“The Washington State Library strives to ensure Washingtonians have access to the information they need today and to the history of Washington for tomorrow. The Library collects, preserves, and makes accessible materials on the government, history, culture and natural resources of the state. The Library provides leadership and coordinates services to all libraries in the State of Washington. Additionally, the Library supports the information needs of residents in state institutions and serves as the primary source in the region for published information from the federal government and the primary state publication depository. The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL), a program of the State Library, builds community and provides equal access to information and reading materials for Washington residents unable to read standard print due to blindness, visual impairment, deaf-blindness, physical disability (e.g. cannot hold a book or turn pages), or reading disability.”
--Sara Jones, State Librarian, Washington State Library

Project Examples

Books and eBooks Collection Development
Washington State Library (WSL) managed the Anytime Library consortium, comprised of smaller libraries and systems for the purpose of buying and sharing eBook and audiobook content. During the pandemic, WSL launched SimplyE WA, enabling all libraries in Washington State to implement the eBook app for their patrons. During the project period, seven library systems were implemented and on the cusp of making their SimplyE instances live: Anacortes, Asotin, Bellingham, Everett, Kalama, Walla Walla Rural, and Whatcom County. Additionally, WSL purchased books focused on Northwest History, which are available to Washingtonians from the in-person WSL collection or via interlibrary loan.  
IMLS Funds: $246,332.79 

Extended Connectivity
Utilizing CARES Act funding, Washington State Library (WSL) offered grants to libraries for extending their Wi-Fi to reach parking lots and other outside areas. Four library systems took advantage to extend Wi-Fi in 84 library branches. Especially during the pandemic, with many businesses closed, finding free internet service was a challenge to Washingtonians. These library internet upgrades offered their communities more points of access, and WSL is proud of the reach this program had and continues to have throughout the state. The program also provided a model for shifting construction activities to local funding so as not to implicate IMLS dollars.   
IMLS Funds: $53,556.04 

Workforce Development  
Washington State Library's (WSL’s) engagement in workforce development promoted economic growth, education and lifelong learning opportunities throughout the state. WSL strived to contribute to the state’s economic prosperity by supporting relevant and high-quality education, literacy and reading assistance, and life-long learning opportunities, to help Washingtonians obtain living-wage jobs, and support the creation of a highly skilled workforce for employers and industry. WSL achieved this by engaging libraries and traditional workforce development partners at the local, state, and national level. Among other activities, staff facilitated regular meetings of the national LibsWork group and offered webinar trainings for library staff.  
IMLS Funds: $94,702.89 

Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.

Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.

Five-Year Plan Highlights

Goal 1: Promote equitable economic growth, access to education, and inclusive lifelong learning.   

• Projects include: 
  • Workforce development   
  • Digital literacy  
  • Center for the Book  
  • One Community, One Book programs and grants   

Goal 2: Preserve and share Washington’s stories using methods and tools that balance accessibility with respect for the storytelling culture.

• Projects include:  
  • Washington Rural Heritage (WRH) project for collaborative digitization   
  • Washington Digital Newspapers program   
  • Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) support services  

Goal 3:  Serve all who cannot read standard print statewide.   

• Projects include: 
  • Washington Talking Book and Braille Library  

Goal 4: Support the incarcerated and hospitalized in their recovery, release, and re-entry.   

• Projects include: 
  • Institutional libraries serving state hospital and correctional facility residential populations  

Goal 5: Develop diverse library staff and leaders and build capacity among libraries across the state to serve all constituents.  

• Projects include:  
  • Library staff training  
  • K-12 teacher-librarian training   
  • Youth services   
  • Professional development grants  
  • Grants to libraries for programs and services  
  • Statewide database licensing   
  • Downloadable audiobooks and eBooks  
  • Ask-WA online reference   
  • Statewide assistance to libraries and technology services.   
  • K20 library support and other information technology services, including reliable high-speed internet   
  • Librarians Supporting Student Success project for faculty in Community and Technical Colleges   

IMLS Data Collection

State Library Administrative Agency Survey
The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool. 

Public Libraries Survey
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.