The first public lending library in Seattle didn’t officially open until the spring of 1869, but it was on this date, August 7, back in 1868 that the library association that would someday become the Seattle Public Library was formed. Every two weeks until the library opened the group got together for singing, reading and speeches. The group also spent $60 for the library’s first books.

The very first librarian for the future-SPL was Sarah Yesler, community activist and partner in philanthropy with her husband Henry Yesler.

Much has changed since 1868 but the library remains a fun place to go in Seattle, with branches throughout the city offering books, magazines, movies, computers, and more. Over the course of this weekend alone, you can take your young kids to a free concert about bugs at the Magnolia branch, get tutoring for your pursuit of US citizenship at the Central branch, learn nature printmaking at the Northeast branch, play chess at Rainier Beach branch or share your work at a poetry open mike at the Green Lake branch.

Thanks to HistoryLink for historical info.