The Seattle Public Library - Central Library

In November 1998, Seattle voters overwhelmingly approved a $196.4 million "Libraries for All" bond measure to double the square footage of Seattle's neighborhood libraries and build a new Central Library on the existing site. Pritzker Prize-wining Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA, in a joint venture with Seattle-based LMN Architects, designed the shimmering steel and glass downtown Seattle Central Library. The 362,987-square-foot Central Library opened May 23, 2004 to more than 28,000 people and was named as a Time magazine "Building of the Year." In 2007, it was voted number 108 on the American Institute of Architect's list of Americans' 150 favorite structures in the United States. The building includes 11 levels that span five main "platforms" designed for primary library functions. The Library features an innovative "Books Spiral," which allows patrons unprecedented access to the Library collection, a state-of-the-art materials sorting and handling system, 400 public computers, colorful spongy furniture, floors made of bamboo and brushed metal, carpets that replicate the outdoor plantings, bright way finding colors, high tech art and more. The building provides specially designed centers for children, teens and adult readers. On every level there are spectacular views of the surrounding city, including vignette views of Elliott Bay. Free public tours are offered daily. For more information: www.spl.org; 206-386-4103.

Download an audio tour to your iPod to use as your guide when visiting The Seattle Public Library's Central Library. Spend about 40 mins. getting acquainted with the building and some of its features. Begin outside the building at the Fourth Avenue entrance.