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
  • Short Edition Story Dispenser
  • 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

Celebrate Pride

Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride at the Library!

Find the Library celebrating our LGBTQ+ community at events throughout the city in honor of Pride Month. Wear your most fabulous colors and join us for a Pride family dance party or story time, or find us at Pride celebrations in the community!

Play Book Bingo

Play Summer Book Bingo!

Seattle's favorite summer reading contest is here! Every summer we partner with Seattle Arts & Lectures (SAL) to create a Summer Book Bingo card for adults. If you achieve bingo or blackout, you will be entered to win fabulous prizes! Download a card to play Book Bingo.

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