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Seattle Central Library

Library

Seattle Central Business District, Seattle

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9.1^/10

689

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"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)
"Rem Koolhaas is a visionary."(3 Tips)

143 Tips and reviews

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Kristine GelsanoNovember 19, 2014
Cool! 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.
Matt LewFebruary 26, 2017
Go all the way to the 10th floor to view from the top. Also take the 8th floor and walk down the spiral.
Johnny PeaceDecember 12, 2017
Always 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.
Upvoted Mar 24
Erkan SakaOctober 27, 2018
This 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, 2015
There'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, 2018
Fantastically cool building that is a ton of fun to explore. Be sure to go all the way to the top.
Veronica S.January 27, 2014
If 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.
CNNApril 13, 2015
Seattle's $166 million Central Library opened in 2004. Designed by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Ramus, the building contains 9,994 pieces of exterior glass with 4,644 tons of steel. Read more
IrinaAugust 15, 2014
Architecture 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.
Sarah Malloy-GoodAugust 16, 2012
There 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.
GilbertoJanuary 29, 2020
Been here 10+ times
Best place to get tax returns done for free. Look for the free tax help on the 5th floor.
Lailanie GadiaNovember 5, 2014
Great architecture. Good place to hangout, study, and take a break from the downtown Seattle hustle and bustle with the quiet atmosphere.
_May 26, 2015
Amazing architecture! Would spend hours here if I could. Check out the highest point!
R BNovember 25, 2011
From 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.
RainbeauNovember 1, 2016
If you've never been, you ought to walk through at least once. It's also a great space to work remotely for the day.
veronique @ zaptravel.com .August 30, 2013
The 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.
⛵Captain Jack⛵March 19, 2013
Been here 100+ times
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.
Matt LehrerAugust 14, 2019
The children's book section is something like 20 times the size of our local branch's and was great to explore.
R BNovember 25, 2011
Each "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.
Irene MSeptember 6, 2012
Designed 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.
Brad FultsJuly 27, 2013
One of the most awesome buildings in Seattle. Walk up the giant ramps, go down the neon elevator and walk through the confusingly geometric hallway.
ToryBurchApril 15, 2011
Marvel 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.
⛵Captain Jack⛵November 10, 2012
Been here 100+ times
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.
Windows Live Photo GalleryOctober 29, 2010
Stand 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.
Daniel PlemmonsSeptember 1, 2017
The map room is particularly cool. Obviously the architecture is great inside and out.
Kyle McLainApril 28, 2017
Great view from top floor! Turn left when you get out of the elevator on the reading room level.
Rose JangFebruary 14, 2017
Wow! An incredibly beautiful, inviting, calming space. Architecture done right.
Christopher BuckleyAugust 18, 2015
Been here 100+ times
Simply one of the world's best. This is no library. This is a flight terminal for armchair travel!
Tyrone JenkinsOctober 4, 2017
Definitely the best library I've ever seen... Seattle has great libraries all over the place
Amar MOctober 1, 2013
The best place where you can ever study and relax,also they provide many classes to teach english it's called Talk Time ..
Matt HealyOctober 30, 2013
Those hooks you see hanging below the windows on the top floor are for window washers. *faints*
Benjamin LukOctober 27, 2009
From 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.
Jason StoffFebruary 16, 2015
Beautiful architecture. Great place for out-of-office work.
TruthorDare.usNovember 13, 2012
We 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.
RüyaJuly 22, 2015
Perfect! 30 minutes + 15 minutes additional internet for guests and nice building.
Geoffrey BrailsfordNovember 24, 2015
Take some time to casually walk around. There's so much to explore! Don't get lost.
James A.June 28, 2015
Been here 50+ times
Beautiful building. Unfortunately for the homeless this is one of the only places sane to hang out. Toilets are often trashed
Teddy LybargerNovember 17, 2010
Been here 10+ times
Used the spl app to reserve books from my list a few days ago and the used it as my library card to check them out lightning fast today!
Rebecca MaldonadoOctober 13, 2014
Beautiful interiors and exteriors! It is not a building you would expect for a library.
Yiling WongMarch 7, 2017
Bathrooms are on floor 7 & 1.
David StutzFebruary 21, 2010
Take the elevator to the top of the library. Walk out on the gangway overlooking the atrium. Listen. Walk down the spiral. Make sure to visit the red floor! Read more
Pam BorghiniOctober 7, 2013
Must see. Very cool architecture, tons of computers. Dont get lost!
Shannon McDonoughJanuary 29, 2013
If 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.
Kaede BalazsNovember 14, 2013
Whether you love books, or architecture, or both, check out the library downtown. Rem Koolhaas is a visionary.
David TrampFebruary 28, 2010
Go to the children's reading room and be proud as your children learn a love of reading and continue their curious and fiery ascent toward heavenly knowledge.
Craig LittleMay 19, 2018
Make sure to go to the top
Kelly SaruousJune 16, 2010
Been here 50+ times
Visit the Friend Shop -it's my favourite gift shop in the city & has many things from local artists, as well as $1 cloth bags!
Kyle WaymanAugust 30, 2011
The architecture here is quite impressive. Very fun to just wander around. Make sure you find the Red Room. Read more
Simon TanOctober 6, 2017
Go to the atrium reading room - perfect for working remotely!
Joanna FlammOctober 30, 2013
Look for the audio tour signs--all you need is your phone. Call the number and learn about this crazy building.

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