The Seattle Public Library (SPL) is an integral part of our lives. Our family is at our local branch every few weeks, primarily picking up holds, browsing for new books, or doing the occasional scavenger hunt in the kids’ section. I can’t even begin to imagine how much money we’ve saved by using the library, and how thankful I am to have access to so many resources.
When I connected with SPL about the best ways for families to engage with their system and resources, I was given a deluge of information — there are I many services, activities, and resources available, many that families probably don’t even know about.
Erika Miller, Temporary Youth and Family Learning Services Manager, highlighted that everyone belongs and is welcome at the library, and that there’s no best way to utilize the library. Miller encourages community members to come in and check out what’s available and find what works best for them.
Kids & Family Programs
With 27 branches throughout the city, dozens of activities for kids and families are happening each week. You can go to activities like LEGO playtimes, storytimes (in English and other languages), art workshops, tween arts and crafts, games, and homework help. Some activities require registration, but for most of them, all you have to do is show up.
The best way to learn about the variety of programs at branches throughout the city is through the Kids & Families Calendar. “Contrary to the stereotype that libraries are places where shushing happens, we invite families to come and be themselves,” said Miller. “It’s OK to be a little noisy.” Again, the library is designed for the whole community to come and engage.
Library Cards for Kids
My twin seven-year-olds both have library cards, though I’ve found it easier to just check everything out on my card. I imagine as they get older, we’ll transition to them checking out resources on their own cards. But for some kids, checking out resources on their own card may be a significant part of their library experience. When they receive their card, they can choose their own design (pro tip from Miller: as a caregiver, you can give kids the wallet-sized card and keep the keychain card). If your kids are six or under, they also get a free “My First Library Card” tote bag, designed to hold picture books. Even newborns can get a library card!
The free tote kids get once they sign up for their library card. (Image courtesy Seattle Public LIbraries)
Online Resources
SPL staff note that families can access a variety of digital resources without visiting their local branch. Resources like e-books, e-audiobooks, streaming movies, language learning services (Mango Languages), and tutoring services (tutor.com) are available digitally — no visit to the library needed.
Mobile App
Last year, SPL launched an app. On it, patrons can place holds on or renew resources; manage holds; use a digital library card to check out; scan barcodes to check out; and more. I’m rather low-tech and haven’t yet used it, but it’s a great resource for patrons who prefer to access and manage resources and information on their mobile device.
Summer Reading Program
Summer Quest, an updated version of SPL’s 107-year-old summer reading program, launches on June 15, and it’s not just for kids! Through the program, all library patrons
are incentivized to track their reading and learning. Special programs and workshops are offered through the summer reading program.
A magician event at a local library. (Image courtesy Seattle Public LIbraries)
Little-Known Programs and Resources
There are some surprising resources available through SPL. For example:
- You can reserve free museum tickets through the Museum Pass program. You can get free tickets to local attractions like the Burke Museum, Seattle Japanese Garden, and the Seattle Aquarium — but be quick! These tickets often get snatched up as soon as they’re available (every day at noon). You can reserve one set of tickets per calendar month.
- You can borrow a Discover Pass. Instead of paying $11.50 for a day pass or $50 for an annual pass to visit a Washington State Park, use a pass from the library.
- You can use the Interlibrary Loan program to check out books and materials that are not available at SPL. I primarily use the Interlibrary Loan program to get books for myself, but a few weeks ago, I requested a children’s book to read to my kids that explains a complex health topic. The book arrived a few weeks later (from a library in Idaho), and our family had access to a resource we would otherwise have had to purchase.
- You can check out physical movies from the library. Our family often watches movies on the weekend, but we don’t subscribe to any streaming services. We have an XBOX console, so we can watch DVDs — and we check them out from the library. Our kids let us know specific movies they want to watch, but most of the time I look up and check out movies that are age-appropriate for our kids (and that I want to watch as well!). It’s been a money-saver and a way to limit our screen time and be more intentional about the media we consume.
- You can become a library cardholder at other local library systems. Check out the details of the reciprocal arrangement that library systems offer, and how to sign up for library cards at these systems.
No Overdue Fines
There are no overdue fines at SPL (though if you lose a book, there is a lost item fee). But good news — if you’re between the ages of 12 and 26, the first time you lose a book, you can apply to get your fees waived. Also, if you have trouble paying lost item fees, there are payment plans and other options for patrons, Miller said that SPL wants everyone to have access to the library and not be held back by financial hardships.
As we head into summer, with potentially more time for reading for pleasure and a need to keep kids engaged in learning opportunities, take advantage of SPL in ways you might not have done before. Happy reading!
