Downtown Public library

I am incredibly scared of heights and I tried to go to the library the other day...I only made it to the fifth floor and I had to turn around and leave because it was so scary. I didn't even get to check out the shelves. The escalators are super steep, there are all kinds of balconies to look down to other floors from, and the windows all around don't help for those with vertigo. I wanted to sit on the floor and crawl out. more

Just yesterday I drove past the Central library and thought that it's been far too long since I've visited. This place is simply incredible. Not only is the book/periodical selection second-to-none, eye candy abounds. It's a great place to go on a rainy day. I love listening to the rain hitting the thousands of windows. more

The current building of the downtown branch of the Seattle library is an amazing improvement over its previous building. The old building was dated, small, drafty and let's face it: smelly. The new building is a work of art. It catches your eye from blocks away with it's shiny green glass and interesting angles. Inside is just as intriguing, though I have to agree with David Stephen on the spiral hamster tunnel - it's odd. more

Some people claim that the downtown branch of the Seattle Public Library is a building of great significance, due to its unque architectural qualities, and that it is in fact one of the most wonderful buildings in the world. It's supposedly shaped like a stack of books. From the outside, parts look intriguing, but parts are quite an eye soar. But from the inside, parts feel very welcoming and expansive. I don't really like the spiral pathway linking the stacks of books on the upper levels; it's a bit like a giant hamster tunnel. But the views from inside compensate for its uglier features, and the City deserves an "A" for not being afraid to try something creative. more

The CentralPublic Library, is a great quiet place to do your homework or any work after schools or jobs. They have seperate study rooms for those who want there own rooms to be alone and study. There is a selection of many books, videos, dvds, cds, and tape recordings. Also magizines, newspapers, ect. You may even put your own items on hold, and get it picked up at the closest library near you! Just go to www.spl.org. more

Every day as I rode from First Hill to downtown on the 10-12 bus, I would see the gradual construction of the Central Library. What started out as a vacant lot soon (actually, not soon....several years later) turned into either the most beautiful thing you've ever seen, or an eyesore that should have never been built to begin with. I'll leave the architectural adjectives up to you since everyone you come into contact with has a different opinion of the New Library. I will say that regardless of whether or not you like it, it's VERY impressive and different as far as architecture goes. The inside is even better. I think most people go there to gee-gaw around rather than read books. Which is fine with me because it leaves more books for me to read. If you go (and you should): 1) take the bus. You will NEVER. EVER. EVER find parking anywhere near the library 2) take your camera. Whether you love it or hate it, you will need to take pictures so you can share your delight or disgust with friends and family members 3) take a load off. Sit around. Look around. Look at the way it's laid out and how much this is both a peice of functional art as well as a public library more

This is the very best library I have ever been in. It looks very cool with the mirror windows. Besides the esthetics it has any book, magazine, video, cds that you would ever need or even want. I have been in libraries all over the world in Chin, Japan, England, and Australia but none of them can even touch the Seattle Central Library. However, was it worth all that taxpayers money? Probably not, but since it's here might as well enjoy it. more

In what's surely one of the country's most modern libraries, this brand-new building is immediately noticeable by its WAY out there architecture. Not exactly blending in with the neighborhood, at first it may have you shaking your head, but once inside you could spend a half day exploring its many levels and dazzling decor without even getting to the books. more

The Seattle Public Library system is fabulous. The architecture of the downtown building is amazing, and the book selection is massive. They have a great system for reserving books via the internet that allows you to pick them up yourself, and you can park for free in the garage for 20 minutes (long enough to drop off your returns and pick up new holds). You may have to wait a couple of months to get the hottest best sellers, but you can also use the online reservation system to reserve audio CD's and movies on VHS and DVD. You can even request titles not in stock and get notified when they add them to their collection. more

Fairly lame review title, but they cannot all be winners. I love the fact that Seattle has, arguably, the coolest and hippest library in the world. That I qualified a library as an attraction says a lot. Rem Koolhaas' spectacular design is mesmerizing. It stands out in a cityscape of bland glass and concrete. Friends want to visit when they venture to Seattle. And, unlike the Space Needle, which I will no longer accompany friends or family to, I enjoy going to (and providing commentary for) again and again. If you know someone who has a fear of heights, you must take them to the third floor. You will laugh your ass off as I have. more

You haven't been there yet? It's the most exciting building in Seattle. Really. I'm not kidding. You have to go! After all the frustration I've had at all the taxes going to build sports stadiums, I'm finally impressed. On my first trip to the library, I experienced the same kind of excitement I get from seeing very cool, inspiring art. Vastly different moods are created by different areas: from the excitement and fantasy of the children's area to the womb-like qualities of the red, rounded walled 5th? floor, I love it all. I just found out that a local artist I'm very fond of has been commissioned to add some pieces to the children's area and I can't wait to see them. Not only is she local, but not yet that well known, so impressed by the curating. It's my favorite place to go when I really need to concentrate on something and I'm too interrupted at the office. I'll spend the afternoon on the top floor on a squish purple chair with great views. I'm still connected to the office via the free wi-fi, but I feel like I'm having an experience. The only thing that keeps it from being perfect is that I can't seem to find all the books I'm looking for - either the library doesn't have them or they're checked out or they're missing. Hmm. more

Rem Koolhaas’s architectural vision has a number of little jokes: escalators go up, but they don’t go down, and the “spiral of books” is not as straightforward as the maps would suggest. With bright colors and angles everywhere, there is nary a cozy nook in this building. There are many library staff people on hand to offer assistance in navigating and locating whatever the patrons need. The children’s room is on the first floor and is easily accessible. more

The new Seattle Public Library is such a gem to our community. The new design and attention to detail makes it a fun and exciting place for the whole family. If you have children, be sure to check out the kids reading room. I wish I had a place like that to go when I was younger. Often city projects turn out dull and uninspired, but Seattle scored big this time. Be sure to show your appreciation by visiting often! more