Suzzallo and Allen Libraries
Open Today | 9am-5pm
Location Information
Entrance:
Red Square entrance has ramp access with a door paddle. An accessible route through the library runs through room 102. Allen ground floor entrances have paddles. Accessible route to elevators is the shortest via the Allen ground floor entrances.
Accessible Bathroom:
Accessible bathrooms are located on every floor. Additionally, accessible gender-neutral bathrooms are available at Suzzallo G050D and Suzzallo 101B.
Barriers:
None noted.
Assistive Technology:
Available on Student Computers (require UW NetID) and Guest Research Workstations. Multiple adjustable height tables. Wheelchair charging station.
Open today: 9am-5pm
About Suzzallo and Allen Libraries
Situated at the heart of the Seattle campus, Suzzallo and Allen Libraries are the largest of the UW Libraries. Here you can explore our rich and diverse collections, get help with research, or admire the beauty of the building’s historical architecture.
Suzzallo and Allen Libraries are open to all – UW students, staff, and faculty, as well as the general public.
Help Hours
Building Construction
Suzzallo Library is undergoing seismic stabilization and facade restoration work through Fall 2026. Certain spaces may experience noise disruption during this time. Thank you for your patience. Learn more.
Collections
Explore research material spanning the humanities and natural, physical, and social sciences – in languages from every continent.
Find millions of books, journals, maps, newspapers, film, audio and video recordings, including collections in unique formats and of specialized historical significance.
History, Architecture, and Design
Learn about the origin story of this incredible campus icon and explore its unique art and architectural elements.
Spaces & Equipment
Allen Auditorium
Theater-style auditorium space located on the ground floor of Allen Library North. Available for reservation by UW students, staff, and faculty.
Study Spaces
Find a variety of spaces to meet your study needs – from collaborative group work areas to silent study options in the cathedral-like environment of the Suzzallo Reading Room.
Computers, Printing, Scanning & Peripherals
Computers, digital scanners, printers (color and black & white), portable power devices, charging stations, charging cords, and other essential equipment.
Services
Information & Research Help
Get expert in-person help at the Allen Information Desk (Allen North Ground floor) from 10:30am-3pm Monday – Friday.
Computer Access for Visitors
Visitors can use guest research computers located on Allen North Ground Floor or request temporary wifi access for a personal device.
K-12 Class Visits
K-12 class visits are welcome. Teachers are encouraged to make prearrangements.
Locate Services and Materials
| Room/Service | Location |
|---|---|
| Account Services | Suzzallo First Floor |
| Administration Offices | Allen North Fourth Floor |
| Allen Auditorium | Allen North Ground Floor |
| Central Circulation | Suzzallo First Floor |
| Government Publications, Maps, Microforms & Newspapers (GMMN) | Suzzallo Ground Floor |
| Information Desk | Suzzallo First Floor |
| Petersen Room | Allen North Fourth Floor |
| Reading Room | Suzzallo Third Floor |
| Research Commons | Allen South Ground Floor |
| Research Help and Information Desk | Allen North Ground Floor |
| Smith Room | Suzzallo Third Floor |
| Special Collections | Allen South Basement |
| Suzzallo Starbucks | Suzzallo First Floor |
| Material | Location |
|---|---|
| Auxiliary or Baker Stacks | Off-site storage – must request |
| Auxiliary Microfilm | Off-site storage – must request |
| Blu-Ray | Suzzallo First Floor |
| DVDs | Suzzallo First Floor |
| Folios | Suzzallo First Floor |
| Government Publications | Suzzallo Ground Floor |
| Maps | Suzzallo Ground Floor |
| Microforms | Suzzallo Ground Floor |
| Newspapers | Suzzallo Ground Floor |
| Reference | Suzzallo First Floor |
| Suzzallo Basement Closed Stack | Off-site storage – must request |
| Call Numbers | Location |
|---|---|
| A – DR | Suzzallo Fourth Floor |
| DS – HA | Suzzallo Third Floor |
| HB – HN | Allen North Third Floor |
| HQ – PA | Allen South Third Floor |
| PB – PR | Suzzallo Second Floor |
| PS – QC | Allen North Second Floor |
| QC – Z | Allen South Second Floor |
Departments located in Suzzallo and Allen Libraries
Special Collections
Rare and historical materials, including the University of Washington Archives.
Government Publications, Maps, Microforms, & Newspapers (GMMN)
Three major format collections serving UW faculty, students, staff, & other local and international researchers.
Open Scholarship Commons (OSC)
Get expert help with digital projects or use the specialized tools and spaces available here.
Research Commons
Collaborative study spaces, classrooms, and presentation venues.
Ask Us!
Get help from librarians by email, phone, 24/7 chat, or make an appointment with a subject expert