Central Library

1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104

206-386-4636

Google map directions

 Exterior view of the Central Library

Central Library

1000 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104

tel: 206-386-4636

Directions

Open for book returns Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Use Fourth Ave. plaza and book return.

Hours this week:

  1. Mon 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  2. Tue 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  3. Wed 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  4. Thu 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  5. Fri 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  6. Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  7. Sun 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Book Return hours:

  1. Mon - Fri8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  2. Sat - Sun8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Holiday closure information.

Amenities Highlights

Access to the Seattle Room on Level 10 is available by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The Faye G. Allen Children’s Center located on Level 1 closes at 6 p.m. each evening.

The Chocolati coffee cart is closed until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience.

  • Free Public Computers
  • Wi-Fi
  • Air Conditioning
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Hugh and Jane Ferguson Seattle Room
  • FriendShop
  • Paid Parking
  • Single-Occupant All-Gender Restroom
  • Multi-Stall Single-Gender Restrooms
  • Multi-Stall Single-Gender Children’s Restrooms
  • Book return box is located on the west side of the building, on Fourth Ave., to the left of the entrance

Adults and children gathered around a table with activities

Join us for story time, play groups and more

We offer fun, educational activities for kids of all age! Find free in person story times, classes and activities at a branch near you!

Explore Homework Help

Get free help with school work.

During the school year, we offer programs and services to help students of all ages succeed in school. We offer in-person Homework Help and Virtual Tutoring, which includes academic coaching, one-on-one tutoring, math and reading skill-building games and activities, college prep resources and more.

About the Central Library

The new Central Library opened May 23, 2004. The 11-floor building contains an innovative "Books Spiral," a 275-seat auditorium, and open spaces where patrons can meet, study, search the web or read. The Library has centers for children, teens and adult readers, along with expanded collections and a large computer lab. It also has underground parking for about 143 vehicles.

Central Library Photo Gallery