Visiting the Suzzallo Library in Seattle, Washington
I love visiting beautiful libraries when I travel. So on a recent trip to Seattle, I knew I had to check out the Suzzallo Library on the University of Washington campus. I visit Seattle fairly often because my brother lives there, but somehow I had not heard of the Suzzallo Library until right before my most recent trip.
After seeing photos of this lovely, Gothic-style library, I knew I had to visit. So on my most recent trip to Seattle, my brother and I drove to the University of Washington to check out this magical library.
It’s everything a library should be: dramatic arched ceilings, stained glass windows, walls of bookshelves, and beautiful old lamps. Basically, the ultimate library for “dark academia” vibes.
If you’re thinking about visiting the Suzzallo Library yourself, here’s everything you need to know:
When Was the Suzzallo Library Built?
The Suzzallo Library was built in 1926. It’s named for Henry Suzzallo, a former president of the University of Washington. The library is built in a striking Collegiate Gothic style, making it one of the most recognizable buildings on campus. The original library was further expanded in 1935.
In the 1960s, a further extension was added to the library, and in the 1990s, the Kenneth S. Allen Library wing was added, named after the father of Microsoft founder Paul Allen. This is why you’ll often see the building referred to as the Suzzallo and Allen Libraries, since multiple wings are housed inside.
The most historic part of the library, and the part where most visitors are interested in going, can be found upon entering the library and heading upstairs. This is where you’ll find the impressive Graduate Reading Room, with its arched ceilings and windows and endless rows of bookshelves and long tables.
Much of the rest of the library looks like… well, just a regular library. The newer extensions and wings are built in a more modern style. They lack the dramatic architecture of the Graduate Reading Room.
Is the Suzzallo Library Open to the Public?
Yes, the Suzzallo Library is open to the public. You can just walk right in!
This surprised me, because at my university, none of the campus buildings were open to the public. You needed to scan your student ID or check in with security to enter. However, the Suzzallo Library doesn’t have any formal entry procedures. Anyone is welcome to visit the library when it’s open.
The library hours vary depending on the time of year and other factors, so I recommend checking the official website before you go to find the most up-to-date information for your visit. I went on a Sunday afternoon in the summer, and the library was pretty empty since classes were not back in session.
On the second Wednesday of each month from 12 PM until 1 PM, free guided tours of the Suzzallo Library are available. You can learn about “hidden gems” and unique details about the building.
The Suzzallo Library is a research library, not a lending library. You can get free help with researching during designated hours, and you can feel free to browse most of the books in the collection. You can use the library space to read, study, work, or relax, including the impressive Graduate Reading Room.
Was Harry Potter Filmed at the Suzzallo Library?
A lot of people assume that the Suzzallo Library was a Harry Potter filming location, because the library has a very Hogwarts-esque feeling to it. However, there’s actually no connection to Harry Potter!
All of the filming for Harry Potter took place across the pond, mostly within the UK. Although a lot of the films were shot at Leavesden Studios outside London, many scenes were shot at other locations in the UK.
The University of Oxford is a filming location for many familiar scenes. Libraries, dining halls, and other campus buildings were used to portray the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
So although the Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington was never part of the Harry Potter films, it’s easy to see why people assume that it was. The library definitely feels like you’ve entered Hogwarts!
Can You Eat in the Suzzallo Library?
Snacks and beverages are permitted in most areas of the Suzzallo Library, as long as you are respectful of the space. (As in, don’t bring an entire hot meal with a strong smell to eat at the library!)
There’s actually a Starbucks right inside the library, where you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat.
So if you want to hunker down in the library for several hours to get some work done, know that you are able to consume food and drink inside, as long as you clean up after yourself afterwards.
Beyond the Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington
The Suzzallo Library is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Seattle.
If you are like me and you love books, libraries, and architecture, you won’t want to miss this place. The rest of the University of Washington campus is also lovely to stroll around. The Quad is another area on campus that has beautiful architecture. (It’s very popular in the spring with its cherry blossoms too!)
Near the library, you will also find the Henry Art Gallery. This free museum contains a great collection of contemporary art. It was the first public art museum in the state of Washington, opening in 1927.
The University of Washington has a really nice campus. So if you come all the way just to visit the Suzzallo Library, you might as well spend some additional time exploring the rest of the campus afterwards.
Enjoy your visit to the Suzzallo Library and the University of Washington!
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