We are getting there.
On February 1, King County moved to Phase 2 of the state’s Healthy Washington plan, which means KCLS will reopen some of its libraries to the public on March 3 with modified services, and in strict accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines for mask-wearing, social distancing, and capacity limits.
Three libraries–Tukwila, Woodmont and Kent–will reopen with modified, in-building service only. Curbside to Go service at those locations ended February 20 as staff prepares to open the doors. Three other libraries–Muckleshoot, Fall City and Skykomish–will offer a hybrid of modified in-building plus Curbside to Go services.
The six libraries scheduled to reopen already have all the required safety modifications in place for a transition to Phase 2. We also wanted to select libraries in some of our rural communities, where the need for public computer access is especially high. The six libraries serve our smallest community (Skykomish) to our largest service area (Kent).
By starting with these six libraries initially, staff will learn which approaches work best prior to adding other locations as part of our gradual reopening.
Meanwhile, Curbside to Go has expanded to almost all locations, with Newport Way and Shoreline libraries scheduled to launch the service in March. Our popular Surprise Bags can be picked up at 36 locations. And patrons also can pick up holds 24 hours a day, seven days a week from exterior contactless lockers located at two libraries on both ends of the county–Bothell and Covington.
KCLS is constantly working to improve the patron experience. We have 39 book drops open 24/7 and have expanded book drop hours at 20 locations. There are also 39 libraries offering Curbside printing, and we have reduced the quarantine period for books from 48 to 24 hours, decreasing wait times.
KCLS also has extended our public Wi-Fi signal to parking lots at 44 libraries, expanding digital access to those lacking it at home.
While the county opens up gradually, residents can turn to KCLS for reliable information about COVID-19 vaccines and where to get vaccinated. KCLS also will be training King County Public Health Community Navigators on our library services and resources. Community Navigators are trusted messengers from diverse neighborhoods who will be deployed by Public Health to provide accurate information in their respective communities.
For those able to visit their libraries in-person, we look forward to seeing you again! And for all our patrons who have stayed connected with KCLS online – stay tuned for further information as we work toward an eventual full reopening.
