Library Love - Seattle Central Library

When my cousin learned that I was traveling to Seattle way back in 2015, she wanted to get my take on the central library designed by Rem Koolhaus that opened in 2004. I had planned to visit the library anyway as is my habit when in a new city, but now I had an assignment. :-)

Here are my thoughts, mainly visual.

At 11-stories tall, there is much to explore and levels can be accessed by foot, stairs and escalators. With abundant natural light and pops of color, the library is a visual feast.

I visited the library twice during my visit to Seattle - once by myself and again the next day with my friend and her daughter who lived in the city. The map room was our favorite space with its abundance of natural light, many drawers of maps from various time periods. Below, images of us perusing the maps. Ever since that visit to the map room in Seattle, whenever I visit any other library, I always check to see if there’s a map room.

There were ample opportunities to enjoy views - exterior and interior. I wish I had taken more of the views outward. In the gallery below, a peek down below and a peek outside:

There was public art too and I took a photo of a bronze screen. Right behind the screen, there were architectural drawings and a model of the library. I was impressed by the modern architecture of the library and noticed how many people were there reading and using the computers.

If I were to return again, I would take more photos of the exterior and some at night when the library is lit from within.