Reciprocal Agreements with Nearby Library Systems
We have reciprocal agreements in place with a number of nearby library systems. That means Seattle residents are eligible for Library cards at those systems. Additionally, patrons of those libraries can get a free Seattle Public Library card.
Our reciprocal agreements give our patrons, and the patrons of those libraries, access to more books, programs and services.
If You Live in Seattle
Seattle residents can sign up for Library cards at the following library systems. That means more books, programs and services for you!
Please click the links for each library system to learn about their application processes.
If You Live Outside Seattle
You may be eligible for a free Seattle Public Library card through one of our reciprocal agreements with nearby library systems.
King County Library System (KCLS)
If you live, work, go to school or own property in King County (even outside the city of Seattle) you qualify for a free Seattle Public Library card through our reciprocal agreement with the King County Library System. (The only exceptions are the towns of Hunts Point and Yarrow Point, which are not part of the King County Library System.)
You also qualify for a free card if you live within the city limits of Bothell (which is in both King and Snohomish counties).
Other Nearby Libraries
You can also get a free Seattle Public Library card if you have a current Library card from:
- Everett Public Library
- Kitsap Regional Library
- Pierce County Library System
- Puyallup Public Library
- Sno-Isle Regional Library System
- Tacoma Public Library
- Timberland Regional Library
We will ask you to show us your reciprocal library card in order to qualify for a free Seattle Public Library card.
Learn more about how to sign up for a Seattle Public Library card.
What You Can Borrow
As a reciprocal borrower, you have the same in-person and remote checkout privileges that apply to SPL borrowers.
There are two differences to note:
- You can place holds on SPL materials, but you must pick them up at a Seattle Public Library location.
- Interlibrary loan requests are not available for reciprocal borrowers.
Returning Your Materials
Under our reciprocal borrowing agreements, you can return Seattle Public Library materials to two nearby library systems:
- King County Library System (KCLS)
- Timberland Regional Library (TRL)
That means that if you return Seattle Public Library items to a KCLS or TRL location, they’ll deliver them (and we’ll do the same for KCLS or TRL items).
Even though we deliver items once a week, it may take several weeks for your items to show as checked in on your account.
Paid Library Cards for Non-Residents
If you do not qualify for a free card, there are two types of paid Library cards:
- Visitor cards cost $25 for people living in Seattle for a short time. They are valid for three months, and cardholders can check out up to five items at a time.
- Non-resident cards cost $85 for Washington state residents who live outside the Seattle area. They are valid for one year, and cardholders can check out up to 50 items at a time.
Link Your SPL and KCLS Catalog Accounts
If you have a Seattle Public Library (SPL) card, you can link your SPL account to your King County Library System (KCLS) account. (KCLS is currently the only of our reciprocal library systems with which you can link your SPL account.) This allows you to use a single username and password to create and access lists and shelves in the catalog.
Step 1: Set up a catalog account with your home Library.
- Go to My Account
- Enter your Library card barcode and PIN
- Create a username for logging into the catalog
Step 2: Connect to the other Library.
- You need a Library card barcode and PIN number from the other Library
- Choose My Settings from the account menu of your existing catalog account
- Select My Library Cards
- Select Link a Card
- Enter the Library card barcode and PIN from the other Library
- Once your accounts are connected you can switch between accounts by selecting Switch Library Account on your Library Dashboard.
If you already have both SPL and KCLS catalog accounts:
- Library staff will need to remove one of your catalog accounts before you can link your accounts.
- You should have the account you use less removed. If you have created any of these, they will be deleted when your account is removed:
- Lists
- Shelves
- Tags
- Saved searches
- Comments
- Ratings
- Contact the Library with the account you want to remove. You will need your username and barcode for that Library.
Your holds and checkouts are not affected when you remove a catalog login or link accounts.