The Library is especially important in the summertime. It’s a refuge from the heat and a main source for books and knowledge when school is out. And it fulfills a key need to keep kids, families, and people of all ages entertained – all for free.  The Foundation provides each Library region with flexible funds to help put on special programs, events, and celebrations to help make summer extra fun and memorable.   Here is a … Continued

Seattle voters are on track to overwhelmingly approve the 2026 Library Levy! Proposition 1, which provides The Seattle Public Library with $480 million over the next seven years, is passing with more than 72% support.  This result is possible thanks to the commitment of people like you. You stand with the Library as patrons, donors, … Continued

The Seattle Public Library is unique in its ability to connect people. Like almost nowhere else, the Library invites neighbors of all backgrounds to interact, learn from, and celebrate each other, with no costs or barriers to entry. Gatherings at the Library are vital forms of connection at a time when people feel increasingly isolated. … Continued

There are more than 100,000 items in The Seattle Public Library’s Special Collections. The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Seattle Room, on Level 10 of the Central Library, houses extensive collections of photographs, postcards, city documents, news articles, and maps. There are oral histories from Seattle residents, menus from notable restaurants, yearbooks from Seattle schools, works … Continued

This November, Seattle residents will select a Mayor and three City Councilmembers who will play significant roles for The Seattle Public Library in the next year and beyond. The Library Levy is up for renewal in 2026, with the Mayor and Council responsible for putting a levy package before voters. The City’s General Fund deficit … Continued

“There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.” – Andrew Carnegie Libraries are essential to an educated, democratic society. Andrew Carnegie recognized that fact in the early 20th century. He funded the establishment … Continued

Most adults juggle complicated lives and responsibilities. Learning a new skill or working toward a new career can be challenging. For many immigrants and refugees, added barriers like language access stand in the way. The library’s programs for adult learners aim to remove barriers and empower people to achieve their goals. Free, accessible, welcoming classes … Continued

Recent studies show alarming trends in youth literacy. Educational disruptions from the pandemic have led to diminished reading skills. Systemic barriers have exacerbated gaps in reading scores based on race and disability. The percentage of young people who read for fun every day has dropped by double digits in the past decade. Programs at The … Continued

In its twelfth 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

After the announcement of an executive order to dismantle the federal Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and a statement from The Seattle Public Library and King County Library System, Foundation CEO Brian Lawrence sent the following message to supporters: Here is the full statement from SPL and KCLS: On the evening of Friday, … Continued