Many people have a library card to use at their local library, but it’s also possible to acquire a Washington State Library card, which gives you access to many unique and interesting books and documents found at an important institution that goes all the way back to Washington’s early territorial days.

And the best thing about a State Library card? It’s free!

You can receive a State Library card if you are 18 or older and live in Washington. You can apply for a library card in person at the State Library or fill out an application and send it in with a copy of some form of current, acceptable photo ID and address verification. The State Library is located at the south end of Tumwater at Point Plaza East, 6880 Capitol Blvd. SE.

Go here to print out a PDF of the State Library card application form. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to download the application. Here is more info on how to sign up for a State Library card.

So, what can you check out with this little blue card? All of the State Library’s Northwest collection circulates, as well as portions of the library’s federal, state, and genealogy collections. DVDs about the Northwest are also available for checkout.

It’s important to point out that the State Library is unable to mail circulating items to its patrons, so checkout must be done in person at its Tumwater location.

Secretary of State Wyman is asking the Legislature to give the green light to proceed with the Washington State Heritage Center project, which would house the State Library and State Archives in one building on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. Until 2001, the State Library was located for decades in the Pritchard Building, right near the Legislative Building. Supporters say returning the State Library to the campus would result in far more library visitors and thus more library card holders.

The checkout period for State Library books and documents is three weeks.  Most books and docs can be renewed twice if there are no holds on them. The renewal period is also three weeks. Renewals for book and material can be done online with your State Library card under the My Library Account. You can also renew by calling (360) 704-5221.