Welcome to The Seattle Public Library

I would like to personally welcome you to The Seattle Public Library, the city's most popular resource for learning and information!

I have the honor and privilege to serve as your city librarian.

 

The Seattle Public Library has weathered difficult budget reductions during this economic downturn. We focus on providing excellent customer service at the world-renowned Central Library and our 26 branches - all welcoming, spacious and wired for the modern Library user. Our hardworking staff is ready to serve you both in person and online.

 

We offer more than 2.2 million books and other items, 1,000 public computers, Wi-Fi at every location and a wide range of digital resources, including downloadable e-books, audiobooks, podcasts, music and videos. We are committed to keeping our collection fresh and introducing new services to meet your needs.

 

Recently, the Library added Freegal Music, which allows you to download three free songs a week, and 15,000+ e-book titles that never expire and don't count against your Library checkout limit. We have another 46,000 e-books that you can check out. 

 

We also offer a free application called SPL Mobile that allows you to reserve books, text a librarian and get information about Library programs from your mobile phone. (See Using the Library for an overview of Library services.)

 

The Library also offers more than 90 premium databases - accessible any time of the day or night - including Ancestry Library Edition, America's GenealogyBank, Mango Languages, Consumer Reports, and much more.

 

We provide more than 400 literary, cultural and learning-based programs each month. Be sure to check the online calendar of events (see Calendar of Events) for a list of upcoming programs, or just subscribe to the online calendar or e-news from the home page: www.spl.org.

 

We value your opinions and suggestions, and I look forward to your comments. I can be reached at city.librarian@spl.org. We also invite you to stay connected to the Library through our Facebook page and on Twitter @SPLBuzz.

 

With a dedicated staff and Library Board, together with the support of our Library Foundation, Friends and elected officials, The Seattle Public Library continues to be a national leader and local treasure for everyone to enjoy.

 

Marcellus Turner

City Librarian

The Seattle Public Library

 

Libraries for All: A New Era of Library Service for Seattle

 

Seattle's 10-year, $290.7 million program to rebuild and renew The Seattle Public Library is now complete. The "Libraries for All" building program resulted in four new libraries in communities without library service, the replacement, expansion or renovation of 22 existing branches and a spectacular new Central Library.

 

Residents are eagerly using these beautifully designed facilities, which feature state-of-the-art information technology, shelves filled with thousands of new books and light, inviting spaces for cultural and literary programs. See "Library Locations" for more information.

 

Libraries for All has cemented The Seattle Public Library's reputation as a world class system, shared and appreciated by all. The stage is now set for generations to come.

 

 

Library Receives Incredible Support

 

Generous support from the private sector made it possible to enhance the "Libraries for All" program. The Seattle Library Foundation raised $83 million - an awe-inspiring wellspring of support. As a result, when you visit Library facilities you'll find:

 

• Better furnishings, technology and art
• Outstanding literary programs
• Shelves loaded with new books

 

Private support would not be possible without the continued commitment of our mayor, the City Council, the community and a Library staff dedicated to providing excellent public service.