Behold the Seattle Central Library a towering testament to the enduring power of knowledge. This isn’t just a library. It’s an architectural marvel that redefines what a library can be.
The Seattle Central Library first opened its doors on this very site on May 23 2004. But its story begins long before that. The vision for a public library in Seattle began in 1868. The Seattle Library Association was formed. Sarah Yesler was elected the first librarian.
Before this modern structure two other libraries stood here. The first opened in 1906. Andrew Carnegie donated $200000 for its construction. By the 1950s that library was too small. A second library opened in 1960. But by the late 1990s it too was inadequate.
To make way for the current Seattle Central Library the second library was demolished in 2001. The project was funded by a bond measure called Libraries for All. Bill Gates donated $20 million.
Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus were the principal architects. They conceived the library as a celebration of books. Despite the digital age people still value printed books. The Seattle Central Library has capacity for over 1.5 million books.
Notice the building’s striking appearance. It looks like floating platforms wrapped in a steel net around glass. The architects wanted to make the library inviting not stuffy.
Inside the Seattle Central Library the layout is unique. The first level has a lobby and a children’s center. The Microsoft Auditorium seats 275 people. An escalator leads to the Norcliffe Foundation Living Room. It has a cafe a gift shop and a teen center.
The fourth level is known as the Red Floor. The main computer lab is on the fifth level with 338 computer stations. A major feature is the Books Spiral. This displays the nonfiction collection on a continuous series of shelves. The tenth level houses the Seattle Room for local history. It also has the Betty Jane Narver Reading Room with 400 seats.
The Seattle Central Library also offers modern amenities. There is automatic book sorting self-checkout and pervasive wireless communications. Over 400 public computer terminals are available. The library used over 4000 tons of steel in construction. That could build 20 Statues of Liberty.
The library’s design accommodates all kinds of information not just books. There are seven permanent public art installations. The Seattle Central Library was voted as one of America’s Favorite Structures.
Since opening the Seattle Central Library has attracted millions of visitors. It has hosted author readings and community programs. The Seattle Central Library stands as a beacon of knowledge a testament to the power of architecture and community. It is one of Seattle’s architectural gems. The 11-floor building contains an innovative four-story Book Spiral. It features distinctive open spaces where patrons can meet study search the web or read.