<p>As an actual functioning library the Seattle Library is a gigantic failure. The most unappealing place to actually look for books, read or do pretty much anything else library related I have ever seen–by a mile. The old library was dumpy but at least had the feel and function of a library. The new one falls somewhere between an office building and moderrn retail mall. Might be a good backdrop for sci-fi filming.</p>
<p>I usually prefer old buildings but really like the new Seattle library and haven’t had a problem finding books when there. This is the first time I’ve heard it described as such a miserable failure! I do usually go to my neighborhood branch though, it’s so easy to just hold books online and have them delivered there.</p>
<p>I just find the book stack areas tight, claustrophobic and very poorly designed for just browsing through the stacks. Having the entire thing on sloped floors is also a negative. I like some of the branches FAR better and the Bellevue and Kirkland libraries are great.</p>
<p>Mizzou’s main library, Ellis Library, is not only beautiful, but also full of history. During the civil war, union troops actually used it as a guard room, and stole 467 to construct fires…their journalism library is pretty sweet as well.</p>
<p>Ucsds library is te bomb outside but the inside is decrepit</p>