August 2, 2024

Check out the wonders of modern libraries

You might think of your local library as a place to check out a new book, use a computer or print out a document.

But modern libraries offer so much more — a wide expanse of services and programs beyond loaning books.

With National Book Lovers Day coming up on August 9, we celebrate the wonders of public libraries at our service. Seattle Public Libraries, the King County Library System and UW Libraries all offer a seemingly endless trove of books and an incredible range of services. Digital magazine subscriptions, museum passes, maker spaces, tutoring services, consulting on design, research and genealogy — and much more — can be accessed for free with a library card.

Digital subscriptions

As a UW employee, you can access an extraordinary number of online news publications for free through UW Libraries, from local newspapers to nation publications including New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Financial Times, Economist and The Atlantic.

You also can access many magazines and newspapers digitally through Seattle Public Libraries. Get digital access to The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post on your favorite devices. Or, with a Seattle Public Libraries card, you can access Flipster and PressReader for even more magazines and newspapers.

Free admissions

You can get free admission to many area attractions through both Seattle Public Libraries Museum Pass and the King County Library System Museum and Park Passes. Participating organizations include the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, Museum of Flight, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Washington State History Museum and many more. Additionally, you can place a hold on a Discover Pass for entry to Washington state parks are also available for hold.

Tutoring

Seattle Public Libraries also provides a number of tutoring options for both K-12 students and adults. In-person or virtual options are available for adults who are seeking to improve their basic English, reading, writing, or math skills, prepare for upcoming exams and U.S. citizenship testing, and more. K-12 students in Seattle can access free virtual tutoring for any school subject and assistance with college essay writing, job applications, resumes, and cover letters through tutor.com.

Maker spaces

If you’re feeling creative, check out the King County Library System Makerspaces! These free workspaces located in Federal Way and Bellevue include equipment and supplies for art, sewing, audio and video recording, coding, robotics, filmmaking and photography, design and engineering and more. Be sure to also check out events held at Makerspace locations or online.

Design consulting

Need an eye for design? Faculty, staff and students at UW can access the Design Help Desk through the UW Libraries Research Commons, and meet with a design consultant by appointment from the UW Division of Design to help improve graphics and visuals for publications and presentations. Visitors are welcome to bring in work from any stage of the process and receive suggestions to help improve their visuals.

Genealogy help

At the Seattle Public Libraries, you can also receive free 1:1 help with learning more about your genealogy and family history. From making sense of your DNA results to navigating genealogy resources, librarians offer help in-person at the Central Library, virtually, or via phone call. During open hours at the Central Library, you can also explore Seattle Public Library’s Genealogy Collection and access census records, immigration lists, military records, genealogy guidebooks, and more.

Business and nonprofit research

Need information for a business or nonprofit? Seattle Public Libraries offers free 1:1 appointments with librarians trained in business and nonprofit research, as well as consultations with volunteer attorneys to address questions about starting a business, corporate law, personal credit, grant prospecting, and more.

---

Keep your libraries strong

Despite the indisputable fact that libraries are among the most precious resources to be found in any community, they also tend to struggle under financial pressure. To ensure the viability of libraries to provide you and your family with free books, videos and a plethora of services, please consider making a one-time gift or setting up a monthly payroll deduction through the UWCFD to one of our member organizations working to support the health and well-being of libraries:

Seattle Public Library Foundation – providing library resources, programs and services that go above and beyond what public funding provides and enables the library to be a vital, relevant community resource for everyone (Charity Code: 0329910).

King County Library Services Foundation – promotes literacy, learning and libraries by providing support beyond public funding for initiatives and resources that enable the King County Library System to better serve the needs of our community (Charity Code: 0315694).

Sno-Isle Regional Library Foundation – creating support for library programs and services for the people of Snohomish and Island Counties (Charity Code: 0335433).

Pierce County Library Foundation – raises funds to support innovative literacy programs, outreach services and expand the Pierce County Library System’s collection of books and resources Charity Code: 1480040).

Washington State Library – ensures that Washington residents have access to the information they need today and to the history of Washington for tomorrow (Charity Code: 1481396).

Washington Talking Book and Braille Library – provides a free, comprehensive, statewide library service which includes easy access to informational and recreational reading materials in audio, braille and large-print formats for those unable to read standard print (Charity Code: 1479954).

UW Libraries Funds and Endowments – fuel innovation that accelerates student success, teaching, and research for the public good (Charity Code: 0315817)

Friends of UW Libraries Fund – promotes awareness of the libraries within the community, stimulates financial support for library services, collections, preservation, staffing and UW student scholarships (Charity Code: 1481431).

UW Bothell Library Fund – provides support for the UW Bothell Library, to enhance collections, programs and services (Charity Code: 1480695).

UW Tacoma Library Fund – supports activities, projects and programs to enhance the excellence of the UW Tacoma Library, including collections, services, lectures and publications (Charity Code: 1480379).

–Contributed by Melanie Kuo