Montlake Branch
🏢 The Seattle Public Library — Seattle, Washington
Montlake Branch
The Montlake Branch opened on August 12, 2006, in a modern brick-and-cedar building by Weinstein Architects + Urban Designers — the neighborhood has been served by SPL since 1944, when the Montlake Community Club leased a former grocery store as a reading room. A glass staircase entrance, sundial ceiling art, and an entry plaza continue to make this small branch a genuine community gathering point.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Thursday | 12 PM – 8 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📖 About Montlake Branch
Montlake has had a public library presence since 1944, when the Montlake Community Club leased a former grocery store for the purpose. The current branch, designed by Weinstein Architects + Urban Designers and funded by the 1998 Libraries for All bond measure, opened on August 12, 2006. The building uses modern brick and cedar materials that echo the neighborhood's residential character, with a glass staircase on 24th Avenue East, an entry plaza for outdoor gatherings, and interior windows that look out onto surrounding gardens. Public artwork includes Rebecca Cummins's "Skylight Aperture Sundial," which casts colored light through five glass ceiling openings, and two historic works: Boyer Gonzales's oil painting "Delphic Theme III" (1969) and Hodaka Yoshida's woodcut print "Tea House" (1956).
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Neighborhood library presence since 1944 — the community club converted a former grocery store before the current building opened in 2006
- Designed by Weinstein Architects + Urban Designers with brick and cedar materials reflecting the residential Montlake character
- Public artwork includes Rebecca Cummins's "Skylight Aperture Sundial" — five glass ceiling openings that cast colored light throughout the day
- Named donor spaces: Betty Bennett Simpson Reading Area, Don G. and Jane Markham Abel Meeting Room, Luke and Annalee Pigott Children's Area
- Free parking lot and 24/7 book return on McGraw St. (south wall)
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did the current Montlake Branch building open?
The current building opened on August 12, 2006. It was designed by Weinstein Architects + Urban Designers and funded by Seattle's 1998 Libraries for All bond measure, replacing an earlier facility that the Montlake community had maintained since 1944.
Is there public art inside the Montlake Branch?
Yes. The most distinctive piece is Rebecca Cummins's "Skylight Aperture Sundial," which uses five glass-covered ceiling openings to cast colored light into the reading area at different times of day. The branch also displays Boyer Gonzales's 1969 oil painting "Delphic Theme III" and a 1956 woodcut print, "Tea House," by Hodaka Yoshida.
Is parking available at the Montlake Branch?
Yes. The Montlake Branch has a free on-site parking lot, which is relatively uncommon among Seattle Public Library branches. Bike racks are also available outside the building.
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