King County Library System is taking things to the next level, now that King County has been approved to move into Phase 2. For KCLS, it means offering a new patron service called Curbside to Go as well as opening book drops at some libraries.
Barring any major announcements from King County Public Health, Curbside to Go will begin July 1 at 17 locations. Curbside to Go allows KCLS to provide patrons with a safe, contact-free way to pick up books and other materials while continuing to adhere to public health guidelines on physical distancing.
With Curbside to Go, patrons can:
• Make an appointment by using a special myLIBRO mobile app or calling the library in advance. Materials will be ready for pickup when patrons arrive at their scheduled appointment time;
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• Walk-up without an appointment. When patrons arrive they can call the Curbside to Go phone number (visibly posted at each location) or, if they are without a phone, they can stand in the Service Line where staff will assist them (through a glass door). Holds will be gathered while patrons wait.
Curbside to Go service will be initially available at the following locations: Auburn, Bellevue, Bothell, Burien, Covington, Enumclaw, Fairwood, Federal Way, Kent, Kirkland, Mercer Island, North Bend, Renton Highlands, Sammamish, Shoreline, Skykomish* and Vashon. (*Skykomish hours start July 2.) KCLS plans to expand the number of locations in the future. Curbside to Go hours and updates can be found at kcls.org/curbside.
In addition, book drops were opened at these same libraries on June 23 and, for now, it is the only way for patrons to return materials. Self-Check In is not available and staff are unable to accept returns. KCLS will quarantine all returned materials for at least three days before removing the items from patron accounts. Any fines or fees accrued during the three-day quarantine period will be waived. Book drops will be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am-7pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am-1pm.
While libraries remained closed during Phase 2, KCLS will continue to offer patrons an array of online resources, including our annual Summer Reading Program. This year’s program features Redmond Reads, a three-month community read of The Lines that Make Us by Nathan Vass, a writer and King County Metro bus driver who has strong ties to the Redmond community.
And in the meantime, KCLS will continue planning for Phase 3. While we look forward to moving ahead, we remain vigilant to concerns about the coronavirus and will continue to adhere to the Governor’s Safe Start Plan as we enter each new phase.
We are getting there! Stay healthy, and keep connecting with us at kcls.org.
