Read It and Pee: Seattle Public Library

The third floor of the Seattle Public Library located on 4th Ave.

A few weeks back, my friends and I took a trip to the Seattle Public Library at their Central Library location on 4th Ave. The trip was partly because I wanted to register for a library card but also because, as a self-proclaimed toilet reviewer, I wanted to review their bathroom.

I've always passed the Seattle Public Library and admired it from afar, but as we stepped inside I realized it is a whole other world.

Coming from Wahiawā, Hawaiʻi where the public library is a tiny one-story building, it was amazing to see such a giant building solely dedicated to books and other media.

The Wahiawā Public Library. Credit: Hawaiʻi State Public Library

I know I don't review buildings or interior design, but if I did, the Seattle Public Library would get a five out of five.

The large diamond windows, the cozy lights above each bookshelf, the Red Hall, the extremely long escalator, and so much more make this building such a fun experience all on its own.

Even if you're not into reading, this 10-story building and its many quirks are a must visit.

As this is a public library, its restrooms are open to the public. No locks or fake "out of order" signs.

The bathrooms are located on the first, third and seventh floors.

I wasn't able to visit each bathroom on the different floors, but I assume they all probably look the same.

As we know, not all bathrooms are created equal so if you have a favorite or know the best floor to use the bathroom, please let me know in the comments!

The bathroom on the third floor.

MY RATING OUT OF 5: 3

MY REVIEW:

This bathroom was located on the third floor past the Starbucks Teen Center.

There was nothing special about the space. It looks like your typical public restroom with standard grey stalls and tiled floors.

The first stall was blocked off due to a missing door but the rest of the stalls were fair game.

It was pretty clean, with no toilet paper on the floor and the smell was at a minimum. The lighting was great, there was a handicap stall, and even a sharps disposal container at the back.

All in all, this bathroom is what you would expect from a public restroom. It's not the prettiest but it's also not the worst and it's definitely no Volunteer Park bathroom.

If we are being honest, it's much better than the bathroom I "paid" to use at the Pie Bar.

However, after exploring the building and being amazed by the colors and details and art installations, I was expecting much more from this bathroom.

The whole of the building is almost an art piece in and of itself. Yet this bathroom does not match the vibe of the building at all.

This was definitely a missed opportunity to create something just as cool as the rest of the library for people to relieve themselves.

But still, I should remain grateful this is a bathroom open to the public. With so little to choose from, we must not be picky when it comes to public restrooms!

Note: Thank you, Melanie for the amazing title!