Drop-in Tech Help @ Swasey Branch

Swasey Branch staff will assist with learning basic computer skills like email, web searching and MS Office programs, navigating apps and using your iOS or Android devices, getting started on resumes and cover letters, and more. No registration required, but capacity ......More

Swasey Branch staff will assist with learning basic computer skills like email, web searching and MS Office programs, navigating apps and using your iOS or Android devices, getting started on resumes and cover letters, and more. No registration required, but capacity is limited. Ask for assistance at the Information Desk. People will be assisted in the order they arrive. Please note: It is easiest to assist people with more specific tasks, technical issues, or focused subjects for study (for example, "Learning how to print photos off my phone?"). That said, staff will work to help learners with more general issues (for example, "Learning about computers?"). If you need help right now, be sure to check out Tacoma Public Library's always available online computer learning and assistance resources as well as the free DigitalLearn online courses available from the Public Library Association.

Basic Computer Skills

Join instructors from Black Brilliance  to explore the basic hardware of a computer & gain essential knowledge of how a computer works. Those who complete one of the basic computer skills workshops can apply for a free laptop to use their skills beyond the workshop. ......More

Join instructors from Black Brilliance  to explore the basic hardware of a computer & gain essential knowledge of how a computer works. Those who complete one of the basic computer skills workshops can apply for a free laptop to use their skills beyond the workshop. To register, call 253-593-6641 ext 142 or Registration Form *These workshops and devices have been possible because of the Pierce County Digital Literacy and Digital Equity Services grant.

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Pop-Up

Stop by the Swasey Branch for a special tabling event with the Tacoma–Pierce County Health Department! Learn about local health resources, services, and programs available to you and your family. Whether you're curious about wellness, prevention, or community support, ......More

Stop by the Swasey Branch for a special tabling event with the Tacoma–Pierce County Health Department! Learn about local health resources, services, and programs available to you and your family. Whether you're curious about wellness, prevention, or community support, their team will be here to answer questions and share helpful information. All are welcome to connect and explore what’s available in your community!

Brick by Brick LEGO Club

Join us on the first and third Friday of month for Brick by Brick LEGO Club! Build a LEGO creation around the theme, or free build to your heart's content! All ages welcome. No registration required. Please leave your personal LEGOs at home.

Annie's Little Linguistics

Come and practice your language skills!  Students from Annie Wright will lead youth ages 5 through 12 through an exploration of a language's basic vocabulary while doing fun and engaging activities such as crafts, sing-a-longs, and more.   From the pool of students,......More

Come and practice your language skills!  Students from Annie Wright will lead youth ages 5 through 12 through an exploration of a language's basic vocabulary while doing fun and engaging activities such as crafts, sing-a-longs, and more.   From the pool of students, there is expertise in Spanish, French, Mandarin, Ukrainian, Polish, Vietnamese, and Japanese. To learn more about this student led project, visit www.annieslittlelinguists.com

Lego Printmaking with FabLab Education

Printmaking with Lego! Create your own print using Lego tiles! Arrange Lego tiles on a baseplate creating your own design to hand-print and take home! All supplies will be provided. Ages 6 and up. Younger ages with adult assistance. Presented by FabLab Education, fun......More

Printmaking with Lego! Create your own print using Lego tiles! Arrange Lego tiles on a baseplate creating your own design to hand-print and take home! All supplies will be provided. Ages 6 and up. Younger ages with adult assistance. Presented by FabLab Education, funded by the City of Tacoma/Tacoma Creates, and hosted by Tacoma Public Library.

Act the Story with Tacoma Musical Playhouse

Join us for a special class with Tacoma Musical Playhouse! This class will teach basic acting skills through character, movement/dance and performance work based on popular books. Each class will center on a different children's book and teach students to tell a story......More

Join us for a special class with Tacoma Musical Playhouse! This class will teach basic acting skills through character, movement/dance and performance work based on popular books. Each class will center on a different children's book and teach students to tell a story in a different way. Presented by Tacoma Musical Playhouse, funded by the City of Tacoma/Tacoma Creates, and hosted by Tacoma Public Library.

Korean Pickled Vegetables

Join local pickling expert and enthusiast for a FREE food pickling workshop.  Following the demonstration, you will know how to reduce food waste and how to recreate two different styles of Korean pickled vegetables. Space is Limited.   ...More

Join local pickling expert and enthusiast for a FREE food pickling workshop.  Following the demonstration, you will know how to reduce food waste and how to recreate two different styles of Korean pickled vegetables. Space is Limited.  

Up and Atom: Exploring Outer Space 

Join us for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out different STEAM and craft activities. In this Up & Atom S.T.E.A.M. program, participants will explore the magic of the night sky by creating their own DIY Star Projector using simple, everyday materials. They’ll lear......More

Join us for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out different STEAM and craft activities. In this Up & Atom S.T.E.A.M. program, participants will explore the magic of the night sky by creating their own DIY Star Projector using simple, everyday materials. They’ll learn about constellations, experiment with light and shadow, and test their creations to see their star patterns projected onto the walls and ceiling. The program will also include an engaging Fact or Fiction section to share fun and surprising facts about stars, space, and constellations.

Español/English Chat Group

Want to practice your Spanish? Join us at the Swasey branch to exchange English and Spanish. Any level of knowledge is welcome to participate in this language exchange. ¿Quieres practicar tu ingles? Acompaña a nuestro grupo de charla para intercambiar inglés y espa......More

Want to practice your Spanish? Join us at the Swasey branch to exchange English and Spanish. Any level of knowledge is welcome to participate in this language exchange. ¿Quieres practicar tu ingles? Acompaña a nuestro grupo de charla para intercambiar inglés y español en la Biblioteca Swasey. Cualquier nivel de conocimiento es bienvenido a participar en este intercambio de idiomas.

Play to Learn

Play to Learn is a FREE program for children and adults to play TOGETHER! Play to Learn is for parents, grandparents, neighbors, family, and friends who nurture children ages six and under. Thematic curriculum invites individual play, fun group activities, songs, and a......More

Play to Learn is a FREE program for children and adults to play TOGETHER! Play to Learn is for parents, grandparents, neighbors, family, and friends who nurture children ages six and under. Thematic curriculum invites individual play, fun group activities, songs, and a whole group circle time for children and adults to enjoy together. Presented by Greentrike, funded by the City of Tacoma/Tacoma Creates, hosted by Tacoma Public Library.

Play to Learn

Play to Learn is a FREE program for children and adults to play TOGETHER! Play to Learn is for parents, grandparents, neighbors, family, and friends who nurture children ages six and under. Thematic curriculum invites individual play, fun group activities, songs, and a......More

Play to Learn is a FREE program for children and adults to play TOGETHER! Play to Learn is for parents, grandparents, neighbors, family, and friends who nurture children ages six and under. Thematic curriculum invites individual play, fun group activities, songs, and a whole group circle time for children and adults to enjoy together. Presented by Greentrike, funded by the City of Tacoma/Tacoma Creates, hosted by Tacoma Public Library.

Drop-in Tech Help @ Swasey Branch

Swasey Branch staff will assist with learning basic computer skills like email, web searching and MS Office programs, navigating apps and using your iOS or Android devices, getting started on resumes and cover letters, and more. No registration required, but capacity ......More

Swasey Branch staff will assist with learning basic computer skills like email, web searching and MS Office programs, navigating apps and using your iOS or Android devices, getting started on resumes and cover letters, and more. No registration required, but capacity is limited. Ask for assistance at the Information Desk. People will be assisted in the order they arrive. Please note: It is easiest to assist people with more specific tasks, technical issues, or focused subjects for study (for example, "Learning how to print photos off my phone?"). That said, staff will work to help learners with more general issues (for example, "Learning about computers?"). If you need help right now, be sure to check out Tacoma Public Library's always available online computer learning and assistance resources as well as the free DigitalLearn online courses available from the Public Library Association.

Wisdom Café

Seniors - join us for conversation and camaraderie as we discuss universal topics about life, fulfillment, and aging at this monthly program. All are welcome!

Annie's Little Linguistics

Come and practice your language skills!  Students from Annie Wright will lead youth ages 5 through 12 through an exploration of a language's basic vocabulary while doing fun and engaging activities such as crafts, sing-a-longs, and more.   From the pool of students,......More

Come and practice your language skills!  Students from Annie Wright will lead youth ages 5 through 12 through an exploration of a language's basic vocabulary while doing fun and engaging activities such as crafts, sing-a-longs, and more.   From the pool of students, there is expertise in Spanish, French, Mandarin, Ukrainian, Polish, Vietnamese, and Japanese. To learn more about this student led project, visit www.annieslittlelinguists.com

Switch Saturday

Join us once a month at the Swasey library for a fun gaming session! Bring your Nintendo Switch, or your favorite handheld console. No Switch? No problem! Use ours, loaded with Smash Bros, Minecraft, Overcooked, and tons more! Hang out, talk games, and play your favori......More

Join us once a month at the Swasey library for a fun gaming session! Bring your Nintendo Switch, or your favorite handheld console. No Switch? No problem! Use ours, loaded with Smash Bros, Minecraft, Overcooked, and tons more! Hang out, talk games, and play your favorites on our projector. Be sure to check out our new circulating video game collection while you’re here!

Tacoma Light Trail Lanterns

Make a lantern to bring on the Light Trail & Parades! Artist will lead you through creating a colorful lantern or luminary from sustainable or upcycled materials that you can carry in the December Dragon Light Parades, New Year's Eve Dragon Parade and as you walk the T......More

Make a lantern to bring on the Light Trail & Parades! Artist will lead you through creating a colorful lantern or luminary from sustainable or upcycled materials that you can carry in the December Dragon Light Parades, New Year's Eve Dragon Parade and as you walk the Tacoma Light Trail itself. All materials provided. Presented by Tacoma Light Trail, funded by the City of Tacoma/Tacoma Creates, and hosted by Tacoma Public Library.