Impact on people in need

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We engage with and provide resources and services to underserved and high-need individuals and families who have much to gain from Library services.

Programs and Services for People in Need in 2017

Impact on people in need
SPL Hotspot
Library staff helping a patron check out a SPL hotspot at the Camp Second Chance
50 Wi-Fi hotspots circulated to more than 150 residents of tent cities in 2017
4-month lending periods offer meaningful internet access of Seattle residents experiencing homelessness
"We the people of Tent City 5 Interbay want to thank you so much for the hotspots you gave us from April through July this year. They were very welcome and really boosted camp morale. Again we give you our heartfelt thanks for the hot spots." - Members of Tent City 5 Interbay
Help for veterans
We offered help for veterans struggling to get back on their feet
Services include help with housing, financial planning, legal issues, access to medical care and more
More than 85 families- many of them veterans, received individualized assistance accessing vital services
Thank you for hosting us as we conduct outreach to veterans experiencing homelessness in Seattle. You've truly played a large role in helping to reduce homelessness and other barriers for veterans in our community." - Grace Glanton, housing resource coordinator, Community Psychiatric Clinic's Support Services to Veteran Families
Tax Help
Patron receiving tax help at the Central Library from trained volunteers.
We offered 1,402 hours of Tax Help in 2017
Tax Help is offered by trained volunteers from United Way of King County and AARP
Tax help volunteer wearing a t-shirt that says “I have taxpertise."
Over 9,000 residents received assistance completing income tax returns in 2017
"I got my refund in three weeks and was able to obtain housing." - Tax Help client, Central Library

Summary of Programs for People in Need

Wi-Fi hotspots

  • We continued on-site Wi-Fi lending to homeless encampments, shelters and tent cities.
  • 50 Wi-Fi hotspots circulated to more than 150 residents of tent cities in 2017
  • Four-month lending periods offer meaningful internet access for Seattle residents experiencing homelessness.

Help for veterans

  • We offered help for veterans struggling to get back on their feet.
  • Services include help with housing, financial planning, legal issues, access to medical care and more

Tax Help

  • We offered tax preparation assistance for individuals who earn $64,000 a year and under.
  • We offered 1,402 hours of Tax Help in 2017
  • Tax Help is offered by trained volunteers from United Way of King County and AARP
  • 9,000+ residents received assistance completing income tax returns in 2017

Other key 2017 initiatives

  • FlexTech laptop and tablet lending in branches
  • Kids’ Cafe after-school meals
  • Drop-in programs for homeless youth 

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