Poetry rang out through the stacks of the Central Library one night in July. Community members filled the gallery space on Level 8 for the soft opening of the new exhibit, “Black Activism in Print: Visual Art from the African American Collection.” One by one, members of the African American Writers’ Alliance (AAWA) strode to … Continued

“A group of parents are trying to remove certain ‘problematic’ books from my high school’s English curriculum,” wrote one 17-year-old from Michigan. “I want to be able to read these books and others, but I can’t always afford to buy them.” Equitable access to knowledge is an essential value of our library — and our … Continued

Our 2022 Annual Report on Donor Impact illustrates a few of the ways the library serves as a hub for connecting people – with resources, with services, and with each other. The connections forged by donor-supported programs are essential for everyone’s sense of belonging, ability to fully participate in society, and civic engagement that sustains a healthy … Continued

Our 2022 Annual Report on Donor Impact examines how the library is providing free access to trusted information – for everyone, and from everywhere. When knowledge is more available and equitable, whether at a branch or through innovative outreach and technology, more people are able to gain the skills, insights, and experiences that help them thrive.   Modernizing … Continued

Our 2022 Annual Report on Donor Impact details the ways that the library drives storytelling in our community – through reading, programming, and elevating voices. These stories improve literacy, enrich lives, and represent diverse perspectives. More people have more opportunities to learn, and to express their own stories and hear from others, thanks to these … Continued

The Seattle Public Library Foundation is pleased to announce the three winners of the 2023 Stim Bullitt Civic Courage Scholarship. First-place winner Sonia Kamineni and runners-up Cecelia Pyfer and Anne Welman each won tuition support from the Foundation by writing essays on courageous Washingtonians who improved their communities by fighting for their ideals. In its 10th … Continued

Stories bring us together. For the past 25 years, The Seattle Public Library has played a leading role in connecting people with the Seattle Reads program. Started in 1998 under the concept “if all of Seattle read the same book,” the donor-supported program now unites more than 9,000 people annually. Seattle’s “one city, one book” … Continued

The Seattle Public Library is taking a stand against censorship with a new program to promote the freedom to read for young people – thanks in large part to strong support from our community. SPL has announced a partnership with Brooklyn Public Library’s Books Unbanned initiative to offer teens and young adults across the nation … Continued

Research shows that being involved in early learning programs yields lifelong benefits. But what happens when there aren’t enough spots available at local learning centers? The State of Washington estimates that only about a quarter of children ages birth to five are served by licensed child care or preschool. Many working families require other options … Continued