Central Library
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Fully Accessible -
Safe Place
Regional Manager: Valerie Wonder
Open for book returns from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Use Fourth Ave. plaza and book return.
Hours this week:
- Mon 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Tue 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Wed 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Thu 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Fri 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Sun 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Book Return hours:
- Mon - Sun10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Amenities Highlights
Please note that at the Central Library, public access to Levels 1, 3, 4, and 5 is available during all open hours. The Book Spiral, located on levels 6 through 9, and the Level 10 Betty Jane Narver Reading Room are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during all open hours.
Access to the Seattle Room on Level 10 is available by appointment on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The Children’s Center at the Central Library closes at 6 p.m., even on those days when the Central Library remains open till 8 p.m.
For assistance with research or item retrieval please, Ask Us or call 206-386-4636.
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
The Big Wonder
Summer Year of Wonder artist Erin Shigaki (she/they) is a yonsei (fourth-generation) Japanese-American artist who creates work that is community-based and focused on BIPOC experiences. Erin's piece for our summer theme, the Big Wonder, captures the adventurous, free spirit of long summer days. Stop by your branch to pick up a postcard version of their work or download one to print and color yourself.
Summer of Learning (Burke Museum Celebration)
All Summer of Learning participants and their families are invited to join us for a free end-of-the summer celebration at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture on the University of Washington campus! Join us for a fun day of activities at the Burke on Sunday, August 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Featured Events
All Central Library EventsAbout 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
