Broadview Branch To Begin Limited In-Building Library Services On May 18
release date: May 11, 2021
Following the successful reopening of the Lake City, Southwest and Beacon Hill branches to limited in-building services on April 27, The Seattle Public Library will provide these services at the Broadview Branch (12755 Greenwood Ave N) beginning May 18. The Library will continue to assess operations at these branches while preparing to reopen additional branches on June 1.
The Broadview Branch will be open to limited in-building services Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., with closed cleaning breaks between public use sessions. During public use sessions, patrons will be able to enter the building to pick up available holds and check them out, use a computer, use a restroom, speak to a Library staff member, charge a device or sit and read.
Masks will be required of all patrons and staff. Patrons are to remain physically distanced while in the building. Library spaces that are open for public services are set up to ensure adequate space for physical distancing, and will be capped at 25% maximum capacity of those spaces.
The opportunity to browse the Broadview Branch collection or use meeting rooms or study rooms will not be available initially. The Library will continue to expand services and access to the collection and other Library spaces as state health guidance, Library safety protocols, and staffing allow.
The Broadview Branch is the fourth branch to reopen to limited in-building services since the Library’s systemwide building closure in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional locations will open on a rolling basis as it becomes safe and feasible to do so, as with the Library’s Curbside Pickup Service that began last August and is now provided at 16 libraries.
Highlights of in-building services include:
- Public sessions: Patrons may enter the building when a public use session (around 90 minutes) begins; once the capacity limit is reached, the Library will allow new patrons to enter only as others leave. Patrons may enter the Library for multiple time blocks a day. In between public sessions, Library staff will clean and reset the interior space.
- Physically distanced layout: Seating, tables, computer stations and other furniture have been rearranged to enable physical distancing. Plexiglass is installed between computers and in other service areas.
- Computers, Wi-Fi, printing: Library cardholders can use public computers on a first-come, first-served basis for up to two hours a day. Patrons will be able to print, copy or scan up to 10 pages of black-and-white pages a day for free. Staff assistance with technology
- Charging stations: Two charging stations at each location will allow patrons to charge their devices. As with computers, these will be available on a first-come, first served basis.
- Safety first. Masks will be required for all patrons, staff and visitors entering Library buildings; disposable masks and hand sanitizer will be available on site. If you require an accommodation, you can find assistance at the branch. There will be a sign with a phone number for you to call to get assistance with pickup of your holds. Eating and drinking in public areas of the building will not be allowed. As always, the Library Rules of Conduct will be enforced to ensure the safety of patrons and staff.
- No meeting room use: For now, meeting rooms and study rooms will remain closed to the public.
Learn more about in-building Library services at spl.org/InBuilding. Curbside Pickup Service for holds will continue to be available at 16 locations, and bookdrops (which also accept DVDs and audiobooks) will continue to be open at 19 locations.
Check www.spl.org/Hours for a complete list of services and hours at each branch.
MORE INFORMATION
In order to minimize the spread of COVID-19, patrons must wear face coverings and maintain six feet of separation from other patrons and staff. The Library will continue to follow best practices for the health and safety of our patrons and staff, including physical distancing, regular cleaning and sanitation, wearing personal protective equipment, requiring the use of face masks, plexiglass barriers and quarantining of Library materials.
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.