Seattle Library Hours 2025 - Complete Guide
Quick Facts
- 10,000+ libraries in our database across 50+ countries
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📍 Seattle's World-Class Library System: Home to the iconic Rem Koolhaas-designed Central Library, University of Washington's extensive research libraries, and 27 Seattle Public Library branches citywide. Whether you're studying, researching, or exploring, Seattle offers FREE library access with stunning architecture and excellent services.
🎯 Quick Navigation
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
📚 Seattle Public Library - Central Library
🏛️ Central Library - Iconic Glass & Steel Architecture
📍 Address: 1000 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
📞 Phone: (206) 386-4636
🚇 Link Light Rail:
- 1 Line: University Street station (2 blocks) or Westlake station (2 blocks)
- Buses: RapidRide C, D, routes 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 40, 101, 150, 577 (all within 2 blocks)
🅿️ Parking: Pacific Place Garage (600 Pine St) - $8/hour, $28/day max
Regular Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
✨ Architectural Masterpiece Highlights:
- Rem Koolhaas Design: 2004 building, one of world's most striking modern libraries
- 11 Floors: Diamond-shaped glass and steel structure
- Books Spiral: Continuous four-story spiral of non-fiction (entire Dewey system on one ramp!)
- Living Room (Level 3): Cozy reading space with fireplace, views of Elliott Bay
- Reading Room (Level 10): Spectacular city views, natural light from all-glass facade
- Microsoft Auditorium: 275-seat venue for author talks, events
- Betty Jane Narver Reading Room: Children's area with castle-like design
📚 Collections by Level:
- Level 1: Popular materials, Quick Picks, Seattle Room (local history)
- Level 3: Living Room (casual reading, magazines, newspapers, fireplace seating)
- Level 4: Meeting rooms, technology training center
- Levels 6-9: Books Spiral (non-fiction organized by Dewey continuously)
- Level 10: Reading Room (quiet study, spectacular views, reference desk)
- Level 11: Betty Jane Narver Children's Center
🎯 Technology & Services:
- 20+ Study Rooms: Book online up to 7 days in advance (2-8 person capacity)
- 400+ Computers: Free with library card (60-min sessions, renewable)
- Free WiFi: Throughout building, no password required
- Makerspace: 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, recording studio
- Job & Career Center: Resume help, interview coaching, job databases
- Chocolati Café: Coffee, pastries, sandwiches (Level 1, open during library hours)
🏘️ Popular Seattle Public Library Branches
💡 Find All 27 Branches: Visit spl.org/hours-and-locations for complete list with hours and transit directions.
📍 Capitol Hill Branch
Address: 425 Harvard Avenue E, Seattle, WA 98102
Phone: (206) 684-4715
Link: 1 Line to Capitol Hill station (3 blocks)
| Monday-Tuesday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
📍 University Branch
Address: 5009 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: (206) 684-4063
Bus: Routes 45, 62, 67, 70, 71, 72, 73, 76 (U District)
Note: Near University of Washington campus
| Monday-Tuesday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
📍 Ballard Branch
Address: 5614 22nd Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: (206) 684-4089
Bus: RapidRide D Line, routes 40, 44, 62 (Ballard)
| Monday-Tuesday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
📍 West Seattle Branch
Address: 2306 42nd Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98116
Phone: (206) 684-7444
Bus: RapidRide C Line, routes 21, 50, 56, 57 (West Seattle Junction)
| Monday-Tuesday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
🎓 University of Washington Libraries
📚 Odegaard Undergraduate Library
📍 Address: 4060 George Washington Lane NE, Seattle, WA 98195
📞 Phone: (206) 543-1929
🚇 Link: 1 Line to U District station (10-min walk through campus) or bus 45, 67, 70, 71, 73, 372
🅿️ Parking: Central Plaza Garage (NE 41st St) - $12/day visitor rate
Regular Quarter Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM |
| Monday-Thursday | 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
📅 Extended Hours & Closures:
Finals Week: Extended 24-hour access (varies by quarter)
Summer/Winter Break: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, weekends closed
Check Current Hours: lib.uw.edu/hours
✨ Odegaard Features:
- 900+ Study Seats: Mix of individual carrels, tables, soft seating
- 50+ Study Rooms: Book online for group projects (2-8 person rooms)
- 24-Hour Study Area: Ground floor accessible even when library closes
- Writing Center: Free tutoring for papers and essays
- Tech Lending: Laptops, tablets, chargers, calculators (2-4 hour checkout)
- Odegaard Café: Starbucks (Mon-Fri 7:30am-7pm)
- Research Help Desk: Librarians available for assistance
🎓 Community Access Policy:
- Walk-in Access: Open to public with valid photo ID
- Community Borrower Card: $100/year for checkout privileges
- Who Can Apply: Anyone 18+ with government-issued ID
- Apply: UW Card Services (Husky Union Building) - bring photo ID + proof of address
- WiFi: Free guest network available (UW-Guest, no login)
🏛️ Other UW Libraries:
- Suzzallo Library: Graduate research library (stunning reading room - "Harry Potter vibes")
- Allen Library: South campus undergraduate library
- Health Sciences Library: Medical/nursing students
- Engineering Library: Technical collections
- East Asia Library: Asian language materials
💡 UW Study Strategy:
For late-night study: Odegaard (open until 2am Sun-Thu)
For architectural beauty: Suzzallo Reading Room (Gothic grandeur)
For 24-hour access: Odegaard 24-hour study space (ground floor, always open)
🎓 Seattle University - Lemieux Library
📚 A.A. Lemieux Library
📍 Address: 901 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122
📞 Phone: (206) 296-6232
🚇 Link: 1 Line to Capitol Hill station (10-min walk)
Bus: Routes 2, 10, 11, 12, 49 (Capitol Hill/First Hill)
🅿️ Parking: 12th Avenue Garage - $15/day visitor
Regular Semester Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 7:30 AM - Midnight |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - Midnight |
📖 Lemieux Features:
- 5 Floors: 500+ study seats with quiet zones
- Study Rooms: 25+ group rooms (book online)
- Silent Floor: 3rd floor designated quiet study
- Learning Commons: Collaborative space with tech
- Special Collections: Pacific Northwest history
🎓 Community Access:
- Seattle U ID Required: Primary access for students/faculty/staff
- Community Borrower Card: $75/year (limited availability)
- Alumni: FREE with Seattle U alumni card
💳 How to Get a Seattle Library Card
Seattle Public Library Cards
| Residency | Cost | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State Residents | FREE | Photo ID + proof of WA address (utility bill, lease, mail) |
| Non-WA Residents | $45/year | Photo ID from any state |
| Children (under 18) | FREE | Parent/guardian with WA ID + child's name/DOB proof |
✅ Where to Apply:
- Any SPL branch or Central Library during open hours
- Instant approval - card issued same day
- Valid at all 27 locations citywide
- Includes access to Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, RBdigital
- Reserve study rooms online at Central Library
University Library Community Cards
| Library | Annual Fee | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
| University of Washington | $100/year | Anyone 18+ with valid ID |
| Seattle University | $75/year | Anyone 18+ (limited availability) |
| Seattle Pacific University | $75/year | Anyone 18+ with valid ID |
💡 Pro Tip - Best Value:
For Washington residents: Get the FREE SPL card first. Central Library's iconic architecture is worth visiting alone!
For late-night studiers: Add UW community card ($100/year) for access to Odegaard (open until 2am Sun-Thu).
Seattle has cheapest non-resident rate: Only $45/year vs $50-150/year in other major cities!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are Seattle Public Library hours?
Central Library downtown is open Monday-Wednesday 10am-8pm, Thursday-Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 12pm-6pm. Branch libraries vary by location, typically Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm or 10am-8pm with some Sunday hours 12pm-6pm. Check spl.org/hours-and-locations for specific branch hours.
Can I use University of Washington library without being a student?
Yes! UW libraries allow walk-in access for study and research with valid photo ID. No UW affiliation needed to enter and use study spaces/WiFi. Community borrower cards ($100/year) provide checkout privileges and database access. Odegaard Library stays open until 2am Sunday-Thursday during academic quarter.
Is Seattle Public Library free?
Yes! Completely FREE for Washington state residents with proof of address (utility bill, lease, or government mail). Non-WA residents can purchase library cards for $45/year (cheapest non-resident rate among major US cities). Walk-in access and WiFi are free for everyone with no card required.
Which Seattle library is open latest?
University of Washington Odegaard Library stays open until 2am Sunday-Thursday during academic quarter (September-June), with 24-hour finals week access. The 24-hour study space on ground floor is always accessible. For public libraries, SPL Central closes at 8pm Monday-Wednesday, the latest in the system.
How do I get to Seattle Central Library by light rail?
Take Link Light Rail 1 Line to University Street station or Westlake station (both 2 blocks from library). Exit and walk to 1000 4th Avenue. The distinctive diamond-shaped glass building is hard to miss! Also accessible via RapidRide C, D lines and numerous bus routes (2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 40, and many more).
Does Seattle Central Library have study rooms?
Yes! Seattle Central Library has 20+ study rooms that can be reserved online up to 7 days in advance at spl.org. Rooms accommodate 2-8 people and include whiteboards, tables, power outlets, and some have monitors with HDMI cables. Free with valid SPL library card. Maximum 3 hours per day.
Can I visit Seattle Central Library just for the architecture?
Absolutely! Central Library is one of Seattle's architectural landmarks. Walk-in visitors are welcome to explore the building, ride the Books Spiral, visit Level 3 Living Room with fireplace, and see Level 10 Reading Room with spectacular city views. No library card needed for visiting. Free self-guided tours anytime during open hours.
What makes Seattle Central Library special?
Designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas and opened in 2004, it's one of the world's most distinctive libraries. The Books Spiral allows browsing the entire non-fiction collection on a continuous four-story ramp. The all-glass diamond-shaped exterior provides natural light throughout. It's both a functional library and an architectural masterpiece that attracts visitors worldwide.
☔ Seattle Library Insider Tips
📸 Books Spiral Photo Hack
Central Library's famous Books Spiral (floors 6-9) is best photographed looking DOWN from Level 9. Arrive at 10am on weekdays for the best natural light through the glass walls. Instagram gold!
🔥 Rainy Day Secret
Level 3 Living Room has a REAL FIREPLACE! Seattle's rain means you'll use it. Grab a book, sink into a comfy chair by the fire, and watch Pike Place hustle below. Peak cozy from November-March.
🎓 UW Suzzallo Magic
Suzzallo Library's Reading Room is called "the Harry Potter library" for a reason - Gothic arches, stained glass, and 65-foot ceilings. Best experienced on a rainy afternoon. No UW ID needed to enter and gawk!
☕ Coffee Strategy
Central Library's Chocolati Café is fine, but walk 2 blocks to Zeitgeist Coffee (171 S Jackson) for Seattle's best espresso. Then return to study - coffee cup is welcome in most areas!
🚇 Link Light Rail Pro Move
University Street station is closer to Central Library than Westlake. Exit toward 4th Ave and you're practically at the door. Coming from UW? U District station is 10-min walk to Odegaard.
🌅 Level 10 Sunset Views
Central Library's Level 10 Reading Room has floor-to-ceiling glass facing Elliott Bay. On clear days, you can see the Olympics AND Mount Rainier. Time your study session for sunset in summer - spectacular!
🔗 More Library Resources
⚠️ Hours may change for holidays, quarter breaks, or special events. Always call ahead or check library websites before visiting:
- Seattle Public Library: spl.org | (206) 386-4636
- UW Libraries: lib.uw.edu
- Seattle University: library.seattleu.edu
📖 Helpful Resources
🗺️ Explore Nearby
Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025
Common Questions About Seattle Libraries
What time do libraries open in Seattle?
Most public libraries in Seattle open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on weekdays. Weekend hours typically start at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Academic and university libraries may open earlier, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM during the semester.
Are Seattle libraries open on weekends?
Yes, most Seattle public libraries are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours vary by location, with many libraries operating reduced hours (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or remaining closed.
Do I need a library card to visit Seattle libraries?
No, you can visit and use library facilities without a card. However, borrowing books, accessing computers, and using certain services require a free library card. Residents can get one with valid ID and proof of address.