Everything you need to know about current Tacoma Public Library services.
TPL To Go
Holds Pickup Service
We are currently piloting our TPL To Go service for holds pickup at select branches. You will be contacted if your holds are included in this pilot. Following the pilot, we hope to make improvements to this service and offer it more widely.
In the meantime, please log in to your account at tacomalibrary.org to make sure your holds are up-to-date. This is helpful to expanding TPL To Go service as it allows us to prioritize holds that our patrons still want.
Please keep an eye on your inbox for communications from Tacoma Public Library regarding TPL To Go and other services.
Borrowing
The easiest way to borrow materials while the library’s buildings are closed is to use your library card (eCard or physical card) to access eBooks, Audiobooks, and streaming movies and TV shows via our eResources.
Once we offer consistent holds pickup service through TPL To Go, you’ll be able to put holds on physical items through our catalog and then pick them up at select library locations.
Returns
Get Help
Library staff are able to offer reference help via telephone, chat, email, and even Zoom conference.
Call us: Library staff are ready to take your phone inquiries about library services, local information, and general questions. Just give us a call on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at our main line, 253.292.2001. We look forward to assisting you!
Email us: Send an email through our Contact Us form for help with your account, or to send a question or comment. You can also email us directly at info@tacomalibrary.org.
Ask a Librarian: Use the Ask a Librarian chat or email virtual reference service to ask questions online. This service is staffed by Tacoma Public Library and other library systems in Washington State.
Zoom with TPL: If your question requires additional conversation, a library staff member may follow up with you individually to schedule a one-on-one Zoom conference call.
Library Cards
eCard: You can get an eCard today! Sign up through our web form.
Use your eCard to access eBooks, eMagazines, AudioBooks, and Comics, and all of our other popular eResources. When our libraries reopen, you can upgrade your eCard to a physical library card to borrow materials from our shelves and to use Interlibrary Loan.
Physical card: Physical cards must be acquired in-person at a library. While libraries are closed, sign up for an eCard to access our digital collection and eResources.
Non-resident cards: For help with extending an expired card, resetting your pin, or other borrowing questions, email info@tacomalibrary.org.
eResources
Your Tacoma Public Library card gives you access to a huge variety of eResources! Check them out on our website. Some of the most popular eResources with TPL patrons are Overdrive/Libby (eBooks and eAudiobooks), Hoopla (Comics, TV shows, eBooks, eAudiobooks, and Movies), Creativebug (on-demand arts and crafts tutorials), Kanopy and Kanopy Kids (for streaming documentaries and film). and Lynda.com (software and technology courses).
Summer Reading Club Materials and Events
Imagine Your Story with the 2020 Summer Reading Club. Visit our 2020 Summer Reading Club website for more information.
Services at Your Neighborhood Library
Click the name of your library to find out what services it is currently offering:
| Eastside Microlibrary at Eastside Community Center | Building closed to the public. | |
| Fern Hill Library | Building closed to the public. |
Tuesday and Wednesday 12 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
|
| Kobetich Library | Building closed to the public. |
Tuesday and Wednesday 12 p.m.–7:30 p.m. |
| Main Library | Building closed to the public. |
Tuesday and Wednesday 12 p.m.–7:30 p.m. |
| Moore Library | Building closed to the public. |
Tuesday and Wednesday 12 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
|
| Mottet Library | Building closed to the public. |
Tuesday and Wednesday 12 p.m.–7:30 p.m. |
| South Tacoma Library | Building closed to the public. |
Tuesday and Wednesday 12 p.m.–7:30 p.m. |
| Swasey Library | Building closed to the public. |
Tuesday and Wednesday 12 p.m.–7:30 p.m. |
| Wheelock Library | Building closed to the public. |
Tuesday and Wednesday 12 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
|
