Our library profile this month is a bit out of the ordinary because we are not profiling a specific library or library system. We are creating awareness for the excellent Spanish language resources provided by the Seattle Public Library. Serving a population of nearly 700,000, the Seattle Public Library system has 27 branches. Most of the branches are named for the Seattle neighborhoods in which they reside.
The Seattle Public Library website provides information about its myriad of services in Spanish, as well as in other languages, including Audio for the hearing impaired. At the very top of the website in its upper right corner, there is a prompt for language. The pull down menu allows the user to choose a language. To choose Spanish, follow this link.
For Spanish speakers, the library offers a wide range of free events, classes and programs. A library card gives patrons full access to everything, including computers at the library branches, thousands of books, DVDs and CDs to borrow, and digital media to download.
The library offers free programs and services to Spanish speakers, including assistance to prepare taxes, information about starting a business, and help filling out applications for jobs and schools. Experts are available to offer guidance. To receive this type of guidance, it is not necessary to have a library card. The library also helps people to become a citizen of the United States or to learn English. Check the library’s calendar of events for help sessions, classes and programs. Don’t forget to click on language to see the calendar of events in Spanish.
Spanish-speaking children are most welcome! The library offers dozens of free events, fun-to-do activities and story hours for Spanish-speaking and bilingual children and families. Programs include: ¡Hora De Cuentos! (Spanish Story Time), Grupo Bilingüe De Juegos (Bilingual Kaleidoscope Play & Learn), and Escuelita de arte para pre-escolares (Drop-in Preschool Art). Trained tutors are available during the school year to help children succeed in school. Many library branches have games and activities for children and teenagers. Check out the calendar of events to see what is happening for children and families in each library branch.
Learning a new language is daunting, especially if you are not immersed in the culture either at home or in the actual country. The Seattle Public Library provides a Spanish speaking conversation group that meets in its downtown Central Library branch. If you already know how to speak introductory Spanish and want to improve, then the Spanish Circle Conversation Group is a great resource! The group meets every Wednesday night from 6 to 7:30pm. This class will occasionally meet in both Room 1 and 2 on Level 4 — so please check both or phone 206-684-0849.
Spanish-speaking community services and hours vary at each branch.
For more information, go to the main website to access the Central Library or a specific neighborhood branch. If you have a question, you can phone 206-386-4636, Ask Us or engage in online chat.
The Central Library (main branch)
1000 Fourth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104-1109
206-386-4636
Patricia Vaccarino
Patricia Vaccarino is an accomplished writer who has written award-winning film scripts, press materials, articles, essays, speeches, web content, marketing collateral, and ten books.