Grab a Seattle Public Library museum pass and unlock adventure at some of the Puget Sound’s best destinations – including MoPOP, Seattle Aquarium and more! Your little library card can save you hundreds of dollars on admission to some of the area’s top destinations.
In this article, we’re going to unravel what the Seattle Public Library museum pass is, who is eligible and how you can get one for yourself. We’ll also talk about some other incredible benefits you can get just by having a Seattle Public Library card!
The library card is free. The admission is free. The movies are free. Everything’s FREE! What’s not to love?!
About the Seattle Public Library Museum Pass
You can check out a museum pass once every 30 days through the Seattle Public Library Museum Pass program. This is a great way to explore Seattle’s coolest destinations for free!
What is the Seattle Public Library Museum Pass?
The Seattle Public Library Museum Pass is a special program that allows SPL cardholders to check out single-use admission tickets to select destinations in the Seattle area.
It is important to remember that this is a limited program. Your library card does not constitute a membership. You have to check out a single-use pass for a specific date. There are limits on which venues you can visit and how often you can check out museum passes as well.
For more ways to get free admission to places like MoPop and Woodland Park Zoo, be sure to check out our list of EBT discounts, Blue Star Museums and free admission days as well.
How do I use the SPL Museum Pass?
The online system makes it easy. You just need to go to the Seattle Public Library website, browse the available passes, and then request an available pass. You will use your library card number to reserve it.
On the date of your reservation, you will need to bring your printed pass and photo ID to the museum. You do not need to have a physical library card as long as you have the printed pass. You can even print the pass free at your local library branch!
Your pass is only valid for the date that you selected at reservation. If something happens and you can’t attend, you need to cancel right away. Cancellations are accepted until 12pm the day before your reservation. If you cancel in time, you can request a new pass for a different date right away. If you don’t cancel in time, you will have to wait 30 days before you can make another request.
What museums accept the Seattle Public Library Museum Pass?
There are many destinations around Seattle that participate in the SPL Museum Pass program. It is important to understand that each destination sets its own rules and limitations on the program.
- Burke Museum: Explore the wonders of natural history and cultural heritage with a companion for free; toddlers three and younger are welcomed at no charge.
- Center for Wooden Boats: Enjoy a unique adventure on Lake Union, where one adult and three companions can navigate the waters in a historic rowboat for an hour at no cost.
- Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum: A family outing awaits with free entry for two adults and three youths, immersing visitors in the world of aviation and military history.
- Henry Art Gallery: Dive into contemporary art with a friend; the gallery is complimentary for adults, and those under 18 are invited to join without a fee.
- Museum of Flight: Soar through the history of aviation with free admission for two adults and two children (ages 5-17), while the youngest explorers (four and under) enter free.
- Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI): Discover Seattle’s rich past with a companion at no charge, and bring along children under 14 for a free educational journey.
- Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Engage with contemporary pop culture alongside two adults and two children (ages 5-17) for free, with free admission for the littlest fans (four and under).
- National Nordic Museum: Immerse yourself and a guest in the heritage of Nordic countries without an entry fee, celebrating the vibrant stories and cultures.
- Seattle Aquarium: Delve into marine life with free entry for up to four guests; toddlers three and under can also experience the wonders of the ocean at no cost.
- Seattle Art Museum: Wander through global art collections with a friend for free, and invite children under 14 to join in appreciating artistic expressions without a fee.
- Wing Luke Museum: Explore Asian Pacific American culture with another person for free, offering insights into the rich history and contributions of the community.
- Woodland Park Zoo: Roam among the animals and natural habitats with three companions; infants two and under enjoy the wonders of wildlife for free.
Since you can check out one Seattle Public Library Museum Pass every 30 days, it would take around a year to visit each of these destinations this way. However, many of these destinations offer other free admission programs as well.
Other Seattle Public Library Perks
There are many other advantages to having a Seattle Public Library card as well! In addition to the incredible and versatile Seattle Public Library Museum Pass program, you can also get access to free streaming services and other benefits as well!
Borrow the Internet
If you don’t have internet access at home, you can also check out a SPL HotSpot for up to three weeks! These online hotspots can connect to your laptop, tablet, and other devices so that you have access to internet at home. In fact, it can connect to up to 15 devices at a time!
Anyone who has a SPL card can borrow a free hotspot. They are in high demand, so the library encourages you to place a hold if you are interested in taking one.
If you won’t be able to get one right away or if three weeks just doesn’t seem long enough, be sure to check out our guide to free and low cost internet services!
Streaming Services
Your Seattle Public Library card gives you access to many different streaming services, including:
- Access Video provides on-demand access to documentaries, performances, and educational videos from well-known providers like PBS and BBC. Stream an unlimited number of videos directly to your computer or tablet using your library card, with no app or software required.
- Hoopla allows you to stream videos, TV shows or music albums on your own device. You can access up to 15 titles per month with your Seattle Public Library card. Videos expire in 72 hours, music albums can be kept for up to a week.
- Kanopy offers a vast selection of over 30,000 independent, classic films, documentaries, and TV shows. With your Seattle Public Library card, you can use up to 15 tickets each month to stream content. Videos are accessible for 72 hours after you start watching them.
The library has decided to stop offering access to Freegal Music in 2024, so this service is no longer available.
Online Subscription Services
Tired of getting hit with a paywall when you try to read the New York Times online? Your SPL card can help with that! When you use your library card credentials, you can also access exclusive online libraries like these:
- Flipster lets you enjoy digital magazines, offering over 80 current titles. With just your library card, you can browse, borrow, and read popular magazines on your PC, Mac, or mobile device. The borrowing period varies by magazine, ranging from 3 days to a month.
- PressReader grants access to more than 7,000 magazines and newspapers in over 60 languages, presented in their original format. Log in with your library card to explore global publications, with the option to download the PressReader app for more convenient reading.
- New York Times Digital provides unlimited access to news, games, cooking, and more. After creating a free NYTimes account and using a link to redeem a three-day access code, you can enjoy the full range of NYT content. Continual access requires renewing the code every three days.
- Wall Street Journal Digital offers unlimited access to all WSJ content via browser on any device. Start by creating a free account and enjoy three days of free access, which can be renewed by logging in again with the same credentials.
- The Washington Post Digital allows unlimited access to its content from library branches or via a browser on any device. A free Washington Post account is needed to activate a seven-day access period, which can be extended by logging in again with the same account information.
Online Learning Tools
Your Seattle Public Library card can also unlock access to many exclusive online learning services, such as LinkedIn Learning and Mango Languages.
As of our latest update, the Seattle Public Library offers access to these online learning tools:
- LinkedIn Learning empowers you to learn new skills at your own pace, with thousands of courses in various subjects.
- Mango Languages is an interactive tool that improves conversation skills in more than 70 languages for both children and adults.
- Microsoft Learn helps prepare you for school or career advancements by offering knowledge improvement in Microsoft products and technologies.
- News for You Online assists in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English through news articles designed for English Language learners.
- O’Reilly Complete Public Library enhances your computer and business skills with access to a vast range of titles and videos.
- ProLiteracy Education Network provides a collection of self-paced courses, videos, and resources supporting adult literacy and English language learning.
- Signing Savvy offers an opportunity to learn American Sign Language online through a visual dictionary.
- Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for K-12 students, adult learners, and job seekers, connecting them with live tutors.
Other Essential Services
The Seattle Public Library offers a number of other essential services for people in the area as well.
- Citizenship Help is available to help you prepare to become a United States citizen. The library offers classes and tools that can help you learn English and study for your citizenship test.
- Library to Business Program helps entrepreneurs start and grow their own businesses through free classes, workshops and other assistance.
- Social Services Referrals can help you connect with resources, housing, employment and more. They also offer special services for veterans, people who have been formerly incarcerated, and low income people as well.
- Tax Help is available through the Seattle Public Library’s partnership with AARP and The United Way of King County. You may be able to get free tax assistance!
How to Get a Seattle Public Library Card
Getting a Seattle Public Library card is easy! If you live, work or go to school in King County, you can get a free Seattle Public Library card.
You can apply for your SPL card online or in-person at a local branch. The library will verify your address to make sure that you qualify. If you want to pick up a physical card, you will need to bring a valid piece of identification to your nearest branch.
If you don’t live, work or go to school in King County, you may be able to get a reciprocal Seattle Public Library card anyway! Washington libraries, including a Seattle library, have excellent reciprocal programs. If you have a library card from Everett, Kitsap, King County, Pierce County, Puyallup, Sno-Isle or Timberland libraries, then you may be eligible to get a Seattle Library card through the reciprocal programs! Just bring your library card into the Seattle Library for more information.
Relief Recap
The Seattle Public Library museum pass is an incredible resource that can help you unlock adventure across the Seattle area. In addition, the library offers additional services that can help you connect with social services, stream free movies, borrow free internet hotspots and more. If you’re low income in the King County area, you need to visit the Seattle Public Library to discover all the ways they can help you!
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.