Queen Anne

If you're not from Seattle, I imagine you think we all live on houseboats -- and if not on a houseboat, at the crest of Queen Anne Hill, with a view like this. Considering its lofty perch in one of our city's most emblematic neighborhoods, the Queen Anne branch is a modest affair, but one that appears well beloved by its users.

This is another of the branches bestowed upon Seattle by Andrew Carnegie. It opened on New Year's Day in 1914, was renovated in 2007, and retains much of its original charm. (I absolutely love the front door.) Fun fact: Col. Alden Blethen of the same family that still owns the Seattle Times contributed $500 toward the original construction.
Inside, you'll find some comfy places to while away a few hours; my favorite is a circular six-seated chair with burgundy cushions, with magazines nearby and DVDs to borrow. (An aside: Your Sister's Sister, seen here, is a wonderful little set-in-Washington film by director Lynn Shelton. You should definitely check it out.)

There are always interesting events at this branch. Two this weekend include a screening of the excellent Akeelah and the Bee on Saturday (May 21) at 2 p.m. and an appearance by Seattle Reads author Karen Joy Fowler (We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves) at 4 p.m. on Sunday (May 22.) See more 2016 Seattle Reads events here. There are also Pajama Story Times here several Monday evenings a month. Do you think grown-ups could come wearing our PJs?