Kid Program Kits: Craftopia Pine Cone Gnome

Craftopia is partnering with Tacoma Public Library to provide fun and free crafts for kids! Visit any of our branches starting Friday, December 12 to pick up a kit while supplies last. Ages 3 and up. Program kits are a fun......More

Craftopia is partnering with Tacoma Public Library to provide fun and free crafts for kids! Visit any of our branches starting Friday, December 12 to pick up a kit while supplies last. Ages 3 and up. Program kits are a fun way to bring our arts and crafts activities home with you. There is no live program element to program kits âtake one home and let it spark your creativity!

Drop-in Tech Help @ Wheelock

We can help with technology! Let Wheelock Branch staff assist you with learning about and troubleshooting your computers and digital devices. Together, weâll improve basic computer skills, learn about productivity software and using library services like Libby and Hoop......More

We can help with technology! Let Wheelock Branch staff assist you with learning about and troubleshooting your computers and digital devices. Together, weâll improve basic computer skills, learn about productivity software and using library services like Libby and Hoopla. No registration required, but limited capacity. Ask Wheelock Branch staff for assistance. People are helped in the order of arrival. Given time limits and staff availability, it is often easier to assist with specific issues and learning goals. Staff can help narrow your focus. Some goals may require multiple sessions. If you need help right away, explore 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.

Genealogy Help Desk

Volunteers from the Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society (TPCGS) will offer individual help to those with questions about their genealogy research. All levels of experience are welcome. Just drop-in!

Studio and Storytime with Tacoma Art Museum

Join TPL and TAM for Studio + Storytime held at Tacoma Art Museum! Studio + Storytime begins with a reading of a storybook, exploring some art in TAM's galleries, and then a hands-on art project in TAM's studio classroom! Geared towards kids ages 2-8. Celebrate the......More

Join TPL and TAM for Studio + Storytime held at Tacoma Art Museum! Studio + Storytime begins with a reading of a storybook, exploring some art in TAM's galleries, and then a hands-on art project in TAM's studio classroom! Geared towards kids ages 2-8. Celebrate the winter solstice with us as we read a Weiwei's Winter Solstice and create fun winter-themed cards.  Please note: Classroom space is limited, if the space is full the activity and book of the month will be available at TAM Studio on the first floor. **REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED - REGISTER IF YOU'D LIKE TO RECEIVE A REMINDER EMAIL** Presented by Tacoma Art Museum, funded by the City of Tacoma/Tacoma Creates, and hosted by Tacoma Public Library.

Teen Time

Enjoy an afternoon of fun, creativity, and relaxation. Try a hands-on craft, play table tennis or net ball with your friends, or just hang out. Middle school and high school students are invited to join us in the Wheelock meeting room for this teen event. Have a sna......More

Enjoy an afternoon of fun, creativity, and relaxation. Try a hands-on craft, play table tennis or net ball with your friends, or just hang out. Middle school and high school students are invited to join us in the Wheelock meeting room for this teen event. Have a snack while you relax and chat!

Other Worlds: Online Speculative Fiction Book Club End-of-Year Meet-up!

Join fellow Other Worlds Book Club regulars (newbies & guests welcome) and TPL staff to celebrate our first year of "reading speculatively"! Usually, this book group meets online, but this meeting will be "IRL......More

Join fellow Other Worlds Book Club regulars (newbies & guests welcome) and TPL staff to celebrate our first year of "reading speculatively"! Usually, this book group meets online, but this meeting will be "IRL" at The Parkway Tavern in downtown Tacoma. Join us starting at 6:30 PM, Wednesday December 17, 2025, for this change of pace event. We'll socialize, reflect back on our year, have a little fun, and [drumroll please] reveal the group's reading selections for 2026! Thanks everyone for a great year! Hope to see you there. TPL'S ONLINE SPECULATIVE FICTION BOOK GROUP! Speculative Fiction? What's that? Do you like science fiction? That's speculative fiction. Fantasy? OK, that's speculative fiction too. Horror, magical realism, alternate history, slipstream, steampunk, cyberpunk, dystopias, apocalyptic tales, and stories that are just plain weird? Yep. Those are all on the speculative fiction menu!  If exploring outside the lines of everyday life interests you, join our group as we widen our reading horizons. Tacoma Public Library's Other Worlds online book group might be what you're looking for. The last Wednesday of each month (usually), we meet online via Zoom to discuss intriguing, mind-expanding, speculative books across multiple genres.

Drop-in Tech Help @ Wheelock

We can help with technology! Let Wheelock Branch staff assist you with learning about and troubleshooting your computers and digital devices. Together, weâll improve basic computer skills, learn about productivity software and using library services like Libby and Hoop......More

We can help with technology! Let Wheelock Branch staff assist you with learning about and troubleshooting your computers and digital devices. Together, weâll improve basic computer skills, learn about productivity software and using library services like Libby and Hoopla. No registration required, but limited capacity. Ask Wheelock Branch staff for assistance. People are helped in the order of arrival. Given time limits and staff availability, it is often easier to assist with specific issues and learning goals. Staff can help narrow your focus. Some goals may require multiple sessions. If you need help right away, explore 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.

PokĂŠmon League

Grab your PokĂŠmon deck and join your friends at our official PokĂŠmon League. Both experienced players and beginners are welcome. If you collect cards but don't know how to play, we can teach you. If you know how to play and want to get better, we've got that covered......More

Grab your PokĂŠmon deck and join your friends at our official PokĂŠmon League. Both experienced players and beginners are welcome. If you collect cards but don't know how to play, we can teach you. If you know how to play and want to get better, we've got that covered too. The fearless leader of this event is an expert player who has helped judge world championships. Join us to learn from the best! Recommended for ages 6 up to young adults.

Family Chess Club

Meet at the reserved tables in the middle of the library. Players of all experience levels can learn from experienced chess coach, Bill Rogers. These sessions are designed to provide a relaxed and supportive environment where beginners can learn the basics of chess a......More

Meet at the reserved tables in the middle of the library. Players of all experience levels can learn from experienced chess coach, Bill Rogers. These sessions are designed to provide a relaxed and supportive environment where beginners can learn the basics of chess and gradually improve their skills by learning tactics and strategies. 

Baby Storytime

Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories and movement. For babies and their caregivers. Recommended for ages birth â 18 months. Want to continue the fun at home? View these fun Storytime song and book recommendations ......More

Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories and movement. For babies and their caregivers. Recommended for ages birth â 18 months. Want to continue the fun at home? View these fun Storytime song and book recommendations here.

Up and Atom: Ice Experiments

Join us for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out different STEAM and craft activities. Bundle up for a frosty adventure at the library! In this hands-on program, kids will explore the chilly world of ice through fun experiments and creative building challenges.

Kid Program Kits: Craftopia Paper Snowflakes

Craftopia is partnering with Tacoma Public Library to provide fun and free crafts for kids! Visit any of our branches starting Friday, December 19 to pick up a kit while supplies last. Ages 3 and up. Program kits are a fun......More

Craftopia is partnering with Tacoma Public Library to provide fun and free crafts for kids! Visit any of our branches starting Friday, December 19 to pick up a kit while supplies last. Ages 3 and up. Program kits are a fun way to bring our arts and crafts activities home with you. There is no live program element to program kits âtake one home and let it spark your creativity!

Family Storytime

Join us for stories, songs, and other fun learning activities designed to develop language, literacy and social skills in an environment the whole family can enjoy. Want to continue the fun at home? View these fun Storytime song and book recommendations ......More

Join us for stories, songs, and other fun learning activities designed to develop language, literacy and social skills in an environment the whole family can enjoy. Want to continue the fun at home? View these fun Storytime song and book recommendations here.

Learn to Play Mah Jongg

Join us for an exciting journey into the world of Mah Jongg, the captivating tile-based game with a rich history. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this interactive session will introduce you to the fundamentals, strategies, and social aspects......More

Join us for an exciting journey into the world of Mah Jongg, the captivating tile-based game with a rich history. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this interactive session will introduce you to the fundamentals, strategies, and social aspects of the game. You'll gain hands-on practice in a welcoming environment and connect with fellow enthusiasts! No prior experience requiredâjust bring your curiosity. Register for one date or all the dates. Choose what works best for you!

Winter Scavenger Hunt

Join us at any branch during ......More

Join us at any branch during open hours between December 2nd-31st for a fun winter scavenger hunt! Find all the images, turn the completed scavenger hunt in at the desk, and earn a prize!

Teen Time

Enjoy an afternoon of fun, creativity, and relaxation. Try a hands-on craft, play table tennis or net ball with your friends, or just hang out. Middle school and high school students are invited to join us in the Wheelock meeting room for this teen event. Have a sna......More

Enjoy an afternoon of fun, creativity, and relaxation. Try a hands-on craft, play table tennis or net ball with your friends, or just hang out. Middle school and high school students are invited to join us in the Wheelock meeting room for this teen event. Have a snack while you relax and chat!