Book Drops and Self-Check-in are Now Open 24/7 at Most Locations

Options and hours to return items expanded on May 28. You can now return items 24/7 to book drops or Self-Check-in stations at most locations.

Book drops are open 24/7 at almost every library.

Return items anytime to a manual book drop outside of the library. Book drops are open on Sundays and Mondays when libraries are closed. Please note that staff do not work in the buildings on these days. If the book drop fills up when we're closed, staff aren't available to clear it.

Find a nearby book drop on our location finder map.

Self-Check-in stations are available 24/7 at many locations.

Return items to Self-Check-in stations at many libraries 24/7. Most Self-Check-in stations are open on Sundays and Mondays when libraries are closed. We aren't available to assist if Self-Check-in is out of order when we're closed. If Self-Check-in is out of order after hours, please return items to your library's manual book drop. 

Find a nearby location that offers Self-Check-in.

Items you return will not be quarantined before they are checked in. 

We've changed our practices. Libraries are no longer required to quarantine items. Governor Inslee changed state requirements for library services on May 19.

With less processing time, you'll experience shorter wait time for holds. 

Though you can now return on Sundays and Mondays, you can't pick up holds or visit the library on those days.

Unless you're picking up in a 24/7 locker, you can only pick up holds during open hours Tuesday-Saturday.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Return items to the manual book drop or Self-Check-in outside. Staff will also take returns in person. You can give items such as kits to staff to check in during your visit.

    Find a book drop.

    Find a library that offers Self-Check-in.

    Why isn't the book return open at my library?

  • Please call the library where you returned your materials.

  • Book drops and Self-Check-in are open on days that libraries are closed. However, we aren't available to assist if book drops are full or if Self-Check-in is out of order while we're closed. If Self-Check-in is out of order after hours, please return items to your library's book drop.

  • Return kits at any library. You will need to go into the library and ask staff where to place the item.

  • You can now return items by mail.

    Send items to any library location. Make sure to write "Book Return" or "Library Returns" on the outside of the package.

Updated 10/16/21