Communications
-
IMLS provides invaluable support to libraries in Washington state and throughout the U.S.
Statement by The Seattle Public Library and the King County Library System On the evening of Friday, March 14, a White House Executive Order was issued to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), among other federal agencies. IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services. Its mission is to… Continue reading
-
U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón to Visit Seattle and More Seattle Reads News
Ready, set, mark your calendars! Beginning next week, Seattle Reads, the Library’s citywide book group, is planning more than two months of community programming for our 2025 selection “You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World,” edited by the 24th U.S. Poetry Laureate Ada Limón. There is literally a program for everyone in our city.… Continue reading
-
March 2025 Author and Community Events at the Library
The Library has many programs that will get you reading, talking and connecting this month, including a silent reading event, an evening with Torrey Peters and a celebration of community stories and Black memory at ARTE NOIR during the First Friday Art Walk. Find more events on our arts and author events calendars. All Library events… Continue reading
-
Caring For Each Other Better: Podcast Features the Library’s Social Services team
Over the past several years, The Seattle Public Library has created an in-house Social Services team. Consisting of two community resource specialists and a Social Services librarian, the team is guided by trauma-informed care principles and the knowledge that you can’t enjoy full access to library services if your basic needs are not met. If… Continue reading
-
Get Free Tax Help at 12 Library Locations
Do you need help with your 2024 tax returns? The Library can help! We have numerous drop-in events at branches across the city where you can get free, in-person help with your taxes. The Library, United Way of King County (UWKC) and AARP are collaborating to offer free, in-person tax preparation service through mid-April at… Continue reading
-
6 Ways We’re Expanding Access: Fine-Free Anniversary, Part 2
Last week, in honor of the Library’s five-year anniversary of no longer charging overdue fines, we shared stories from our patrons about what fine-free borrowing has meant to them. We wanted to shares other changes the Library has made to expand access and create a more worry-free, inclusive experience. If you have questions about any… Continue reading
-
A Sweet 20th Anniversary for the Greenwood Branch
On Saturday, Feb. 8, Library patrons turned out in force on a bright, brisk Seattle morning to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Greenwood Branch The original Greenwood Branch opened in 1928 and operated out of a small, rented storefront at N. 70th St. and Greenwood Ave. N. In 1954, a new branch was built… Continue reading
-
“A Huge Load Off My Shoulders”: 5 Fine-Free Years, Part 1
Five years ago, the Library eliminated overdue fines, a change that was overwhelmingly approved by Seattle voters when they voted in the 2019 levy (thank you!). We also forgave all outstanding fines to give as many people as possible a fresh start. We made this change because decades of research, as well as our daily… Continue reading
-
February 2025 Author and Community Events at the Library
The Library has many programs that will get you reading, talking and connecting this month, including a sweet silent reading program at the Green Lake Branch; an event featuring Jennifer Finney Boylan talking about “Cleavage,” and Omar El Akkad in conversation with Ijeoma Oluo about his new book “One Day Everyone Will Have Been Against… Continue reading
-
Impact Story: Digital Inclusion in Action at the Delridge Branch
What does it mean to have computer skills for the first time? On a Saturday afternoon in December at the Delridge Branch’s meeting room, 11 newly minted adult graduates of a 13-week basic digital literacy class organized by Villa Comunitaria, reflected on this question. One student, Abel, said that the class has helped prepare him… Continue reading
-
The Seattle Public Library Will Expand Open Hours at Nine Locations on Jan. 29
The Seattle Public Library will expand open hours at nine branches starting on Wednesday, Jan. 29. With this increase, all library locations, with the exception of the University Branch, which closes on Jan. 29 for renovations, will be open at least six days a week. Thirteen locations will be open seven days a week. “With… Continue reading
-
University Branch To Close On January 29, 2025, For Major Renovations
The Seattle Public Library’s historically landmarked University Branch (5009 Roosevelt Way N.E.) will temporarily close from Wednesday, January 29, until late 2026 for major renovations, including a seismic retrofit to make the building safer in the event of an earthquake. When the branch reopens in late 2026, patrons will be able to enjoy several significant… Continue reading
-
July 2023 Author and Community Events at the Library
July is a great time to come to a Library program, outdoors and indoors. Wander a StoryWalk® featuring books by Indigenous authors in four locations around Magnolia; enjoy a night of spoken word, dance and choir with Path With Art at the Central Library; and listen to readings from award-winning authors including Karen Lord, Silvia… Continue reading