Montlake Branch Library: Sundial, Awards and Nearby Parks

Frequently asked questions

The Montlake Branch is at 2401 24th Ave E in Seattle's Montlake neighborhood, part of the Capitol Hill district.

Construction began in August 2005, and the 5,650-square-foot building opened in 2006.

The library has a skylight aperture sundial inside. Library staff developed it with University of Washington astronomer Woody Sullivan.

Yes. In 2008 it received an Honor Award from the AIA Seattle Honor Awards for Washington Architecture and a Merit Award from the AIA Washington Civic Design Awards.

Check The Seattle Public Library's official Montlake Branch page for current hours and services.

Sunlight passing through an opening in the skylight quietly tracks the hours inside the Montlake Branch Library, a neighborhood location of The Seattle Public Library at 2401 24th Ave E, in the Montlake area of the Capitol Hill district. The 5,650-square-foot building opened in 2006, and it rewards a stop for more than books, with a sundial built around that skylight and two architecture awards from 2008.

Award-Winning Design on a Neighborhood Scale

Construction on the current building began in August 2005, and the doors opened the following year. Its 5,650 square feet give it a modest, comfortable size that fits naturally into a residential neighborhood branch like this one.

Architects took notice soon after the opening. In 2008 the building collected two honors worth knowing about as you walk through:

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An Honor Award in the AIA Seattle Honor Awards for Washington Architecture
A Merit Award in the AIA Washington Civic Design Awards

Look Up for the Skylight Sundial

Once you step inside the Montlake Branch Library, tilt your head back, because its best-known feature sits overhead. A skylight aperture sundial lets sunlight through an opening to mark the passage of time inside the building, turning a simple beam of light into a clock.

Library staff developed the sundial together with Woody Sullivan, an astronomer at the University of Washington. Come on a sunny day to look for it, and bring along any kids curious about how the sun tracks across the sky, since it makes a wonderful conversation starter.

Plan Your Visit

Head to 2401 24th Ave E to find the library. Hours, services and programs can change, so check The Seattle Public Library's Montlake Branch page before you set out. If you would like to compare other locations around town, browse this guide to all libraries in Seattle.

Parks and Landmarks Within Half a Mile

Make the branch your starting point for an easy neighborhood walk. Montlake School sits right next door, less than 0.1 mile away, and the Arboretum Aqueduct is only about 0.3 mile off.

Stretch your legs a little farther to reach several spots roughly 0.4 mile away in a straight line: