10 Surprising Things that You Can Do Through The Seattle Public Library

By rablogspl on September 14, 2024

You probably know that you can borrow books, use public computers and even reserve meeting rooms, all for free, through the Seattle Public Library. But did you also know that you can access digital newspapers and magazines, streaming services, job resources and personal tutoring in three languages?

In honor of Library Card Sign-Up Month this September, we asked library staff to give shout-outs to some of their favorite under-the-radar services, including those that support our community in less visible ways. Check out spl.org for (many) more ideas.

The Seattle Public Library loves to promote books and reading. This column was published by the library on The Seattle Times to highlight lesser-known library services. It is republished here with permission from the Seattle Times.

Borrow a music practice room — and a guitar!

"The sound of music often brightens Level 8 of the Central Library where two Music Practice Rooms offer a space to practice, and are the only — to our knowledge — free music practice rooms in the city. Each room features a digital piano, and now, thanks to a pilot program funded by The Seattle Public Library Foundation, acoustic guitars are available by request. Reserve in person at the Level 8 reference desk or by phone at 206-386-4636."

— Richard Visick, arts librarian, Central Library

Cook with The New York Times

SPL offers 72-hour access to The New York Times as well as streaming services such as Hoopla, access to online magazines and much more. (Courtesy of Seattle Public Library)

"SPL offers 72-hour access to The New York Times — including articles, cooking, games, Wirecutter and The Athletic. And it works with the app! … We also have many other local, national and international publications."

— Kai Tang, director of Library Programs and Services

Electric Bookmobile — The Library's new electric Bookmobile

Library by mail and on the road

"Books by Mail is a lifeline for people with mobility issues: The library will mail, for free, up to 15 items (including books, DVDs, CDs and CD audiobooks) each month to eligible city residents who cannot reach one of our branches. Our Mobile Services vans, including an all-electric bookmobile, also bring materials to low-income senior housing, assisted-living facilities and preschools."
— Tom Fay, chief librarian

Learn a language

"I took French for four years in high school, but I've forgotten virtually all of it. Mango Languages has been great for refreshing my memory in short, easily accessible lessons that I can jump into throughout my day."

— Morganne Denae, Training and Development manager

Realize your business goals

"I will always hype the library's Special Collections and the Seattle Room, but I am also grateful for our Library to Business program, which offers opportunities to entrepreneurs who have historically lacked, and continue to lack, equitable access to resources. Services such as credit consultations and market research assistance are impactful for community health and for individuals working to realize their business goals."

— Sean Lanksbury, Special Collections service manager

Hoopla for the win

"Hoopla, an online streaming service, lets you borrow comics and graphic novels (like 'Saga'), movies (like 'Past Lives') and music! Did you know that you can journey through every single Taylor Swift era using Hoopla?"

— Erika Miller, supervising librarian, International District/Chinatown branch

ZAPP Zine Collection

"The ZAPP Zine Collection, housed on Level 7 of the Central Library, contains some of the most personal, vibrant and unique art and writing you'll find at the library — or anywhere. You can visit this collection of over 30,000 zines, comics and other self-published periodicals from Seattle and beyond by making an appointment at spl.org/zines."

— Abby Bass, arts librarian, Central Library