Library To Reopen More Branches In June And Expand Branch Hours, Capacity And Services
release date: May 27, 2021
The Seattle Public Library’s Ballard Branch (5614 22nd Ave. N.W.) will reopen for in-building services on Tuesday, June 1, with the Douglass-Truth (2300 E. Yesler Way) and Rainier Beach (9125 Rainier Ave. S.) branches to follow on Tuesday, June 8. As of June 1, all libraries offering in-building service will operate under Gov. Inslee’s current Phase 3 guidance for Washington state libraries.
All reopened libraries will expand hours in June, increase building capacities to 50% (from 25% in Phase 2), and allow patrons to browse our collections in person once again.
These libraries join the Beacon Hill (2821 Beacon Ave. S.), Broadview (12755 Greenwood Ave. N.), Lake City (12501 28th Ave. N.E.) and Southwest (9010 35th Ave. S.W.) branches, which reopened in April and May. Washington state libraries remain under Phase 3 restrictions until at least June 30, when Gov. Inslee has stated he anticipates Washington state will fully reopen.
Beginning June 1, most libraries providing in-building service will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The Rainier Beach Branch will be open Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Service hours at these locations are divided into two public use sessions from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and are closed for a cleaning break from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Patrons are able to pick up holds during the closed break.
In addition to these seven reopened locations, nine other neighborhood libraries continue to provide Curbside Pickup service. Visit our Hours and Locations page for a complete list of locations and services currently available.
Patrons are welcome to enter reopened Library locations during open hours to use Library computers and Wi-Fi, charge their digital devices, get help from Library staff, pick up holds or Peak Pick titles, or simply sit and read. Starting June 1 at some locations, and phasing in through the month at others, the Library will begin allowing patrons to browse collections at reopened libraries.
Masks remain a requirement for all patrons and staff in Library spaces, regardless of vaccination status. This requirement remains mandated for all Washington libraries, as well as all City of Seattle buildings, and will continue until further notice.
As vaccination rates increase and pandemic restrictions ease in our community, the Library urges visitors to remember that we serve people from every age, demographic and background, including young children, medically-vulnerable individuals and others who are not yet vaccinated. The mask requirement helps us protect those who may still be at risk from COVID-19.
Library spaces open to the public are set up to provide adequate space for physical distancing, and patrons should continue to practice physical distancing while in those spaces. As always, Library visitors are expected to follow the Library Rules of Conduct to ensure the safety of patrons and staff.
MORE INFORMATION
Learn more about In-Building Services at spl.org/InBuilding. Check spl.org/hours for a complete list of hours and services at each branch. The Library’s Road to Reopening page shares the latest updates on our reopening process.
Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information.