AdobeStock
If you think your Seattle Public Library (SPL) card is just for checking out books, you’re missing out on one of the most powerful, free tools in the city. Beyond shelves of stories, your SPL card unlocks access to events, experiences, education, and technology—all without spending a dime.
Here are some of the most exciting, lesser-known ways you can use your card:
1. Stream Movies, TV Shows & Music
Seattle Public Library partners with platforms like Kanopy and Hoopla, offering on-demand streaming of indie films, documentaries, international cinema, TV shows, and even full music albums. Forget Netflix—you’ve got a world of content at your fingertips for free.
2. Get Free Museum Passes
With Discover Passes, your SPL card grants you free admission to dozens of Seattle’s most iconic museums and attractions—like the Seattle Art Museum, MoPOP, Seattle Aquarium, and more. Just reserve your pass online and explore the city’s culture without the hefty price tag.
3. Explore the Outdoors with a Library Backpack
With the Check Out Washington program, you can borrow a backpack filled with field guides, binoculars, and a Discover Pass—giving you free access to Washington State Parks and public lands. It's the perfect way to plan a weekend hike or explore a state park without paying admission.
4. Learn a Language or Skill
Want to learn Spanish, code in Python, or improve your resume? With access to LinkedIn Learning, Mango Languages, and O’Reilly Online Learning, SPL cardholders can build job-ready skills or pursue personal growth from home.
5. Get Help with Homework or Job Hunting
Students can connect to live tutors online, get essay feedback, or prep for the SAT through services like Tutor.com, all free with your card. Adults looking for work can get help with resumes, interview prep, and even job listings through SPL’s WorkSource partnerships.
6. Use a 3D Printer or Sewing Machine
Several SPL branches (like the Central Library and the Northeast Branch) now offer "The Library to Business" and Maker Spaces—equipped with tools like 3D printers, vinyl cutters, sewing machines, and more. Whether you’re prototyping a product or hemming pants, the library is a creative lab for all.
7. Get Personalized Book Recommendations
Not sure what to read next? Try Your Next Five Books, a personalized service where librarians curate a custom reading list just for you, based on your tastes and interests. It’s like having your own literary concierge.
8. Borrow Tech and Wi-Fi Hotspots
No computer? No internet? No problem. SPL lends out laptops, tablets, and portable Wi-Fi hotspots—perfect for students, job seekers, or anyone needing digital access at home.
9. Reserve Meeting Rooms and Quiet Study Spaces
Need a professional space to host a meeting or a quiet spot for focused work? Many SPL branches allow you to book rooms or study areas, complete with whiteboards, screens, and Wi-Fi.
10. Access Seattle Times Archives & Global News
Researching a topic? With your card, you can tap into full archives of The Seattle Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and thousands of global publications—great for students, historians, or the news-obsessed.
11. Attend Author Talks, Art Classes, and Community Events
The library isn’t just a place for reading—it’s a hub for connection. From author readings and craft workshops to small business seminars and community forums, SPL offers a vibrant lineup of free events year-round.
Ready to Use Your Card Differently?
If you live in Seattle and don’t have a card yet, signing up is easy and free. You can register online or at any branch with ID and proof of address. Already have a card? Try exploring one new service this month—you might be surprised by how much value is waiting beyond the bookshelves.
Seattle’s libraries are not just warehouses for words—they’re engines for opportunity. All you need to unlock them is a card in your wallet.
For more on library programs and to access digital resources, visitwww.spl.org or stop by your neighborhood branch.