Mission & History
Our Mission​
To connect a dynamic literary community through a curated book collection, diverse programming, engaging conversations and transformative ideas.
Our Promise​
To nurture a thriving literary community in Seattle where every book sparks conversation and connection across generations.
Our Values​
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Literacy & Critical Thinking: We acknowledge that active readers and writers foster critical thought, enriching our community.
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Truth: We protect intellectual freedom and critical inquiry.
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Freedom of Expression: We firmly stand against censorship, believing in the paramount importance of unhindered expression.
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The Arts: Literature and art are essential to individual and civic vitality.
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Empathy: We build bridges across generations and experiences through shared stories.
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Diversity & Inclusion: We elevate underrepresented voices and multilingual expression.
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Civic Engagement: A literate, informed public is vital to democracy.
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Stewardship: We nurture our collection, staff, and community resources responsibly.
Our Founder: David C. Brewster
Seattle is one of the most literate and reader-rich cities in America, so it seems only fitting that we, like 19 other cities, have a membership library, open to all and convenient for all. Such libraries pool excellent books from previously private libraries, create ideal spaces for reading, working, and talking about books and ideas, and radiate outward into the community in many ways.
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Independent, membership libraries like Folio were really the first broadly accessible libraries. They trace back to one started by Ben Franklin in Philadelphia in 1731 so that bookworms of modest means, like young Ben, could have access to important books. Today, they provide places "to be alone but not alone" -- sociable, booklined "jewels of a perfect size" where booklovers can work in quiet, talk about ideas, and hear stimulating programs open to the broad community. Rather than relying on taxpayer support, these libraries charge modest membership dues and receive tax-deductible donations of fine books.
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Our location at the Pike Place Market provides all kinds of stimulation and amenities just outside the door. Come to work, borrow a book, read the New York Times, and then meet a friend for lunch or a drink and stay for a mind-enriching evening program. Get back to reading! Rediscover the Pike Place Market, America's finest!
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​I hope you'll want to join this "community of the book." Stop by any day for a tour, a cup of coffee, and a free book!
Good Words From Our Community
Lynda Mapes
Author, photographer and environmental journalist for the Seattle Times
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"It is truly impressive how much Folio is contributing to the community and nurturing a book culture in Seattle."
Steve Scher
Journalist and longtime host of “Weekday” on KUOW
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"Folio is one of the most exciting efforts underway in Seattle. We are a writers’ and a readers’ city. Folio brings readers and writers together in a unique and dynamic center—a place where both groups share in discovery and collaboration.
As our culture moves more and more of its writing and reading into the digital domain, Folio is the place where people gather to build and share the community of books."
David Williams
Natural History writer
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"Folio is one of the most literate places around in a place that’s so focused on books."
Maria Semple
Bestselling author of Where’d You Go, Bernadette?
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“I’m wildly excited about the Seattle Athenaeum and am giddily envisioning all the writing, reading and socializing I’ll be doing there. What a wonderful and essential addition to our already exceedingly literary city.”