Rumor of the Month

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  1. Rumor of the Month


Rumors and gossip are rarely factual. Get the facts straight from the source. Introducing our Rumor of the Month page. Each month, we'll showcase a new rumor we've been hearing around the community and address it here. Check back here each month for a new rumor.

Library-Building Clock

June 2023

Rumor – “Don’t I have to be a Puyallup resident to use the Library?”

No, you don’t! All you need to use the Library is a Library card, which unlocks a world of discovery and learning. A few years ago, the Library Board passed a term called “open reciprocity.” It is a fancy term that means anyone can get a Library Card regardless of whether they live in Puyallup. The Library did this to promote and make reading easier and enjoyable for everyone.

How do you get a Library Card? There are two main ways to get a card. The first, and easiest way, is to go online to the website, www.PuyallupLibrary.org, and fill out an application. You’ll receive a temporary card online, which gives you access to many online Library services. And the second way is to come into the Library and get one in person. All you need is a valid ID that shows your picture, name, and physical address. Then, the Library issues you a card right away.

There is no age limit or requirement to get a library card. However, if you are under 18, they do ask that a parent sign a verification form that allows you to get a card.

One of the biggest benefits of having a Library Card is accessing their online services, such as e-books. The Library participates in the Washington Anytime Collection, which has over three million online books that patrons can access. The service also includes an impressive collection of audiobooks and over 3,000 magazines. To access the Washington Anytime Collection, please go to the online portal here.

Besides books, your library card gains access to other great benefits. For instance, the Library has free passes to area museums, where you can learn about local history and art. Before taking the kids out on a weekend museum adventure, make sure to stop by the Library front desk to pick up a complimentary pass. The following local museums have gifted passes for Library patrons to use:

  • Foss Waterway Seaport
  • Harbor History Museum
  • Museum of Glass
  • Tacoma Art Museum
  • Washington State History Museum

The Library also has other fun items for check out such as birding backpacks, take-home book kits, and games. Another benefit of using the Library, which many people don’t know about, is that if they don’t have a book you’re looking for, they can order it for you. Buying new books can be expensive, so the Library offers this amazing service to patrons at no charge.

To learn more about how to get a Library Card, as well as more benefits of using a card, please go to the Library’s website.

Submit a Rumor

Have you heard a rumor around town that you want us to answer? Submit your rumor to us at rumors@puyallupwa.gov. We will pick a rumor each month and feature it in on our website. Before you submit, here are some ground rules to keep in mind.

  1. Rumor cannot contain offensive, explicit, or foul language.
  2. The rumor cannot contain defamatory or derogatory statements about a particular city employee, volunteer, or elected official.
  3. The rumor should not contain information that promotes a particular political party or religion.
  4. The contents of the rumor cannot encourage illegal conduct or violation of any federal, state, or City law.
  5. The rumor cannot contain content that discriminates against people who are members of a protected class.