Two decades ago, thousands of donors supported the Libraries for All campaign that built, expanded, or renovated public libraries across Seattle — including the Central Library. The world-famous building opened its doors in 2004, and it remains a signature attraction for visitors and an essential hub for our local community. Pictured: Jose (second from left) … Continued

After longtime CEO Jonna Ward departed the Foundation earlier this year, the Board of Directors conducted an extensive national search and identified the right person to lead our next chapter: Brian Lawrence. Brian, previously the Foundation’s Deputy Executive Director, joined the organization in 2017 and is already well-known in our community as an enthusiastic voice … Continued

The Board of Directors of The Seattle Public Library Foundation is thrilled to announce that following an extensive national search, Brian Lawrence is our new Chief Executive Officer. Brian, who previously served as the Foundation’s Deputy Executive Director, stood out in a field of outstanding candidates due to his overall vision for advancing the library’s … Continued

The Beacon Hill Branch opened in July 2004 after Libraries For All funded the construction of a new building. Earlier this year, to celebrate 20 years in the updated branch and Seattle’s ongoing support for libraries for all, we visited Beacon Hill to talk to patrons and staff about what this library means to the … Continued

In its eleventh year, the Stim Bullitt Civic Courage Scholarship honors the legacy of the late library supporter, community leader, and activist Stimson Bullitt, who believed that civic leadership could make a lasting positive impact on society. The contest challenges local high school and college students to write an essay about an individual or group … Continued

Libraries are cathedrals for our imagination. They are magical places where stories, knowledge, and connections are freely accessible to all. During this era of significant challenges for public libraries, ours stands strong. 2023 was a banner year for The Seattle Public Library and Foundation thanks to your support. We’re so grateful for your generosity to … Continued

Apply online here. See the full prospectus for the position, including the job functions, requirements, and salary, in the embedded scrollable PDF. Click the button below to download the file. After the Foundation’s longtime CEO Jonna Ward announced her departure earlier this year, the Board of Directors partnered with Lindauer, a global search and talent … Continued

Book bans are on the rise across America. Last year, The Seattle Public Library took a stand with the Books Unbanned e-card program. Young people nationwide can now access the library’s full digital collection. Books Unbanned is entirely funded by donors to the Foundation’s Equity & Access Fund (click to give!). As of this month, more than 8,000 young … Continued

There was cake at the Ballard Branch a few weeks ago. “We’re celebrating a year of talking to each other,” said librarian Lynn Miller. Miller helps lead a weekly gathering called Coffee & Conversations. The branch serves many patrons experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, and the program started in early 2023 as a way to … Continued

The West Seattle Branch reopened on April 3, 2004, after a Libraries For All renovation updated the historic building. The branch originally opened in 1910 as one of Seattle’s first public libraries funded by Andrew Carnegie. To celebrate 20 years in the updated branch and Seattle’s ongoing support for libraries for all, we visited West … Continued