The new central library in Seattle opened a year ago to rave reviews. The library was recently featured on the cover of the Library Journal in an article looking at how successful it has been.
Despite all the coverage, the most important questions, at least for librarians, were barely asked, never mind answered: How does this building work as a library? Does it serve the information needs of Seattle's citizens? As a library, is there anything new here?
The quick answer to all three questions is yes. Seattle's new building succeeds as well as a library as it does a work of art. When the building falters, which it does occasionally, it can be forgiven. That's what happens when you take risks, especially multiple ones. What Seattle's team of architects and librarians did was no less than to deconstruct the public library
The Seattle library is the worst. It gives me a headache every time I have to go there. I hate it.