Drop-in Tech Help @ Swasey Branch

Swasey Branch staff will assist with learning basic computer skills like email, web searching and MS Office programs, navigating apps and using your iOS or Android devices, getting started on resumes and cover letters, and more. No registration required, but capacity ......More

Swasey Branch staff will assist with learning basic computer skills like email, web searching and MS Office programs, navigating apps and using your iOS or Android devices, getting started on resumes and cover letters, and more. No registration required, but capacity is limited. Ask for assistance at the Information Desk. People will be assisted in the order they arrive. Please note: It is easiest to assist people with more specific tasks, technical issues, or focused subjects for study (for example, "Learning how to print photos off my phone?"). That said, staff will work to help learners with more general issues (for example, "Learning about computers?"). If you need help right now, be sure to check out Tacoma Public Library's always available online computer learning and assistance resources as well as the free DigitalLearn online courses available from the Public Library Association.

How to Library

Join us for this session on How to Library! We’ll cover introductory topics like account basics, managing your own library account, and navigating the library's website. Come and learn about some of the cool things you can do with your Tacoma Public Library card! There......More

Join us for this session on How to Library! We’ll cover introductory topics like account basics, managing your own library account, and navigating the library's website. Come and learn about some of the cool things you can do with your Tacoma Public Library card! There will be time for questions after a short presentation. How to Library will help you level up on your library skills!

Annie's Little Linguistics

Come and practice your language skills!  Students from Annie Wright will lead youth ages 5 through 12 through an exploration of a language's basic vocabulary while doing fun and engaging activities such as crafts, sing-a-longs, and more.   From the pool of students,......More

Come and practice your language skills!  Students from Annie Wright will lead youth ages 5 through 12 through an exploration of a language's basic vocabulary while doing fun and engaging activities such as crafts, sing-a-longs, and more.   From the pool of students, there is expertise in Spanish, French, Mandarin, Ukrainian, Polish, Vietnamese, and Japanese. To learn more about this student led project, visit www.annieslittlelinguists.com

Creative Reuse Workshops: Intro Crochet with Plarn and T-shirt Yarn

Try out crochet on unconventional materials like plastic yarn (plarn) or t-shirt yarn. Plarn Single use plastic bags can be hard to recycle and seem to be everywhere. Bring your plastic bags and to learn how to turn them into reusable items. Bags can be cut into str......More

Try out crochet on unconventional materials like plastic yarn (plarn) or t-shirt yarn. Plarn Single use plastic bags can be hard to recycle and seem to be everywhere. Bring your plastic bags and to learn how to turn them into reusable items. Bags can be cut into strips and used as yarn. We will have all the tools to make plastic bag yarn and show some crochet techniques. Please ensure all plastic is clean and free of debris. Open to all skill levels. Appropriate for ages that can use sharp scissors. T-shirt Yarn Learn how to turn t-shirts into yarn. Practice crocheting with t-shirt yarn to create garland, bracelets, necklaces and more. Turn T-shirts into a pretty decoration or functional basket. This is a free event. All materials and tools are provided. Materials are 100% post-consumer meaning we use only reclaimed, recycled or donated items. Feel free to bring t-shirts and plastic bags that can be turned into more yarn. Presented by Remakery Tacoma, funded by the City of Tacoma/Tacoma Creates, and hosted by Tacoma Public Library.

Up and Atom: Van Gogh Sunflowers

Join us for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out different STEAM and craft activities. Celebrate the beauty of fall with a fun and creative watercolor painting activity inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers! Kids will explore basic watercolor techniques as they......More

Join us for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out different STEAM and craft activities. Celebrate the beauty of fall with a fun and creative watercolor painting activity inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers! Kids will explore basic watercolor techniques as they create their own vibrant sunflower masterpiece, just like the famous artist. This hands-on craft is a great way to welcome the autumn season while learning about Van Gogh’s iconic artwork and expressive painting style. No art experience needed—just bring your creativity!

Learn to Play Mah Jongg

Join us for an exciting journey into the world of Mah Jongg, the captivating tile-based game with a rich history. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this interactive session will introduce you to the fundamentals, strategies, and social aspects......More

Join us for an exciting journey into the world of Mah Jongg, the captivating tile-based game with a rich history. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this interactive session will introduce you to the fundamentals, strategies, and social aspects of the game. You'll gain hands-on practice in a welcoming environment and connect with fellow enthusiasts! No prior experience required—just bring your curiosity. Register for one date or all the dates.  Choose what works best for you!  

Play Mah Jongg!

Looking for a friendly space to enjoy traditional Mah Jongg? Bring your skills—or your curiosity—and join other players for casual gameplay at the library. We provide three full sets of tiles and four tables; you bring the strategy and camaraderie. No instruction p......More

Looking for a friendly space to enjoy traditional Mah Jongg? Bring your skills—or your curiosity—and join other players for casual gameplay at the library. We provide three full sets of tiles and four tables; you bring the strategy and camaraderie. No instruction provided, just  good company. Seating is first come, first served.

Baby Storytime

Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories and movement. For babies and their caregivers. Recommended for ages birth – 18 months. Want to continue the fun at home? View these fun Storytime song and book recommendations ......More

Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories and movement. For babies and their caregivers. Recommended for ages birth – 18 months. Want to continue the fun at home? View these fun Storytime song and book recommendations here.

Community Compass

Offered as an extension of our Social Work program, drop-in to connect with University of Washington Tacoma's Master of Social Work Practicum Students. They will be happy to listen and assist patrons with general support and resource navigation.

Tacoma Queer Collective

All are welcome in our LGBTQIA+ community at the Tacoma Queer Collective Meetup! Come and meet new folks, socialize, check in with each other, share resources, and have some fun with arts & crafts. No registration is required. This is a drop-in event. This event is p......More

All are welcome in our LGBTQIA+ community at the Tacoma Queer Collective Meetup! Come and meet new folks, socialize, check in with each other, share resources, and have some fun with arts & crafts. No registration is required. This is a drop-in event. This event is presented by the Tacoma Queer Collective and hosted by Tacoma Public Library.

Play to Learn

Play to Learn is a FREE program for children and adults to play TOGETHER! Play to Learn is for parents, grandparents, neighbors, family, and friends who nurture children ages six and under. Thematic curriculum invites individual play, fun group activities, songs, and a......More

Play to Learn is a FREE program for children and adults to play TOGETHER! Play to Learn is for parents, grandparents, neighbors, family, and friends who nurture children ages six and under. Thematic curriculum invites individual play, fun group activities, songs, and a whole group circle time for children and adults to enjoy together. Presented by Greentrike, funded by the City of Tacoma/Tacoma Creates, hosted by Tacoma Public Library.

Play to Learn

Play to Learn is a FREE program for children and adults to play TOGETHER! Play to Learn is for parents, grandparents, neighbors, family, and friends who nurture children ages six and under. Thematic curriculum invites individual play, fun group activities, songs, and a......More

Play to Learn is a FREE program for children and adults to play TOGETHER! Play to Learn is for parents, grandparents, neighbors, family, and friends who nurture children ages six and under. Thematic curriculum invites individual play, fun group activities, songs, and a whole group circle time for children and adults to enjoy together. Presented by Greentrike, funded by the City of Tacoma/Tacoma Creates, hosted by Tacoma Public Library.

Drop-in Tech Help @ Swasey Branch

Swasey Branch staff will assist with learning basic computer skills like email, web searching and MS Office programs, navigating apps and using your iOS or Android devices, getting started on resumes and cover letters, and more. No registration required, but capacity ......More

Swasey Branch staff will assist with learning basic computer skills like email, web searching and MS Office programs, navigating apps and using your iOS or Android devices, getting started on resumes and cover letters, and more. No registration required, but capacity is limited. Ask for assistance at the Information Desk. People will be assisted in the order they arrive. Please note: It is easiest to assist people with more specific tasks, technical issues, or focused subjects for study (for example, "Learning how to print photos off my phone?"). That said, staff will work to help learners with more general issues (for example, "Learning about computers?"). If you need help right now, be sure to check out Tacoma Public Library's always available online computer learning and assistance resources as well as the free DigitalLearn online courses available from the Public Library Association.

Brick by Brick LEGO Club

Join us on the first and third Friday of month for Brick by Brick LEGO Club! Build a LEGO creation around the theme, or free build to your heart's content! All ages welcome. No registration required. Please leave your personal LEGOs at home.

Switch Saturday

Join us once a month at the Swasey library for a fun gaming session! Bring your Nintendo Switch, or your favorite handheld console. No Switch? No problem! Use ours, loaded with Smash Bros, Minecraft, Overcooked, and tons more! Hang out, talk games, and play your favori......More

Join us once a month at the Swasey library for a fun gaming session! Bring your Nintendo Switch, or your favorite handheld console. No Switch? No problem! Use ours, loaded with Smash Bros, Minecraft, Overcooked, and tons more! Hang out, talk games, and play your favorites on our projector. Be sure to check out our new circulating video game collection while you’re here!