Pick Up Voting Materials at The Seattle Public Library; Five Library Closures Announced for Election Day to Reduce Crowding and Encourage Social Distancing
release date: October 20, 2020
The Seattle Public Library is a one-stop resource for Seattle voters in the upcoming election. Starting on Oct. 20, patrons can find information about voting and elections, including important dates, how to register and links to government election websites, at spl.org/elections. Below you'll find a list of voting resources, as well as curated learning guides on voting and elections for children and teens.
Also, to support the safety of Seattle voters and Library patrons and staff, The Seattle Public Library will suspend Library operations at five locations with ballot boxes on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 3).
PICK UP VOTING MATERIALS
Library locations with Curbside Service have extra ballot envelopes and the following materials available in print:
- Voter registration forms
- Washington State Voters pamphlets
- King County Voters pamphlets
- Guide to Voting in King County brochures
CIVIC EDUCATION FOR KIDS & TEENS
Youth librarians have curated the following Exploration Guides — digital collections of engaging and educational resources on a specific topic — for children and teens:
- Whose Vote Counts? Voter Suppression in the U.S. (high school)
- Voting (middle school)
- Votes Are Our Voices for the Future (elementary school) (middle school)
ELECTION DAY CLOSURES
To help ensure appropriate social distancing space at Library locations with ballot boxes, the Library will suspend Library services at five branches on Tuesday, Nov. 3 (Election Day). These locations will not offer Library services that day — such as book returns, Curbside Service or restroom operations — to reduce crowding on Election Day, as a large turnout of voters is anticipated:
- Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., 206-684-4089
- Beacon Hill Branch, 2821 Beacon Ave. S., 206-684-4711
- Broadview Branch, 12755 Greenwood Ave. N, 206-684-7519
- High Point Branch, 3411 S.W. Raymond St., 206-684-7454
- Lake City Branch, 12501 28th Ave. N.E., 206-684-7518
Curbside Service will still be available on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at the Central Library, Douglass-Truth and Rainier Beach branches. Restrooms will be open at the Central Library, Capitol Hill and University branches. Book drops will be open at Columbia, Green Lake, Greenwood, Northeast and Southwest branches. Explore all services at spl.org/RoadtoReopening.
MORE INFORMATION
On Oct. 6, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that public libraries may allow some indoor service at 25 percent capacity in Phase 2 of his Safe Start reopening plan. The Seattle Public Library is assessing the new reopening requirements with current planning efforts to expand services. The safety of our patrons and staff is our top priority. More details will be announced soon at the Library’s Road to Reopening page.
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 digital resources page 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.