how this amazing place exists in this large urban area. I truly wished we have a place like this near me, but one can only dream. Well done, Seattle! read more

Seattle Public Library - Central Library - An amazing library full of history and spaces for people - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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We decided to check out the library while in the area. It's huge! There's many people enjoying the library from its meeting spaces, computers, seating, and so forth. There are escalators that keep taking you to each floor. Security helps you feel safe in the large space. The architecture is magnificent with its exterior looking like a stack of books. The natural light beams from all the windows. I really enjoyed my walk through. read more

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CATHEDRAL OF KNOWLEDGE. An amazing modern architectural wonder. The entire building is encased in window glass reminiscent of an atrium. The place is huge. There are many places to sit and read, write or just relax. It's very quiet with minimal distractions so an ideal place to concentrate. Enjoy the fascinating layout. The top 5 floors are called The Spiral because of the slightly graded ramp down to the 3rd floor. Then there still more floors below the main floor, apparently with an auditorium staff area and parking. There are also elevators. Each floor is filled with thousands of books. There are information desks on each floor to help you find what you're looking for. The top floor has a fantastic view through the glass facade of surrounding Seattle. All libraries deserve five stars but this one deserves six. If you love libraries, modern art, or just want a place to sit and chill for a bit, this is a great place to visit. Excelsior. read more

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I didn't know a library could be so big! 10 floors of books, magazines, movies, music, maps, art, research documents, and a whole section on just the city of Seattle. The library made a list of the 10 best public libraries in the country and I can see why. On the 10th floor there's plenty of seating for reading or working and even hanging out with friends. They have some photo op spots throughout the library because the building is just so cool. Make sure to check them out. The only downside is that there's a limited amount of street parking and they don't validate for the parking garage across the street. read more

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What a fantastic architecture! I loved visiting this library just to walk around the stacks, and visit the gift shop. It's a beautiful library! read more

One of the coolest, most beautiful libraries I've been to. It's full of books, but also has plenty of space for all ages to sit and read, work, or simply enjoy the sun streaming in through the windows. Staff is helpful and efficient and we always find someone with whom we can talk if we have questions. read more

Seattle Public Library - Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

One of the places I had bookmarked even before I arrived in Seattle was this public library. I love how this building looked like in photos and I wanted to check it out myself as well. This place is amazing going through the neon yellow escalators was fun and the place is very quiet but also so artistic. This building is solid and unique. If you have time I would say come here to look at it. Inside and outside. The windows are just out of this world. I'm so sad though that there is literally no one here but staff members. read more

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This is a beautiful library! Lots of floors to explore with interesting architecture. I liked the red colored rooms. And the long escalator is also fun to ride! The staff were friendly. There is a small bookstore in the front and they sell $1-$4 books on sale. read more

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I studied this building while studying Architecture in college. It was rewarding to be able to visit it in person to see the exterior structural curtain walls sloping away from you want inspiration to recognize the design and effort that went into it. Definitely a good visit just to see the architecture of the building which I think the staff are used to. read more

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The architecture of this massive 10-story library is so unique! The design of the windows gives me airport vibes. Riding up the escalator was really trippy and a fun experience. I just popped in for a quick visit, so I didn't do any work here, but I saw many people working at their computers or reading. They have free wifi, which should be an obvious amenity, but I am a little traumatized after visiting the National Library in Singapore and realizing that I couldn't connect to their wifi without downloading the app on wifi first (a little catch 22). Free wifi in libraries is truly a wonderful amenity in the USA. read more

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Seattle's library is by far of the prettiest libraries I've ever visited! The architectural design of it is flawless and with so many levels to the building, it felt endless. I love how many windows there are and how much lighting can shine through in the building. I absolutely loved exploring this library during my visit and would constantly be here if I lived in the city. If you're ever in Seattle, this is definitely a spot you need to check out. There are a limitless number of books and knowledge you can find here. There's also space upstairs to sit and study or get work done. It was truly a great visit and I really admire how much effort was put into this building. read more

Seattle Public Library - Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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The building and the interior architectural design are incredible. One of the most beautiful libraries I've seen. However, the exterior surrounding areas are dirty, smell like urine and there are homeless people everywhere. read more

Seattle Public Library - Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Wife and I love libraries; believe they are a great asset to any community. Seattle's Public Library is the most fantastic one I have ever seen!!! Looks like the Louve from the outside. Inside a beautiful 10 story structure with a gorgeous view of the bay at the top viewing area. Yes there are apparent unhoused people but they are surfing the web, acting the same as any other model citizen. Staff are warm and friendly. I wish my home library looked like this one. Bravo Seattle!! read more

Excellent public library with glass walls and roofs that let light shine through. You can easily spend a day here and immerse yourself in the warm coffee and good reading. They have $1 books for sale in the corner and great deals to grab! read more

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What a beautiful library! It is a large library and very clean, and soooo many windows for some natural sunlight! While I didn't sit down and grab a book, I did walk around and explore. We went to the top floor and just gazed for a while. I'm glad we stopped by! read more

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This library is amazing in every way! Outside it's an eye catcher because of the architecture. Inside it is multi functional. What's great is there is clean public bathrooms. Fun part is there's oldschool telephones you can use for free! read more

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We came here on a Sunday and was blown away by the niceness of the building. We were able to park on the street just a few blocks away. It is so modern inside and the high ceilings were a nice feature. The children's area is on the first floor so we had to go down since we entered on the 3rd floor from the 5th Ave. entrance. The 4th Ave. entrance puts you on the 1st floor. The staff in this area were amazing, super helpful. Their computer system was down so they helped us manually. There was a good selection and cool spaces to sit and enjoy the books. After perusing this area, we took the elevator to the top floor and walked down, checking out each floor. The most unique thing was the map room, which had large maps and detailed ones for everything. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here. read more

Probably one of the most unique libraries I have been to ever! The Seattle Public Library have a huge collection of books, and various levels for you to work depending on what kind of environment you are looking for. There is also a viewing area where you can see from the tallest point of the whole building but also to admire the architect of the place! I highly recommend if you are at Seattle to give this place a visit. Even if you are from Seattle, and the library isn't your spot, there are gift shops and historical items around the place that you can also take a look at. Honestly, I was able to be lost for hours at the place and I am not a library person. There isn't really parking here, but there are parking around the area (paid). but easy to walk around to things nearby. The place have 10 floors, and different themes on different floors. Do make sure to go on the website because certain floors including the top are closed on certain days of the week (I assume is due to funding and lack of staff supervision). read more

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What a COOL library! You could spend the whole day here and still not have explored it all. This library is massive and modern and truly innovative! There are so many escalators throughout that take you up floors, so many different areas for different books, study alcoves, meeting/practice rooms, etc. etc. This is genuinely - in the best way possible - a library on steroids and is a literal PILLAR in the downtown Seattle area. I'm genuinely jealous of all those who live nearby and get to call this library as their 'local' library because man alive, I would've loved to have this giant skyscraper of a building as my library growing up! It's overwhelming in the best ways possible and I highly recommend a visit here for anyone who is a fan of libraries, even if this isn't a proper "tourist" destination in Seattle. I almost prefer it that way and only people genuinely interested in libraries, cool architecture, and just innovation would be in here checking it out IN ADDITION TO all the people who are using this library for its actual intended purposes of course haha! read more

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This is an architectural building that is worth visiting. The unique shape and design were incredible to see. This library has 10 levels, elevators, and escalators to reach the 10th floor, which has a view of lower floors. Saw some visitors checking out the highest floor. Seattle has many buildings very uniquely built. This is one of them. Parking is either the parking structures or the street. Suggest taking the seattle tram and walking to the library. Viewing from different angles, you will envision how they built this. Also, the library is near the Amazon Spheres, which you should check out. read more

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I've visited the Central Library on multiple occasions, though I don't live in Seattle. Just wandering this building is an adventure - constantly changing sight lines and shadows make it a visual wonderland. The 'Books Spiral', main stacks area, is amazing, with gently sloping aisles winding their way up multiple levels, with shelves running perpendicular, and, naturally, standing level. The effect, when you are standing in a sloping aisle, is delightfully disorienting. I consider wandering through this building to be one of the best tourist attractions in the city, especially if it's a sunny day, when the shadows from thousands of window frames decorate the floors. Don't worry about not having a library card, the people greeting you at the door are used to gawkers like me, and hopefully you. read more

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This was a super cool library. I was in town with a couple friends and someone suggested we stop by. I hadn't heard much about it before so I didn't have high expectations, but let me tell you it's definitely a must see if you're in Seattle! It's set up almost like an art museum and each floor is themed/decorated a little differently. There's lots of windows and lots of neat things to look at and if you aren't careful it's very easy to get lost. There's a ramp that leads you all the way to the top floor, but also escalators that skip a few in between. I really enjoyed my time walking around and I'd like to come back next time I'm in town! read more

Seattle Public Library - Central Library - Cool hallway - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I had a good time at the public library. It was really pretty to walk around. It was a nice public library. However, it was really hyped up, and didn't fully live up to the expectations. It was still really cool, and was fun to visit, but I don't know if I'd force friends/family to go if they were in town. Definitely a cool thing to experience one time :) read more

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Visited here during summer of 2024. Very friendly and helpful staff! SO many different floors along with a diverse collection of genres and non-book resources. It's nice that they put clear age restrictions on the kid/teen areas to ensure the safety of all. The red floor was otherworldly. At the time, there was also a small exhibit about local LGBTQ history and newspapers, which was informative. Don't forget to look at the $1 book cart! I bought several catalogs of late-90s digital art and animation as souvenirs for my friends. read more

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What an impressive building. The reference library is huge. They have old telephone books, a section for maps and other information that would be very useful for researching ancestors or city history. I didn't understand the 'spiral' floors, so I went up there and found you can walk these floors in a 'spiral' up and/or down one into the other. So they are on a slant. (Did that make any sense at all?) There is a large reading area to one side of the uppermost floor. The walls are glass letting in lots of natural light. There are a variety of table and chairs, or more comfortable stuffed seating if you prefer. On the ground level phones are available at no cost, there is a gift shop, and an information desk. Actually, there are staff throughout the building. There is also free wifi, 300 computers for public use, private rooms where you can Skype, rooms to practice your music and quiet areas to study. We stopped in at a very small art installation (sorry, don't remember the floor number) which was interesting. Used the restrooms, which have the minimalist of doors I have ever experience. When standing in the stall, I was visible in the mirror from chest height up. Walking by these stalls you could easily look down into the stalls if you cared to do such a thing. They are clean, and I was the only one in there. When I check out the website, I found they have a 'single occupant' restroom on level 3. Now you know. A 'children's' restroom is located on level 1. I envision a cute row of tiny toilets. :D Their website is chock full of information: summer reading, life skill classes, citizenship classes, collections, new arrivals, online resources for research and more. Definitely check that out! They even have a 'Using this Website' section under the heading 'Using the Library'. Seattle has several library branches including Fremont, Capitol Hill and the International District, just to name a few. I'm interested in the architecture of the building and found a page that highlights the branches: https://www.spl.org/using-the-library/plan-a-visit/systemwide-architecture The central library has an underground parking lot. The first 20 minutes are free, then it's $4 every 20 minute increment after that with a maximum of $32/day. Rates are lower after 5pm, on weekends and for motorcycles. Be aware, garage clearance is only 9 feet. Check their website for handicap van space limitations. Bicycle racks are available out side or in the underground garage. Check that website for all the details, including nearby parking garage locations and how to get there via public transportation. read more

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Visit Date: may 19th, 2022, ~10am I am from out of town, so I wasn't here to check out any books. I heard about the architectural awesomeness, and wanted to check it out. Plus, a public library is one of the only public spaces you can exist without spending money. Win-win. Unfortunately. I am left with mixed feelings. More bad than good. The good: Architecturally, the building is awesome. The entire shell is glass, letting in lots of natural light. It also features many wide open spaces for rest (or reading, or writing reviews like this one). There is also a book conveyor for returned items (and maybe others). Unfortunately, it was out of service when I visited. The bad: while wide and open, the interior space is bland if not drab. Predominant colors are black, white, grey, and brown (depending on what floor you're on). There are some splashes of color, but not enough to elevate the space. For a museum, this color scheme is fine, good even not to detract from the art. For a public space like this, it's almost depressing, especially since Seattle isn't the sunniest city around. The ugly: the book spiral and reading room are only open two days a week, Tuesday and Wednesday. Even if you forget tourists, shouldn't locals be able to use these facilities more than 2x a week? On the same note, the operating hours are extremely limited, 10-6 most days; and open til 8 two days. Sundays are 12-6. This is a library, not the RMV. The nail in the coffin: the bathrooms... who designed these doors? The Lollipop Guild? Even an average sized man can easily see what is reserved for significant others. read more

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What a nice library and so many book options! There are so many floors to this library, but the main books of interest are on the 3rd (?)/main floor. There's also a lovely cafe and a lot of really nice seating areas. You can spend a ton of time just exploring the different floors of the library, trying to find books to read, and just reading! I love their layout, and they have several computers with catalog access if you know exactly what you're looking for. All of the people working there in my experience have been incredibly friendly and helpful too. I love to spend time here! read more

Seattle Public Library - Central Library - Main floor - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

It's the tallest building in Seattle. Because it has so many stories. My favorite thing was that they offer a phone for free local calls, which is very thoughtful- and I've never seen that anywhere else in my long life. Going for the architecture is a must. The building made the "Top 108" list for American Institute of Architects, received an Honor Award for Architecture, and was voted "Best place to argue with your reflection" three years running by the homeless. But going for the bathrooms is a nightmare. The toilet doors are super short and you can clearly see anyone coming in and vice versa so you squat there like a kid in diapers taking a dump behind the couch when company is there. read more

Seattle Public Library - Central Library - It's the tallest building (because of all the stories) - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Beautiful building, but it's smelly/dirty and the 2 staff members I spoke with weren't the friendliest. I don't blame them for being rude, though, considering the general vibes. It must be stressful working at this location. Disappointing and sad to visit here because I love books and libraries and this could be so much nicer than it is. read more

Scenic. Grandiose. Bountiful. For public libraries, this is a contender for one of the coolest. The book section here is insane. Came here to get my library card and spent over an hour and a half walking through all the sections and floors. Librarians are helpful, each floor has a different book theme, and plenty to do for just the traveler who is stopping by or the student studying for exams. Don't be intimated by its size, just take your time. Truly a masterpiece of work and the options for readers are endless. read more