Closure Due to Budget Cuts

The Seattle Public Library system will close Monday, Aug. 27 through Sunday, Sept. 2 due to citywide budget cuts. All libraries will be closed for the Labor Day holiday Monday, Sept. 3. Regular Library operations will resume Tuesday, Sept. 4.

 

Here are important dates for you to know in preparation for the closure.

 

Most services unavailable during the one-week closure

• Materials will not be due and fines will not be charged.
• The last day to check out Library items before the closure is either Saturday, Aug. 25, or Sunday, Aug. 26, depending on which library you use. Visit the Library Hours & Locations page or call 206-386-4636 for more information.
• Book drops will not be open. Do not leave books and items outside Library locations during the closure. You will be responsible for theft, loss or damage to Library items left outside buildings. There is no need to return items during the closure because no items will be due and no fines charged.
• Limited access to the online catalog. Patrons will be able to search the catalog and check their Library record, but will not be able to place holds on items.
• Limited access to the website. The online calendar, databases, downloadable books and media, digital special collections, podcasts, SPL Mobile app and blogs will be available, but other online information and features will not be accessible.
• Library computers will not be available. You will not be able to reserve a computer for the week the Library system is closed. See a list of north, south and central Seattle locations with free Internet access.
• No access to Wi-Fi.
• Book group kits will not be sent, received or returned during the one-week closure. Kits will be sent to branches after the Library reopens on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
• Programs or events will not be held in Library meeting rooms.
• No TeleCirc, the Library's telephone circulation service that provides patrons with information on their Library account.
• Quick Information telephone service will not be available.
• Mail will not be received during the closure. The Library will have the U.S. Post Office hold all mail until the Library reopens. Staff won't be able to accept deliveries.
• Email a librarian or chat with a librarian will not be available.
• Mobile Services deliveries will not be made.
• Parking in Library branch garages will not be available at the Capitol Hill, Montlake, Greenwood and Ballard branches. The Central Library parking garage will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27 through Friday, Aug. 31 and closed Saturday, Sept. 1 through Monday, Sept. 3.

 

 

Some electronic resources available

Some electronic resources will be available to access remotely during the closure. Staff members will not be available to help you use these online services during the closure. The online services available by going to www.spl.org will include:

• Calendar of Events. You will be able to see information about upcoming Library programs.

• SPL Mobile page. You will be able to view information about using the Library's app for Web-enabled phones, called SPL Mobile.

• Online databases. You will have access to more than 95 premium databases, including Britannica Online, ChiltonLibrary.com, Mango Languages, Consumer Reports and Morningstar Investment Research Center.

• Downloadable media. You will have access to more than 92,000 items in the digital collection, including 83,000 e-books and audiobooks, 500,000 song titles and 5,000 downloadable movie titles. There will be links to instructional videos on how to download digital media.

• Digital collections. You will have access to special collections that have been digitized: Photos from the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition Collection, the Northwest Art Collection and The Seattle Historical Photograph Collection; the Seattle City Directory Collection; and the Century 21 Exposition Digital Collection.

• Adult blog Shelf Talk and teen blog Push to Talk.

• Library podcasts.

• Online payment of Library fines/fees.

 

 

Neighborhood Service Centers

The Lake City Neighborhood Service Center and parking garage will remain open. It is co-located with the Lake City Branch, but has a separate entrance. The Ballard Neighborhood Service Center, which is co-located with the Ballard Branch, will stay open as well.

 

 

BOOK DONATIONS

Book donations will not be collected at Library locations during the closure. If you have book donations to make during the one-week closure, contact the Friends of the Library Book Sale office at 206-523-4053 or email booksale@spl.org.

 

 

KING COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

The neighboring King County Library System is aware of The Seattle Public Library's budget situation and upcoming closure. To find out how to receive service from the King County Library System during the closure, call 425-462-9600, or visit its website at http://www.kcls.org.

 

 

For more information on the closure, see the news release.