Central Library

1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104

206-386-4636

Google map directions

 Exterior view of the Central Library

Central Library

1000 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104

tel: 206-386-4636

Directions

Open for book returns Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Use Fourth Ave. plaza and book return.

Hours this week:

  1. Mon 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  2. Tue 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  3. Wed 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  4. Thu 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  5. Fri 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  6. Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  7. Sun 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Book Return hours:

  1. Mon - Fri8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  2. Sat - Sun8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Holiday closure information.

Amenities Highlights

Access to the Seattle Room on Level 10 is available by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The Chocolati coffee cart is closed until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience.

  • Free Public Computers
  • Wi-Fi
  • Air Conditioning
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Hugh and Jane Ferguson Seattle Room
  • FriendShop
  • Short Edition Story Dispenser
  • Paid Parking
  • Single-Occupant All-Gender Restroom
  • Multi-Stall Single-Gender Restrooms
  • Multi-Stall Single-Gender Children’s Restrooms
  • Book return box is located on the west side of the building, on Fourth Ave., to the left of the entrance

Improvements to our online calendar

Improvements to our online calendar

We've made some changes to make it easier for you to find events in our online calendar. In person events at your branch and holiday closures will show on your branch calendar page. You can find virtual events and classes, events at other branches and events in the community on the main event calendar.

View the Helix Collection

Browse staff picks to find great reads for the kids in your life

Discover the best books for kids of all ages–from new readers to tweens–selected by our staff. Find new featured book lists every month, or explore our picks by reading level or genre.

About the Central Library

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.

Central Library Photo Gallery