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Seattle Central Library
Library
Seattle Central Business District, Seattle
"From the 10th floor, walk past the elevators and around the corner."(7 Tips)
"non-fiction book spiral"(6 Tips)
"Love the architecture of this building"(25 Tips)
"Internationally renown architect Rem Koolhaas"(3 Tips)
143 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Matt LewFebruary 26, 2017Go all the way to the 10th floor to view from the top. Also take the 8th floor and walk down the spiral.
Upvoted Sep 18
Kristine GelsanoNovember 19, 2014Cool! I've never seen a Public Library like this. I enjoyed the modern architecture & interior design. I like how the floors spirals up. There's also a cafe in where you can get coffee/drinks & food.
Johnny PeaceDecember 12, 2017Always a great spot to chill for a couple hours. I usually go to the tenth floor to study, or binge watch tv shows. Then when you're tired of screens, take the stairs and check oit the unique floors.
Erkan SakaOctober 27, 2018This is the biggest public library I have ever seen. 13-floor modern well-designed architecture. The tenth floor has a viewing deck, too. Do not expect a majestic city view though.
Catalina OteroMarch 23, 2015There's a whole section up on the top floor dedicated to Seattle history. Looking at some old yearbooks from the previous century was really interesting!
eric bornemannFebruary 5, 2018Fantastically cool building that is a ton of fun to explore. Be sure to go all the way to the top.
Best place to get tax returns done for free. Look for the free tax help on the 5th floor.
Sarah Malloy-GoodAugust 16, 2012There is a free self-guided cell phone tour throughout the library. Fun fact: the public art outside the meeting rooms on the 4th floor is excerpts from Robert's Rulesand of Order.
IrinaAugust 15, 2014Architecture of the building and the ambiance inside are a bit too abstract and futuristic to be soothing. It's one of Seattle's notable landmarks, so is worth checking out.
Veronica S.January 27, 2014If you're looking for a book from the aviation room, go to the 10th floor to order it. The book can be used just in library. And the room is closed on Friday.
Lailanie GadiaNovember 5, 2014Great architecture. Good place to hangout, study, and take a break from the downtown Seattle hustle and bustle with the quiet atmosphere.
Ethernet plugs (for those who don't have a WI-Fi capable device or who need more security) on a few floors are available to connect to the Internet. this one is located on the 8th floor.
RainbeauNovember 1, 2016If you've never been, you ought to walk through at least once. It's also a great space to work remotely for the day.
Matt LehrerAugust 14, 2019The children's book section is something like 20 times the size of our local branch's and was great to explore.- You haven't filed for your taxes, and need help? The United Way is offering assistance to doing your taxes. The will even eFile your return. They also have service for basic needs.
- R BNovember 25, 2011From the 10th floor, walk past the elevators and around the corner. Watch the movie projected to the side of the lower floors as you look down to the 2nd floor stacks. This place is a treasure trove.
Irene MSeptember 6, 2012Designed by Rem Koolhas. It is worthy of all the hype and locals are rightfully proud to live in a place where such projects actually happen. Bill Gates chipped in $20 million for this too.- ToryBurchApril 15, 2011Marvel at this Rem Koolhaas-designed public library, from its airy and bright steel and glass structure to its towering non-fiction book spiral and vibrant magenta and lime children's reading room.
- veronique @ zaptravel.com .August 30, 2013The hub of Seattle's 25-branch library system, the Central Library, is a stunning jewel of a building that stands out against the concrete jungle of Downtown.
Amar MOctober 1, 2013The best place where you can ever study and relax,also they provide many classes to teach english it's called Talk Time ..- R BNovember 25, 2011Each "side" of the building utilized a different type of glass. Compare at the angles & you will see the differences, intended to highlight various views of the city, rain & sky.
Brad FultsJuly 27, 2013One of the most awesome buildings in Seattle. Walk up the giant ramps, go down the neon elevator and walk through the confusingly geometric hallway.
Simply one of the world's best. This is no library. This is a flight terminal for armchair travel!
AAF SeattleDecember 19, 2013Site of the AAF Seattle Speaker Series: David Burkus on "The Myths of Creativity," 12/19/2013. #CreativeMyths [info] Read more
Rose JangFebruary 14, 2017Wow! An incredibly beautiful, inviting, calming space. Architecture done right.
Tyrone JenkinsOctober 4, 2017Definitely the best library I've ever seen... Seattle has great libraries all over the place
TruthorDare.usNovember 13, 2012We dare you to schedule an architectural or general tour at the Seattle Public Library and then search for your family surname in the Genealogy Collection.
Windows Live Photo GalleryOctober 29, 2010Stand at the corner of 5th and Spring, across from the library, to capture the entire building. A reflection of the sunset on the building is possible from late spring to early summer.
Kyle McLainApril 28, 2017Great view from top floor! Turn left when you get out of the elevator on the reading room level.
Daniel PlemmonsSeptember 1, 2017The map room is particularly cool. Obviously the architecture is great inside and out.
Matt HealyOctober 30, 2013Those hooks you see hanging below the windows on the top floor are for window washers. *faints*
Benjamin LukOctober 27, 2009From the upper floors, you get a great bird's eye view of practically the entire city. In fact, the view's so great, you see things you shouldn't. Like that time we saw a couple boning on a rooftop.
Shannon McDonoughJanuary 29, 2013If you are on a Mac or iPad and are having trouble connecting to wi-fi, try turning off your wi-fi, restarting, then turning wi-fi back on. Not guaranteed, but worked for me.
Joanna FlammOctober 30, 2013Look for the audio tour signs--all you need is your phone. Call the number and learn about this crazy building.- AAF SeattleJune 12, 2013The architectural views here alone will open windows in your mind. Tap into this space!
Geoffrey BrailsfordNovember 24, 2015Take some time to casually walk around. There's so much to explore! Don't get lost.
W. DunlapFebruary 8, 2010Take Link light rail to get here. Exit at the 3rd & Seneca end of University Street Station, then go 1 block uphill east on Seneca, then 1 block south on 4th, and you're at the library's front door!
Kaede BalazsNovember 14, 2013Whether you love books, or architecture, or both, check out the library downtown. Rem Koolhaas is a visionary.
Check out a book (or a comic book or a CD or a DVD) from one of the best - and most beautiful - libraries in the Americas.
Zachary SlaterJuly 22, 2011Enter, appreciate, then leave when you realize you can fit most of it on your {insert ereader here}
Larry CollinsDecember 28, 2011You can use the computers for 90 minutes and then you will have to come back tommorrow.
2,051 Photos
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Seattle Central Library
1000 4th Ave (btwn Madison & Spring)
Seattle, WA 98104
United States
Seattle, WA 98104
United States
Our Vision for Seattle: A city where imagination and opportunity thrive.
Our Mission: The Seattle Public Library brings people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.
Open until 8:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Sun
- Noon–6:00 PM
(206) 386-4636
Features
Wi-Fi
Yes
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Places inside Seattle Central Library
- 7.4
- 7.5
"Their coffee is delicious. The gentleman working behind the counter was super polite. Don’t forget to check out their selection of chocolates and truffles!"
Elizabeth T - 7.4
"Favorite place to buy gifts and postcards for out of town family also supports the world's greatest library."
Christopher Buckley
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Places people like to go after Seattle Central Library
- 9.3
"Great place for local handmade goods and foods! Right by the water. Will take a few hours to explore!"
_ - 8.6
"Loved the mythical section where you can find several paintings of Venus, Zeus and Cupid. Also the Egyptian, French and Roman sections are really good. I'm definitely going back to that museum."
Gaby Sánchez - 8.5
"The views were incredible on such a sunny day! You could see for miles at the very top it was definitely worth it!"
Rebecca S.
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