User:Stevenarntson/Ten Things You Should Know About the Seattle Public Library

access

 * Anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Seattle can have a free SPL card. Fill out the form, present your ID, and you can check out materials immediately.
 * You can return materials checked out from SPL to any SPL branch--if you check out a book at the Central branch, you can return it to Columbia City. But don't get SPL confused with our other local library systems--KCLS or Sno-Isle.
 * The library is currently threatened with budget cuts that may limit its hours, and cause some closures.

collections
SPL’s collection includes books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs, comics, maps, sheet music, plays, genealogy research resources, and many other things.

services
The Central branch has 2 pianos in private practice rooms that you can sign up to play, free wireless Internet throughout the building (and plugs for laptops at many of the reading desks), hundreds of Internet-connected computers you can access with your library card number, and many librarians wandering around who want to help you.

reviews
You can write reviews of books you've read/recordings you've listened to to post to the library catalog. I wrote one for this book.

spl.org
Here, you can verify what you have checked out, place holds, and even renew items.

events
The Central branch has an auditorium that hosts diverse events from readings to concerts to screenings of films. Check the website for up-to-date information, or sign up here for an email newsletter.

taxes and classes
Trying to figure out your taxes in mid-January/April? Go to the central library. Volunteer CPAs are sitting at tables waiting for you—they will work with you for free. SPL also has many classes and book clubs that are offered throughout the year.

parking
There is underground parking, I hear, although I have not used it; I ride my bike. Did you know that the bicycle is the most efficient form of transportation in the world? It is even more efficient than walking. You can buy a bike at the downtown Goodwill for about $20 (see the transportation resources page).

databases
Of immense value to research are the many databases you have to choose from, such as
 * employment/career resources
 * newspapers & magazines from around the world
 * &c.

the building
Some people find the inside of the Central library a bit confusing; I did too, at first. Take a few minutes and explore it—for me, I knew where everything was after two or three visits. Natural light, excellent views, high ceilings, and places to sit abound. You can sit in the library all day and not be arrested for loitering! Isn’t it strange that being able to sit down seems so subversive?
 * There have been several different libraries on this spot, and around town.
 * Herbert Muschamp's review in the New York Times.
 * Paul Goldberger's review in the New Yorker.
 * In fact, there's a whole book about the building.