Seattle Central Library
Seattle Central Library, Public library in Downtown Seattle, United States
The library extends across eleven floors within a steel and glass construction featuring slanted surfaces and transparent walls along Fourth Avenue, displaying unconventional geometric shapes and exposed structural elements.
The facility opened on May 23, 2004, replacing earlier buildings that had existed since 1891, with Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus serving as lead architects and the Gates Foundation contributing a significant portion of the $165 million construction cost.
This library serves over 8,000 daily visitors with free access to digital resources, work spaces and community programs, making it a central meeting point for residents from all city neighborhoods.
The library sits between Third and Fourth avenues in central Downtown, accessible via multiple bus lines and the Westlake Link Light Rail station, with barrier-free access provided through elevators and ramps at all entrances.
The Book Spiral extends across four floors without interruptions, encompassing roughly 410,000 volumes (412,000 sq ft) arranged without gaps between categories, creating room for future collection growth within each classification.
Location: Seattle
Inception: May 23, 2004
Architects: Rem Koolhaas, Joshua Ramus
Official opening: May 23, 2004
Floors above the ground: 11
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Operator: The Seattle Public Library
Address: 1000 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10:00-20:00; Friday-Monday 10:00-18:00
Phone: +12063864636
Website: https://spl.org/hours-and-locations/central-library
GPS coordinates: 47.60610,-122.33300
Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:14
Postmodern architecture emerged in the 1970s as a response to the rigid principles of modernism, reintroducing color, ornament, and historical references into contemporary building design. The movement evolved over decades, producing structures that challenge conventional forms and experiment with...
Rem Koolhaas is one of the most influential architects working today, and his buildings shape how people experience public spaces in major cities around the world. From museums to cultural centers to libraries, his designs combine practical function with bold visual ideas. You can find his work in...
F5 Tower
175 m
Seattle Tower
235 m
Rainier Club
150 m
Docusign Tower
144 m
Madison Centre
157 m
William Kenzo Nakamura United States Courthouse
194 m
Bank of America Fifth Avenue Plaza
228 m
Fourth and Madison Building
67 m
901 Fifth Avenue
82 m
1111 Third Avenue
164 m
Three Piece Sculpture: Vertebrae
23 m
Daniels Recital Hall
160 m
Holyoke Building
160 m
Women's University Club of Seattle
277 m
YWCA Building
202 m
Safeco Plaza
75 m
Making Visible the Invisible
61 m
Astronomy by Day (and Other Oxymorons)
93 m
Babe, The Phoenix Fairy, and The Magic Grove
51 m
Activity in Growth
72 m
LEW Floor
73 m
Naramore Fountain
264 m
Sculpture, Work of art
111 m
Work of art, sculpture
158 m
Braincast
70 m
Untitled Mural
149 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes