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 required—just drop in and start crafting! From painting and paper crafts to knitting and beyond, there’s something for everyone. Come as you are, leave with something handmade and a newfound sense of artistic joy. Basic crafting supplies will be provided.

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.

Crescent Moon Wall Hanging

Join us as we welcome Craftopia for Crescent Moon Wall Hangings! Create your own unique Crescent Moon Wall/Door Hanging. Learn how to form and wrap your moon from a traditional wreath frame. Choose from a variety of yarns and twines as your base, and add a variety of ......More

Join us as we welcome Craftopia for Crescent Moon Wall Hangings! Create your own unique Crescent Moon Wall/Door Hanging. Learn how to form and wrap your moon from a traditional wreath frame. Choose from a variety of yarns and twines as your base, and add a variety of beads, buttons, flowers and/or other embellishments to make your perfect décor. Recommended for ages 10+. Under 12 requires parental supervision. All materials and instruction provided. Registration is required for this event. 

Up and Atom: Winter Wonderland Science

Join us for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out different STEAM and craft activities. In this program, participants will explore the science behind snow and ice formation, learning about weather, states of matter, and crystallization. The hands-on activities will ......More

Join us for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out different STEAM and craft activities. In this program, participants will explore the science behind snow and ice formation, learning about weather, states of matter, and crystallization. The hands-on activities will include making fake snow and creating candy crystals.

Español/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. ¿Quieres practicar tu ingles? Acompaña a nuestro grupo de charla para intercambiar inglés y espa......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. ¿Quieres practicar tu ingles? Acompaña a nuestro grupo de charla para intercambiar inglés y español 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.

Tiny Tots with Tacoma Little Theatre

Tiny Tots is a program presented by Tacoma Little Theatre geared towards 2-5 year-olds (and their caregivers). Bring your toddlers, tots and young ones to enjoy an interactive storytelling experience. All are welcome and invited to use their voices and bodies to help ......More

Tiny Tots is a program presented by Tacoma Little Theatre geared towards 2-5 year-olds (and their caregivers). Bring your toddlers, tots and young ones to enjoy an interactive storytelling experience. All are welcome and invited to use their voices and bodies to help tell the story with us! Typically, you'll learn a little bit about what theatre is and enjoy a familiar tale with themes we all can connect with. Presented by Tacoma Little Theatre, funded by Tacoma Creates, and hosted by the Tacoma Public Library!

Teen RPG!

Calling all adventurers! Join us for an epic role-playing game event where you and your friends will embark on a thrilling quest to uncover the secrets of Sheamus.  Dive into a world of magic, mystery, and danger as you navigate through the little town of Tusk, an anc......More

Calling all adventurers! Join us for an epic role-playing game event where you and your friends will embark on a thrilling quest to uncover the secrets of Sheamus.  Dive into a world of magic, mystery, and danger as you navigate through the little town of Tusk, an ancient swamp bearing a witch and her slime minions, and dangerous underground rooms. What to Expect: Character Creation: Develop your hero's skills and personality based on given narratives. Interactive Storytelling: Make choices that shape the journey's story and impact the outcome of your quest. Team Challenges: Work together to solve puzzles, defeat monsters, and overcome obstacles. Epic Battles: Engage in exciting combat scenarios using dice and strategy. Whether you're a seasoned RPG player or new to the world of role-playing games, this event promises to be an unforgettable adventure. Join us for an afternoon of imagination, teamwork, and fun!

Up and Atom: STEM Into the New Year!

Join us for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out different STEAM and craft activities. Ring in the new year with science, creativity, and discovery! This week participants race balloon rockets, learn about chromatography while making colorful fireworks, and make sp......More

Join us for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out different STEAM and craft activities. Ring in the new year with science, creativity, and discovery! This week participants race balloon rockets, learn about chromatography while making colorful fireworks, and make special STEM wish crafts to start the year off with imagination and innovation.

Books on Tap

Let's make merry! For the month of December we want to know what books you've read and loved this year. Bring 1 or 2 of your favorites to share with the group. We'll compile a "Books on Tap Recommends" booklist for the website. Books on Tap will resume its regular book......More

Let's make merry! For the month of December we want to know what books you've read and loved this year. Bring 1 or 2 of your favorites to share with the group. We'll compile a "Books on Tap Recommends" booklist for the website. Books on Tap will resume its regular book discussion format in January. Hope you can join us!

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.

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.

How To Library--Account Basics

Join us for How to Library, where you can learn all about your Tacoma Public Library card, how to use it, and all of the cool things it can do for you. This session will focus on account basics. Learn how to set up your account, place/pause holds, and other introductor......More

Join us for How to Library, where you can learn all about your Tacoma Public Library card, how to use it, and all of the cool things it can do for you. This session will focus on account basics. Learn how to set up your account, place/pause holds, and other introductory topics to help get you reading or listening to just what you want! 

Up and Atom: Shocking Science! Exploring Static Electricity

Join us for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out different STEAM and craft activities. Learn about static electricity with SHOCKING experiments

Learn to Play Mah Jongg

Join us for hand-on practice in a welcoming environment and connect with Other Mah Jongg enthusiasts. All levels are invited to participate in this interactive session to learn the fundamentals, strategies, and social aspects of the game. No prior experience r......More

Join us for hand-on practice in a welcoming environment and connect with Other Mah Jongg enthusiasts. All levels are invited to participate in this interactive session to learn the fundamentals, strategies, and social aspects of the game. No prior experience required—just bring your curiosity. Register for one date or all the dates. Choose what works best for you!

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.

Teen Time

Welcome all teens! Middle School and High School students are invited to join us at the Swasey branch Teen Time.  Meet new friends, relax, play games, work on homework, or make a craft.  We'll do something different each time! Activities will be provided for free a......More

Welcome all teens! Middle School and High School students are invited to join us at the Swasey branch Teen Time.  Meet new friends, relax, play games, work on homework, or make a craft.  We'll do something different each time! Activities will be provided for free and the fun you create will be priceless!

Family STEAM Night with Greentrike

Bring the whole family together to explore concepts of science, technology, engineering, art, and math, also known as STEAM. Presented by Greentrike, funded by the City of Tacoma/Tacoma Cre......More

Bring the whole family together to explore concepts of science, technology, engineering, art, and math, also known as STEAM. Presented by Greentrike, funded by the City of Tacoma/Tacoma Creates, 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.