Take a Tour of the Central Library
The Central Library is one of Seattle’s most iconic buildings. Since opening in 2004, millions of visitors have experienced its art, architecture and collections (and taken many selfies). Follow our self-guided tours to explore our system’s flagship library.
Self-guided Tours
Explore at your own pace! We offer maps for all ages, as well as a guide to art at the Central Library.
- Download tour for adults
- Download tour for teens
- Download tour for kids, families and school groups
- Discover Central Library art
Audio Tour
Listen to an audio tour of The Seattle Public Library's Central Library in downtown Seattle.
Listen to Audio (mp3) [file size: 23 MB] [Play time: 25 min]
Cell Phone Tour
Look for cell phone tour stop signs posted throughout the building. Call 206-686-8564 and enter the stop number (1-20) followed by the # key on your telephone. Stops are listed on the back of the self-guided tour for adults.
Please do not use speakerphone in the Library. Standard cell phone company charges apply.
Building Facts
- Opened: May 23, 2004
- Architects: Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus
- Size: 11 levels, 363,000 square feet and nearly 10,000 windows
- This is the third Central Library building to exist on this block, with the first dating back to 1906
Level 1
4th Avenue Entrance, Auditorium, Children’s Center & LEAP Lab
Explore the World Languages and English Language Learning Collections (be sure to look at the floor), visit the Children's Center, or use accessible technology at the LEAP Lab (Library Equal Access Program). The auditorium hosts author talks and events. Don’t forget to stop by the staff desk to get your library card.
Collections:
- Children’s Collection
- Citizenship
- English Language Learning
- Peak Picks
- World Languages
Art:
- “Northwest Screen” by James H. Fitzgerald and Margaret Tomkins, installed in the Level 1 Gallery.
- “Babe the Blue Ox,” “The Magic Grove,” and “The Phoenix Fair” by Mandy Greer, located in the Children’s Center.
- The floor in the Literacy, ESL and World Languages (LEW) area by Ann Hamilton.
- “Fountain of Wisdom” by George Tsutakawa, at the Fourth Avenue entrance.
Services:
- Book Return
- Check-out & Holds
- Courtesy Phones
- Library Cards
- Staff Help
Amenities:
- Computers
- Print & Copy
- Restrooms
- Security
- Water Fountain
Level 3
5th Avenue Entrance, Living Room & Teen Center
Browse our collections of Fiction, DVDs, graphic novels and more. Young adults can visit the Teen Center to talk to a Teen Librarian, use a computer or hang out. Don’t miss our hidden “Underwater Mural” and find a great book or gift to take home at the FriendShop.
Collections:
- DVDs
- Fiction
- Graphic Novels
- Large Print
- New Books
- Teen Fiction
Art & Murals:
- “Braincast” by Tony Oursler, located in the walls of the escalator between Levels 3 and 5.
- The “Underwater Mural” by Will Schlough for Urban ArtWorks is located next to the Red Floor stairs.
Services:
- Book Return
- Check-out
- Staff Help
- Teen Center
Amenities:
- Computers
- Eating Area
- Friendshop
- Print & Copy
- Restrooms
- Water Fountain
Level 4
Meeting Rooms & Red Floor
The Red Floor features 13 shades of red paint on the walls, ceiling, floors and stairs. You can book meeting rooms for your private events.
Amenities:
- Restrooms for Meeting Rooms
- Water Fountain
Level 5
Mixing Chamber
Need to use a computer, printer, copy machine or scanner? All are available in the Mixing Chamber. Ask staff for assistance with technology, social services and more. Look at the screens above the staff desk to see real-time information about what items patrons are checking out.
Art:
- “Making Visible the Invisible” by George Legrady, on the screens above the Level 5 staff desk.
- “Guardian” by Frank Okada hangs next to the entrance to the public stairway.
Services:
- ADA Computers & Accessible Technology
- Social Services
- Staff Help
Amenities:
- Computers
- Eating Area
- Print & Copy
- Scan, Fax & Translate
Level 6
Start of the Books Spiral
Walk the Books Spiral, a continuous ramp that goes up to Level 9 and features our Nonfiction collection. On Level 6 you’ll find Magazines, Newspapers and Government Publications (use the Microfiche reader to view them).
Collections:
- Government Publications
- Magazines
- Newspapers
Amenities:
- Computers
- Print & Copy
- Water Fountain
Level 7
Business & Nonprofit Center, Job Resource Center & ZAPP Zine Collection
Entrepreneurs can find resources at the Business & Nonprofit Center, while jobseekers can get help at the Job Resource Center. Book an appointment to explore our collection of 30,000+ zines in the ZAPP Zine Collection.
Collections:
- Audiobooks
- Business
- Cookbooks
- Financial Newspapers
- Nonfiction
- Nonfiction DVDs
- Science
- Technology
Murals:
- “Reading in Relation” by E.T. Russian is located outside the Zine Room.
- The “Space Mural” by Will Schlough for Urban ArtWorks can be found near the Technology section.
Services:
- Staff Help
Amenities:
- Computers
- Print & Copy
- Restrooms
- Water Fountain
Level 8
Gallery & Music Practice Rooms
Find sheet music, art files and more on Level 8. Stop by the gallery to see exhibits featuring local artists. It’s free to reserve a Music Practice Room - we have guitars you can borrow too.
Collections:
- Architecture
- Arts
- Music
- Nonfiction
- Poetry & Plays
- Sports
Art:
- “Negative Round” by Rita Kepner can be found on the Level 8 staff desk.
- “Kinship of All Life” by James Winston Washington, Jr. is located outside the Level 8 Gallery.
Services:
- Staff Help
Amenities:
- Computers
- Print & Copy
- Water Fountain
Level 9
Genealogy, Map Room & Writers’ Room
Level 9 is the last floor of the Books Spiral. Explore thousands of maps for checkout or reference in the Map Room and book a Genealogy appointment with our librarians to research your family history. Writers can apply for a residency in the Writers’ Room where they can work on their projects and access Library resources.
Collections:
- Biography
- Genealogy
- History
- Maps
- Nonfiction
- Travel
Art:
- “Bibliotopia” by Deborah Lawrence hangs in the Map Room.
Services:
- Staff Help
Amenities:
- Computers
- Print & Copy
- Water Fountain
Level 10
Highest Viewpoint, Reading Room & Seattle Room
Level 10 has the highest viewpoint, where you can look down seven floors to the Living Room. It’s also home to our Seattle Room Collections of local culture and history. The Reading Room is a quiet place to read, work or study – take a minute to relax, you’ve earned it!
Collections:
- Local History
- Seattle Culture
Art:
- “Shiva II” by Frank Okada is located near the Seattle Room.
- “Of Memory” by Lynne Yamamoto hangs near the Seattle Room.
- The carpeting on located on Level 10 and Level 3 was designed by Petra Blaisse.
Services:
- Staff Help
Art & Architecture at the Central Library
Art
The unique collection of art at the Central Library features works by artists connected to the Pacific Northwest. Learn about the pieces on display, including our murals.
Architecture
Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the Central Library is renowned for its many innovative architectural features.
Guided Tours
We offer free tours of the Central Library for groups of 5-20 adults between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Request a Group Tour for Adults
School classes and youth-serving community groups are always welcome at the Library, though we do not currently offer guided tours. Click the button below to start planning your visit.