15 Ways The Seattle Public Library Can Help You Thrive in 2021
release date: January 4, 2021
During the many challenges of 2020, we have all spent time longing for normalcy and connection with our families, friends and community. As the 2020 Library of the Year, The Seattle Public Library has put in place many free programs and services that can help us thrive together in the coming year. From finding a job to learning a language to simply escaping with a new book, here are 15 ways that your Library card can help you realize your 2021 goals. Find more at www.spl.org/Thrive.
THRIVE TOGETHER IN 2021
Enrich & Imagine
- Find a great read: Find escapism, entertainment and education in 2021 with a new book at the Library. Visit our Staff Picks page for recommendations, or the Always Available collection to check out e-books and audiobooks.
- Color your way into 2021: Have you seen the Library’s 2020 artist postcard series? Pick them up at any Curbside location or online at www.spl.org/Artists. Color, decorate and post with #SPLArtists.
- Learn something new: Submit a request to learn any skill, hobby or language and we will send you a free, personalized learning plan within four days at www.spl.org/YourNextSkill.
- Set yourself up for success: Check out the Library’s ShelfTalk blog posts on books that will help you set goals and get organized in the new year.
- Listen to new stories with your little one: Firefighter story time, Spanish story time, Mandarin story time, STEAM crafts, bug and nature exploration: All these story times and more are available on the Library’s Kids YouTube channel.
Build Community
- Learn another language: Did you know that your Library card is a passport to learning another language or even sign language? Check out Mango Languages, with lessons in more than 70 languages, and Signing Savvy, a resource for learning American Sign Language.
- Attend a virtual event: Join us for interactive virtual events for all ages, from writing workshops to entrepreneurial classes, at www.spl.org/events
- Share your COVID story: Submit your story to become part of our COVID-19 community collection at www.spl.org/CovidCollection
- Connect in class: Take a dance or intergenerational art class with Silver Kite’s streaming workshops.
- Return books for others: Ask neighbors if you can return books for them the next time you are using Curbside Service.
Take Care
- Find a new job: Newly unemployed or interested in making a change? Through Your Next Job, the Library offers one-on-one appointments in 11 languages to help with job seeking and job skills at www.spl.org/YourNextJob
- Grow your job skills: The Library’s online learning resources like Lynda.com classes and free Microsoft Certification Exams can help you show your new skills to employers.
- Help your student find success: The Library supports students in all kinds of ways. This year, we added services to help remote learners, including expanding Library Link (which gives Seattle Public Schools students immediate access to the Library’s digital resources) and free virtual tutoring and writing help through Tutor.com, available at spl.org/VirtualTutoring.
- COVID-19 resources: Find information and resources to help you navigate the pandemic and economic crisis at www.spl.org/CovidResources.
- Ask Us: We are here to look up information for you, help you with your Library account, offer reading recommendations and more. Visit www.spl.org/ask or call 206-386-4636.
MORE INFORMATION
All physical locations of The Seattle Public Library are closed in accordance with public health guidelines, but the Library now has book returns, physical material holds and curbside service available. Find out more at our Road to Reopening page. Find out more about The Seattle Public Library’s digital resources and services at spl.org/stayinghome.