Seattle Public Library - Central Library

The Seattle Public Library Central Library is hands down the best public library I have ever visited! This 10 floor building is an architectural marvel. I absolutely love the open-floor design where you can look all the way down from the very top floor to the first. it's spectacular. The unique layout of the different floors and the vast selection make it a destination in itself. Even if you're not planning to check out a book, you must visit this building just to experience the incredible space. A definite Seattle highlight!

The Seattle Public Library is one of the most impressive libraries I’ve ever visited. The building itself is a work of art — bold, modern architecture with glass walls and open spaces that feel bright and inspiring. Inside, it’s incredibly spacious, with quiet corners for reading and wide areas that showcase the city’s creativity. The collection is massive, covering everything from classic literature to local Seattle history. Even if you’re not a big reader, it’s worth visiting just to take in the design and atmosphere.

Beautiful architecture! Definitely worth a quick visit if you’re close by. There are quite a lot of homeless people hanging around in here, but they seem to just be keeping to themselves. Lots of staff around too which is great.

I’ve lived in Seattle for three years and been to other SPL locations but only now thought to stop by this location and I wish I came sooner. This might be the largest and cleanest library I’ve ever visited. It feels very majestic and I can’t believe this exists right in the middle of downtown Seattle. Signed up for a SPL membership and will be back!

Architectural masterpiece! Classical libraries will always be the best the best book covers, but for a modernist approach, this has to be one of the most beautiful libraries in the country. It is stunning, functional and a cathedral of knowledge growth and bettering oneself. The open airy atmosphere yet cleverly designed pockets of personal space are so well balanced.

Design by OMA (Rem Koolhaas) and built in 2004. It is the culmination of Rem Koolhaas’s design approach on programming. Five distinct boxes with different programs float on top of each other, while the building envelope wraps around the volume to create interstitial spaces. The book stack box features an internal ramp spiraling upwards towards the study/reading area on the top floor. Incredible piece of architecture. A must go in Seattle!

This library is so cool! The building is gorgeous. It's got eleven floors, which is wild. The kids' section has tons of books on everything you can think of. Since there are so many books, it would be great if they had little rolling carts or something. My kids could barely carry the weird baskets they had. It was tough carrying books for three kids and myself. But seriously, it's an awesome library and fun for everyone.

One of my favorite places in the city for its unique architecture and incredible vibe if you're into modernist design. Saw the red floor this time and it was extremely odd but cool! Be aware that there's tons of homeless people inside. It's not an issue unless homeless people make you uncomfortable, or if you're put off by weird comments made towards you, but for the most part, no one will bother you if you keep to yourself. Still worth the visit for sure!

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!

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.

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.

The Seattle Public Library is a great place to read, work, or just explore. The building itself is stunning, and the collection of books and digital resources is impressive. There's plenty of seating, free Wi-Fi, and helpful staff, though service can be a bit hit-or-miss. It does get crowded at times, so finding a quiet spot isn't always easy. Still, it's a fantastic resource for the community and well worth a visit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Beautiful library with so much to explore! Would love for the children's center to be more kid-friendly with a more hands-on approach, but the library is beautiful with a huge selection. Little gift shop at the entrance is adorable with lots of cute and unique trinkets for sale.

Such a fun place! Was up in the downtown area and decided to stroll in. Very clean bathrooms, lots of charging stations, many librarians and staff members to help. Very cool architecture! An amazing selection of books

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!

I mean, who is going to write bad review for a library? This place is gigantic and tbh, I'm not giving full stars because as cool and awesome as the giganticness is, I wish it were a bit more intimate in more areas. I love the airiness, I love the art (the floors are so cool, the ceiling, the windows). Someone advised me to check the "red floor" and I did not like it as much as they do - however, wow, wild, I applaud the multiple efforts at jazzing up the building design. Of course, go here to check out a book or watch an event.

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!

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.

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).

The Central Library is one of the coolest buildings in downtown Seattle. The architecture and layout is insane. It'll take you at least an hour to walk around all ten floors, accessible by escalator, stairs, or elevators. If you live in King County, don't forget to get a free library card! Besides being able to borrow books, ebooks, and audiobooks, you also get access to the computers. There's also a cafe on the third floor to just chill. Pro tip: On the tenth floor is the viewpoint and atrium if you want to get some good sights, especially on a sunny, clear day.

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.

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!

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 :)

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.

Not much to say in particular but I really like the design and architecture of this building on the inside and out. There's ample space around to sit and read or relax. The viewpoint at the top floor is nice to gaze down at the full library below and the reading room at the 9th floor is a nice quiet place to hang out.

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.

Nice but unfortunately being a public library it has the downsides you'd expect. Don't wander around the outside area too late at night

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.

How does the Roosevelt road library handle homelessness , they lie and say the printer is not working and the computers are not working Please close them down. Trash

The Seattle Public Library was suggested to me by a close friend. This person knows my admiration and love of architecturally unique and eclectic creations that defy the laws of physics. This building is no exception. I have driven past it numerous times and had no idea it was the public library. The first thing you notice is the exoskeleton. A stunning work of steel and glass. Looks more like an arboretum than a library. The interior is expansive, to say the least. Spacious doesn't accurately depict the size and the immensity of the open air atrium you enter into. Inside, you will experience live plants, perfectly positioned desks and chairs for studying, and open-air feeling that is more like an opera theater and then a public library. Architecture that catches your eye with sharp right angles, steel beams, and expansive glass walls and ceilings. Did I mention they have books? Oh yes, they have every subject you could want to research, read, or enlighten yourself with. All are located within a peaceful environment. I could have remained here for hours... oh wait I did. If you're looking for a respite among the hustle and bustle of the city, do yourself a favor and stop in to the Seattle Public Library.

Seattle Public Library is probably one of the most iconic libraries you can set foot in. It's huge, it's aesthetic, and it's got a huge collection of books and workspaces. So yeah, first and foremost, it's a library for the public to use but it's also kinda a place where a bunch of photohoes take instagram pictures at, me included. It's about 11 stories tall but the 10th floor is where you can access the viewpoint and atrium. Where you wish to take photos though is up to you, do what you like and explore as you see fit. The 5th floor is all red, like literally red hallways and everything, certainly not to be compared to a murder scene or anything but it's quite unique. But otherwise, most floors are packed with books and desks and it can be pretty easy to get lost in the books and spend hours here even if you're not studying. So, does anything else need to be said about this amazing library? No? Good, come here and experience it for yourself then.

What a great building. As I was roaming downtown Seattle, I noticed the architecture immediately. After walking around the building several times, I sat across the street and just admired it for a bit. Being from out of state, I knew I couldn't check out a book, but I went in anyhow. All I can say is WOW! Many floors of books and reference materials, excellent sitting areas and work stations. I'd recommend a visit to the Seattle public library to locals as well as out of towners.

It might seem strange to visit a public library as a tourist, but I did so because this place is so beautiful. Located in downtown Seattle, this public library is an architectural marvel. It is a huge library, with 11 floors. But the best feature is the outer "shell". The design gives the building an appearance of being wrapped inside a steel and glass net. I went in just to look around and take photos of the building and I'd recommend you do the same.

Beautiful library with glass walls/ceilings. There are about 10 floors and each floor has its different genre. It's not a super tall building considering how many floors there are, but it's beautiful and very cozy to spend a day and read if you wanted to.

A city as flush with tech money as Seattle should have a great library, and I'm happy to report that it, at the very least, manages to impress this country bumpkin. We wandered in on a lark, and didn't wander out until a couple of hours later, having discovered very quickly that the library offers a really good self-guided tour (driven by cell phone). In true American fashion, Seattle has twice torn down its main library in order to start fresh (the first teardown being in the 1960s). This latest version still feels cutting edge despite being nearly 20 years old at this writing (2004). Does it feel like home to local patrons? Does it activate the community as a neighborhood space? That's for the locals to say. Does it impress this gawking tourist? Yes, yes it does.

There are plenty of photos of this iconic and impressive public library so I'll post no more. This place is awe-inspiring, and that's simply from an architectural standpoint. It's also massive so I'm guessing there's plenty of books (and other media) to borrow here too. Imagine an atrium view 10 stories above the ground floor......talk about your vertigo! To reach the top floor, you can take an elevator though it's even cooler to ride the two connecting 3 story long (I'm guessing) escalators. There are few public libraries that are must-sees when touring the big cities.........this is definitely one of them. Lastly, given the pandemic times we live in, it was nice that the library had free COVID test kits available for the general public.

One of the best libraries I've visited! They had a mini museum exhibit of Meet Me At Higo, tons of resources for teens & young adults all the way up to 22yo, and a large variety of seating and books. It was super quiet and plenty of charging stations for tourists (or visitors) like myself.

Best days are Tuesday - Thursday if you work from home. I hate having to write a review of such an awesome place letting everyone know how cool it is, and potentially making it harder for myself to find seats. But, I feel this place has more than enough space to accommodate people. If you work from home and need a change of setting a few times a week, I think this is a better alternative to other co-working spaces in the area - and it's free! Yeah, there is an issue with homeless but it's not that bad considering you get fast internet and a cool setting for free. Co-working spaces nearby charge $30 for one day use so I can tolerate walking past a few homeless people on the first floor. They open their upper levels from Tuesday - Thursday. Otherwise, the only spaces to work are floors 1,3, and 5. Floors 6-10 are beautiful, quiet, and spaced out. I just plug in my headphones and speak quietly into my mic and I'm able to take video calls. If I know I will be heavily involved in the meeting, there are plenty of nooks tucked away where I am not worried about disturbing anyone around me. It's surprising to me how the 10th floor has about 200 available desks and only 15 or so people using the space. If possible, I want all my tax dollars to go here so it can be open 7 days a week.

You can get a digital card, and borrow for your kindle. It's great. The library itself is a very beautiful building.

Came in with 10 min to spare and a lazy blond staffer whined that he wanted to get out on time and refused to open a card. Seattle people are so un-American!

I love the glass building at Central Library there is a lot to explore and the staff were nice when I checked out books I would recommend it

One of the biggest libraries! The architecture of this place is a marvel! There are 10 floors. One could probably spend their entire life here reading. There are many open spaces and reading rooms available. They have some rare books on the 10th floor. The number of books here is overwhelming. I am very glad I stopped by. Definitely stop by if you want to read.

Library is pretty decent, with spacious areas and many resources. I personally like the large numbers of stacks, though there is plenty to feel positive about.

Such a huge library with a little bit of everything - books (of course), a children's area (only for children and caregivers), a cafe (closed), a gift shop (with books, souvenirs, notebooks, plushies, etc.), computers, etc. Access to the upper floors is limited, so be sure to check the hours or make an appointment if you want to go to the top.

Ok! So we're reviewing a library in a town you probably don't live in, in a county you probably don't have a library card for... why? Because it's an amazing place to visit even if you can't read. If you are interested in books, the selection here is vast. This is one big library. The even have a map alcove that's pretty darn impressive. If you're here just to visit, there is sooo much to see it's almost overwhelming. The architecture alone is something to marvel but they way they use said architecture to incorporate the library is a beautiful thing. The attention to detail will have you coming back a second, third, fourth (and so on) time. I can see why this place is called "the most instagrammable library." Just gorgeous.

Lit up at night, it looks futuristic and wonderful! In the light of day, with hobo camps, pools of urine, and rusting superstructure, you realize you're in a downtown city. But then you can go inside. Some of the library is closed during pandemic, but most of it is open and patrolled by dutiful security people. Seems to be public computers upstairs and ample public seating downstairs.