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

The library is one of the few places where people from all walks of life come together for shared experiences. At a time when people report high levels of loneliness, isolation, and social division, libraries offer collective joy. The Seattle Public Library provides enriching programs that connect patrons with art, music, literature, and each other … 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

“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