Seattle Public Library - Capitol Hill

Elite '08

6

64

Emily N.

Seattle, WA

I was an architecture student once. Now I just go to meetings. But I haven't lost my keen eye for architecture, so allow me to give you a little e-tour of this charming branch library, which has all the inventiveness of a b.arch's thesis project, and also all the practicality.

Concept: Indiana Jones, Temple of Doom / Raiders of the Lost Ark mashup. There's vines everywhere, and some weird pointy metal cage out front, and a shaky aluminum gangplank, and the walls seem to be slowly closing in on you, so don't forget your bull whip and... oh jeez, watch out for that boulder.

Program: This library has been outfitted with a lovely 25-foot-tall south-facing window wall, affectionately nicknamed "The Cooker." Fortunately, depending on the time of day, a maximum of 50% of reading patrons can be blinded at once, so when you are trying to decide between the east-facing chair and the one with that view of the hill hottie at the next table, weigh your options.

Additional Amenities: inventive outdoor seating, with sections for groups and individuals, conveniently located on the north side of the building, not under the overhang, because we know you like your seating perennially wet and shady.

Still, the people persevere. This library is always packed and you have to do a little bit of wheeling and dealing to get a computer.

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Elite '08

59

225

Jessica Y.

Seattle, WA

The library and I have a completely superficial relationship. I love it's big windows, sci-fi flower vines, and weird metal sculpture sign. I like hanging out on the shady mini-benches out front in the summer, enjoying whatever snack I just picked up. Sometimes I just like to hang out inside - something about libraries makes me feel safe.

But I've never checked out a book from here. Is that a sad thing to admit?

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1

6

Holly R.

Seattle, WA

I LOVE this place.  I do all my book ordering online, then go pick it up when I get an email.  I know it's not really your traditional library experience but I LOVE it.  Not to mention everyone who works there has always been more than eager to help me with whatever I need.  Thank you, Seattle taxpayers, for all our library branches with wonderful workers.

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2

37

Jami M.

Seattle, WA

I love libraries...and how can you not with vines creeping all over the exterior.  There's also a few awesome little window nooks to curl up and read in if you're lucky enough to snag one.  Not as much seating here as I'd like but it is generally small.  The early hours have already been mentioned, as have the "browse and hold books online" aspect (which I use almost every week).  There are several computers with internet access and you can even reserve time slots for their use.

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Elite '08

914

947

Michelle B.

Seattle, WA

Want to know where all the library books are hiding?

They're at the branch libraries waiting to be picked up by high-tech library patrons who reserve them online. That's right, you just go online, tell them what you want, and they'll ship it over to your local library and all you have to do is walk in and take it off the shelf. Simple.

I love my local library, it has foliage all over it, soaring windows, and fairly crappy hours. Am I the only one who wants to be at the library after 6:00 on a Friday night?

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Elite '08

48

72

elle b.

Oakland, CA

So it's not a Rem Koolhaas-designed tourist-thronged landmark. I'm OK with that. I love coming here for a midday recharge. It's a bright, calm space, with a few choice window seats, a decent mag selection, and free WiFi. The bathrooms are clean and unsketchy.

And I'm told you can even get books here.

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Elite '08

111

328

Kimberley D.

Seattle, WA

Nice architecture, free wifi, friendly people... I just wish they had longer hours. I realize that's an issue of the public being willing to fund it through taxes vs. the library itself, though. So I wish the public gave more of a shit.

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Elite '08

62

106

Jessi B.

Seattle, WA

the downtown library might be my husband, but the cap hill branch is still my best friend.

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5

118

Lisa F.

Brooklyn, NY

This is a nice branch of the public library in Capitol Hill. Its in an airy, modern building with large windows of light. Nice to stop by and grab a book if you live in the neighborhood.

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0

25

Heavenly O.

WA

i reserve all my books and movies (there's a usually a long waiting list for new stuff, but you can get FREE movies and keep them for a week!) online and pick them up at this branch. so i don't spend too much time in there. but the building is cute, and the self-checkout is easy. i only wish there were more convenient hours. and it's kind of scary returning stuff to the book drop late at night or early in the morning---watch out for people sleeping on the benches outside!

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