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Using the Library

Special Collections

• Daily Living Devices
• Government
• Local History and Authors
• Northwest History
• Nonprofit & Philanthropy Resource Center
• Techlab
• World Languages Collection

Burien Library's Northwest Collection
The largest concentration of Northwest history materials in the King County Library System. Books, periodicals, clipping files, maps, microform and audio/video materials are shelved in open stacks--you are free to browse!

Daily Living Devices
If you are a member of the King County Library System, you may borrow and try aids for daily living devices provided through KCLS and Washington Assistive Technology Alliance. These are tools to help with vision, hearing, mobility, and communication. 

To learn more about this service visit Washington Assistive Technology Alliance

To place a hold on these devices visit our Library Catalog. Choose "Title Keywords" and type in "watap". You can pick up devices at the King County Library branch of your choice. Copies of the catalog can also be checked out.

Vashon Library's Local History and Author Collection
Vashon Library has a collection of local history and authors, mostly uncataloged, much used by genealogists and other researchers. It includes OP old Vashon histories and unpublished history by former Vashon librarian Marjorie Rose Stanley (her Search for Laughter). Marshall Sohl's homestead maps and Vashon myths and legends are here, information about Vashon's Japanese-American community and World War II, and memoirs of some Island personalities, including artist Norman Edson and philosopher/farmer/artist Fred Eernisse.

Vashon Library has a file of Betty MacDonald information, and some first editions of her books and those of Bill Speidell (founder of the Underground Tours). They also specialize in good field guide to northwest flora, fauna, and marine/seashore life.

King County Library System Government Documents Collection
KCLS is a partial depository of Federal Government publications and a full depository of Washington State and King County Government publications. KCLS receives useful government publications and statistical sources in print, microfiche, and electronic formats. For assistance finding government information, please ask a Reference Librarian at your local Community Library.

Email reference service (Answer Line) is also available for KCLS cardholders.

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Last Updated: February 2, 2009