Between the Mountain and the Sea

Tacoma Public Schools, in partnership with Tacoma Public Library, is hosting the Secondary TPS Student Art Exhibit. Featuring student work from 13 schools, the show is on display in the Handforth Gallery at the Main Library from January 16th- March 27th. Please join......More

Tacoma Public Schools, in partnership with Tacoma Public Library, is hosting the Secondary TPS Student Art Exhibit. Featuring student work from 13 schools, the show is on display in the Handforth Gallery at the Main Library from January 16th- March 27th. Please join us for our Opening Night Celebration of the exhibit on Wednesday, January 28th! The event will be held as an open house from 4:00-7:00pm, with a short program from 5:30-6:00pm to recognize the artists! This event is supported in part by the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma Arts Commission. In addition to viewing student art, we will have light refreshments, art activities, a collaborative community art piece and much more! We hope to see you on the 28th!

VITA Tax Help at the Main Library

Join us in the Olympic room for free, IRS-certified tax assistance through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program at the Tacoma Main Branch Library.  Services are available Tuesdays starting in February, from 12:30–5:30 PM. Trained volunteers can help with......More

Join us in the Olympic room for free, IRS-certified tax assistance through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program at the Tacoma Main Branch Library.  Services are available Tuesdays starting in February, from 12:30–5:30 PM. Trained volunteers can help with basic tax returns for qualifying individuals and families. No cost, no pressure, just trusted help filing your taxes. Help is provided on a first come basis.

Teen Time

Check out the Main library's teen area Tuesdays after school and join library staff in exploring new games, art projects and more. Each week we'll have a new activity covering everything from paper crafts and science experiments to tabletop games.

Digital Media Lab Intro

Get to know your new Digital Media Lab (DML) and learn what the possibilities are for voiceover, music recording, podcasting, and audio production. We will give an overview of the different tools, how they’re integrated into the computer workstation, and how you can ge......More

Get to know your new Digital Media Lab (DML) and learn what the possibilities are for voiceover, music recording, podcasting, and audio production. We will give an overview of the different tools, how they’re integrated into the computer workstation, and how you can get started in the right direction. Open to participants ages 12 and up. Located in the Main Branch Maker Lab - No experience necessary.

Creative Circle

Join us for an hour of casual crafting and socializing. Crafting projects may include papercraft, felting, rock painting and other fun activities. No experience is necessary. This is a chance for any and all beginner crafters who are looking for a way to express thems......More

Join us for an hour of casual crafting and socializing. Crafting projects may include papercraft, felting, rock painting and other fun activities. No experience is necessary. This is a chance for any and all beginner crafters who are looking for a way to express themselves creatively. All supplies will be provided.

Kid Program Kits: Craftopia Plumed Pencils

Craftopia is partnering with Tacoma Public Library to provide fun and free crafts for kids! Visit any of our branches starting Friday, March 27 to pick up a kit while supplies last. Ages 3 and up. Program kits are a fun wa......More

Craftopia is partnering with Tacoma Public Library to provide fun and free crafts for kids! Visit any of our branches starting Friday, March 27 to pick up a kit while supplies last. Ages 3 and up. Program kits are a fun way to bring our arts and crafts activities home with you. There is no live program element to program kits —take one home and let it spark your creativity!

Social Work Support with Samie

Drop-in to connect with Tacoma Public Library's Social Worker. Samie is happy to listen and assist patrons with resource navigation for a variety of needs related to housing, shelter, domestic violence, VA, employment, behavioral health, McKinney Vento or student supp......More

Drop-in to connect with Tacoma Public Library's Social Worker. Samie is happy to listen and assist patrons with resource navigation for a variety of needs related to housing, shelter, domestic violence, VA, employment, behavioral health, McKinney Vento or student support, and more!

Women's History Month Scavenger Hunt

March is Women's History Month. Join us at all our branch locations March 3-31st to help us celebrate women in art with a fun scavenger hunt. Learn interesting facts and earn a prize when you find them all!

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. Baby storytime is approximately 20 minutes long, followed by play time and an opportunity for grownups to connect and chat. 

Improve Computer Skills with Northstar Digital Literacy

Improve your confidence and knowledge of computer programs and important online topics in this one-hour workshop.  Library staff will demonstrate how Northstar works so that you can use it on your own from any computer. Create a free account to track progress and earn......More

Improve your confidence and knowledge of computer programs and important online topics in this one-hour workshop.  Library staff will demonstrate how Northstar works so that you can use it on your own from any computer. Create a free account to track progress and earn certifications and badges that demonstrate your skills. Topics include: Microsoft Office Products Basic Computer Skills Windows Mac OS Using Email Internet Basics and more

Anatomy of a Night Show

Anatomy of a Night Show will showcase the process behind the creation and execution of a Night Show. It will feature commentary from the executive team and youth volunteers detailing the production of the show and highlight important event and content production princi......More

Anatomy of a Night Show will showcase the process behind the creation and execution of a Night Show. It will feature commentary from the executive team and youth volunteers detailing the production of the show and highlight important event and content production principles for the community. Presented by the Night Media Foundation, funded by the City of Tacoma/Tacoma Creates, and hosted by Tacoma Public Library.

Drop-in Tech Help at Main

We can help with technology! Let Main Branch staff assist you with learning about and troubleshooting your computers and digital devices. Together, we’ll improve basic computer skills in these areas:  computers, tablets, e-readers, or smartphones setting up and usin......More

We can help with technology! Let Main Branch staff assist you with learning about and troubleshooting your computers and digital devices. Together, we’ll improve basic computer skills in these areas:  computers, tablets, e-readers, or smartphones setting up and using email or other similar accounts web searching word processing or related work using Microsoft or Google products finding books or other materials with the library catalog and online resources like Libby and Hoopla printing, photocopying, and scanning at the library No registration required, but time will be limited to 20–30-minute sessions. Patrons are helped in the order of arrival.  Depending on particular technical needs and goals, consider attending multiple Saturday sessions. If you need help right away, explore 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.

Slime in the Wonder Lab

Let’s see a chemical reaction. The Maker Lab will become a science lab as we join chemistry and fun together to make our own slime. Use different colors and add-ins to make your slime unique. Registration required. All supplies provided.

Skate & Create - An Interactive Skateboarding History Graphic Design Experience

Skate & Create - Using Skateboarding history as a lens we will explore art and design of various subcultures. Participants will get to look at and learn about how art on skateboards has evolved over time, impacted and influenced both pop and subcultures, get to practic......More

Skate & Create - Using Skateboarding history as a lens we will explore art and design of various subcultures. Participants will get to look at and learn about how art on skateboards has evolved over time, impacted and influenced both pop and subcultures, get to practice designing and drafting their own graphics, participate in games designs to explore semiotics and symbolism, and gain tools to visually express themselves. Participants would leave with a better understanding of the graphic design process, handmade stickers, and experience with several art mediums and tools. Funded by the City of Tacoma/Tacoma Creates, hosted by Tacoma Public Library, and presented by Alchemy Skateboarding.

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.