Special Collections of the Washington State Library

 

Change in Hours of Operation

Service Alert: Due to budget and staff reductions, the State Library will no longer offer our obituary lookup service and our in-person and phone services will be limited beginning June 16. Our email and chat services will continue to operate from 8-5 Monday through Friday and email requests can be submitted any time. Our building and phones will be open Monday through Friday from 12-5. We strongly recommend that you call ahead before visiting the library. We are closed on state holidays and weekends. All obituary requests received prior to June 16 will be answered. 

 

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The Special Collections of the Washington State Library collect and preserve rare and archival materials that enrich research in the history and culture of the Pacific Northwest. 

The geographical region comprises the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho in their entirety; the province of British Columbia; and western portions of the State of Montana.  Alaska and Yukon Territory materials are also acquired selectively when they relate to the Pacific Northwest region. 

These non-circulating collections are comprised of historic and unique books, pamphlets, maps and manuscripts that are made available for research in our reading room. 

Manuscripts                  

Maps  

Rare Publications

Territorial Collection

Tweney '89 Collection

Ye Galleon Press Collection

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