Suzzallo Library

So it seems that I always seem to go to schools with interesting libraries… But honestly, if you come to Seattle, you have to visit this library. Unfortunately, this library isn’t open late and closes pretty early. I think it’s also close on certain days and holidays, so be sure to check the times before coming here.
The architecture outside and inside is pretty great. To be fair, the only part that you really need to see is the reading room and the grand staircase, but just those things are enough because it’s beautiful! The rest of the library isn’t really much, but definitely stop by this place if you’re planning on visiting the UW campus especially if it’s not cherry blossom season.

Harry Potter film inspired library!
I felt that wizarding vibe when I stepped in and started to walk up those stairs that reminded me of Hogwarts.
The walls, lighting and building décor, is exquisite and well worth to visit.

I’m not even a student here. I’m just on a mini-​vacation in Seattle but my boyfriend (who knows I love libraries) brought me here. The exterior is beautiful, but the reading room is just magnificent. It’s now probably one of my favorite sites and I really hope it doesn’t get torn down/​modernized. Would love to visit it again!

Like Harry Potter? Go to the reading room, it gives you the Hogwarts feel.
Great lighting in the reading room when the sun is out and when it’s not pouring outside. Awesome area to sit in when you want quiet time.
Other than that, I don’t have much to say but that it’s a library and people study in it.

The reading room is amazing, the giant book is also really cool! It does have limited hours, but it is always a quiet place to study. There is also a coffee place on the main level.

The exterior is magnificent, the reading room is gorgeous, the café is good, and the bathrooms… not so great. 4 stars.

I get distracted in the reading room cause it’s quiet. Too quiet.
Be careful, it’s a trap.

I love Suzzallo!
The Suzzallo library has finally solved my problem of living in a tiny apartment without a desk or chair when attending school full-​time and needing to study until late. Not only does Suzzallo have the best weekend hours (open until 10pm!) but there is always a place to sit down and study here, even on crowded midterm weekends. Parking is also free after 5pm on Saturdays and all day on Sundays.
Be sure to bring a jacket as it does get cold here, and also note that although Suzzallo is open to the public, wifi is only available for UW students/​faculty/​etc.

Hogwarts Library! Luv uuuuuu!
This is definitely the showpiece to bring visiting out-​of-​towners to. So beautiful, especially in comparison to the ugly concrete behemoths surrounding it on the square. I think that Suzzallo, the quad, and Drumheller fountain are the most beautiful spots in campus. I visited this library alot just for taking books out, and it also has some nice nooks and crannies to study in, though I preferred Allen for that. The Hogwarts reading room is, of course, beautiful and impressive, but after a few visits in my first year I realized it was not the study space for me. With that many people in a cavernous space it’s hard to avoid noise, though students do a pretty good job with not talking there (as its a quiet study space).
Note to tourists: it’s a quiet study space! You should feel free to walk through the room, but don’t chat, and don’t stop right next to people and look at what they’re doing, they’re working.

I have taken many a date here to walk through the architecture. Flying buttresses, spiral staircase, dark chandeliers, mosaics, copper statues, faint yet vibrant full length curtains.
We even did our engagement photos here.
So, mostly this is an architectural review.

THE NERD LIBRARY
it’s definitely NOT like Odeguard!!! Like in movies when they portray libraries on big campuses, this is exactly like that. Exactly! The over studious students, the quietness and echoes of ones cough, the high ceilings and shelves of old books. It’s just like the movies. Great place to get away from everyone and focus on your studies.
Remember when you’d call/​text me and ask where my where-​abouts was and I’d always reply «on campus» or «studying» and you thought I was lying/​playing mind games and out with someone else. Well, I really was here studying and now you see the results of it.
I accept your apology!
JABA APPROVED. Until the next review…

Well lit, clean and lots of areas for studying. I have to say that it is one of the prettier libraries I have been to, and I found lots of areas to sit around and do some work while on the wifi. It was a very decent experience coming, and I don’t know who could be disappointed with this library.

I love Suzzallo Library!
Highlight: the second-​floor reading room is a MUST-​SEE for tourists and locals.
Interior: absolutely stunning and beautiful. The architecture is amazing. You will spot lots of Art and Architecture students here on Suzzallo stairs working on their homework.
Wifi: FREE everywhere! Yah!
Study tables: lots of open group and individual study tables on each floor. They also have lots of computer stations.
Study rooms: located on the 3^rd floor. Different rooms can accomodate from 3 people to 15 people. I spent lots of time here with classmates. They have a computer at each room and it is convenient. Study rooms must be reserved in advance online. It can be reserved for up to 2 hours at a time.
Copy/​scanner: scanner is on the ground level right next to the main checkout station. Copy station is located on the second and third floor, right next to the main stacks near the hallway towards Allen library.
Café: during the past two years when the HUB was closed, the café area gets way over crowded. It should get better this academic year when the HUB re-​opens. The store is pretty convenient to grab a quick snack or meeting a friend. The food there is definitely way over-​priced. You can expect to find coffee, orange juice, soda, energy bars, cereal, and more!
Stacks: lots of interesting books and collections. If you want to find a book on your own, the signs are not very clearly marked. You have to ask the staff or find a map/​direction to figure out where to locate a book. Once you have done it once or twice, it gets pretty intuitive.
BE AWARE of your own belongings. Laptops and backpacks get stolen every once awhile. So watch your belongings here.