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Grab a library card and get a free ebook, tutoring, and museum ticket

Libraries are often seen as places to borrow books and study in a quiet environment. However, it is surprising that the Seattle Public Library (SPL) provides thousands of free services beyond just books: e-books, museum tickets, English conversation circles, and more. At this point, it is proper that a library is a place offering various experiences. People who study, live, or work in Seattle are eligible to get a library card and receive benefits. So, what kinds of wonderful services do they provide?

Maya Lee

The SPL allows people access to various online services. One of them is Libby. Libby is an e-book library application where people can borrow e-books and audiobooks for 21 days using their computer, smartphone, or Kindle. Libby is a new app with a very simple interface, making it easy to use. Another online service is O’Reilly, a paid website for studying software, programming, and business courses. However, if you have a Seattle Public Library card, you can access O’Reilly for free and learn computer science without paying. This is a meaningful service for people who want to study computer science, as the website recommends courses depending on users’ interests, such as studying Python, HTML, and security. Additionally, the SPL provides movies, music, recorded event videos, magazines, newspapers, and online resources. All these services can be found on the SPL’s website.

The SPL also offers library cardholders a free museum pass. This pass is a free ticket for 13 different museums, and they can get one museum pass every 30 days. People need to register for a specific day and museum online. However, the number of passes is limited per museum, so it’s recommended that you check and book your pass two to three weeks in advance. Unfortunately, right now, the website has some small errors, but they aren’t obstacles to requesting a museum pass. This service helps people save money and enjoy new experiences. Going to Seattle museums is a wonderful opportunity for creating memorable experiences because you can touch, listen, and see what you have to learn.

Each library branch holds various events, such as author talks, exhibitions, and music performances. For example, at author events, attendees get the opportunity to meet authors in person or online and hear their thoughts about their books. This makes attendees think more deeply and understand more widely. As an upcoming author event, there is a conservation of Rachel Kishner and Phil Neel about Rachel Kishner’s new book, Creation Lake, at Central Library on Oct. 23, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

Additionally, there is an English conversation circle for people who want to improve their speaking skills. These circles are available at the Beacon Hill, Delridge, and Northgate branches, as well as on the SPL website. This is a good opportunity for international students of Seattle Central College to practice English with others. Not only the event introduced in the article but also other various events are posted on a library event calendar where people can check the place, time, and whether it is needed to register. 

Enroll for an SPL card to gain access to a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and great times with family and friends at Seattle museums. The services provided by the library significantly enhance the quality of life for its patrons.

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