Everything you need to know about current Tacoma Public Library services.
TPL To Go
Holds Pickup Service
Update: need some picture books and early readers quickly? You can now request a book bundle of picture books and early readers from 10 different themes during TPL To Go. Just visit the branch of your choice during the TPL To Go Hours and call the number posted outside the branch to let staff know you would like a book bundle and which theme. Library staff will handpick 4 books around that theme and bring them to you at the TPL To Go door.
- Limit of 3 bundles per visit
- See the list of themes here
TPL To Go holds pickup is now available at all libraries.
You will receive an email notification with instructions when your holds are ready. Please check your junk mail folder. The Library recently changed email systems, and your messages may be mistakenly flagged as spam.
When you arrive at the Library, please call the phone number posted outside the building to speak with a staff member about picking up your holds. If you do not have a phone and have holds to pick up, please approach the front doors of the library and be prepared to present your library card or ID or hold notice to staff.
A library staff member will gather your holds, place them in a bag, and motion for you to socially distance yourself so they can safely place them on the table outside the doors for you to retrieve.
If you are picking up holds on behalf of someone else, please have their library card number ready to present to library staff.
Please note: holds are filled a variety of ways! You may receive your holds in multiple shipments, and you may receive them in an order different than the order they were requested.
TPL To Go hours:
| Tuesday and Wednesday | 12p.m.–2 p.m. and 5 p.m.–7 p.m. |
| Thursday, Friday, and Saturday | 10 a.m. –12 p.m. and 3 p.m.–5 p.m. |
Borrowing
There are two ways to borrow materials while the library's buildings are closed to the public in Phase 2:
1. Use our TPL To Go holds pickup service to borrow physical items. Please log in to your account online or on the TPL app to place holds.
Update: need some picture books and early readers quickly? You can now request a book bundle of picture books and early readers from 10 different themes during TPL To Go. Just visit the branch of your choice during the TPL To Go Hours and call the number posted outside the branch to let staff know you would like a book bundle and which theme. Library staff will handpick 4 books around that theme and bring them to you at the TPL To Go door.
- Limit of 3 bundles per visit
- See the list of themes here
2. Use your library card (eCard or physical card) to access eBooks, eAudiobooks, and streaming movies and TV shows via our eResources.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service is not available at this time.
Returns
Update: Tacoma Public Library is now accepting returns at all locations. Bookdrops are available 24/7.
The materials you return must undergo a 48 hours quarantine period before they can be checked in by library staff. In some cases, materials may continue to appear on your account for up to a week after you returned them. As long as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect library operations, TPL will waive fines on overdue materials.
Get Help
Library staff are available via telephone, chat, email, and even Zoom conference. Our Youth Services Staff is also here to help! Contact us for book recommendations, help with eResources, or even just to chat (with an adult caretaker present).
Call us: Contacting us by phone is the fastest way to get help. Library staff are ready to take your phone inquiries about library services, local information, and more. Staff are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at our main line, 253.280.2800.
Email us: If your query is not urgent and you can wait two to three days for a response, feel free to 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 that are not specific to your account at Tacoma Public Library. 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
eCards: 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. eCards expire after 6 months.
Update: You may now place up to three holds and check out up to three physical items with an eCard. Place holds by logging into your account using our website or TPL app. Once your items are ready, you will receive a notification via email or phone with instructions on picking up your holds using our TPL To Go service. If you would like to upgrade your eCard to a full library card for increased borrowing privileges (60 items checked out, 30 items on hold), please bring your ID and a piece of mail with your current address. Please keep in mind that your eCard will expire after 6 months. Questions? Please call 253.280.2800 during our regular operating hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Physical cards: 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. Please read the update to ecards in the above section for more information on placing holds and checking out materials using your ecard.
Non-resident cards: A non-resident library card can be purchased by those who are not eligible for a free library card, due to their location outside of Tacoma Public Library's service area, for a fee of $59 for 12 months or $29.50 for 6 months.
Update: To purchase a new non-resident card or to renew your existing non-resident card, please call 253.280.2800 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Payment must be made by credit card or check. Unfortunately, we cannot accept cash payments at this time.
Pathway Cards: Students enrolled in Tacoma Public Schools and Tacoma Public Schools educators have library access using their school ID numbers. Visit our Pathway Partnership page to learn more.
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).
Student and Family Resources
Tacoma Public Library has a variety of resources to support students and families with remote learning, enrichment, and entertainment. Please visit our K-12 Homework Center, our Teens & Tweens page, or our new and improved Kids & Families page for more information on resources and services.
Our Youth Services Librarians are also here to help! No question is too small!
- Need to find a book to read?
- Need some suggestions for a reluctant reader?
- Looking for a specific Accelerated Reader level?
Youth Services Librarians are able to put together customized reading recommendation lists, teach you how to use online databases, and more!
Update: Tacoma Public Library now offers eBook club picks for Kids and Teens. Hand selected by TPL’s Youth Services staff, these eBook titles are always available to checkout through Overdrive/Libby; no holds and no waiting! Learn more here.
Update: Need some picture books and early readers quickly? You can now request a book bundle of picture books and early readers from 10 different themes during TPL To Go. Just visit the branch of your choice during the TPL To Go Hours and call the number posted outside the branch to let staff know you would like a book bundle and which theme. Library staff will handpick 4 books around that theme and bring them to you at the TPL To Go door.
- Limit of 3 bundles per visit
- See the list of themes here
CALL US: 253.280.2800
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12–8 p.m.
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
EMAIL: youthservices@tacomalibrary.org
ASK A LIBRARIAN: Use the Ask a Librarian chat, or email reference service to ask questions online that are not specific to your account at Tacoma Public Library. This service is staffed by Tacoma Public Library and other library systems in Washington State.
Services at Your Neighborhood Library
When will TPL reopen its libraries to the public? Short answer: when it is safe to do so. Please read our full statement for more information.
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. |
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| Kobetich Library | Building closed to the public. |
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| Main Library | Building closed to the public. |
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| Moore Library | Building closed to the public. |
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| Mottet Library | Building closed to the public. |
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| South Tacoma Library | Building closed to the public. |
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| Swasey Library | Building closed to the public. |
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| Wheelock Library | Building closed to the public. |
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