Washington State Library (WSL in Tumwater)
The Washington State Library is somewhat unique in that it is a resource for all people in Washington. It has lots of material and much of that can be accessed without even needing a card. While it doesn’t have third-party online databases such as Ancestry Library or HeritageQuest, it does have large digital collections of its own. It also acts as a broker to purchase online services for library systems within Washington. Along with the Washington State Archives, discussed in another post in this series, it operates under the office of the Washington Secretary of State.
Free WSL Library Card
To receive a WSL library card, if you are 18 or older and live in Washington, you may either come to the Washington State Library in-person, or fill out the Library Card Application on their site and send it to them via email, fax, or regular mail with identification and address verification.
Purchase a WSL Card
No method listed on their site.
Obtain a WSL Card Online
WSL now offers an e-card. If you select the e-card option, they will email you your library card number, but will not issue you an actual card. This option is ideal if you are only going to use your library card to access their ProQuest database of WA newspapers. Include: Your completed library card application, a copy of your ID, and address verification if the address on your ID isn't current, if your ID is not from WA, or your ID does not list your address. It appears you need an actual card to use their ILL; described below.
Interlibrary Loan at WSL
The State Library offers limited ILL for library card holders in the areas of Pacific Northwest history or culture, genealogy, Federal government publications, or Washington State government publications. The State Library is only able to borrow items from libraries that do not charge a fee for lending materials. If the only lending library available charges a fee, the State Library will not be able to borrow the item for you. You must have a valid Washington State Library card to use the Resource Sharing service. The State Library does not charge for using the Resource Sharing service.
Post Series Roadmap
These posts need not be viewed in any particular order, and Hoquiam residents will be less interested in the “Libraries to Consider” while Ocean Shores residents will be less interested in the “Seattle’s Special” topic.
The Washington State Library is somewhat unique in that it is a resource for all people in Washington. It has lots of material and much of that can be accessed without even needing a card. While it doesn’t have third-party online databases such as Ancestry Library or HeritageQuest, it does have large digital collections of its own. It also acts as a broker to purchase online services for library systems within Washington. Along with the Washington State Archives, discussed in another post in this series, it operates under the office of the Washington Secretary of State.
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| Washington State Library Web Site Welcome Page |
Free WSL Library Card
To receive a WSL library card, if you are 18 or older and live in Washington, you may either come to the Washington State Library in-person, or fill out the Library Card Application on their site and send it to them via email, fax, or regular mail with identification and address verification.
Purchase a WSL Card
No method listed on their site.
Obtain a WSL Card Online
WSL now offers an e-card. If you select the e-card option, they will email you your library card number, but will not issue you an actual card. This option is ideal if you are only going to use your library card to access their ProQuest database of WA newspapers. Include: Your completed library card application, a copy of your ID, and address verification if the address on your ID isn't current, if your ID is not from WA, or your ID does not list your address. It appears you need an actual card to use their ILL; described below.
Interlibrary Loan at WSL
The State Library offers limited ILL for library card holders in the areas of Pacific Northwest history or culture, genealogy, Federal government publications, or Washington State government publications. The State Library is only able to borrow items from libraries that do not charge a fee for lending materials. If the only lending library available charges a fee, the State Library will not be able to borrow the item for you. You must have a valid Washington State Library card to use the Resource Sharing service. The State Library does not charge for using the Resource Sharing service.
Post Series Roadmap
These posts need not be viewed in any particular order, and Hoquiam residents will be less interested in the “Libraries to Consider” while Ocean Shores residents will be less interested in the “Seattle’s Special” topic.
- North Beach Geneaology Goes to the Library – An introduction to this post series
- Regional Library Access – includes a table of what is offered at many libraries in our region
- Nearby Libraries – Ocean Shores Public Library, Timberland Regional Library, and Grays Harbor College Library
- Washington State Library – This post
- Other Public Libraries for OS – Pierce County Library, Kitsap Regional Library, and North Olympic Library may offer cards to OS residents, or not
- Seattle's Special – The Seattle Public Library offers some things no other system can match. It’s nice to be giant and rich!
- Beyond the Library – All the genealogy you could ever want without a trip out-of-state
