Washington State Library
Every resident of Washington has free access to a statewide library system run by Washington State Library. With a local library card, students, parents, and teachers can use research databases, ebooks and audiobooks, and learning programs at no cost. Here is what is available and how to get it.
Washington public libraries at a glance
Research databases: Statewide Database Licensing (SDL) Project
Statewide Database Licensing (SDL) Project is Washington's free statewide research service.
Resources students can use inside Statewide Database Licensing (SDL) Project include:
- Gale Academic & General OneFile
- Gale eBooks
- Gale In Context (Elementary, Middle, High School, College)
- Gale Health & Wellness
- Gale Business
- Gale Literature & News
Ebooks & audiobooks: Gale eBooks (within the SDL package), free with a library card.
Early literacy programs
All Aboard for Kindergarten, from the Washington State Library with DCYF and OSPI, helps parents, caregivers, and family/friend/neighbor providers prepare children for school.
Accessible reading & talking books
Students and family members who cannot read standard print (because of a visual, physical, or reading disability such as dyslexia) can get free audiobooks and braille through Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL), part of the national NLS network and its BARD download service. The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL), a program of the Washington State Library and the state's NLS network library, serves residents who can't read standard print.
Find a library & get a card
Use the official locator to find your nearest Washington public library, hours, and how to get a card. Find a library →
Most Washington libraries run a Summer Reading Program each summer to keep kids reading and prevent summer learning loss. Ask your local branch for dates.