Attractions│Seattle│Suzallo Library - Harry Potter and Hogwarts Reading Room

#2024 Trip Review

The University of Washington in Seattle has 15 libraries, among which the Suzzallo Library is famous for its Harry Potter Hogwarts Reading Room. Opened in 1926, the Suzzallo Library remains a central research center, providing a variety of study spaces for students and open to visitors year-round.

I drove in from the Bronze W (North) entrance that day. The large W sign at the entrance signaled I was entering the Washington campus! There was a large parking lot on the right, next to the Burke Memorial-Washington State Museum (BRK) (parking fee required). After parking, walk along the main road for about 30 minutes until you'll find the library.

In addition to the Suzzallo Library, the campus also boasts numerous historic buildings and other libraries, making it well worth the detour to admire them. I recommend starting from the road leading in from PACCAR Hall (PCAR). Along the way, you'll discover many incredibly beautiful buildings and scenes. My pace slowed down, and I marveled at how well American schools have preserved these buildings. Upon arriving at Kane Hall (KNE), you'll see a large plaza, adjacent to the renowned Suzzallo Library. This magnificent Gothic-style building boasts 18 columns, each adorned with statues of famous figures such as Shakespeare, Leonardo da Vinci, and Plato.

After entering, there are corridors on either side leading to the second floor, where you'll reach your destination. It was afternoon, and the sunlight filtering down the stairwell was breathtaking, attracting many to pause and snap photos.

Upstairs, turn left and you'll be greeted by a breathtaking spectacle: colorful glass windows, symmetrical arched stone beams, a massive ceiling chandelier, a suspended antique chandelier, and long, sleek wooden tables and chairs. While photography is permitted, please remember that this is also a student library, so please remain quiet and refrain from lingering for too long.

Besides the library, I also recommend visiting the University Bookstore on campus. Besides textbooks, it also sells a wide variety of school merchandise. Don't miss it now that you're here, though the prices are quite high! Also, every American university has its own mascot; the University of Washington's is a husky, which is incredibly adorable.

Finally, in my grid (Beginning Heart and Blue Star), I've included a map of my day's tour of the Washington campus (red arrows indicate the route, numbers indicate the locations visited), along with links I found worth checking out. After returning to the parking lot, if you have time, you might also want to visit the Washington State Museum (BRK) (tickets required). There are also free restrooms in the basement level.

🏚️Attractions: Suzzallo and Allen Libraries, University of Washington, Seattle
⏰Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Saturday, Closed Sunday) / 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Saturday, Closed Sunday)
📍Address: 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Post by Sylvia09 | Sep 27, 2025