Who qualifies for free Library service?
Anyone who lives, works or owns property within the Library's free service areas (or the spouse or underage dependent of someone who does). You also can get a free card if you go to school in the service areas.
Free service areas include:
- All areas of the cities of Seattle and Bothell
- Most of King County, except: city of Enumclaw, city of Renton, Yarrow Point and Hunts Point
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You also qualify if you have a Library card issued by:
- Everett Public Library
- Puyallup Public Library
- Sno-Isle Public Library
- Timberland Regional Library
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Cardholders from these four library systems should bring their library card, valid identification and proof of their home address to any location of The Seattle Public Library for a free card. The four library systems also extend the same benefit to cardholders from The Seattle Public Library.
May I use other library systems within Washington state?
Yes. Under an agreement with King County Library System, people living in Seattle may get a library card and borrow items from King County Library System (KCLS). However, Seattle residents cannot place holds on KCLS items. See Update to reciprocal use agreement between King County Library System and The Seattle Public Library for more information.
Cardholders from The Seattle Public Library also can get a free card issued by Everett Public Library, Puyallup Public Library, Sno-Isle Public Library and Timberland Regional Library, which they can use to reserve and borrow items from these libraries. To qualify, take your card issued by The Seattle Public Library, valid identification and proof of home address to any location of the four library systems.
Can I use Library services if I don't qualify for a free card?
Yes, but to borrow items, you will need a:
- Visitor card - for people temporarily living in our service area for up to three months. Visitor cards cost $25 and are good for three months. People using a visitor card can borrow up to five items at a time.
- Non-resident card - for people living in Washington state who do not qualify for service in other ways. Non-resident cards cost $85 and are good for one year.
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