Our hotel was 3 blocks away so popped in to check it out. Was closing in 30 min so took elevator to 10th floor. Beautiful sunny day, nice views, just a little freaky if you are afraid of heights. 9th floor has huge, topographic, cool globe right off the elevators. didn't seem to be much on 6, 7, 8 so skipped those. got off at 4 (red floor - like walking inside arteries) and went down escalators rest of the way. Worth 20-30 min if in the area, not your typical library.

Seattle Public Library is a wonderful building. The architecture is astounding! We could not get enough of this place! The tenth floor is best for viewing the surrounding areas, and the views are trully amazing. It's a huge building and is obviously well used by so many people. It was very busy when we visited. It's certainly worth visiting.

Miss the coffee shop. I haven't been here in years and the last time I was, there was a coffee stand right inside, near where the gift shop is. Today I was excited to bring my husband in to show him and get a quick drink. No drinks to be had. The library was still gorgeous and welcoming. None of the staff offered to help us find anything so we probably looked like tourists. Haha. We did buy some small items from the shop and headed out after checking out the 10th floor view.

Striking architecture and impossibly cool library layout. Take the escalators 10 floors up… we took elevator down. Lots of comfy Adirondack and other seating on 3, and many, many places to plug in laptops or use a library PC. The study-tech carels on 10 are exceptionally impressive with several variations in flooring and fine City views.