Wallingford Branch

Solid Ground Under the Same Roof

The branch is colocated with Solid Ground, an organization once known as the Fremont Public Association. From this site, Solid Ground operates a food bank and offers family support services, so the building does far more for the neighborhood than lend books.

Right on Wallingford's Main Street

Stroll North 45th Street and you're walking through the heart of Wallingford's business district, which stretches from Stone Way North on the west to Sunnyside Avenue North on the east. Browse the small shops and restaurants, and pass banks, pharmacies and a few taverns along the way. Grab a bite at the original Dick's Drive-In, which first opened its doors in 1954.

Head to the corner of North 45th Street and Wallingford Avenue North, which many locals consider the center of the neighborhood. Look up at the QFC grocery store to spot a large neon WALLINGFORD sign, built partly from letters of the old FOOD GIANT sign that marked the store's predecessor for decades. Dig deeper into the area with our Wallingford neighborhood guide.

Landmarks Just Steps Away

Designated landmarks surround the Wallingford Branch, and several sit close enough to see right from the sidewalk.

• Wallingford Police Station / Fire Station #11: less than 0.1 mile from the library doors.
• Lincoln High School: under 0.1 mile away, on Interlake Avenue North just south of 45th. After closing in 1981, the school spent years as temporary space for other schools, then reopened as a comprehensive high school in fall 2019 following a renovation.
• Wallingford Center: 0.2 mile away. Built in 1904 as Interlake Elementary School, it now invites you to explore two floors of shops and restaurants, with 24 studio apartments above.
• Hamilton Middle School: an easy 0.3 mile walk.

Parks, Gardens and the Farmers Market

Pair your library stop with some green space and fresh food, both within easy reach of the Wallingford Branch.

Wallingford Playfield

Walk 0.2 mile to Wallingford Playfield, which borders Hamilton International Middle School. Take in the views, and in the summer months, cool off at the playfield's wading pool.

Meridian Playground and Good Shepherd

Continue 0.4 mile to Meridian Playground, which wraps around the Good Shepherd Center, a former Roman Catholic home that Historic Seattle now runs as a shared community space. Tilth Alliance manages public gardens and plant sales here, and the Good Shepherd community garden lies the same 0.4 mile from the branch.

Wallingford Farmers Market

About 0.4 mile from the library, the Wallingford Farmers Market makes an easy addition to the same outing. Check the market's own listings for its season and hours before you go.

Before You Go

Set your map for 1501 N 45th St, Seattle, WA. Hours and services can change, so confirm the latest details on The Seattle Public Library's website, and keep in mind that Solid Ground sets its own food bank and family support schedules.