The Seattle Public Library serves the public library system in Seattle. Although there was a Seattle library association since 1868, Seattle Public Library was established by the city government in 1890. There are around 26 branches of the Seattle Public Library located all across the city.
The Seattle Public Library is a cultural center offering an opportunity of lifelong learning and outstanding reference sources. The mission of Seattle Public Library is to become the best library in the world with unique collection of books and study materials. This Public Library of Seattle has been functioning as an organization to inform, empower and enrich every individual in the community.
The architecture of Seattle Public Library, irrespective of its branches is worth appreciating. Rem Koolhaas and his group designed the new Seattle Central Library, which was later awarded by the American Institute of Architects' in 2007. All the branches of this library are designed by renowned architects and they stood erect as landmarks in the heart of the city.
The Central Library is the main branch of Seattle Public Library located at 1000 Fourth Avenue. The architecture of this building is one of the masterpieces in the city. It is a glass and steel structure with every floor enveloped by translucent glass. Steel grids support the glass slabs differentiating it from other typical urban high-rises. A sloped grid system protects this building against natural calamities and metal mesh within glass layers reduces heat and glare of the sun. The interior of the library is highly tech
savvy with well planned sections of innumerable books. Other branches of the Seattle Public Library
|
also feature similar architecture with some more unique embellishments.
The address of some other popular branches of Seattle Public Library are as follows:
- Washington Talking Book & Braille Library
2021 9th Avenue
- Beacon Hill Branch
2821 Beacon Ave. S.
- Ballard Branch
5614 22nd Ave. N.W.
- Capitol Hill Branch
425 Harvard Ave. E.
- Greenwood Branch
8016 Greenwood Ave. N.
- Columbia Branch
4721 Rainier Ave. S.
The branches of Seattle Public Library are also sited in other locations of the city. Chinatown Branch (713 Eighth Ave. S.), Montlake Branch (2401 24th Ave. E.) and West Seattle Branch (2306 42nd Ave. S.W.) are some of the other popular branches of Seattle Public library.
The library card of Seattle Public Library provides access to the books stored in the library. This card facilitates to check the DVDs, CDs, library books, search online databases from anywhere in the world, request for books to the branch of the card holder's choice, place order for required books and reserve personal on the library computer. Any individual above the age of 13 years can become a member of this library by filling up a form. The first month of membership allows to take only 5 items, later the member can avail up to 100 items each time. Seattle Public Library is one of the premier institutions of Seattle, offering a wide array of books and other study materials.
|
