To manage ongoing staffing shortages and improve schedule reliability, intermittent closures have been scheduled at most neighborhood branches. Find more information about these changes on our blog, Shelf Talk. Current schedule information can always be found on our Hours and Locations page.
(September 08, 2020) Earlier this year, The Seattle Public Library launched the new service Your Next Job. You can get free, one-on-one help with your job and unemployment questions by phone, online or via text messaging. We can help you with basic technology skills, getting started with unemployment, help you learn new skills or apply for your next job.
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(July 01, 2020) The Seattle Public Library, in partnership with King County Library System (KCLS) and Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI), has launched a new service called Your Next Job. You can get free, one-on-one help with your job and unemployment questions by phone, online or via text messaging. We can help you with basic technology skills, getting started with unemployment, help you learn new skills or apply for your next job.
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(April 12, 2022) Want to learn a language, improve your job skills, find free one-on-one tutoring, download new songs, learn web design, or find a read-aloud for your child? Or perhaps your child is on spring break this week and you need to find some new content to stream, stat?
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(September 13, 2019) Visit your local Seattle Public Library this month! We've got tons of back to school resources for you, Peak Picks for fall reading, free concerts and downloadable local music, and more.
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(September 11, 2018) Visit your local Seattle Public Library this month! We've got tons of back to school resources for you, Peak Picks for fall reading, and some new Library card designs for you to choose from – including a much-requested keychain card size.
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(January 03, 2020) Learn how to use a smart phone, discover how streaming media works, and discuss books at The Seattle Public Library's events for seniors this month at locations throughout Seattle.
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(September 14, 2023) Did you know that there are two solar eclipses happening over the next year? The first will occur October 14, 2023 and the second on April 8, 2024. Each will be viewed as partial eclipses in Seattle.
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(February 01, 2023) The Seattle Public Library’s author programs and community events in February 2023 feature Lambda Award-winning novelist Annalee Newitz; Bonnie Garmus, author of the bestselling novel “Lessons in Chemistry”; and a Fifth Avenue Theatre show talk on the genius of Stephen Sondheim.
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(February 02, 2023) Homework Help, The Seattle Public Library’s free after school tutoring service (spl.org/HomeworkHelp), will add two locations and increase hours in February.
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(March 31, 2023) The Seattle Public Library’s author programs and community events in April 2023 include a reading with Mircea Cărtărescu, the Romanian author of “Solenoid;” a conversation between Nicole Chung and Angela Garbes; and Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest and guests at a program titled “I Sing the Salmon Home.”
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(May 12, 2022) Woodland Park Zoo has rejoined The Seattle Public Library’s Museum Pass Program, which offers free admission to Seattle museums and cultural organizations for Library cardholders.
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(February 12, 2021) Thinking about what your family might do with all that free time next week? The Seattle Public Library is here for you, offering free access to movies, music, museums and more to keep your family entertained during Seattle Public Schools' Midwinter Break this Feb. 15-19.
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(May 03, 2024) When The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library opened its doors on May 23, 2004, more than 25,000 people lined up in the course of the day to experience Seattle’s striking new public space for knowledge and learning. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, it was called “the most exciting new building it has been my honor to review” by the New York Times’ late architectural critic Herbert Muschamp.
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(April 30, 2024) May at the Library brings events with authors Amy Tan and Zoe Schlanger, an event with Satsuki Ina about her memoir about Japanese American incarceration and resistance, a BIPOC Book Fair, and events celebrating Seattle Reads selection “Parable of the Sower.”
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(September 12, 2023) Do you know a child or teen who can use academic help this year? Starting the week of Sept. 11, The Seattle Public Library’s free afterschool K-12 tutoring service, Homework Help (spl.org/HomeworkHelp), will be available at nine branches: the Broadview, Columbia, Douglass-Truth, High Point, Lake City, Northgate, NewHolly, Rainier Beach and South Park branches. New this fall is Homework Help at the Broadview Branch.
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(June 28, 2023) Part of a series of EVOKE UPROAR events around the U.S., “Banking On You” brings together speakers and workshops that will share effective strategies for achieving financial freedom and moving your project forward, as well as networking opportunities and surprise entertainment (“disruptions”) throughout the day.
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(May 19, 2023) Want to learn how to access new funding for your business and improve your business or personal credit? Join The Seattle Public Library for two free virtual workshops with Tierra Bonds, CEO of Take Charge Credit Consulting, who will share her expertise on accessing capital and building credit.
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(August 25, 2022) As you plan for your children’s return to school, The Seattle Public Library is here for you, offering programs and services to help students of all ages succeed. Starting the week of Sept. 12, the Library’s free afterschool tutoring service, Homework Help (spl.org/HomeworkHelp), is returning to the Columbia, Douglass-Truth, High Point, Lake City, NewHolly and Rainier Beach branches after a 2.5-year hiatus because of the pandemic.
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(September 13, 2021) Want to learn how to get funding for your business, navigate startup culture, or find out more about starting and expanding a food business? The Seattle Public Library is offering free virtual workshops on each of these topics, and more, from its Library to Business program, this fall.
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(May 06, 2021) Want to learn how to build a business website and monetize it, or find out more about starting and expanding a food business? The Seattle Public Library is offering all these workshops in May through its Library to Business program.
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(January 19, 2021) Library patrons can now pick up holds at 13 locations, return materials at 18 locations and place up to 50 items on hold
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(October 23, 2020) The Seattle Public Library will offer online open mics, writers groups and workshops, and poetry readings in November. Our mission during this time of distraction, artistic fatigue and social isolation is to create a regular time and space for writers to write and to meet each other.
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(February 14, 2022) The Seattle Public Library and United Way of King County (UWKC) are collaborating to offer free, in-person tax preparation service through the end of tax season at the Central Library.
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(January 27, 2021) Avoid “the winter doldrums” this February and March by joining The Seattle Public Library in workshops that will help teen and adult participants develop life skills and digital creativity skills.
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(May 01, 2024) In recognition of Older Americans Month, the Library is hosting a series of programs in May with a theme of “Powered by Connection.” They include social events, end-of-life planning (with free individual consults), a civic coffee, and Medicare workshops.
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(January 11, 2024) The Seattle Public Library, United Way of King County (UWKC) and AARP are collaborating to offer free, in-person tax preparation service from January through April at 11 Library locations. The Library will offer free drop-in tax help with UWKC starting on Jan. 13 at two locations and with AARP starting on Feb. 1 at nine more locations. AARP also offers facilitated self-assistance at three locations.
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(November 30, 2023) The Seattle Public Library’s spaces will light up in December with a silent reading party, a “White Christmas” Show Talk from the Fifth Avenue Theatre, a showcase of our very talented writers in residence and more.
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(September 29, 2023) Join The Seattle Public Library in October for a range of exceptional events, including discussions with local author Peter Bacho (“Uncle Rico’s Encore”); bestselling author Lauren Groff (“The Vaster Wilds”); and author-illustrators Jillian and Mariko Tamaki (“Roaming); as well as the annual A. Scott Bullitt lecture with historian Blair L.M. Kelly, author of “The Roots of the Black Working Class.”
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(May 24, 2023) From a discussion with Abraham Verghese about his long-awaited novel “The Covenant of Water” to an event with Cheon Myeong-Kwan about the English translation of his debut novel “Whale,” The Seattle Public Library’s June schedule is packed with opportunities to learn, listen, laugh and read.
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(December 21, 2022) Need something to look forward to after the holidays? The Seattle Public Library’s author programs and community events in January 2023 include a Lunar New Year celebration, the Seattle Times’ annual Pictures of the Year event, and author events highlighting Lynda Mapes’ award-winning book about orcas and a picture book about Pacific Science Center architect Minoru Yamasaki.
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(November 10, 2022) Want to improve your credit and learn how to understand a credit report? Join The Seattle Public Library for three free virtual workshops with Tierra Bonds, CEO of Take Charge Credit Consulting, who will share her expertise on how to improve your credit, understand your credit score and take simple steps to work around unfair credit practices to build your credit.
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(October 21, 2022) The Seattle Public Library’s author programs, book discussions and community dialogues in November and December feature Oglala Lakota chef Sean Sherman; Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Ada Ferrer; poet and retired professional cagefighter Jenny Liou; and more.
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(March 17, 2022) Seattle-area residents who have a card with The Seattle Public Library can visit more museums for free, courtesy of the Library’s Museum Pass program. Five Seattle museums have rejoined the program: the Center for Wooden Boats, the Henry Art Gallery, Museum of History & Industry, the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
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(September 21, 2021) With children and teens back in full-day, in-person school, The Seattle Public Library is here to help students. With your library card or Seattle Public Schools ID, you can get instant access to free tutoring, educational videos, curated book lists, language classes and much more.
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(April 22, 2021) Starting Tuesday, April 27, The Seattle Public Library will offer Curbside Pickup Service at the West Seattle Branch from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Library patrons can pick up holds of physical materials at the West Seattle Branch two days a week and can return materials through the branch book drop seven days a week. They can also use the Library’s Curbside printing service to print (and pick up) up to 10 black-and-white pages a day. The West Seattle Branch is located at 2306 42nd Ave SW.
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(March 04, 2021) Starting Saturday, March 6, The Seattle Public Library will offer Curbside Pickup Service at the South Park Branch from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Library patrons who have the South Park Branch set as their “home branch” can pick up holds of physical materials two days a week and can return materials through the branch book drop seven days a week. They can also use the Library’s Curbside printing service to print (and pick up) up to 10 black-and-white pages a day. The South Park Branch is located at 8604 Eighth Ave. S. Seattle.
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(February 17, 2021) The Seattle Public Library’s Museum Pass program is back online now that cultural institutions are allowed to reopen at reduced capacity. The Library is currently offering passes to four cultural institutions: Burke Museum, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), National Nordic Museum, Seattle Aquarium.
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(February 16, 2021) Starting Thursday, Feb. 18, The Seattle Public Library will offer Curbside Pickup Service at the Queen Anne Branch from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Library patrons who have the Queen Anne Branch set as their “home branch” can pick up holds of physical materials two days a week and can return materials through the branch book drop seven days a week.
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(August 28, 2020) Back to school is looking very different this year, with Seattle Public Schools starting off the fall with 100% remote learning. But no matter your student’s grade level or learning situation, your Library is here for you. The Seattle Public Library has free online programs, resources and personalized services to help students explore, learn and succeed in school and beyond.
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(April 16, 2020) Starting this week, Seattle residents who need critical information about food, shelter and many other services can consult with one of the Library's community resource specialists.
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(March 29, 2024) Celebrate April and National Poetry Month with The Seattle Public Library by visiting a citywide poetry installation, writing poetry that celebrates trees, exploring the influence of legendary science fiction writer Octavia Butler with Seattle Reads, hearing bestselling author Karl Marlantes read from his latest book “Cold Victory,” and more!
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(March 28, 2024) On Monday, April 8, 2024, the Seattle area will experience a partial solar eclipse starting at around 10:39 a.m. and ending at 12:21 p.m., with the maximum coverage of the sun (20%) at 11:29 a.m.
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(March 15, 2024) Join The Seattle Public Library this spring for an author series curated by Seattle writer and editor Nisi Shawl called “Reading and Writing the ‘Other:’ Diversity and Inclusion in Our Worlds.”
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(February 13, 2024) From Susan Lieu’s “The Manicurist’s Daughter” to Shaun Scott’s chronicle of Seattle sports history, “Heartbreak City,” the Library is spotlighting much-anticipated new books by local authors and more in the next two months.
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(February 01, 2024) Today, Path with Art, an organization that creates space for individual and community healing and growing through art, opens an exhibit called “Winter Visions” at the Level 8 gallery at The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library (1000 Fourth Avenue).
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(January 19, 2024) Kicking off Black History Month, the fifth annual Black-Owned Business Excellence (BOBE) Symposium will take place from Wednesday, Jan. 31, through Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. The kick-off event is a virtual watch party of the NEW! Documentary - The Cost of Inheritance. The symposium itself starts on Thursday, Feb. 1 at the Watson Signature Event Center (11521 Bridgeport Way Southwest Lakewood) as well as online. The Seattle Public Library is co-sponsoring this event.
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(November 01, 2023) Cozy up with a new fall read, then head to The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library to see the author discuss their book in person. Highlights include Bryan Washington, author of “Family Meal;” Seattle author Jonathan Evison, who will be in conversation with Seattle Times art critic Moira Macdonald; and the final program in a guest-curated series celebrating the centennial of “No-No Boy” author John Okada’s birth.
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(June 29, 2023) Join The Seattle Public Library in July for StoryWalks® featuring books by Indigenous authors around Magnolia; a night of spoken word, dance and choir with Path With Art; and readings from award-winning authors including Karen Lord, Silvia Moreno-García and Tobi Ogundiran.
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(March 14, 2023) Filmed on the elegant stage of Pier 62 on Seattle’s waterfront, Reflections Dance Festival 2023 returns as another stunning love letter to the city of Seattle.
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(January 17, 2023) Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 18, The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library will stay open two hours later on Wednesday and Thursday nights, until 8 p.m. The Faye G. Allen Children’s Center located on Level 1 will continue to close at 6 p.m. each evening.
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(September 08, 2022) The Seattle Public Library’s author programs, book discussions and community dialogues this September include a celebration of Alice Wong’s memoir; a panel discussion for Banned Books Week; a “Business of Books” literary entrepreneurship series; and Bibliophilia, a four-day festival that mixes poetry and prose with improvisational theater.
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(August 16, 2022) The NewHolly Branch of The Seattle Public Library will expand open hours by opening on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., beginning Sunday, August 21.
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(June 29, 2022) The Seattle Public Library’s author programs, book discussions and community dialogues this July include Daniel James Brown in conversation with Tom Ikeda about his new book “Facing the Mountain,” and two Clarion West events.
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(May 25, 2022) The Seattle Public Library’s author programs, book discussions and community dialogues this June feature a wide range of authors and topics.
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(May 02, 2022) Beginning Monday, May 2, meeting rooms and study rooms at The Seattle Public Library will once again be available for public reservation and use.
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(January 20, 2022) In response to ongoing staffing shortages related to the current surge of COVID-19 cases in the community, The Seattle Public Library will temporarily reduce open hours at most locations starting on Friday, Jan. 21.
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(September 22, 2021) Can meaningful self-care lead to equity, justice and liberation? In a five-part series of virtual events hosted by The Seattle Public Library, guest curator Olaiya Land will explore this question in conversation with authors and activists of diverse backgrounds. The series runs from Wednesday, Sept. 29 to Thursday, Dec. 9 and is titled “Radical Self-Acceptance as Activism.”
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(July 16, 2021) This summer, learn about healthy eating, selling your art, and much more with The Seattle Public Library's upcoming life skills and digital creativity workshops.
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(May 11, 2021) Following the successful reopening of the Lake City, Southwest and Beacon Hill branches to limited in-building services on April 27, The Seattle Public Library will provide these services at the Broadview Branch (12755 Greenwood Ave N) beginning May 18. The Library will continue to assess operations at these branches while preparing to reopen additional branches on June 1.
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(May 11, 2021) See highlights from The Seattle Public Library’s Zine Archive & Publishing Project (ZAPP) in a virtual visit as part of Seattle Art Book Fair's Makeready festival. The tour will take place online from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 15.
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(April 23, 2021) Celebrate the 25th anniversary of El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day) with free books and events hosted in Spanish and English by The Seattle Public Library, King County Library and Sno-Isle Libraries!
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(April 14, 2021) Learn about healthy eating, selling your art, and much more with The Seattle Public Library's upcoming life skills and digital creativity workshops in April, May and June.
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(April 07, 2021) Starting on Tuesday, April 27, The Seattle Public Library will offer limited in-building services at three locations: Lake City Branch (12501 28th Ave. N.E., Seattle), Southwest Branch (9010 35th Ave. S.W.) and Beacon Hill Branch (2821 Beacon Ave. S., Seattle).
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(April 01, 2021) Want to learn to draw, write poetry, or dance Bollywood–style? This spring, The Seattle Public Library and Silver Kite Community Arts have partnered to offer online intergenerational workshops, talks, social hours, and performances for the community. These virtual opportunities, which the Library and Silver Kite have offered since the spring of 2020, provide stimulating and creative engagement opportunities, as well as social connection. Each program is free, and family is welcome to attend.
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(March 31, 2021) Attend author events, book discussions and community dialogues, expert conversations and literary programs from the comfort of your own living room this spring. The Seattle Public has a wide variety of online readings and discussions coming up in April, from the history of the West Seattle food bank to superstar librarian Nancy Pearl to a panel discussion with Black authors and publishers of speculative fiction.
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(March 16, 2021) The Seattle Public Library and Woodland Park Zoo have joined together to let our imaginations take flight! This lively partnership is part of the Wild at Heart series to celebrate local cultural organizations.
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(February 26, 2021) Attend author events, book discussions and community dialogues from the comfort of your own living room this spring. The Seattle Public has a wide variety of online readings and discussions coming up in March, from poetry about climate change to a collection of local journalism pieces that reflect Seattle's mosaic of stories.
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(February 26, 2021) Want to learn to draw, write poetry, or dance Bollywood-style? This spring, The Seattle Public Library and Silver Kite Community Arts have partnered to offer online intergenerational workshops, talks, social hours, and performances for the community.
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(February 22, 2021) The federal government deadline to file 2020 federal taxes is April 15, 2021. The Seattle Public Library has tax help resources to help patrons access the forms they need to file taxes on time or request an extension.
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(February 03, 2021) Want to learn to draw, write poetry, or dance Bollywood-style? This winter, The Seattle Public Library and Silver Kite Community Arts have partnered to offer online intergenerational workshops, talks, social hours, and performances for the community. These virtual opportunities, which the Library and Silver Kite have offered since the spring of 2020, provide stimulating and creative engagement opportunities, as well as social connection. Each program is free, and family is welcome to attend.
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(February 02, 2021) The Seattle Public Library honors Black History Month this February with a newly-digitized local history collection, curated book lists by Library staff, and a series of events designed to inspire, educate, and celebrate Black-owned business excellence in Washington state.
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(January 27, 2021) In the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we work and has left many looking for new employment opportunities. Get the tools you need to be successful in today's work environment with The Seattle Public Library's job skills workshops for teens and adults this January, February and March. Whether you want to switch the direction of your career, build your professional network or learn tips for video interviews, we have something for you.
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(January 22, 2021) During Black History Month, The Seattle Public Library will host a series of events designed to inspire, educate, and celebrate Black-owned business excellence in Washington state.
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(January 13, 2021) Attend author events, book discussions and literary programs from the comfort of your own living room this winter. The Seattle Public has a wide variety of online author events coming up in January and February, from essays by disabled people to a discussion with a hyperlocal media journalist.
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(December 29, 2020) This winter, The Seattle Public Library and Silver Kite Community Arts have partnered to offering online intergenerational workshops, talks, social hours, and performances for the community. These opportunities provide stimulating and creative engagement opportunities, as well as social connection.
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(December 15, 2020) Want a shot of literature with your daily latte? At The Station Coffee Shop in the heart of Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood, you can now order up a 1-minute, 3-minute or 5-minute short story at Seattle’s first-ever short-story dispenser, installed by The Seattle Public Library.
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(December 04, 2020) A holiday gift is arriving early for Seattle-area historians, students, and family researchers. The Seattle Public Library has acquired a portion of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s digital historical archives and, through an agreement with the vendor NewsBank, is able to offer access to the complete P-I archives online.
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(November 18, 2020) Do you have an idea for improving education? Think you can build it in a weekend? Bring your creative startup ideas and skills to an exciting weekend of product and service development at Startup Weekend EDU Seattle, an online event that runs from 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22. The event is organized in partnership by a team of volunteers, Techstars and The Seattle Public Library.
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(November 18, 2020) Could your child use help with math, science, writing or other school subjects? Just in time for parent-teacher conferences, The Seattle Public Library now offers free one-on-one virtual tutoring through Tutor.com for Seattle youth in grades K through 12. Live tutoring is available every day in three languages: English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
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(October 28, 2020) The Seattle Public Library will host a virtual edition of Legendary Children, an evening of representation, dance, empowerment, art and social justice that celebrates queer and transgender people of color from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21.
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(October 26, 2020) If you could sum up 2020 with a dance, what would it be? An amazing selection of artists and cultural groups shares their answers to the question of our times, on Thursday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m., at “Reflections”, a virtual dance festival. This online event celebrates Indigenous and Black performing arts and culture. The backdrop of “Reflections” is also the unveiling of the waterfront's stunningly rebuilt Pier 62.
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(October 22, 2020) New to Medicare? Get answers to your questions about Medicare health care and coverage at The Seattle Public Library's online, two-part Medicare Made Clear series in November.
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(October 21, 2020) That stack of books and DVDs you've had since March? We're ready for them to come back! Starting Nov. 1, staggered due dates will be applied to all physical materials currently checked out from The Seattle Public Library. Due dates were suspended when Library buildings were closed to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
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(October 15, 2020) With remote schooling in full swing, The Seattle Public Library is delighted to announce that it is now offering free, one-on-one virtual tutoring for Seattle youth in grades K through 12 through Tutor.com.
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(October 12, 2020) Starting on Wednesday, Oct. 14, The Seattle Public Library’s Curbside Pickup Service will expand to include the Greenwood Branch, 8016 Greenwood Ave. N., and Northeast Branch, 6801 35th Ave. N.E.
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(August 03, 2020) The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave. will begin offering curbside pickup of books and materials for patrons with holds at the downtown location beginning this week. More locations will be added soon.
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(March 12, 2020) Mayor Jenny A. Durkan has announced additional steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Researchers are estimating that there are 1,100 active COVID-19 infections in our region. By early April, the region may see 25,000 people infected if no actions are taken. To prevent the further spread of COVID-19, The Seattle Public Library will close all Library locations. Except for preschool programs and hygiene services, Seattle Parks and Recreation will cancel all programming, rentals, and permitted events, and close all community centers, pools, environmental learning centers, and all other recreation facilities to the public.
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(January 02, 2020) The Seattle Public Library’s Chief Librarian Marcellus Turner and Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan jointly announced the implementation of Seattle’s fine free policy.
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(July 26, 2017) Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 1, The Seattle Public Library will distribute a limited number of free viewing glasses to safely watch the solar eclipse that will take place from 9:08 a.m. to 11:38 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 21. As of Aug. 14, we have distributed our complete supply of eclipse viewing glasses.
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(March 08, 2017) From weekly drop-in programs for young adults to outreach visits throughout the neighborhood, staff members at the University Branch of The Seattle Public Library are working to create a welcoming space for the Library's most vulnerable patrons.
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(February 05, 2024) Join The Seattle Public Library and Langston Seattle from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27 for an in-depth discussion with acclaimed Seattle author Ijeoma Oluo about her new book "Be a Revolution: How Everyday People are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World — and How You Can, Too."
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(October 25, 2023) On Thursday, Seattle-area residents have a rare chance to hear from the person responsible for overseeing the billions of records contained in the National Archives, including the Constitution, the Emancipation Proclamation and the 19th Amendment.
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(October 18, 2023) Join The Seattle Public Library for two upcoming A. Scott Bullitt Lectures in American History with exceptional authors. On Wednesday, Oct. 25, historian Blair LM Kelley will speak about “The Roots of the Black Working Class” at the Northwest African American Museum. On Thursday, Nov. 2, Seattle journalist and author Timothy Egan will discuss his book “A Fever in the Heartland” at the Central Library’s Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium.
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(October 12, 2023) Gracetown, Florida, June 1950. Twelve-year-old Robbie Stephens Jr. is sentenced to six months at the Gracetown School for Boys for kicking the son of the largest landowner in town in defense of his older sister, Gloria. So begins Robbie’s journey further into the terrors of the Jim Crow South and the very real horror of the school they call The Reformatory.
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(October 11, 2023) Kick off the Short Run Comix & Arts Festival two weeks early with a much-anticipated event at The Seattle Public Library.
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(August 28, 2023) Join The Seattle Public Library this fall for a special series that celebrates the centennial of the birth of Seattle native John Okada, author of the seminal Japanese American novel, “No-No Boy.” Okada was born at the Merchants Hotel in Pioneer Square on September 22, 1923. To honor him, Okada biographer and Library guest curator Frank Abe has arranged three programs that explore Okada’s life, place, and work, including the reading of scenes from his new stage adaptation of “No-No Boy” that is now in development.
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(July 07, 2023) Join The Seattle Public Library and Path with Art for “Voices of Belonging,” a performance showcase of Path with Art artists from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 14 at the Central Library in downtown Seattle (1000 Fourth Avenue).
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(June 01, 2023) Celebrate Pride month with The Seattle Public Library, where everyone belongs! Enjoy a Pride dance party, visit with us at PrideFest or wave at us in the Seattle Pride Parade. Find some new-to-you LGBTQ+ films, novels and poets to check out, and more.
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(April 21, 2023) Seattle residents can dive more deeply into their experience of reading this year’s Seattle Reads selection, “The Swimmers” by Julie Otsuka, at four programs with the author on Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20. Seattle Reads programs also include an exhibit at the Central Library and a Thursday, May 4 gallery walk at the Frye Museum.
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(March 15, 2023) Join award-winning poet Claudia Castro Luna for a bilingual spring program series at The Seattle Public Library that explores how we can keep creativity alive. The former Washington State Poet Laureate Castro Luna guest-curated the series, which kicks off with a program called “Creativity Everyday / Creatividad Cotidiana,” which explores cultural practices around creativity.
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(November 09, 2022) Join The Seattle Public Library on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. for an event featuring poet, science writer, and retired professional cage fighter Jenny Liou, who will be in conversation with Seattle poet and KUOW public radio host Shin Yu Pai.
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(October 31, 2022) Join The Seattle Public Library from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7 for the A. Scott Bullitt Lecture in American History. Historian Ada Ferrer, who won the Pulitzer Prize for her book “Cuba: An American History,” will discuss Cuba’s long history and its complex ties to the United States.
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(October 18, 2022) Tom Fay, The Seattle Public Library’s newest chief librarian, will hold a Community Conversation on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lake City Branch (12501 25th Ave. N.E.).
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(September 27, 2022) Published at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in October 2020, New York-based poet Pamela Sneed’s “Funeral Diva” recalls the forgotten stories of another pandemic: the AIDS crisis of the 1990s, and the Black lesbian women who cared and advocated for the dying.
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(July 20, 2022) The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, and The Seattle Public Library are partnering on an artist panel discussion about changing the narrative around gun violence from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday, July 25.
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(June 09, 2022) Join The Seattle Public Library from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22 for the A. Scott Bullitt Lecture in American History, featuring disability rights icon Judy Heumann in conversation with Jae Kim.
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(April 21, 2022) Celebrate Día (Children's Day/Book Day) with The Seattle Public Library with virtual activities in English and Spanish!
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(April 01, 2022) The Seattle Public Library’s author programs, book discussions and community dialogues this April feature a wide range of authors and topics.
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(February 01, 2022) Attend author events, book discussions, community dialogues, expert conversations and literary programs from the comfort of your own living room this winter. The Seattle Public Library has a wide variety of online author programs coming up, including the final event featuring a 2021 Washington State Book Award winner.
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(January 05, 2022) Attend author events, book discussions, community dialogues, expert conversations and literary programs from the comfort of your own living room this winter. The Seattle Public Library has a wide variety of online author programs coming up, including three events with authors who won a 2021 Washington State Book Award.
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(November 30, 2021) Attend author events, book discussions and community dialogues, expert conversations and literary programs from the comfort of your own living room this December. The Seattle Public Library has a wide variety of online readings and discussions coming up, including three events with authors who won a 2021 Washington State Book Award, a discussion of “Crip Kinship,” and the final event in a guest-curated series on radical self-acceptance as activism.
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(October 22, 2021) Ready for a beautiful love letter to the city during Delta times? On Thursday, Nov. 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Reflections Dance Festival returns as a ray of light during the dark times of fall and winter during the pandemic.
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(October 20, 2021) Join The Seattle Public Library to hear Professor Laura E. Gómez discuss her book “Inventing Latinos” on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The virtual event is the Library’s second A. Scott Bullitt lecture of 2021. It is free and open to the public but registration is required. Gómez is professor of law, sociology and Chicana/Chicano studies at UCLA.
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(October 13, 2021) “What the World Needs Now: A Dreamathon” hopes to inspire a brighter change this fall and winter by inviting people across Washington to imagine a better pandemic life together through art, inspiration and wisdom from people and communities at the frontlines of the COVID-19 health crisis.
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(September 01, 2021) The lineup includes Sandra Cisneros, Brit Bennett, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, a guest-curated series on radical self-care, and more
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(August 19, 2021) In 2020, The Seattle Public Library eliminated overdue fines; increased its digital collection; and transformed every aspect of its work in the face of a global pandemic.
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(July 07, 2021) Want to learn to paint, write poetry or dance Bollywood–style? This summer, The Seattle Public Library and Silver Kite Community Arts have partnered to offer online intergenerational workshops, talks, social hours, and performances for the community. These virtual opportunities, which the Library and Silver Kite have offered since the spring of 2020, provide opportunities for stimulating and creative engagement and social connection. Each program is free, and family is welcome to attend.
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(July 06, 2021) The Seattle Public Library will reopen the Capitol Hill Branch (425 Harvard Ave. E., Seattle) on Sunday, July 11, it announced today. The branch will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Sundays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays.
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(July 06, 2021) Attend author events, book discussions and community dialogues, expert conversations and literary programs from the comfort of your own living room this summer. The Seattle Public Library has a wide variety of online readings and discussions coming up in July, on topics from the first Asian American folk album to daily yoga to Black brilliance and joy.
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(June 15, 2021) The Seattle Public Library is celebrating Pride 2021 by featuring selected works of adult fiction, poetry and graphic novels by LGBTQ authors and artists; recently published LGBTQ books for kids; and virtual programming for adults and children highlighting LGBTQ themes.
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(June 08, 2021) Just in time for summer hiking season, The Seattle Public Library is loaning limited numbers of the Discover Pass to Library cardholders.
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(June 04, 2021) Attend author events, book discussions and community dialogues, expert conversations and literary programs from the comfort of your own living room this spring. The Seattle Public Library has a wide variety of online readings and discussions coming up in June, on topics from Japanese American history to the culture around sugar to Ernest Hemingway.
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(May 12, 2021) In 2021, The Seattle Public Library is pleased to virtually present Michelle Duster, who will discuss her new book “Ida B. The Queen,” and consider Ida B. Wells’ impact on American history from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 25. Duster is a writer, speaker, professor, and the great grand-daughter of Ida B. Wells.
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(May 07, 2021) Check out The Seattle Public Library’s library on wheels! The Bookmobile is visiting the Georgetown and Sand Point neighborhoods weekly in May. You’ll find books for all ages in English and Spanish, and free art activity kits for kids.
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(April 30, 2021) Attend author events, book discussions and community dialogues, expert conversations and literary programs from the comfort of your own living room this spring. The Seattle Public has a wide variety of online readings and discussions coming up in May, on topics from the histories of Puget Sound to the burning of Greenwood in Tulsa, and from Black speculative fiction publishers and zine creators to the Library’s annual A. Scott Bullitt American History lecture.
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(April 30, 2021) Looking for information on running a business? Find out which business structure is right for you with The Seattle Public Library’s Black-Owned Business Excellence: Upgrade Your Business Entity online event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 4.
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(April 28, 2021) Want to learn to paint, write poetry, or dance Bollywood–style? This spring, The Seattle Public Library and Silver Kite Community Arts have partnered to offer online intergenerational workshops, talks, social hours, and performances for the community. These virtual opportunities, which the Library and Silver Kite have offered since the spring of 2020, provide stimulating and creative engagement opportunities, as well as social connection. Each program is free, and family is welcome to attend.
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(April 08, 2021) In the past year, how we work has changed and many people are looking for new employment opportunities. Get the tools you need to be successful in today's work environment with The Seattle Public Library's job skills workshops for teens and adults this April, May and June. Whether you want to switch the direction of your career, build your professional network or learn tips for video interviews, we have something for you.
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(March 09, 2021) What is the ecosystem that drives a healthy economic community? Discuss “The Business of Community” – how community builds our business and nonprofit sectors – at The Seattle Public Library’s virtual open house for business resources from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 16. Come help us dream and work toward an equitable relationship economy.
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(February 19, 2021) Join us from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25 for a reading and discussion on The Elderwise Way: A Different Approach to Life with Dementia, a new handbook for family, caregivers and professionals.
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(March 19, 2021) Join us online for a conversation on the late Representative Elijah Cummings’ life and legacy from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25. His widow, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, and coauthor, James Dale, will discuss Cummings’ posthumous memoir, “We're Better Than This: My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy.”
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(January 19, 2021) Take a close look with local photo editors and photojournalists at events from the past year that helped shape the Pacific Northwest region.
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(January 15, 2021) Though the Library is closed on Monday in observation of the MLK Jr holiday, we still have several resources available. Celebrate the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader, by attending an event or reading more about race and social justice with lists curated by The Seattle Public Library. Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence is relevant, powerful and strategic for challenging and changing unjust ideologies, policies, systems and practices.
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(November 02, 2020) Starting on Wednesday, Nov. 4, The Seattle Public Library’s Curbside Pickup Service will expand to include the Beacon Hill Branch, 2821 Beacon Ave. S., and Southwest Branch, 9010 35th Ave. S.W.
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(November 02, 2020) To support the safety of Seattle voters, Library patrons and staff, the Library will suspend Library services at the five branches with ballot boxes on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
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(November 02, 2020) What do Oakland in 1968, a refugee camp in Kenya and the Furry Friends Animal Shelter have in common? They are all settings for books selected for The Seattle Public Library's 2021 Global Reading Challenge, which officially blasts off Monday, Nov. 2, when the seven selected books are revealed on spl.org/GlobalReadingChallenge.
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(October 20, 2020) The Seattle Public Library is a one-stop resource for Seattle voters in the upcoming election. Starting on Oct. 20, patrons can find information about voting and elections, including important dates, how to register and links to government election websites, at spl.org/elections. Below you'll find a list of voting resources, as well as curated learning guides on voting and elections for children and teens.
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(October 16, 2020) The Seattle Public Library is a repository of Seattle's history – help us document local history by contributing your story to our new COVID-19 Community Collection.
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(October 16, 2020) The Seattle Public Library invites children, teens and adults to learn about and celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) by taking a StoryWalk® around the South Park Branch building and making a Day of the Dead skull with art supplies you have at home. This year our celebration is a little different, but the festivities start on Oct. 25!
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(October 05, 2020) Want to dive into one of 2020’s hottest books, such as “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson or “Rage,” by Bob Woodward? Seattle Public Library patrons can once again check out such high-demand titles with no wait through the Library’s beloved Peak Picks program.
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(September 28, 2020) The Seattle Public Library has released its 2019 Impact Report, an annual accounting of the Library’s performance and impact on the community through statistics, program updates and patron stories.
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(August 27, 2020) The Seattle Public Library’s Mobile Services vehicles are once again navigating the streets of Seattle to deliver books, DVDs and other materials to senior housing facilities, preschools that serve low-income families, encampments for people experiencing homelessness and other patrons who have difficulty accessing Library materials.
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(August 26, 2020) Together with the UW School of Law Entrepreneurial Law Clinic and pro bono attorneys, The Seattle Public Library will be hosting nine free legal consultation sessions for small businesses and non-profits in September, October and November. The sessions will focus on corporate, employment or intellectual property law issues.
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(August 24, 2020) The Seattle Public Library is now operating seven locations for curbside pickup of books and materials by appointment.
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(July 30, 2020) Together with the UW School of Law Entrepreneurial Law Clinic and pro bono attorneys, The Seattle Public Library will be hosting two free legal consultation sessions for small businesses and non-profits in August. The session on Aug. 12 is focused on corporate law, and the session on Aug. 26 is focused on intellectual property law.
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(June 08, 2020) Thanks to a grant from the Seattle Public Library Foundation, The Seattle Public Library is able to loan an additional 75 Wi-Fi hot spots to communities in need of Internet access.
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(April 16, 2020) Thursday, April 23 is a great day to support The Seattle Public Library by making a donation during the second annual Library Giving Day campaign. The Library is here for you today, and tomorrow. We're supplying Seattle with e-books and audiobooks, demystifying the COVID-19 financial relief programs, curating individual lists for reading and learning a new skill, connecting people with job resources, and so much more. Help us keep the Library strong.
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