Washington Anytime Library (2024)

FAQs

What is the largest library in Washington state? ›

Seattle Central Library is the largest library in Washington. Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, the towering 11-story glass and steel building is awe-inspiring. Its architecture, including the unique checkering of its 10,000 (yes, 10,000!) windows, is a reason to visit the library.

To receive a library card, if you are 18 or older and live in Washington, you may either come to the Washington State Library in-person, or fill out the Library Card Application below and send it to us via email, fax, or regular mail with identification and address verification.

Listed as one of the most beautiful library buildings in the country, the Seattle Central Library is 11 stories of glass and steel.

You can receive a State Library card if you are 18 or older and live in Washington. You can apply for a library card in person at the State Library or fill out an application and send it in with a copy of some form of current, acceptable photo ID and address verification.

Above, the Library of Congress' Thomas Jefferson Building. The largest public library in the United States and the second largest library in the world is the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., which is the de facto national library of the United States.

Number of public libraries by state

It's also interesting to look at the different ratios of library types among states. With 1,226 public libraries operating as of 2020, California is the state with the most libraries in the US. New York is the only remaining state with more than 1,000 public libraries opened (1,083).

If you do not live in Seattle, but work, go to school or own property in our free service area, we will ask you to provide proof of employment, student enrollment or taxpayer status. You can also get a free Library card if you have a current Library card from: Everett Public Library. Kitsap Regional Library.

You certainly can! With Libby, you can add as many library cards as you have in your wallet or attached to your key ring. Each library's catalog is differentiated with the dual-colored library card symbol that you'll see next to a title when searching and browsing or when viewing your shelf and timeline.

Library cards expire after three years. The DC Public Library is not permitted to issue cards online to those outside of our service area (D.C., Maryland and Virginia). If you live outside these areas, you may apply for a regular library card by visiting any library location in person.

The Great Library of Alexandria, Egypt. This brings us to the most iconic and mysterious library of all – the Great Library of Alexandria, in Egypt.

Can Seattle residents use the King County library? ›

King County Library System (KCLS)

Seattle residents are also eligible for a free KCLS card. If you qualify for a free Seattle Public Library card because you work, go to school or own property in our free service area, please complete a Library card application.

Reciprocal Library Card

If you do not live or own property in our service area but you already have a library card with a cooperating library system in Washington State, you can get a reciprocal card. With a reciprocal card you can: Check out up to 5 items at a time for a 14 day loan period. Renew items one time.

Membership & Card Fees:

Non-resident annual, per family = $ 40.00 (1 year); $20.00 (6 months) Non-resident annual, student = $ 10.00. Replacing a lost card (all users) = $ 1.00.

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world with millions of items a variety of formats. View detailed collection statistics.

The total square footage is approximately 972,000 sq ft (90,300 m²) including the rooftop winter-garden event space. It is named in honor of Mayor Harold Washington.

Through its collections and programs, the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon supports scholarly research, fosters new scholarship, provides a platform for educational outreach, and serves as a center for leadership training, conferences, and gatherings inspired by Washington's example.