Suzzallo and Allen Libraries

Suzzallo and Allen Libraries sit on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. Suzzallo’s grand reading room draws visitors for its Gothic arches, tall stained-glass windows, vaulted ceiling and long oak tables. Look up at the architecture, then take time to notice the paintings and carved details around the building. The libraries also hold extensive book collections, including materials on languages and cultures. They remain working study spaces, so keep your voice low and give students room to read.

Suzzallo’s reading room

The main reading room is the best-known interior at Suzzallo Library. Its vaulted ceiling, tall windows and rows of oak tables give the space a formal, church-like scale. The architecture follows the Collegiate Gothic style, with details that reward a slower look beyond the central hall.

Stained glass brings colour into the room, while paintings and carved ornament add detail around the library. Terracotta sculptures by Allen Clark depict thinkers and artists chosen by the university faculty, including Shakespeare, Plato, Benjamin Franklin and Isaac Newton.

A working university library

Suzzallo and Allen are part of the University of Washington campus and continue to function as libraries, not just architectural stops. Their collections include books and materials from different languages and cultures. Quiet reading areas suit visitors who want to spend time with a book, while other spaces allow discussion.

The libraries are close enough to visit together. Treat the reading rooms as study spaces: speak softly, move carefully and avoid interrupting people at work. Stationery vending machines sell pencils and other supplies on site.