Seattle Public Library
historic place
The Seattle Public Library system traces its origins to efforts that began in 1868. It was officially established as a city department in 1890. The first public library opened in 1891, initially as a reading room in Pioneer Square. After a fire destroyed a temporary location, Andrew Carnegie provided funding for the first permanent Central Library building. This Beaux-Arts style structure opened on December 19, 1906. As Seattle's population grew, a new Central Library opened in 1960. The current Central Library, known for its distinctive architecture, opened on May 23, 2004. The Seattle Public Library has continually adapted to serve the community's information needs for over a century.