Seattle Public Library - Central Library

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.

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!

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.

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!