5 Digital Library Collections You Can Enjoy from Home

Need something to read, watch, or listen to while you're unable to visit your library? You can use your library card to enjoy these five digital library collections anywhere.

1. Read eBooks and listen to audiobooks from OverDrive.

Stock up on your favorite books without leaving home. Browse our top picks in under-the-radar new eBooks. Skip the wait with eBooks and audiobooks that are available now.

Visit our eBooks or Audiobooks page for more staff picks.

Read or listen on OverDrive now. Use the Libby app from OverDrive.

2. Stream indie films, world cinema, classics, and more on Kanopy.

Tired of scrolling by the same films on your streaming site? Try something new with Kanopy, a streaming service you can use with your library card. Check out Bettina's picks for 5 movies to watch during Women's History Month. Try Britta's Based on Books picks for films that are based on books. Learn something new by watching The Great Courses.

Visit our Movies and TV page for more staff picks.

Stream movies on Kanopy now.

3. Borrow on-demand music, movies and TV, or comics on hoopla.

Enjoy ad-free music, movies and TV, and comics anytime, anywhere. 

Listen to top new albums. Discover emerging artists. Explore popular tv genres like comedy, crime, or drama. Work on your fitness goals with yoga, dance, and fitness videos. Read graphic novels from Seattle alternative comics publisher Fantagraphics

Visit our Music or Movies and TV page for more staff picks.

Borrow music, movies, or comics on hoopla now.

4. Catch up on the latest issues of popular magazines from OverDrive Magazines.

Whatever you're into, there's a magazine for that. Instantly download full issues of your favorite magazines.

Visit our Magazines and Newspapers page for more staff picks.

Read magazines on OverDrive now.

Allure, Saveur, and Yoga digital magazine on Overdrive

5. Enjoy Full Access to The New York Times Online.

Read unlimited articles on The New York Times website or app. Find out how to create your free account and start reading.

Read articles from The New York Times online.

Need help? Staff are available by phone, email, and chat.

Contact our Ask KCLS team for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We are not sending accounts to collections right now. 

    Books, audio/video materials, magazines $0.10 per item, per day $3.00 maximum per item per loan period 
    Most media equipment $5 per item, per day $50.00 maximum per item per loan period

    You will be charged a replacement cost for items that are 30 days overdue.

    You will not be able to borrow items if you owe more than $25 in late fines or lost fees.

  • We have heard feedback from patrons requesting more open hours. Some libraries in Southwest King County had enough staff to change open hours in January.

    More hiring is needed to offer additional open hours at more locations. We are actively hiring more staff across the system to support this goal. As staffing levels increase, we expect we will be able to change open hours at almost all locations. We appreciate your patience as we grow our team.

  • Yes.

    All employees get paid time off for:  

    • Vacation  
    • Sick  
    • One “floating” holiday that employees can choose when to use 
    • Holidays

    We recognize 11 holidays each year. All full-time employees get paid time off for all holidays. Part-time employees get paid holiday time off if the holiday is on a day they work.* 

    *Unless covered by a union contract. 

  • Fill out our online application. You'll need to create an account on the Government Jobs website.

    1. Go to the applicant login page and select  "Create an Account."
    2. Complete all account information fields then click "Create."
    3. Go to the "Current Job Openings" page and select the job that you want to apply for. Click  "Apply."
    4. Complete all sections of the application. An incomplete application may disqualify you from the application process.
      Have you applied for a job at the library before?
      You can edit your saved application.
      Is this your first time applying?
      You can upload a .pdf, .text, or .doc file.
    5. Fill out the “Education and Work Experience” sections with the relevant details. Do not use "see résumé" as a response on the application. Your résumé does not substitute for incomplete “Education and Work Experience” sections.
    6. Save or discard your changes at each step by using the buttons at the bottom of the screen.
    7. Certify and send us your application by clicking "Accept." You will receive an email verifying that we've received your application.

    Need more help?

  • We have 41 local Friends of the Library groups. New members are always welcome. Interested in joining a local Friends group? Find your next local meeting on our calendar. Or, contact your local library to find out more.

    Most of the Friends groups ask that members pay small annual dues, around $5 per year. Members also volunteer time for fundraising projects, community events, and meeting attendance. Find your local group.

Updated 3/17/2023