Central Library Highlights
The new Central Library opened May 23, 2004. The 11-floor building contains an innovative "Books Spiral," a 275-seat auditorium, and open spaces where patrons can meet, study, search the web or read. The Library has centers for children, teens and adult readers, along with expanded collections and a large computer lab. It also has underground parking for about 143 vehicles.
History
At this location since 1906
The Seattle Public Library became a part of the city of Seattle in 1890. It operated from various downtown locations, always needing more space. After a fire burned down the Library’s Yesler Mansion location, in 1906 a Carnegie library opened at 1000 Fourth Avenue. When Seattle had outgrown that building, the second Central Library opened in 1960. It was later upgraded in 1979. The third and current Central Library, a result of the 1998 “Libraries for All” bond measure, opened May 23, 2004.
Architecture
A Seattle gem
The new Central Library is the eighth project completed under the 1998 voter-approved Libraries for All building program. Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas designed the new building in a joint venture with Seattle-based LMN Architects.
Art
Site-integrated artwork
Acclaimed artists Ann Hamilton and Tony Oursler were selected in a national search for site-integrated art at the new library. Former artists-in-residence George Legrady, Mandy Greer and Lynne Yamamoto also have art on display. Art from the second Central Library includes George Tsutakawa’s first fountain and the “Northwest Screen” by artists James H. FitzGerald and Margaret Tomkins.
Named Spaces
Spaces named for donors include:
- Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Plaza
- Faye G. Allen Children's Center
- Evelyn W. Foster Learning Center
- Anne Marie Gault Story Hour Room
- Microsoft Auditorium
- SirsiDynix Gallery
- Joshua Green Foundation Arcade
- Maria Lee Koh and Family Fiction Collection
- Norcliffe Foundation Living Room
- Starbucks Teen Center
- Boeing Technology Training Center
- PACCAR Inc. Meeting Rooms
- Washington Mutual Foundation Meeting Room
- Howard S. Wright Family & Janet W. Ketcham Meeting Room
- Charles Simonyi Mixing Chamber
- Barry A. Ackerley Business Collection
- Maffei Family Collections Room
- Peter F. Donnelly Arts and Literature Collection
- A. Scott Bullitt History and Biography Collection
- Maritz Map Room
- Eulalie and Carlo Scandiuzzi Writers' Room
- Albert Balch Autograph Collection
- Hugh and Jane Ferguson Seattle Room
- Betty Jane Narver Reading Room
- Virginia Burnside Board Room