iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 12/08/2026

📖 Our Book for Seattle Reads 2026 is... 📖 ⭐ "True Biz" by Sara Nović ⭐ Join Seattle's city-wide book group and read the bestselling novel about a seismic year at the River Valley School for the Deaf. Learn more and register for events with Sara Nović at www.spl.org/SeattleReads.

Logos for The Seattle Public Library and Seattle Reads.

Image of author Sara Novic. The book cover for "True Biz."

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 07/08/2026

IDC is back open! Join us later this month to commemorate the first-ever Japanese American Day of Remembrance in 1978. www.spl.org/hours-and-locations/int…

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 05/08/2026

Thank you, Seattle voters! Proposition 1, the Seattle Library Levy, is currently passing with 72% of voters saying yes. Learn more about what this will fund at www.spl.org/2026Levy

An image of the Central Library with the words, Thank you Seattle over it. Below, Thank you, Seattle voters!

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 17/07/2026

Feel like a local celebrity. Complete your Summer Quest tracker to get your name on your branch's Wall of Fame ⭐ Kids, teens, adults (and 🦝): pick up a tracker at any location or download one at www.spl.org/SummerQuest

On a wall are names on small placards of paper styled like sea creatures. A yellow placard in the shape of a short-spined racoon stands out, with the name "Jimothy".

The Summer Quest wall of fame at Ballard Branch. On the wall are the words "Summer Quest", many small placards, and a large paper Octopus with a smile.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 30/06/2026

On the last day of Pride Month, add books by LGBTQ+ authors to your reading list! Our librarians and @charliesqueerbooks.bsky.social suggest books by queer authors that go beyond the bestsellers list: www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/…

An SPL staff member waves a Pride flag next to the Bookmobile as it drives in the Seattle Pride Parade in downtown Seattle.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 15/06/2026

Our new all-ages summer program starts now! Kids, Teens & Adults - Read, Do and Go to fill in squares on your tracker and win prizes! (Adults, your #BookBingoNW2026 reading counts for Summer Quest too📚 ) Get a tracker at any location or online. See full list of prizes at www.spl.org/SummerQuest

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 05/06/2026

The @zinnedproject.bsky.social #TeachTruth Day of Action is June 6, a day to take a stand to protect young people's freedom to read and learn. We partnered with @seattlecore206.bsky.social to collect student works that explore this year's theme, "Decolonize 1776." See it at the Central Library.

A photo of an exhibit display of small signs in different colors. Each sign has text that reads messages such as "Protect the freedom to read" and "I read banned books."

A photo of an exhibit display that features a collage of posters that read, "Teach Truth."

A photo of a student drawing that reads, "Stop banning books."

A photo of a student drawing that reads, "Teaching truth is important to me."

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 01/06/2026

Happy Pride Month, Seattle! 🌈 Celebrate with the Library all month long. 🎨 Download our new Pride coloring sheet 📚 Visit the LGBTQ+ Collection at Capitol Hill Branch 💻 Explore our digital collection on LGBTQ History & Culture 🔍 Check out staff picks for Pride Learn more at www.spl.org/Pride

A heart with rainbow colors features text in the middle: Celebrate Pride at the Library

Three heads of cartoon characters smile at the bottom.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 15/05/2026

We've got your summer plans covered! 1 week until Book Bingo, 1 month until Summer Quest - our new all-ages program! Kids, Teens & Adults - Read, Do and Go this summer to win prizes! Check out our program at: www.spl.org/SummerQuest

Poster for "Summer Quest 2026" by the Seattle Public Library, featuring icons of a wave, mountain, and trees. Includes the website: www.spl.org/SummerQuest.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 14/05/2026

Celebrate Older Americans Month with our featured booklist! Explore recommended reads for Older Americans Month here: www.spl.org/books-and-media/books-a…

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 07/05/2026

Don't miss Laurie Frankel and Nancy Pearl discussing "Enormous Wings" on Wednesday, May 13th at 7pm in the Central Library Auditorium! "Enormous Wings" is an urgent novel about female agency and bodily autonomy, morality and mortality.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 07/05/2026

May is Jewish American Heritage Month! This month, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to U.S. history, culture and society. Meet me at the Library and check out materials from our displays!

Digital sign inside Central Library. The sign reads "May is Jewish American Heritage Month. This month, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to U.S. history, culture and society." The website www.spl.org is displayed at the bottom.

A library display at the Northeast Branch features a selection of books celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month. The prominent books showcased include "Carole King: A Natural Woman," "Ruth Bader Ginsburg: In Her Own Words," "Exploring American Jewish History," "Promised Land," and "When We Talk About Hebrew." The display is located near book shelves and includes colorful informational signs about the heritage month.

The image shows a library shelf at the High Point Branch displaying various books to celebrate JAHM.

Bookshelf at Green Lake Branch displaying various books to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month. The bottom shelf has a selection of children's books. with a carpeted floor in front.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 04/05/2026

May is Older Americans Month 💙 This year’s theme: Champion Your Health! However that looks for you—moving more, learning, connecting—we’re here to support you. Find free programs for adults 50+: www.spl.org/programs-and-services/a…

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 01/05/2026

May is Asian Pacific Heritage Month. Explore the library's Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Culture and History Collection to learn about the history of AANHPI communities in Seattle and Puget Sound at www.spl.org/online-resources/seattl…

A group of people wearing sashes and holding flowers and a trophy. One individual in the center wears a crown. The image is part of the "Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Culture and History Collection" from spl.org.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 29/04/2026

We are here to serve our community with collections, programs and services. Check out our 2025 Impact Report to see what we achieved together. www.spl.org/Impact

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 29/04/2026

Did you miss our in-person 2026 Bullitt Lecture in American History? It's not too late! Dr. Ned Blackhawk discusses the hidden history of 20th century Native American activisms. This recording of this event which will be available until May 28, 2026. www.youtube.com/watch?v=CruLibTYGt8

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 25/04/2026

April is Middle Eastern & North African (MENA) Heritage Month and we are celebrating the cultures and contributions of Middle Eastern, North African and Southwest Asian communities. Meet me at the Library!

In the foreground, a digital sign displays information about Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Heritage Month. The Seattle Public Library's Central Library's distinctive glass and steel architecture is visible in the background.

Bookshelf display at Central Library featuring a sign that reads "Celebrating Middle Eastern & North African Voices." Notable books shown include "An Unlasting Home" by Mai Al-Nakib, "Female Fantasy," "Sleep Phase," "In the Country of Others" by Leïla Slimani, "Against the Loveless World" by Susan Abulhawa, and "The Quality of Mercy." Decorative elements include a crescent moon and star.

Books at West Seattle Branch are displayed on library shelves featuring a sign that reads "SWANA Writers & Creatives (Southwest Asian & North African) For Mena Heritage Month. Titles include "Dear John," "Call Me By Your Name," "Normal People," "The Vanishing Half," and "Where the Crawdads Sing." To the right, a section houses DVDs, with titles like "The Handmaid's Tale" visible.

A library display featuring three items: an audiobook titled "Give Me Love," a sign for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Heritage Month, and a book titled "I'm in Seattle, Where Are You?" by Mortada Gzar. The display is set on a library shelf with rows of books visible in the background.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 24/04/2026

Meet Me at the Seattle Public Library! We welcomed you more than 3.4 million times last year—thanks for being part of our community! www.spl.org/MeetMe

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 23/04/2026

It's a month away - Book Bingo Day is coming on May 22! But we know you can't wait another month so here's a sneak peek of one of the 2026 categories. Check out our Outer Space booklist to get a head start: www.spl.org/books-and-media/books-a…

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 22/04/2026

Ethan used to jump for bubbles at Story Time - and today he jump ropes for gold medals with his @raincityropeworks team! It's National Library Week, and this year's theme is "Find Your Joy." Story time helps kids find what brings them joy - whether it's reading, or doing jump-rope splits 😮

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 14/04/2026

"Living with Conviction: Sentenced to Debt for Life in Washington State" opens at the Central Library on April 16, and will be the first-ever exhibit at the Green Lake Branch gallery beginning April 26. Learn more at www.spl.org/Exhibits and join us for the opening reception on April 16.

Photo of two hands holding a photograph of a baby.

Text beneath reads:
Living with Conviction: Sentenced to Debt for Life in Washington State

Opening Reception April 16
April 16 - July 26
Central Library, Level 8 Gallery

April 26 - July 26
Green Lake Branch Library

Learn More

An icon of a magnifying glass over a document. The magnifying glass shows an exclamation point.

Text reads:
Washington State courts have been sentencing people not only to prison, but also to a lifetime of debt.
Through multimedia storytelling and community conversations, Living with Conviction shines a light on this injustice by sharing stories of our common humanity.

www.spl.org/Exhibits

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 02/04/2026

April is National Poetry Month! Celebrate by joining readings and open mics throughout the month, or check out poets and collections our staff suggest. See schedule and suggestions at www.spl.org/Poetry

Text reads: National Poetry Month at the Library. This text is bookended by two hands holding pens.

Additional text reads:
April 12, Celebrate Poetry!
1 - 4 p.m. / High Point Branch

April 15, Margaret S. Barrie discusses "Auntie M. Speaks"
6:30 - 7:45 p.m. / High Point Branch

April 15, Poetry Potluck
6:30 - 8 p.m. / Ballard Branch

www.spl.org/Poetry

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 31/03/2026

Thanks to Seattle City Councilmember Dionne Foster for visiting us to learn about the Central Library and our Faye G. Allen Children's Center. Councilmember Foster shared information about the Mayor's 2026 Library Levy proposal, which you can learn more about at www.spl.org/2026levy

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 25/02/2026

Big news: we are joining the largest book club on the West Coast, with over 100 participating library systems! Learn more about One Book, One Coast: blog.spl.org/2026/02/25/read-george…

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 10/02/2026

Super Bowl champs!! 💚💙 Go @seahawksofficial.com! Congrats to @bpl.boston.gov and the Patriots on a great season. As SB winners, we also won the right to host a booklist on BPL's website 🏆

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 06/02/2026

In honor of the Big Game, we and @bpl.boston.gov have raised the stakes! Winner gets to host a booklist on the loser's website. Pats Nation, we can't wait to add to your TBR some @seahawksofficial.com lore, PNW hikes, and any book on Deflategate we can find.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 15/01/2026

It's rainy. It's dark. And it's the perfect time for Healing Fiction. Curl up with a warm beverage, your favorite (magical) cat, and our suggestions for this cozy subgenre that originated in Korea and Japan. www.spl.org/books-and-media/books-a…

An illustration of a person on a comfy chair, who holds a cup of tea. They sit under a blanket with a book and a cat on their lap.

Text reads:
Cozy vibes. Magical cats. Tea shops. That's Healing Fiction.

An illustration of a cat curled up on a rug next to a warm beverage. Text reads:

Originating from Korea and Japan, healing fiction is a subgenre of feel-good novels.
They center on people dealing with grief, loneliness, and other problems.
And often feature the power of books, a magical cat, or a tea shop.

Book cover with text:

The Passengers on the Hankyu Line by Hiro Arikawa
Hopeful and moving stories about commuters on a train passing through Japan.

Book cover with text:

The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai
The proprietors of a Kyoto diner recreate important dishes from their customers’ pasts.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 31/10/2025

🌼 As we celebrate Día de los Muertos this weekend, the Trans Pride Ofrenda on Level 8 at the Central Library honors the MesoAmerican Trans Lives taken by violence in Mexico. The ofrenda is part of the exhibit Nuestra Euforia/Our Euphora, curated by our Artist in Residence Vaquero Azul.

A photo of the Trans Pride Ofrenda by Vaquero Azul. The altar features framed photos of MesoAmerican trans people whose lives were taken by violence in Mexico.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 08/10/2025

During #BannedBooksWeek, we're proud to share the collective impact of Books Unbanned. Alongside five other library systems, we've provided free e-cards to teens across the country so they can read what they like from our digital collection.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 16/09/2025

Tessa Hulls is a Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novelist and patron of the International District-Chinatown Branch! For Library Card Sign-up Month, Tessa shares how trips to the library helped her write "Feeding Ghosts," and why she's proud to call IDC one of her "home" branches.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 12/09/2025

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and you don't have to get a tattoo of the Central Library to celebrate. (Though we ❤️ this ink by SPL patrons Alex H. and Jazmine S.!) Just sign up for a Library card, or encourage your friends and family to get one!

Two SPL patrons show off tattoos on their arms. The tattoos depict the exterior of the Seattle Central Library.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 02/09/2025

Whether you need a good book, a place to hang out, help with your resume, or a way to get involved in your community, the Library is here for you. Happy Library Card Sign-up Month! www.spl.org/HereForYou

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 26/08/2025

How do you feel about The Seattle Public Library’s spaces, collections, programs, and services? Take our brief survey and let us know: www.spl.org/CommunitySurvey The survey closes at 5 p.m. on September 24. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. Your responses are anonymous.

Image: Take our brief survey and let us know: www.spl.org/CommunitySurvey

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 05/08/2025

🐺 @sadiehartmann.bsky.social shares dark fiction picks in “Feral and Hysterical: Mother Horror’s Ultimate Reading Guide to Dark and Disturbing Fiction by Women.” 📅 Tuesday, August 26, 7 - 8:30 p.m. 📍 The Central Library 🧟‍♀️ With @izzyvonghoul.bsky.social Register: www.spl.org/event-calend...

Photos of Sadie "Mother Horror" Hartmann and Isabella Von Ghoul bookend the cover of “Feral and Hysterical: Mother Horror’s Ultimate Reading Guide to Dark and Disturbing Fiction by Women."

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 05/08/2025

👻 Join us for two haunting author talks celebrating women in horror 👺 @isabelcanas.bsky.social discusses her new book, "The Possession of Alba Díaz." 📅 Tuesday, August 19, 7 - 8:30 p.m. 📍 The Central Library 🧛‍♀️ With @sadiehartmann.bsky.social Learn more and register: www.spl.org/event-calend...

Photos of Isabel Cañas and Sadie "Mother Horror" Hartmann bookend the cover for Cañas's new book, "The Possession of Alba Díaz"

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 23/07/2025

Head to the Central Library on Wednesday, July 30 for an amazing conversation between @kuow.org's @katiecampbell.bsky.social and author Kim Fu, whose book of short stories "Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century" is KUOW's July Book Club pick! Find out more here: www.spl.org/event-calend...

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 16/07/2025

Our Shelf Talk blog has started a new chapter! We’ve redesigned the blog to be more accessible and easier to explore. Check out the blog for book recommendations from our librarians, stories about our patrons and programs, and updates on all things SPL. Visit blog.spl.org.

Text reads: Check out our redesigned Shelf Talk Blog
blog.spl.org

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 07/07/2025

The Circle Up! Listen to the Moment exhibit features oral histories from Black Restorative Justice practitioners and Circle-keepers in Seattle—leaders who have fought to create healing-centered schools. 📍 The Central Library 🗓️ Through July 31 🎧 Bring headphones! Learn more at www.spl.org/Exhibits

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 06/06/2025

🏳‍🌈 Happy Pride, Seattle! This Pride Month, check out our collections and resources for LGBTQ+ patrons and allies. 👩‍🎨 And download our coloring sheets for a fun Pride activity Learn more at www.spl.org/Pride

Text reads: Happy Pride. The image shows two coloring sheets that are themed for Pride Month.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 04/06/2025

Take a stand to protect young people's freedom to learn during #TeachTruth Days of Action this June. Learn more: www.spl.org/event-calend... 📚 FLASH MOB ALERT! June 21 at 12:30 PM at the Central Library, on Level 3. Wear all black and help us spell out powerful messages about education freedom!

Library staff at the Central Library wear all black and hold book covers that spell out TEACH TRUTH.

Library staff at the Central Library wear all black and hold book covers that spell out FIGHT BOOK BANS.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 27/05/2025

Join us and Sông2Sea in celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with a workshop and interactive art activity this Saturday! 📅 May 31 (Saturday) ⏰ 3:30-5 pm PST 📍 Beacon Hill Library Branch and Zoom 🔗 Register here: tinyurl.com/S2SASAMWorks...

Text reads: Reclaiming Asian American Narratives: Understanding Imperialism and the Creation of Asian Diaspora

This workshop challenges the narrative that the Asian diaspora came to the United States for a better life, exposing how the U.S. forced people out of their homelands.

Leave this workshop empowered with a clearer understanding of history and the Asian diaspora's role in the fight for social justice and liberation.

May 31st 3:30 - 5 p.m. PDT
Beacon Hill Library Meeting Room and on Zoom

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 09/05/2025

2 years ago, we launched Books Unbanned, offering free digital library cards to young people (13-26) across the U.S. Nearly 16,000 have signed up, borrowing 440,000 e-books and audiobooks. Hear from them how Books Unbanned has provided joy, escape and so much more: blog.spl.org/.../eight-st...

"I can read books on my phone or listen to audiobooks without having to worry about my local library shutting down."
– Books Unbanned Cardholder
Age 14, Florida

“My area is very rural and conservative. I'm gay and parents don't know it. I use this card to find books that reflect me and help me to not feel alone.”
– Books Unbanned Cardholder
Age 17, Ohio

“I would much rather be reading than doomscrolling!! This helps me read more stories and entertain my brain in a healthier and more creatively fulfilling way.”
– Books Unbanned Cardholder
Age 22, Maryland

Young people ages 13 to 26 living anywhere in the U.S. can access our entire collection of e-books and audiobooks.
www.spl.org/BooksUnbanned

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 30/04/2025

Plot twist: King County Library System (KCLS) joins Summer Book Bingo, which kicks off May 19! Along with Seattle Arts & Lectures, we are excited to welcome KCLS to the annual summer reading program for adults. Join us for the biggest Book Bingo yet! Learn more at www.spl.org/BookBingo

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 26/04/2025

📚 For Independent Bookstore Day, we're giving you a sneak peek at one category for #BookBingoNW2025, which starts on May 19! 🥁 The category is... Found Family. Get a head start on your Book Bingo board by visiting your local indie bookstore. 📅 Stay tuned for big Book Bingo news on April 30!

Image is a preview of the board for Summer Book Bingo 2025. It shows one category: Found Family.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 15/04/2025

Good news, Android users - our app is now available in the Google Play store! Learn more about the app at www.spl.org/App

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 14/04/2025

The elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) threatens the future of essential library programs in Washington state. In an op-ed for @seattletimes.com our Chief Librarian Tom Fay explains why - and what you can do to help. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/libr...

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 08/04/2025

Today is National Library Workers Day. The love and support you show us today, and every day, means the world to us. Thank you, Seattle ❤️ 📷: Broadview Branch From our fall display that asked, "What do you love about Your Library?"

A post-it note from a Library patron that reads, "The staff are super duper nice! - Violet"

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 07/04/2025

🎉 The SPL mobile app is here! It's a National Library Week surprise! Download the app for your Apple devices (Android coming soon). Our app is currently in a Beta testing phase. Get the app and tell us what you think at www.spl.org/App.

A hands holds a friendly smartphone giving a thumbs-up. Text says, "Get our app!"

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 07/04/2025

✨📚 It’s National Library Week! This year's theme, "Drawn to the Library," has us reflecting on all the magical ways you make our branches a place our community comes back to, again and again. What keeps you coming back to the Library?

Magician Maritess Zurbano wows the crowd at Magnolia Branch.

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Seattle Public Library @spl.org · 13/03/2025

5 years ago today, on March 13, 2020, the day before our libraries closed because of COVID-19, was the highest circulation day in our history. You checked out over 104,000 items - 5 times our daily average! Browse our Covid-19 Community Collection: cdm16118.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...

Long lines of patrons wait to check out books at Northeast Branch.

The line of patrons goes down the block outside Greenwood Branch.

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