Public Library Systems

I think the local libraries are pretty comprehensive and pretty great. In Seattle you can get a card for the Seattle Public Library system. This library card, as we all probably know, gets you access to books, movies and other media.

Outside of the Seattle city limits, one can get a card for the King County Library System, among others. This library card grants access to similar, or sometimes different books, music, movies and other media.

Currently, SPL and KCLS have a reciprocal agreement that allows you to borrow something from the other library system if your own library doesn't have it. Depending on your address and which library system you belong to, you might be able to have your item transferred automatically via an interlibrary loan.

Here's information from KCLS and SPL about service areas.

If you're not eligible for an interlibrary loan from either KCLS or SPL, you might still be able to get a second library card for the other library system and check out your item directly.

My favorite part: if you're online at home you can login and manage your queue from your own computer. Or from wherever you are. Some popular books and movies might not be available right away but it's nice to see how many people have reserved it before you. Getting an e-mail notification when my item is ready is a nice touch.

The SPL now has mobile access to their catalog as well. Reserve an item on your phone at http://catalog.spl.org/mobile/.

Get your library card.