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.

Wonder Lab Basics: 3-D Printing

Learn how to use the 3D Printer. Participants will get an overview of the 3D printer and how it works. We will give an overview of the parts of the 3D printer, resources for finding or creating your own 3D prints, and the slicer software. Ages 17 and younger are welcom......More

Learn how to use the 3D Printer. Participants will get an overview of the 3D printer and how it works. We will give an overview of the parts of the 3D printer, resources for finding or creating your own 3D prints, and the slicer software. Ages 17 and younger are welcome with caregiver participation. No experience necessary.

Up and Atom: How to Build an Insect

Join us in the Olympic room for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out a different STEAM activity each week. This week we are learning all about creepy crawlies, as we explore the names and functions of different insect body parts. Once we understand how bug bodies w......More

Join us in the Olympic room for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out a different STEAM activity each week. This week we are learning all about creepy crawlies, as we explore the names and functions of different insect body parts. Once we understand how bug bodies work, we can get creative to build our own insect models using a combination of art supplies and upcycled materials.

Community Building Zine Workshops

Join us as we partner with Tacoma Tool Library and UP WA Indivisible to bring monthly zine making workshops to the library. We will provide all the supplies you need to make a zine of your own including crafting supplies, guidance from other zine makers and free photoc......More

Join us as we partner with Tacoma Tool Library and UP WA Indivisible to bring monthly zine making workshops to the library. We will provide all the supplies you need to make a zine of your own including crafting supplies, guidance from other zine makers and free photocopying. Participants will also have the chance to add copies of their zine to the Community Zine Library for other members of the community to take and enjoy. This event will take place on the second floor of the Tacoma Public Library's Main branch in the Mixing Chamber. The event is free, family-friendly and open to participants of any skill level, including first time zine makers.

Habitat for Humanity Pop-Up

Affordable Homeownership Starts Here! Connect with a housing counselor to learn about financial wellness and homeownership services through Tacoma–Pierce County Habitat for Humanity.

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!

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. 

Family Storytime

Join us in the Children's area 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......More

Join us in the Children's area 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.

Brick by Brick LEGO Club

Join us in the Cascade Room for Brick by Brick LEGO Club! Free build to your heart's content! All ages welcome. No registration required. Please leave your personal LEGOs at home.

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!

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.

Wonder Lab Basics: Cricut Machine

Learn how to use the Cricut Maker 3. We will give an overview of the different parts and pieces and introduce you to the software that will make your projects come to life. Ages 17 and younger are welcome with caregiver participation. No experience necessary.

Kid Program Kits: Craftopia Pop Tab Rings

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

Craftopia is partnering with Tacoma Public Library to provide fun and free crafts for kids! Visit any of our branches starting Friday, April 3 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!

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. 

Board Game Meetup at Main

Join library staff for an afternoon of games. Adults of all ages are welcome to gather to play favorite board and card games, and to socialize.  We'll have an array of classic board games, cards, Cribbage, Backgammon, and Mancala available. A puzzle will also be on ha......More

Join library staff for an afternoon of games. Adults of all ages are welcome to gather to play favorite board and card games, and to socialize.  We'll have an array of classic board games, cards, Cribbage, Backgammon, and Mancala available. A puzzle will also be on hand to work on.