Capitol Hill Branch — The Seattle Public Library
🏢 The Seattle Public Library · Seattle, Washington
Capitol Hill Branch — The Seattle Public Library
Opened in 2003 at 425 Harvard Ave. E. on the edge of Capitol Hill's Broadway district, this 11,215-square-foot branch of The Seattle Public Library is designed around a soaring triangular reading room framed by floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a living vertical garden — a quiet sanctuary for one of Seattle's most dynamic neighborhoods. It holds the system's only dedicated LGBTQ+ Collection of more than 1,500 titles and stays open until 8pm on Wednesdays.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–6pm |
| Wednesday | 12pm–8pm |
| Thursday | 10am–6pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–6pm |
| Sunday | 10am–6pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 425 Harvard Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98102
Phone: (206) 684-4715
Website: spl.org
Plus Code: 84VVJMFH+53 (Seattle, WA)
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📖 About Capitol Hill Branch — The Seattle Public Library
The Capitol Hill Branch is one of 27 locations of The Seattle Public Library, serving the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood where library service dates back to 1913. A deposit station at the Mission Pharmacy first brought books to the area, followed by the Susan J. Henry Branch in 1954. The current building opened on May 31, 2003, funded by the $196.4 million Libraries for All bond issue approved by Seattle voters in 1998. Architects Johnston Architects and Cutler Architects designed the 11,215-square-foot building with a distinctive triangular reading room, glass walls on the north and south sides, and a living vertical garden — public art titled 'Contour' by Italian-Seattle artist Iole Alessandrini — that filters natural light into the space. In 2015, renovations added a laptop bar seating alcove and a refurbished second-floor study room. The branch houses SPL's unique LGBTQ+ Collection (1,500+ titles), holds a Safe Place certification, and is fully accessible. Book returns are accepted 24 hours a day.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Opened May 31, 2003 — funded by the 1998 Libraries for All bond; designed by Johnston Architects & Cutler Architects
- Signature triangular reading room with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and 'Contour' living vertical garden by artist Iole Alessandrini
- Home to The Seattle Public Library's unique LGBTQ+ Collection — over 1,500 titles in fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels & poetry
- Safe Place certified and fully accessible with all-gender restroom
- Open every day of the week; book returns accepted 24/7
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Seattle Public Library cardholders access a rich suite of free digital resources:
📚 Services
- Public computers, printing, copying & scanning
- Reservable meeting rooms and study rooms
- LGBTQ+ Collection (1,500+ titles) housed at this branch
- Free Wi-Fi and accessible computers with JAWS screen-reading software
- Bike racks and accessible parking
- Safe Place certification
- Interlibrary loan through the 27-branch SPL system
- All-gender restroom and wheelchair-accessible facilities
🎸 Programs
- Community programs for adults, teens, and children
- LGBTQ+ community events and readings
- Author events and book discussions
- Summer reading for all ages
- Online programs streamed to the community
📍 Nearby Seattle Public Library Branches
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Seattle · Browse all Washington libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Capitol Hill Branch open and who designed it?
The current Capitol Hill Branch opened on May 31, 2003. It was funded by the $196.4 million Libraries for All bond issue approved by Seattle voters in 1998 and designed by Johnston Architects and Cutler Architects. The original Henry Branch on the same site opened in 1954. Library service in Capitol Hill actually dates back to 1913, when a small deposit station operated from the Mission Pharmacy at 901 19th Avenue.
What is the LGBTQ+ Collection at the Capitol Hill Branch?
The Capitol Hill Branch is home to The Seattle Public Library's dedicated LGBTQ+ Collection — over 1,500 titles including fiction and nonfiction, graphic novels, comics, literature, poetry and biographies offering a global perspective on LGBTQ+ experiences. While most materials are in English, the collection also includes publications in other languages. This is the only SPL branch where the collection is housed.
What is the 'Contour' artwork at the Capitol Hill Branch?
'Contour' (2003) is a living green wall above the entrance of the Capitol Hill Branch, created by Italian-Seattle artist Iole Alessandrini. Evergreens and vines are supported on a stainless-steel mesh frame that wraps around the building and grows inside, framing the two-story reading room. It was funded by the 1998 Libraries for All bond measure and is considered one of Seattle's notable examples of art integrated into public architecture.
Is the Capitol Hill Branch open on weekends and every day?
Yes — the branch is open seven days a week. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday run 10am–6pm. Wednesday hours are 12pm–8pm. Book returns are accepted 24 hours a day at the outdoor drop.
📚 This library has study rooms. See how library study rooms work — booking, time limits and quiet vs group rooms — and find other libraries with study rooms libraries with study rooms by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
📅 This library has meeting & community rooms. See how library meeting rooms work — booking, policies and fees — and find other libraries with meeting or community rooms meeting rooms by state.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.