The Seattle Public Library Operating Seven Locations for Curbside Pickup of Books; Patrons Can Place New Holds Starting Monday, Aug. 24
release date: August 24, 2020
The Seattle Public Library is now operating seven locations for curbside pickup of books and materials by appointment. The locations are open for Curbside Service from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and include:
- Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, 98104
- Broadview Branch, 12755 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle, 98133
- High Point Branch, 3411 S.W. Raymond St., Seattle, 98126
- Lake City Branch, 12501 28th Ave. N.E., Seattle, 98125
- Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., Seattle, 98107
- Douglass-Truth Branch, 2300 E. Yesler Way, Seattle, 98122
- Rainier Beach Branch, 9125 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, 98118
Patrons with existing holds are receiving emails about the process for picking up holds, including how to schedule an appointment for pickup. Patrons who requested items for pickup at a branch not offering curbside service have been notified of a default pickup location at this time.
The Library recently processed over 400,000 books and materials that patrons were recently allowed to return, and filled holds placed before the systemwide closure due to the pandemic. The Seattle Public Library is currently operating under Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s plan for reopening services in Washington state. Libraries are not allowed to open their buildings to the public until Phase 3.
Beginning Monday, Aug. 24, all patrons of The Seattle Public Library will be allowed to place up to 25 new holds on physical books and other materials. Patrons can browse and reserve items from the catalogue on the Library’s website at www.spl.org. New patrons who signed up for a digital Library card during the Library’s closure will also be able to place holds on physical materials starting Aug. 24.
“We know our patrons have been eager to have access to the physical collection and to be able to begin placing holds again,” 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 other materials while our buildings are closed. Patrons may arrive by car, bike or on foot.”
Harbison said patrons without appointments can still pick up their materials, but they should be sure to bring their Library card or valid ID. The Library is also offering “Grab and Go” bags with uncatalogued paperback books (books that don’t need to be checked out) for those without Library cards. Books are grouped in bags according to genre, such as mystery, science fiction or board books. “It’s a bit like blind-date-with-a-book as you’re taking a chance on what’s inside, but we know many patrons enjoy reading a broad range of materials,” Harbison said. The Library expects to include popular Peak Picks titles and other high circulating materials in the bags in the future.
In order to minimize the spread of COVID-19, patrons using Curbside Service must 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.
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.
The Seattle Public Library also has many free online services, resources and programs available while its physical buildings remain closed. You can find out more on our website 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.