release date: 08/03/2020
The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave. will begin offering curbside pickup of books and materials for patrons with holds at the downtown location beginning this week. More locations will be added soon.
Patrons with holds at the Central Library will receive emails this week letting them know their holds are ready for pickup on the library’s Fourth Avenue plaza beginning Thursday, Aug. 6. Information on the process for picking up materials, including how to schedule an appointment for pickup, will be provided in the email. Patrons will have two weeks to pick up their holds.
Visit the Library’s Road to Reopening page for more information on the Library’s new Curbside Service and other Library services being offered during the COVID-19 closures. “We know our patrons have been eager to have access to the physical collection and we are excited to be able to offer this service,” said Andrew Harbison, assistant director of Collections and Access Services at the Library. “Curbside pickup provides a contact-free way for patrons to access the Library’s print books and materials while our buildings are closed. Patrons may arrive by car, bike or on foot.”
At this time, only holds placed at the Central Library before the systemwide Library closure due to COVID-19 will be available for pickup. Curbside Service will be offered at the Central Library on the Fourth Avenue plaza from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The Central Library also currently accepts material returns those same days and hours. Restroom access is available at the Central Library daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In order to minimize the spread of COVID-19, patrons should wear face coverings and maintain six feet of separation from other patrons and staff. All Library staff members will be wearing face coverings and using appropriate social distancing. The Library will have extra face coverings and hand sanitizer available for patrons.
HOW TO USE CURBSIDE SERVICE
By appointment:
By walk-up:
More Curbside Service locations coming soon
The Seattle Public Library plans to add more locations for the Curbside Service over the next several weeks. The scheduled rollout is as follows:
Tuesday, Aug. 11
Thursday, Aug. 13
Tuesday, Aug. 18
Patrons with existing holds at each location will be notified by email. Once the backlog of existing holds at all locations have been filled, Library patrons will be able to place new holds.
The Seattle Public Library also has many free online programs, services and resources while its physical buildings remain closed. You can find out more here or by contacting the Library by phone at 206-386-4636. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information during this challenging time.