Family Storytime

Join us for stories, songs, and other fun learning activities designed to develop language, literacy and social skills in an environment the whole family can enjoy. Storytime is followed by play time and an opportunity for grownups to connect and chat. Want to continu......More

Join us for stories, songs, and other fun learning activities designed to develop language, literacy and social skills in an environment the whole family can enjoy. Storytime is followed by play time and an opportunity for grownups to connect and chat. Want to continue the fun at home? View these fun Storytime song and book recommendations here.

EspaĂąol/English Chat Group

Want to practice your Spanish? Join us at the Swasey branch to exchange English and Spanish. Any level of knowledge is welcome to participate in this language exchange. ÂżQuieres practicar tu ingles? AcompaĂąa a nuestro grupo de charla para intercambiar inglĂŠs y e......More

Want to practice your Spanish? Join us at the Swasey branch to exchange English and Spanish. Any level of knowledge is welcome to participate in this language exchange. ÂżQuieres practicar tu ingles? AcompaĂąa a nuestro grupo de charla para intercambiar inglĂŠs y espaĂąol en la Biblioteca Swasey. Cualquier nivel de conocimiento es bienvenido a participar en este intercambio de idiomas.

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.

Creative Expressions: Open Crafting for Adults

Unleash your creativity in a welcoming, relaxed environment! Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just exploring a new hobby, this open crafting program is designed for adults looking to create, connect, and unwind. Bring your own project or experiment with provided su......More

Unleash your creativity in a welcoming, relaxed environment! Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just exploring a new hobby, this open crafting program is designed for adults looking to create, connect, and unwind. Bring your own project or experiment with provided supplies while enjoying casual conversation and inspiration from fellow craft enthusiasts. No registration requiredâjust drop in and start crafting! From painting and paper crafts to knitting and beyond, thereâs something for everyone. Come as you are, leave with something handmade and a newfound sense of artistic joy. Basic crafting supplies will be provided.

Author Visit & Storytime with Bonita Lee

đ Storytime with Author Bonita Lee: Go On, Lil' Sista, Go On! An empowering afternoon of storytelling, imagination, and joy! Join us for a special storytime with local writer Bonita Lee, author of Go on Lilâ Sista, Go Onâa poetic anthem and uplifting reminder to young......More

đ Storytime with Author Bonita Lee: Go On, Lil' Sista, Go On! An empowering afternoon of storytelling, imagination, and joy! Join us for a special storytime with local writer Bonita Lee, author of Go on Lilâ Sista, Go Onâa poetic anthem and uplifting reminder to young Black girls that they can be anything they want to be!  Bonitaâs debut children's book is a celebration of strength, self-love, and cultural pride. đ This vibrant, heartfelt story not only gives Black girls powerful visual representation and voice, but also helps all children appreciate the beauty and diversity of the Black Diaspora.  Bonita believes every childâBlack and non-Blackâdeserves to see Black girls as heroes in the books they read. This event is perfect for young readers and their families, because this book allows all people to have a shared cultural experience that fosters an appreciation for ethnicities other than their own. Come ready to clap, cheer, and celebrate the magic of books that lift us all up!  đâ¨

Up and Atom: Crayon Holder

Join us for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out different STEAM and craft activities. Today, kids will transform a simple cup into a colorful crayon holder using mini craft sticks. This fun project helps develop fine motor skills and adds a personalized touch to yo......More

Join us for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out different STEAM and craft activities. Today, kids will transform a simple cup into a colorful crayon holder using mini craft sticks. This fun project helps develop fine motor skills and adds a personalized touch to your art supplies. Perfect for organizing your crayons in style!

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 requiredâjust bring your curiosity. Register for one date or all the dates.  Choose what works best for you!  

Brick by Brick LEGO Club

Join us on select Wednesdays 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.

A Gathering of Poets

Ever want to participate in a conversation with local poets? Now is your chance! Come visit with the poets of #VoicesofTacoma who have published an anthology of their most recent works. Feel free to bring your questions, your poetic ideas, and/or your own works for sha......More

Ever want to participate in a conversation with local poets? Now is your chance! Come visit with the poets of #VoicesofTacoma who have published an anthology of their most recent works. Feel free to bring your questions, your poetic ideas, and/or your own works for sharing. If there is time, we will also use it to create poetry! Be among us with rhythm and rhyme, speak words for our chosen time-- join us!

Family Storytime

Join us for stories, songs, and other fun learning activities designed to develop language, literacy and social skills in an environment the whole family can enjoy. Storytime is followed by play time and an opportunity for grownups to connect and chat. Want to continu......More

Join us for stories, songs, and other fun learning activities designed to develop language, literacy and social skills in an environment the whole family can enjoy. Storytime is followed by play time and an opportunity for grownups to connect and chat. Want to continue the fun at home? View these fun Storytime song and book recommendations here.

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.