Seattle Public Library

Seattle is fairly dull architecturally. So it was a more than welcome surprise to see our old concrete box of a library replaced with the beautiful, modern new Rem Koolhas designed work of art. The building is fun and interesting to explore. Rooms and corridors, even the restrooms, are filled with color and shape and light. The entire building showers visitors with light and airy views of downtown and the sound. Plus, it will make your kids think the library is the coolest place to be. more

If you drive along the 4th Ave in downtown Seattle, you are sure to notice an unique building with all glass exterior in a shape you can't quite figure out what it stands for. Well, this is the new Seattle Public Library. The library is designed by Rem Koolhass. I believe on the shape of the library supposedly represent an open book. I will have to admit it's hard to tell. But whether you like the design or not. It is a very good library. The membership is free if you are a King County resident. There are 7 stories inside of the library with tons of great books including lots of international books. Self check-outs are every where as well as free computers with internet access. You can also hold a book online with a few clicks. I have been using it very frequently. more

The Seattle Public Library, particularly the new Central Branch, is an outstanding library system that will rarely leave you wanting. The computerized hold system makes library borrowing extrememly convenient; any book from any branch can be delivered to your home branch and held for checkout. This system also allows you to hop in line for popular books without constantly checking the shelves to see if it has been returned. The collection is immense and particularly strong in dvds, which cuts down on rental costs. The new Central Branch building is a remarkable piece of public architecture. Definitely a modern love it or hate it building (I love it), the building flawlessly incorporates technology and public spaces into a user friendly environment that is a wonderful area in which to spend time. more

My husband and I have been using the Seattle Public Libraries to check out DVDs for the last year and half. I know a lot of people who love Netflicks, but the great thing about the library is that it's free for everyone! You only have to pay if you're late, and then it's only $0.15 a day. Their selection is fantastic, though you do have to wait for new releases if they're popular. Check out time is 3 weeks, so you can watch your selections at your leisure, and the limit is something like 100 items at a time. We simply order our movies online and pick them up at the branch closet to our house, which emails us when they are ready for pick up, and four days before they're due. more

This library is awesome crazy. It's more post-modern than the Big Lebowski, taller than Bellevue Square, and edgier than Andy Warhol and Andy Dick put together. There is an area of the library for every possible mood, social, studious, or other. The library has tall, wall-length windows for sunlight, a gigantic collection of books, and an on-grounds coffee shop. It's amazing. It's awesome crazy. more