Seattle Central Library050

The Seattle Public Library system's glamorous downtown Central Library opened in 2004 and is a must-visit site if you're in the city with kids. In addition to its status as the current national It building, the Children's Section is large, decorated in clear, bright colors, and perfect for rainy day - or any-day - family hangouts, which are not plentiful downtown. Look for plenty of dedicated computer terminals.

SPL has 26 other branches throughout the city. Patrons with library cards may check out up to 100 items, after an initial month-long period in which they may check out five items at a time. Overdue fines are $0.15 per day, but are not charged for children's materials.

Free library cards are available to anyone who lives, works, attends schools, or owns property within the Seattle Public Library area. Guest cards are also available to non-residents for a fee. Sign up for a card at any branch library or online.

If you have questions about the library, or need help accessing Internet information or the library's online resources, use Live Chat. A patron can chat online with a librarian 24/7. Visit the library's Web site and click on Ask A Question, then choose Live Help.

The library system hosts a variety of free educational programs - including preschool storytimes - for children and families during the school year and throughout the summer. In addition to kids' summer workshops, look for summer workshops and classes for teens.

If you have a child aged birth to three, ask about the library's Baby Boxes. Six to 10 themed books, a music tape, finger plays, and an adult resource book are collected in a sturdy plastic box for checkout. Topics cover such common early childhood themes as family, music, animals, and potty training. This is an excellent resource for long car trips, illnesses, or rainy days.