Programs & Services
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Mayor Wilson Announces 2026 Library Levy Proposal
You may have seen The Seattle Public Library in the news today. At 12:30 p.m., Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson spoke from the Central Library’s Level 10 Betty Jane Narver Reading Room to announce a proposal for a $410 million Library Levy that would provide funding for The Seattle Public Library over seven years, from 2027… Continue reading
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Spring 2026 Author and Community Events at the Library
Author and community programs are blooming at the Library this spring, from a KUOW Book Talk with Sasha taqwšəblu LaPointe about “Thunder Song” on March 23, to an evening with famed audiobook narrator Julia Whelan on April 15, to two One Book, One Coast events with local authors that reframe and retell the history of… Continue reading
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Learn About the Hidden Histories of Native American Activism on March 10
“How can a nation founded on the homelands of dispossessed Indigenous peoples be the world’s most exemplary democracy?” That is the question that opens Dr. Ned Blackhawk’s “The Rediscovery of America,” which won the 2023 National Book Award in Nonfiction. The Library is honored to have Dr. Blackhawk present this year’s annual Bullitt Lecture in… Continue reading
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Read George Takei’s Graphic Memoir with the West Coast’s Biggest Book Club
We have good news for Seattle readers! This spring, The Seattle Public Library invites you to take part in One Book, One Coast, a shared reading initiative connecting more than 140 library systems across California, Oregon, and Washington, including more than a dozen in Washington State alone. Organized by LA County Library, One Book, One… Continue reading
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Cooking Up a Roti-Related Business, With Help from the Library
In late 2024, when Komal Kashiramka decided to “take the plunge” to leave a corporate job and start a business in the food industry, she sought out helpful (and low cost) resources for entrepreneurs. The Seattle Public Library was not one of the places she originally thought to look. But the business research tools she… Continue reading
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We Won a Bookish Super Bowl Bet + Parade Snaps
Like all of the Emerald City, The Seattle Public Library has been reveling in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win — but in a very library-like way. Late last week, we placed a bookish bet with Boston Public Library: The library with the winning team would get to create a booklist for the other to host.… Continue reading
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Local Authors Take the Stage for KUOW Book Talks
Want to be part of a book club that features selections by some of our region’s greatest talents, and offers you a chance to meet the author in person? Welcome to the KUOW Book Talks Live series at the Central Library. From February through May, KUOW Book Club host Katie Campbell will sit down with a… Continue reading
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Impact Story: When a Children’s Author Comes to Town
The benefits of reading for kids are well-known: literacy, language skills, empathy. But on a winter morning at Seattle’s John Rogers Elementary, a group of 40 fourth and fifth grade readers are showing something else: pure, unadulterated excitement. The students are crowded on the floor of the school library for a talk from Ernesto Cisneros,… Continue reading
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Explore Your Family’s History with Expanded Library Genealogy Programs
Before Sonia’s grandmother passed away, she passed along a host of family stories that Sonia has spent years researching. She has found marriage records, newspaper articles, and other documents that provide conflicting information — and has run into repeated brick walls, especially regarding her ancestors who were enslaved. Sonia knew she needed some assistance with… Continue reading
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“We Belong Together”: New Series by Guest Curator Amber Flame
Could you use a little more community, connection, and cheap date ideas this winter? We have just the series for you. Writer and interdisciplinary artist Amber Flame has guest-curated a new series titled “We Belong Together” at the Central Library. With a kickoff event this Sunday, Jan. 25, the three events will explore how we expand… Continue reading
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Never Underestimate the Power of a Read-In: The Broadview Branch at 50
In late May of 1972, a small ad appeared in the classifieds section of the University District-Herald, a community newspaper in Northeast Seattle: “Broadview & Haller Lake: Want a library at 130th & Greenwood? Join us for a “READ IN” on Thursday, June 1, 3 p.m. Bring Friends!” The ad was just four lines, but… Continue reading
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How the Library Preserves and Promotes Seattle’s History
There are more than 100,000 items in The Seattle Public Library’s Special Collections. The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Seattle Room, on Level 10 of the Central Library, houses extensive collections of photographs, postcards, city documents, news articles, and maps. There are oral histories from Seattle residents, menus from notable restaurants, yearbooks from Seattle schools, works by… Continue reading
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Photo Album: Celebrating 50 Years of Community at Douglass-Truth
On Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, the Douglass-Truth Branch was jamming. Neighbors, families, community leaders, elders, and library staff filled every corner of the branch at 2300 E. Yesler Way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its community-chosen name. Almost exactly a half-century earlier, on Dec. 5, 1975, the branch was renamed in honor of abolitionists… Continue reading
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Winter 2026 Author and Community Events at the Library
Soak in creative and cozy winter vibes at Library programs in January and February. Browse zines and make your own on Saturdays at the ZAPP Zine Collection, celebrate the 60th anniversary of “Dark Shadows,” enjoy love poetry on the Central Library’s Red Floor with guest curator Amber Flame, and more. All Library events are free… Continue reading
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The Seattle Public Library to add Monday hours at the Montlake Branch and update hours at the Capitol Hill, Douglass-Truth branches on Jan. 27
Starting Tuesday, Jan. 27, The Seattle Public Library will update hours at three locations and expand the number of libraries that are open seven days a week – from 13 to 14 locations – with the addition of new Monday hours at the Montlake Branch. The Capitol Hill Branch (425 Harvard Ave. E.) will continue to be open… Continue reading
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‘Leveling the Playing Field’: How the Library Supports Nonprofits
As the year winds down, many of us will support nonprofits that make a difference in our communities. The Library is proud that we also support these community organizations by offering a range of free tools and resources to help nonprofits launch and grow. “We are seeing more nonprofits use our services,” says Jay Lyman,… Continue reading
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What Seattle Read in 2025: The Library’s Most Popular Checkouts
It’s always fascinating to compile The Seattle Public Library’s top checkouts for the year to get a sense of what’s been on the minds of Seattle’s readers. In 2025, they turned closer to home and explored local voices — perhaps not surprising given the state of national dialogue. Several of our most checked-out print books… Continue reading
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Winter Break 2025 Activities at The Seattle Public Library
Looking for family fun and community while the kids are on winter break? Our libraries have planned board game bashes, crafternoons, maker events and early New Year’s parties. We are also hosting regular story times and other family programming. You can also stop by one of The Seattle Public Library’s locations any day we’re open… Continue reading