Seattle Public Library

Since 1891, we have grown from a single reading room in Pioneer Square to a world-class Library system with 27 locations. Learn more about us, our contributions to the city and how you can support our work.

The Seattle Public Library was established as an official city department in 1890, but its roots in the city date back as far as 1868, just 17 years after the Denny Party settled here in 1851. A lumber company vice president borrowed its first book, a brand new copy of Mark Twain's "Innocents Abroad."

Since 1891, we have grown from a single reading room in Pioneer Square to a world-class Library system with 27 locations. Learn more about us, our contributions to the city and how you can support our work.

The Seattle Public Library was established as an official city department in 1890, but its roots in the city date back as far as 1868, just 17 years after the Denny Party settled here in 1851. A lumber company vice president borrowed its first book, a brand new copy of Mark Twain's "Innocents Abroad."

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