Exhibits
See what’s on display now at our Level 8 Gallery at the Central Library. We use our gallery space to host touring exhibits or partner with communities to share work from local artists and explore local history and current events.
35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act Exhibit
In celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we present an exhibit chronicling the history of the ADA and its significant impact on our society. This exhibit also features information about the Library’s Equal Access Program (LEAP) and Washington’s Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL). To accompany the exhibit, we created a resource list that explores intersectionality and disability, inclusion, representation, and disability pride.
This exhibit will run from October 15, 2025 to March 30, 2026 at our Level 3 Pop-up Gallery at the Central Library.
Exhibit Audio Resources:
The recordings and transcripts below correspond to the exhibit panels displayed in the Level 3 Pop-up Gallery at the Central Library.
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35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Audio Recording | Transcript -
Accessibility Helps Everyone
Audio Recording | Transcript -
ADA Interactive Panel
Audio Recording | Transcript -
The Kurzweil Reading Edge
Audio Recording | Transcript -
A Timeline of the History of the Library Equal Access Program & Disability Services at The Seattle Public Library
Audio Recording | Transcript -
The History of Washington Talking Book & Braille Library
Audio Recording | Transcript
Collection Spotlight Exhibit
This exhibit highlights the diversity and depth of our collections, composed of over two million items, focusing on books, ephemera, art, and other items related to Seattle’s rich history.
As you move through the gallery, we invite you to explore the many voices, events, and ideas that have made Seattle and the Pacific Northwest what it is today. Many of the events featured have significant anniversaries this year.
This exhibit will run from January 23, 2026 to April 11, 2026, at our Level 8 Gallery at the Central Library.
Upcoming Exhibits
Living with Conviction: Sentenced to Debt for Life in Washington State Exhibit
This exhibit explores how Washington courts have been sentencing people not only to prison, but also to a lifetime of debt. The project uses multimedia storytelling and community conversations to raise awareness about, and advocate for, an end to crippling court-imposed costs, fees, fines, and restitution (commonly referred to as Legal Financial Obligations, or LFOs).
Living with Conviction goes beyond controversial headlines and statistics, exposing this injustice by sharing stories of our common humanity.
This exhibit will run from April 16 to July 26, 2026, at our Level 8 Gallery at the Central Library, with a satellite exhibit and programming at Green Lake Branch from April 26 to July 26, 2026.
Past Exhibits
See images and learn more about past exhibits at the Library.