Systemwide Architecture

Our unique Library buildings represent some of the most important architecture in Seattle. Many of our neighborhood branches were designed in the early twentieth century as part of Andrew Carnegie’s mission to give people free access to knowledge in every corner of the country. These classic buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Rem Koolhaas’s award-winning, progressive design of the Central Library has given Seattle an architectural gem in the heart of the city. We continue to reimagine our spaces at all of our branches to marry form to functionality.

Architecture Photo Gallery

The exterior view of the Central Library
Interior view of Level 4 staircase at the Central Library
The exterior view of the Ballard Branch
An interior view of Beacon Hill Branch
An interior view of the Broadview Branch
An interior view of Capitol Hill Branch
An exterior view of Columbia Branch
An interior view of Delridge Branch
An interior view of Douglass-Truth Branch
An interior view of Fremont Branch
An interior view of Green Lake Branch
An interior view of Greenwood Branch
An interior view of the High Point Branch
An interior view of the International District/Chinatown Branch
An interior view of the Lake City Branch
An interior view of the Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch
An interior view of the Magnolia Branch
An interior view of the Montlake Branch
An interior view of the NewHolly Branch
An interior view of the Northeast Branch
An interior view of the Northgate Branch
An interior view of the Queen Anne Branch
An interior view of the Rainier Beach Branch
An interior view of the South Park Branch
An interior view of the Southwest Branch
An interior view of the University Branch
An interior view of the Wallingford Branch
An interior view of the West Seattle Branch

Explore Branch Architecture

Find out more about each of our buildings

Explore Branch Highlights

Find out more about each of our branches

If you have a question or need help, Ask Us or call 206-386-4636.

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