something for everyone

Children & Teens

The library offers fun and engaging programs for children and teens, including storytimes, crafts, clubs, and special events that spark creativity, learning, and connection—all in a welcoming space just for them.

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Children & Families
  • Children & Families

    Children & Teens

    The library offers fun and engaging programs for children and teens, including storytimes, crafts, clubs, and special events that spark creativity, learning, and connection—all in a welcoming space just for them.

  • programs & Events

    Programs & Events

    Discover something new at the library! From engaging programs to fun community events, there’s always something happening for all ages—learn, connect, and be inspired.

  • Catalog

    Catalog

    The library catalog makes it easy to find books, movies, and more—search, explore, and discover everything the library has to offer.

  • Get a Library Card

    Get your library card today!

    Getting a library card is quick and free—sign up to unlock access to books, digital resources, programs, and more at your library.

  • programs & Events

    Programs & Events

    Discover something new at the library! From engaging programs to fun community events, there’s always something happening for all ages—learn, connect, and be inspired.

  • Catalog

    Catalog

    The library catalog makes it easy to find books, movies, and more—search, explore, and discover everything the library has to offer.

  • Get a Library Card

    Get your library card today!

    Getting a library card is quick and free—sign up to unlock access to books, digital resources, programs, and more at your library.

Where Washington Comes to Read, Learn, and Connect

📖 A Downtown Gem

Located right in historic downtown Washington, the library serves as a vibrant community hub for books, learning, and events.

🌟 Big Collection

The library boasts a collection of over ~47,000 items — including books, DVDs, audiobooks, and magazines for all ages.

🎉 Events for All

From storytimes and crafts to special programs and clubs, there’s always something fun happening for kids, teens, and adults alike.

📇 More Than Books

You can get a free library card, access digital resources, and apply for a passport right at the library!

📚 Centennial

For over 100 years, the Washington Public Library has been a place for learning, connection, and community pride.

📜 Founded in 1925

The Washington Public Library began in 1925, started by local civic groups who wanted free access to books for everyone.

🗳️ Our Community

In 1937, Washington voters approved funding to officially support the library — a big step in securing its future.

🏛️ We've Grown

What started in a small space in City Hall has grown over the decades into a modern library that reflects the city’s growth.

WHAT WE'RE READING

the correspondent book cover
FICTION

THE CORRESPONDENT

by Virginia Evans

Letters from someone she used to know push Sybil Van Antwerp toward revisiting her past and finding a way to forgive.

the housemaid book cover
FICTION

THE HOUSEMAID

by Freida McFadden

Troubles surface when a woman looking to make a fresh start takes a job in the home of the Winchesters.

the body keeps score book cover
NON-FICTION

THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE

by Bessel van der Kolk

How trauma affects the body and mind, and innovative treatments for recovery.

the anxious generation book cover
NON-FICTION

THE ANXIOUS GENERATION

by Jonathan Haidt

A co-author of “The Coddling of the American Mind” looks at the mental health impacts that a phone-based life has on children.

little blue truck
CHILDREN

LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S VALENTINE

by Alice Schertle. Illustrated by Jill McElmurry

Little Blue Truck delivers Valentine's Day cards to all his farm animal friends. (Ages 4 and up)

Spotlight

maya angelou

"I always felt, if I could get to a library, I'll be ok."

- Maya Angelou

library is paradise

"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library."

- Jorge Luis Borges

jane austen

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”

- Jane Austen

albert einstein

"The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library."

- Albert Einstein