Seattle 's first attempt to start a library association occurred at a meeting of 50 residents on July 30 , 1868 , but produced only minimal success over the next two decades . The Ladies ' Library Association began a more focused attempt to put together a public library in 1888 . They had raised some funds and had even obtained a pledge of land from Henry Yesler , but their efforts were cut short by the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 . Nonetheless , encouraged by their ideas , the revised October 1890 city charter formally established the Public Library as a branch of the city government . The ladies ' influence can be seen in that the charter required that at least two of the five library commissioners be women . The library was funded by a 10 % share of city fines , penalties , and licenses
Great Seattle Fire
Great Seattle Fire
Seattle Public Library