Foster Business Library

Beneath a hidden garden at the University of Washington, lies a treasure trove of business knowledge: the Foster Business Library. Did you know it sits under an 80-foot skylight, bathing the space in natural light? The Foster Business Library opened in 1997. It’s named after Albert O. and Evelyn W. Foster, prominent figures in Seattle’s business world and major benefactors of the University of Washington. Albert Foster, a 1928 graduate of the UW Business School, founded the investment banking firm Foster & Marshall. His wife, Evelyn, also a UW alumna (class of 1932), shared his passion for education. Their son, Michael G. Foster, is the namesake of the Foster School of Business itself. The Foster family’s $3 million gift in 1990 made the library’s construction possible. Imagine the library in its early days, filled with the rustle of pages and the quiet hum of research. The Foster Business Library isn’t just a repository of books and journals. It’s a dynamic hub for learning, connecting students and faculty with the resources they need to navigate the complex world of business. The library houses a vast collection of books, periodicals, and research databases covering everything from accounting and finance to marketing and entrepreneurship. Need a quiet place to study? The Foster Business Library offers ample study tables, group study rooms, and even computers, printers, and scanners. A major renovation between 2009 and 2012 reoriented the library’s entrance through PACCAR Hall. This not only improved access but also expanded the library’s seating and group study areas. The Foster Business Library isn’t just about business; it’s about fostering a community of learners, thinkers, and innovators.