FAQs

For Pathway Partnership cards, your PIN is 1234 unless you have changed it after creating your online account.

These are the most common types of materials damage we see: 

• Liquid damage resulting in wavy pages or obstruction of text or discoloration 
• Stained beyond use 
• Torn, chewed, and/or missing pages 
• Stickiness 
• Missing pieces 
• Strong odor  
• Scratched media. 

Through a partnership with Tacoma Needle Exchange and the Dave Purchase Project, Tacoma Public Library will be placing a Naloxone (NARCAN) vending machine in the lobby of the Moore Library. The vending machine is intended to provide free access to patrons and community members who have friends, family, or are themselves at risk of an opioid overdose. We anticipate being able to provide this service through March 2023, and possibly longer if additional funding is secured. 

Additionally, the Tacoma Needle Exchange will stock naloxone in TPL branches and train staff on how to administer it in case of an overdose on TPL premises. Finally, the Tacoma Needle Exchange will provide no-cost peer counseling services to patrons for 2-4 hours per month at up the Moore and South Tacoma libraries for the next year. 

Storytime S.T.E.A.M. Backpacks as a fun way to focus on exploring and playing with different mathematical ideas. Each kit features books, toys, and a paper with suggested activities, all inside a backpack you can check out! 

Books by Mail (BBM) is a TPL program dedicated to providing service to homebound patrons who are unable to come to the library to choose materials for themselves.    

No, this is an optional feature. You must enable it if you wish to use it and can disable the feature at any time.

All city of Tacoma residents are eligible for a free card, as are those who meet any of the following criteria.

• You own property or a business within the city of Tacoma (business owners must present a current B&O license)
• Current employees of the City of Tacoma or Tacoma Public Schools (must present current pay stub or employee ID)
• You may also be eligible for a card through one of our reciprocal agreements with nearby libraries

Students and teachers of Tacoma Public Schools may be able to use library services through the Pathway Partnership.

There are two main ways to find eBooks:

• For the most complete listing of our eBook collections, go to Tacoma Library's OverDrive (Libby) website  or to our Hoopla website directly.   You can also browse the Tacoma Public Library collection using those services' Apps.
• eBooks can also be found in the library catalog by searching the term "ebooks" in the library catalog.  (Please note that at this time the catalog does not list every eBook in our collection, nor does it offer all of the features available through the eBook website.)

The Thomas Handforth Gallery at Tacoma Public Library’s Main Branch provides an opportunity for local regional and national artists and arts organization to exhibit their work. Additional,Tacoma Library often hosts exhibitions of a historical, cultural or scientific nature.

The Handforth Gallery can be found at the Main Branch (1102 Tacoma Avenue South), on the first floor of the Carnegie building (C1).

Tacoma Public Library sends out courtesy notices by email or phone to:

• Remind you that materials are coming due
• Notify you that your holds are ready to pick up
• Notify you that you have digital materials ready to download (email only)
• Notify you that your materials are overdue
• Send a checkout receipt from a self-check station (email only)

To choose how you would like to receive your notices please log into your account settings and review your contact information and contact preferences or speak with a staff member who will help you.

You can read more detailed directions here.

Tacoma Public Library is fine free and no longer charges any overdue fines on late items.

However, if an item has not been returned by 81 days after the due date, the item will be considered lost and a replacement charge will be added to your account.

Book Club Kits are sets of multiple copies of a title that can be checked out and used for your own book group or group of friends. Kits check out for 56 days. They may not be renewed.

You can print from the library's public computers for $0.10 a page for black and white and $0.20 a page for color. Print up to $5 worth of prints for free weekly with your TPL library card! Prints can be paid for with cash or credit/debit card.

TPL Virtual Reference provides access to information and assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is manned by TPL staff all hours the library is open. If you need information or assistance after hours, there are librarians around the state and country ready to help you through this service.

Yes! All library locations offer free unlimited WiFi access.

The partnership between Tacoma Public Library and Tacoma Public School District (TPS) allows every TPS student (Pre-K – 12) and teacher to have Tacoma Public Library access using their student or employee ID card.  

Yes, we love visitors!

In order to provide you with the best experience, please fill out our Request a Visit form at least two weeks before the date you are requesting and someone will contact you to arrange the visit.

Tacoma Public Library uses the City of Tacoma's Human Resources Department for recruitment and processing applications for open positions. Their main office is located at:

City of Tacoma
Human Resources Department
747 Market St., Room 1336
Tacoma, WA 98402

Library employment opportunities are listed at the City of Tacoma's website on the Employment Information page. You may also call the City of Tacoma's Recorded Job Line at (253) 591-5795 for information about current job opportunities at the Library and at the City.

Job postings listed on the City of Tacoma’s website require the completion of an online application. Click on the job title you are interested in then click on the "Apply" link. There are instructions for establishing an account so that you can build an application by clicking on the "Build Job Application" link. Your application can be saved and used to apply for more than one job opening.

Employment information, current employment listings, and employment applications are available at any library location by accessing the Job Opportunities page of the City of Tacoma’s website.

If you wish to receive email notification when a library job announcement is posted for applications, you will need to complete a job interest card, which is available on the Employment Information page of the City of Tacoma’s website.

To suggest an item for purchase, please fill out the Suggest for Purchase form online or contact any Tacoma Public Library branch.

Unfortunately, the Library cannot purchase everything that is requested. Suggestions will be evaluated using the Library’s selection criteria as stated in the Collection Development Policy.

There are varying levels of quality from Amazon and other booksellers as well as other differing publishing years or editions that might not be a 1:1 to replacement for the damaged item. Items purchased by the library arrive partially processed and adding books outside that stream results in increased staff time and cost. 

• Lucky Day books can be checked out for 21 days. 
• Renewals are not allowed on Lucky Day books. We want as many readers as possible to enjoy the collection. 

NARCAN is a brand name for the drug naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid reversal drug. It is administered as a nasal spray used to neutralize the effects of opioids, primarily on individuals experiencing an overdose. Naloxone has no effect on individuals not using opioids and has no potential for abuse or harm to anyone of any age. 

You can find a complete list of books included in the kits as well as additional suggested titles here. 

Just charge them, turn them on, and access Wi-Fi.

We accept:

• New or gently used hardcover and paperback books  
• Audiovisual materials (Blu-ray, DVD, CD, audiobooks) in good condition 
• Magazines no older than 3 years old 

Homebound individuals living within the City of Tacoma.

Sit down at any open station and type in the barcode number from the back of your library card. 

If you don't have a library card ask at the desk for a one time use guest pass.

All ages can join! We have a program for preschoolers, kids, teens, and adults. A TPL library card is not required. 

Log into your account in the library’s website. Under My Account, select My Settings. Under Account Preferences, you will find the link for Borrowing History. Slide the toggle switch to On and Save Changes.

We offer downloadable audiobooks from two service providers, Overdrive and Hoopla.  There are two main ways to find them:

• For the most complete listings go to the Overdrive and Hoopla websites directly.
• A selection of downloadable audiobooks can also be found by searching the term "downloadable audiobooks" in our library catalog.

The gallery has approximately 550 running feet of wall space.  It is quite large. Typically, two or more artists are featured in an exhibition.  There is no expectation that the entire gallery space will be used.

Yes! Tacoma Library can send you text messages when:

• Your materials are coming due
• Your holds are ready to pick up
• Your materials are overdue

The text message will not have details regarding the specific items, only a general message to alert you to the status of items.

You must opt-in to receive text message notifications.

It’s free! There is no charge to replace your Tacoma Public Library card. You can get a replacement card by visiting any library location.

Here's the list of current book club kits.

You’ll find our helpful Chat Buddy in the lower righthand corner on the home page of the TPL website. 

Yes. You can visit https://tacoma.eprintitsaas.com/public/upload and upload documents from your personal device.

All library locations offer unlimited free WiFi.

Look for the network "TPL" on your device in the list of wireless or WiFi networks on your device.

No special settings, usernames or passwords are required.

The library can offer a variety of services. Below are some examples of activities which can be requested during a group visit.

Storytime - age-appropriate selections will be read aloud to the group. May include other activities such as songs, finger plays, and movement.

Library Tour - an overview of important areas of the library such as the reference desk, check-out desk, public catalog computers, location of library materials, etc.

How to Use the Library - an overview and/or detailed information about using various library services. Examples include: how to use the library catalog, how to download eBooks from the library, library databases instruction, resources for completing class assignments, etc.

Booktalks - short introductions to a variety of age-appropriate books intended to grab the interest of the audience.

Digital Media Lab (Main Library Only) - an overview of the Digital Media Lab resources or instruction on a specific project. The lab can host up to 12 visitors.

Passes can be borrowed with your library card at any of our eight branch locations.

Check the catalog to see whether passes are currently available or contact your local library branch.  

Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis, and cannot be placed on hold.  

The online Suggest for Purchase form requires a user to log in because suggestions are managed from within your Library Account. If you do not have a Tacoma Public Library card, you can get a card and make a suggestion at one of our eight branch locations.

Yes, you can request to keep a damaged item you purchased as long as the damage wasn’t so severe staff needed to discard it for safety. Please work with Branch staff when you pay for the item. 

• You can check out two Lucky Day books at a time, and they count as part of the 100-item limit. 

Naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. It is used to reverse an overdose. Naloxone cannot be used recreationally, as it has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system. It attaches to opioid receptors in the brain and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. 

There are no age restrictions on the use of naloxone; it can be used to reverse overdoses in infants and children through elderly individuals.   

Due to limited supply, the Storytime S.T.E.A.M. backpacks are available on a first come, first served basis and are not holdable.

• The “modern addition” has not been improved in more than 30 years and is not equipped for today’s needs.
• The goal of this project is to make the library a more efficient, safe, and welcoming environment. With 95,000 square feet, there is so much potential for this facility to serve the community in myriad ways.
  • One example is transforming the second floor of the library into operational and programming space for nonprofit partners such as the Tacoma Tool Library.

Procedures for On Site Research 

Northwest Room users may bring with them a laptop or similar device, cell phone, handheld camera, pencils (no pens), paper, and a USB thumb drive for scans. Food and beverages are not allowed at any time. 

The Northwest Room’s records and manuscript holdings are non-circulating and stored in closed stacks. Northwest Room staff will retrieve and return materials requested by researchers. Advanced notice is recommended since we may be unable to retrieve these materials on demand. 

The Northwest Room’s collections are rare and often irreplaceable. Materials should be handled with extreme care. 

All materials must be kept in the order in which they are found. For certain materials, it may be necessary to wear gloves provided by Northwest Room staff. 

Patrons may use handheld cameras to photograph items for personal reference.

Advisory Statement on Offensive Content 

Materials held by the Northwest Room may include content that is inconsistent with the mission and values of Tacoma Public Library. When utilizing these materials, including content available digitally, you may encounter offensive, oppressive, and/or outdated references and representations. This content is made available for transparency, accountability, and education.  

They are free with a Tacoma Public Library card. Check with your local Tacoma Public Library to get a library card.

We are unable to accept: 

• Moldy or damaged items, including books with missing covers or pages, broken spines, or containing handwriting or highlighting 
• Textbooks, encyclopedias, law, statute and regulation books 
• Magazines more than 3 years old 
• Homemade DVDs or CDs or VHS 
• Video games 
• LP’s and cassette tapes 
• Advanced Reader Copies 
• Reader’s Digest condensed books 
• Nonfiction books more than 10 years old 
• Medical, computer, and travel guides more than 3 years old 
• Discarded materials from schools or other library systems 

Contact Books by Mail Coordinator, Monique Piegdon at 253-280-2962 to learn more. 

If you do not qualify for a free card, a library card can be purchased for a non-resident fee for $78 for 12 months or $39 for 6 months.

To register your card:

• Click the Log In button in the top right corner of the screen; then click Log In again.
• Enter your library card number and PIN (unless you have changed it yourself, your PIN is usually the last four digits of your phone number)
• Click Continue to Account Setup
• Create a username using letters, numbers and underscores
• If you select a name already in use, the system will offer suggestions
• You will be asked to accept Bibliocommons Terms of Use by clicking the check box
• Click Complete Account Setup

Only you. The information is stored in your library account and is not viewable by library staff.

There are several ways to get help with eBooks and downloadable audiobooks:

• The OverDrive Help page is a great place to start for OverDrive questions.  They offer an extensive overview of common problems and solutions.
• The Hoopla Help page is the place for Hoopla questions.
• Send an email to Tacoma Library's eResources Support Team using eResources@tacomalibrary.org.
• Visit your local branch and ask for help from one of our friendly staff members.

The Thomas Handforth Gallery at Tacoma Public Library’s Main Branch provides an opportunity for local regional and national artists and arts organization to exhibit their work. Additional,Tacoma Library often hosts exhibitions of a historical, cultural or scientific nature.

The gallery offers nine shows each year of work in varied media such as paintings and drawings, mixed media, photography, textiles, and mosaics. Tacoma Library does not typically exhibit jewelry, pottery, or small 3 dimensional pieces. Some of the shows are by individual artists, and others feature the work of groups. Most exhibits run five weeks.

These are the directions for submitting your work for consideration.

To opt-in or opt-out of text message notifications:

• Go to https://millennium.tacomalibrary.org/patroninfo
• Log in with your barcode and PIN
• Click on "Modify Personal Information"

You will be able to enter a mobile phone number and Opt-in or Opt-out of the text message service.

• Click "Submit" to save your changes

To reserve a kit, please fill out this form online or contact Telephone Reference at (253) 280-2800. You may also speak to reference staff at any location who will assist you in making a reservation.

We will do our best to reserve the book kits for the dates requested. You will be contacted by email or by phone, within 2 business days to confirm the request date. If a book kit is not available for the requested dates, you can request an alternate date.

During the Library’s open hours, you can ask all the same questions you ask when you’re in the library or on the phone. Need help with Hoopla, or need a good source for a research paper, we can help. Want to renew your materials or place a hold, we can do that too. 

Each school year there is a two week maintenance window starting on the Friday before Labor Day. During this time you will not be able to use your pathway account (school ID) while the library updates student and employee records for the new school year.    

Yes. If you log in to a library computer with your student ID then you may print documents for $0.10 a page for black and white and $0.20 a page for color. Print up to $5 worth of prints for free! 

Yes, a Librarian would love to visit you!

To schedule a visit, please fill out our Request a Visit form at least two weeks before the date you are requesting and someone will contact you to arrange the visit.  

Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis, and cannot be placed on hold.  

You can make up to 3 purchase suggestions each month. Please suggest only one format per title. Suggestions are tracked in your Library Account.

Some types of damage can lead to parasites and/or mold in the collection. Other types of damage may not be handleable by staff and therefore would not be presentable to other patrons.  

• No, Holds are not allowed on Lucky Day copies. 
• The copies in Lucky Day Collection are not listed in the catalog. Please stop by your Lucky Day library branch to discover what’s available. 

The vending machine is a new service.  

Since 2018, Tacoma Public Library has made doses of naloxone available to staff to be able to respond to overdoses happening in libraries. Our current supply of naloxone is provided by the Tacoma Needle Exchange. 

Tacoma Public Library has partnered with the Department of Health and Tacoma Needle Exchange to train staff to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to administer naloxone. 

There is a staff member in all locations that is trained on how to administer naloxone. However, training is not compulsory for all staff, and employees are not required to administer naloxone. 

The library has partnered with various social service institutions to provide crisis and social services at our locations. This is our first time partnering with The Needle Exchange to provide this service.

Please do not return in book drops, but go to the desk of any library during open hours and return to a staff member.

There is a hotspot and charging cord in each box.

According to James, “it’s a big range: elementary schoolers, junior high kids, high schoolers, even college students. Adult help OK!” – James Kennedy, 90-Second Newbery website

Teachers and parents are encouraged to provide support to their budding filmmakers. This project makes a fantastic assignment for students!

2019-2020 submission deadlines and important dates:

• Submission due date - Saturday, January 10, 2020
• Screening Party - Saturday, February 29, 2020 (venue TBD)

The benefits (rewards) to submitting a film:

Selected local submissions will be screened at a (very fun) Oscar-style event in Tacoma. This is your chance to be a local star! This popular event has sold out for the last three years in a row.

Plus, your film could be screened nationwide!

“Every year, we show the best movies we receive at special-event screenings in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Boston, Tacoma, and other cities—co-hosted by festival founder James Kennedy (author of the young-adult fantasy The Order of Odd-Fish) and other award-winning children’s authors.”  – James Kennedy, 90-Second Newbery website

Book club kits can be picked up at any branch location. They can be returned to any location as well.

You may apply for an eCard online. 

No.

Via Email

Email 7 - 10 digital images of your work, along with a resume, cover letter and any other information you deem relevant to info@tacomalibrary.org.

Via Mail

Mail l or deliver 7 - 10 digital images/ photographic prints of your work, along with a resume, cover letter and any other information you deem relevant to:

Handforth Gallery
Tacoma Public Library
1102 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402

Donations are typically sold in the branch library book sales or via library partners online. The proceeds support the library's Summer Reading Club.

Librarians are guided by selection criteria outlined in the Collection Development Policy, as well as the current budgetary circumstances.

Library workers from around the state and country can help you with using electronic resources, general library information, program information and research. They can’t provide library account information 

The library can offer a variety of services. Below are some examples of activities which can be requested during a group visit.

Storytime -  age-appropriate selections will be read aloud to the group. May include other activities such as songs, finger plays, and movement.

How to Use the Library - an overview and/or detailed information about using various library services. Examples include: how to use the library catalog, how to download eBooks from the library, library databases instruction, resources for completing class assignments, etc.

Booktalks - short introductions to a variety of age-appropriate books intended to grab the interest of the audience.

Passes may be checked out for seven days and cannot be renewed.

Your purchase suggestions are managed within your My Account Settings area.  Once logged in, you will be able to see your suggestions, their status, and it's where you'll receive messages from the library about your suggestion.

The naloxone vending machine is in compliance with the WA Department of Health’s Standing Order to Dispense Narcan. Naloxone is widely available in many pharmacies and other businesses across Washington state. In 2021 the WA State Department of Health issued a standing order to dispense naloxone to eligible residents, an opioid overdose reversal medication (citation). Eligible residents include those in a position to assist a person at risk for opioid overdose as well as those at risk for overdosing themselves. 

They are free to check out with a Tacoma Public Library card. Sign up for a card here.

It is the user’s responsibility to obtain any necessary permission from the holder(s) of copyright for the publication or distribution of material held by the Northwest Room. United States copyright law provides protection for unpublished materials as well as for published works. 

Publishing/Distributing Material Under Copyright 

The Northwest Room does not hold the copyright to all materials in our holdings. We cannot grant permission for the publication of materials for which we do not explicitly control the copyright. Permission may be granted only by the copyright holder(s). It is the researcher’s responsibility to identify the copyright holder(s) to obtain any necessary permission that is required under United States copyright law. Researchers may also consider the four factors of Fair Use described in Section 107 of the US Copyright Act. More information about Fair Use is available from the US Copyright Office. 

Publishing/Distributing Material in the Public Domain 

Some material held by the Northwest Room is in the public domain (the statutory term of copyright has expired or is otherwise ineligible for copyright protection). More information on using materials in the Public Domain is available from the Copyright Alliance. 

Citing Material from the Northwest Room

When using materials from the Northwest Room, a full citation should be included which identifies the Northwest Room at Tacoma Public Library as the repository. Here are some examples of proper citations of different types of material:

1. A digitized image citation should include the image identifier, the name of the collection, and the name of the repository: RSS-127, Richards Studio Photograps (Collection 2.1.1), Northwest Room at Tacoma Public Library
2. A citation of a document should include descriptive information about the item, the date, the name of the collection, and the name of the repository: Letter from T. Handforth to his mother from Brooklyn, NY, January 12, 1931, Thomas Handforth Papers (Collection 3.5.3), Northwest Room at Tacoma Public Library. 

Up to 10 devices can be connected to a TPL hotspot.

Yes. When you disable the feature, it will wipe out all previously stored data. If you turn the feature back on, it will begin tracking from the date it was re-enabled.

You will be notified within three weeks of submitting a request to exhibit.

Bring photo ID (if your photo ID does not have your current residential address, please bring any official document or piece of mail with your name and current residential address).

Individuals under the age of 14 require a parent or legal guardian be present (with photo ID and proof of address) to sign for responsibility.

If you do not have proof of current residential address, we can still help you get a library card with borrowing privileges. 

TPL Virtual Reference is available during our normal operating hours. Any time we are open to the public, the service is provided by TPL staff!  

If you don’t have your student ID on you, you can still check out materials!

Tell staff your student ID number and confirm information on your account.

Yes, you can check out more than one kind of pass but you can’t check out two of the same kind on the same library card.

No. The naloxone vending machine is part of a grant that the Needle Exchange/Dave Purchase Project obtained and does not use taxpayer dollars to run. The library receives a modest stipend from the grant for operating costs, such as electricity.

A replacement fee will be charged to your account if a portion of the kit is lost. Please see staff for details.

You can check out a hotspot for three weeks. If they do not have a hold on them, they will automatically renew three times, just like our books.

You have various sorting options until you have accumulated 100 titles in your Borrowing History. After that point, you no longer have the ability to sort as it would make page loading extremely slow and cumbersome.

Adding titles to your Completed Shelf offers you more flexibility, allowing you to sort titles, exclude titles you don’t want, and filter the shelf, making it easier to find a title.

8 months to a year in advance of the exhibition.

Visitors are always welcome to use our materials in the library.  If you bring in your photo ID, you can apply for an Internet card.  With this card, you can use our public internet computers and access our eResources.

This partnership supports several of our strategic priorities including Equity and Access, Cultivate and Engage Community, and being Responsible and Resilient.

The pandemic increased overdose deaths significantly, and public services like the library serve patrons every day struggling with addiction. We hope increasing access to naloxone will reduce unnecessary overdose deaths in our community.

Peer support services will help us fill an existing gap in providing social services and crisis support that we don’t have the training or resources for otherwise. Services will include crisis support, and connections to local resources, such as medical, legal, or job help.

Tacoma Public Library has been working with Washington STEM to bring these backpacks and other resources to the Tacoma community. You can learn more here.

Please do not return in book drops, but go to the desk of any library during open hours and return to a staff member.

Not necessarily. If you choose to participate by tracking time spent reading, you are welcome to record the titles of the books you read, and even write reviews, but it is not required. 

No. Some people who had opted into keeping a history in Encore, our previous catalog, have reported having their history already populated. You can leave it or, if you opt out, it will erase the titles and then you can opt in again.

All artwork must be appropriately framed for exhibition. The artist(s) are responsible for providing all refreshments if they choose to host a reception.

Yes! You may check out up to 20 digital items (eBooks or eAudiobooks) through Overdrive, one of the library's ebook providers.

Yes!  Most of the Tacoma Public Library's online resources are designed to be used outside the library.  Simply enter your valid Tacoma Public Library to authenticate, or to create a user account within the specific resource.  Any resources *not* available to use outside the library are clearly marked.

Overdue hotspots will be deactivated. There is a $5 fee for lost charging cables if only the charger is lost or broken. There is a $100 for a lost hotspot if the hotspot itself is damaged or lost.

The artist is responsible for installation. Tacoma Public Library does not provide any assistance.

Yes! Get 120 minutes of computer time per day and unlimited access to free WiFi.

Library computers are equipped with internet access, office software, and more.

Tacoma Public Library has multiple hotspot models. Tacoma Public Library from time to time will purchase new models to replace old ones, and to ensure we provide the best service possible to our patrons.

Yes. However all sales must be handled by the artist.

Patrons looking for affordable Wi-Fi options in Tacoma should visit the City of Tacoma’s page on Internet Services and Digital Equity: https://www.cityoftacoma.org/government/city_departments/information_technology/digital_equity/residential_internet_services_and_devices

Tacoma Public Library and Tacoma Public School District are both dedicated to providing the best possible education resources to students. To meet that goal we formed a partnership and created an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that defines each of our roles in the partnership. Through this agreement Tacoma Public School District was able to provide limited student data to us, which we uploaded into our patron database or Integrated Library System (ILS). Because the student’s school ID number is a unique identifier, it can function as a library card number. Our ability to work together and serve students has been vastly improved by this collaboration. If you have further questions, email us at youthservices@tacomalibrary.org

No. Artists are encouraged to insure their artwork featured in the exhibition.

If your parents chose not to share your (FERPA protected) information with Tacoma Public Library, then you will not be able to use your student ID as a library card. Talk to your Tacoma Public Schools librarian to confirm if you were included in this partnership.

If you do not have a school librarian, email us at youthservices@tacomalibrary.org.

Patrons who have a valid standard, limited, or TPS Pathway Tacoma Public Library card may suggest items for purchase. Patrons living in another library’s service area who hold a Tacoma Public Library card through a reciprocal agreement must suggest items through their home library system.

Storytime S.T.E.A.M. Backpacks can be checked out for three weeks. There are no renewals available.

Once you send a print, it will stay in the queue waiting to be released for 2 days.

• TPL hotspots can be checked out by any Tacoma Library Patron, and placed on hold to pick up at any Tacoma Library location. TPL hotspots can be returned to any Tacoma Public Library location.
• TPL’s hotspots “live” at the Fern Hill, Moore, and Swasey branches. These branches were selected based on the Tacoma Equity Index’s opportunity map, to ensure hotspots are available where patrons need them the most, and to align with our strategic priority of Equity and Access. You can read more about our strategic plan here: https://www.tacomalibrary.org/strategic-plan/

We have reciprocal agreements in place with a number of nearby library systems which allow patrons of those libraries to get a free Tacoma Public Library card. If you have a card from one of the following libraries, you may be eligible for a Tacoma card.

• King County Library System (must present your valid KCLS card, photo ID, and proof of residence in King County, not including Hunts Point or Yarrow Point)
• Pierce County Library System (eligible if you live in Pierce County, not including the cities of Carbonado, Fircrest, Roy, or Ruston, must present photo ID and proof of address)
• Puyallup Public Library (eligible if you live within Puyallup city limits, must present photo ID and proof of address)
• Seattle Public Library  (must present photo ID and proof of address)

Tacoma residents are also eligible to get cards with the library systems listed above. Please be aware that you will need to present your valid Tacoma Public Library card in order to get a card at King County or Seattle. Please contact those libraries directly for more information.

Due to the Library's regular service days (Tuesday-Saturday) and certain contractual commitments, libraries are closed either the day following or the day preceding an observed holiday when that holiday falls on a day when the libraries are regularly not open. The library has neither sufficient staffing, nor the budget dollars to pay overtime, that would be required to keep these libraries open on these days. Tacoma Public Library staff thank you for your understanding and patience and we apologize for any inconvenience.

There are two main ways to find streaming movies:

• For the most complete listing of our streaming movie collections, go to Tacoma Library's Kanopy website or Hoopla website directly.   You can also browse the Tacoma Public Library collection using those services' Apps.
• A selection of the streaming movie collection can also be found in the library catalog by searching the library catalog for "streaming movies."  (Please note that at this time the catalog does not list every streaming movie in our collection.)

Computers can be used for up to 120 minutes per day with a valid library card. 

Yes! You may check out up to 20 digital items (eBooks or eAudiobooks) through Overdrive, one of the library's ebook providers.

At this time, teachers are not allowed to check out physical materials with their Tacoma Public School Employee ID.  Teachers may check out up to 20 digital items (eBooks or eAudiobooks) through Overdrive, one of the library's ebook providers.

If you want to be able to check out physical materials, consider upgrading to a regular library card account.

Educators and parents can learn more about the pathway partnership by emailing youthservices@tacomalibrary.org

We accept cash, debit card, credit card, and check payments for prints and booksale items in the branch.

• Log in to your account on the library's website
• Click on "My Account"
• From the drop down menu click on "Fees"
• Select "Pay Fees"
• This will open up a new log-in screen. Enter in your barcode number and pin again.
• Select the fines you want to pay and click on "Continue"
• Enter in your credit card information and click on "Continue"
• Fill out your card security code and billing information and click on "I Authorize this transaction"
• Confirm that your information is correct and select "Submit Transaction for Processing"

You can pay any charges on your account at one of our eight branches with cash, check, credit card, or debit card, or at selected self-checkout machines with a credit or debit card.  You can also pay online with a credit card.

For Standard, Unverified, Limited, and Internet cardholders, your PIN is the last four digits of your phone number unless you have changed it yourself.

For eCards, directions to create your pin are included in the email you received containing your card number.

For Pathway Partnership cards, your PIN is 1234 unless you have changed it yourself. Please visit our Pathway Partnership FAQs for more information.

The library does not have access to your PIN. If you have already registered your card on our website, you can reset your pin here. Otherwise, please visit any one of our eight locations to reset your pin.  

At this time, Tacoma Public Library is unable to offer online library card renewal. Please visit your local branch.

Yes, we proctor exams free of charge. Contact your local branch at least two weeks in advance to make an appointment. Please note that test proctoring is subject to staff availability.  

If you have more than six active (unresolved) Claims Returned items on your card, you will not be able to use your card until the count is back to six.

To do so, you can have one or more items declared lost and the bill for the item(s) added to your card.

If the dollar amount is greater than $100, you will need to bring it under that limit to use your card. Please note that lost items must be paid in full since they are eligible for refund within 90 days of payment if the item is returned in good condition during that time.

As always, if you have questions about your account, you can call 253-280-2800 or visit any of our eight locations.

If you returned an item less than an hour ago or if you have returned an item over the weekend, sometimes it takes longer for the staff to catch up with the check in.

Otherwise, if you are certain that you have returned an item, you have the option of declaring an item Claims Returned and the item will be removed from your card.  Please contact your local branch in order to have an item marked as Claims Returned.

You can have up to six active (unresolved) Claims Returned items on your card and still use it.

As always, if you have questions about your account, you can call 253-280-2800 or visit any of our eight locations.

• Present your Tacoma Public Library card (or present your picture identification)
• Pay off your library card fines. You can pay your fines with cash or check.
• Verify your contact information

DVDs and Museum Passes can be borrowed for seven days and all other materials can be kept for 21 days.

You may be able to renew your library materials and keep them longer.

Lending periods for digital materials vary by service provider and format.  Please see eBooks, Audiobooks, and more for more information.

The number of holds you can place varies depending on the type of library card you have.

Standard card

• 30 holds on physical materials
• 20 Overdrive holds
• Materials in Hoopla and Kanopy are always instantly available

Unverified card

• 3 holds on physical materials
• 20 Overdrive holds
• Materials in Hoopla and Kanopy are always instantly available

Limited card

• 10 holds on physical materials
• 20 Overdrive holds
• Materials in Hoopla and Kanopy are always instantly available

Internet card

• No holds on physical materials
• 20 Overdrive holds
• Materials in Hoopla and Kanopy are always instantly available

Materials can be returned at any of our eight locations. All locations have exterior book drops for when the library is closed.

Materials returned after the due date may be assessed an overdue fine. 

Yes, materials can be renewed in person at one of our 8 locations, by telephone at (253) 280-2800, or by logging into "My Account".

All physical materials except Museum Passes and Interlibrary Loans can be renewed up to 3 times. Items that are on hold for another patron cannot be renewed.

Yes, many federal documents are available online.  If a document is in the library catalog, there may be a link to view the document online.  You may also find federal documents online through the Catalog of Government Publications.

Tacoma Public Library welcomes monetary donations to support its mission and programs. The Tacoma Public Library Foundation directly supports the Tacoma Public Library through advocacy and fundraising. Make an online donation to the Tacoma Public Library Foundation through their website.

Additionally, you can donate directly with cash or card to Tacoma Public Library at the circulation desk of any library location. Another option is to mail a check to the Tacoma Public Library Finance Office: 

Tacoma Public Library

c/o Finance Office

1102 Tacoma Ave. S

Tacoma, WA 98402

All financial contributions, whether they are directly to Tacoma Public Library or to the Tacoma Public Library Foundation, are tax-deductible. Contact the Finance Office with questions about donations by calling 253.280.2870.

Tacoma Public Library's WiFi network is an Open network which means it is NOT encrypted and NOT secure.

We cannot guarantee the safety of your traffic across the WiFi network and we assume no responsibility for the configurations, security or files on your device resulting from connection to the WiFi network. Information sent to or from your device can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and appropriate software.

You (the minor's Parent or Guardian) must visit a library location with your child. 

Show staff your child's Tacoma Public School student ID, your own picture ID, and state that you would like the child’s student ID library card removed from the system. 

Yes, we love to participate in community and school events!

We often provide library information and library card registration at community and school events throughout Tacoma.

Please fill out our Request a Visit form and we will contact you as soon as possible.

There are never any overdue fines associated with our ebook and downloadable audiobook collections.  eBooks and downloadable audiobooks automatically expire at the end of the lending period.