“This library is more than a repository of books; it’s a space where our community can see themselves represented,” said Crystal T. Bell, historian for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Delta Upsilon Omega Chapter (AKA DUO), about the Douglass Truth Branch. This year marked the 60th anniversary of the AKA DUO Library Tea at Douglass-Truth—and … Continued

A visit from a Seattle Public Library Bookmobile always brings joy. This time of year, a visit from the library’s Mobile Services team brings extra cheer. The team visits nearly 100 facilities each month, including at senior centers, preschools, lower-income housing developments, and tiny house villages. These visits serve more than 2,700 people monthly. Mobile … Continued

Seattle is consistently rated one of the most literate cities in America for our patronage of libraries, bookstores, and author events. The Seattle Public Library ranks eighth in the world for digital checkouts while our neighbors at King County Library System rank third, thanks in part to the many local readers who patronize both systems. … Continued

The Green Lake Branch is one of Seattle’s most historic libraries. After a major renovation project, it also demonstrates how our city can adapt libraries for the present and future. The branch was closed from last February until this October for extensive retrofitting, including for seismic safety, HVAC installation, improved accessibility, and upgrades to the … Continued

This is an important election for the library. Many opportunities — and challenges — lie ahead at the local, state, and national levels. Issues include shrinking budgets, high costs for library infrastructure projects, and growing materials needs. We need elected officials to understand the importance of the library in our community and prioritize funding and … Continued

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