King County Library System (KCLS) Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum, Tukwila Mayor Allan Ekberg and Washington State Librarian Sara Jones met at the Tukwila Library on February 11 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate four new electronic library lockers.
KCLS patrons may now pick up holds from a 24/7 locker at six libraries across King County. The new exterior lockers are located at the Federal Way 320th, Kirkland, Tukwila and Woodinville Libraries. The other two existing lockers are located at the Bothell and Covington Libraries, which were acquired in response to the coronavirus pandemic in October 2020. KCLS was one of the first large library systems in the country to offer the innovative locker pickup service.
The KCLS Foundation funded the lockers at the Bothell, Covington, Federal Way 320th and Kirkland Libraries, while a portion of the $364,480 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant KCLS received in October 2021 funded the lockers in Tukwila and Woodinville. This grant is supported with ARPA funding provided by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
“The lockers provide an easy and convenient way for patrons to pick up materials,” stated KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum. “We are excited to offer this popular service in more communities, and we hope residents enjoy having increased access to books and materials.”
“I am most appreciative of the Tukwila Library and KCLS’ progressive approach to patron accessibility,” stated Tukwila Mayor Allan Ekberg. “Providing flexible pick-up hours with 24/7 access to the lockers is a great asset for all.”
“The Washington State Library is pleased to see ARPA funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in action,” stated Washington State Librarian Sara Jones. “Federal investments in library services, such as KCLS’ locker system, are making timely and positive impacts in our communities.”
King County residents may access the new lockers with their KCLS library card and PIN/password. Learn more about how to choose a locker for your next library hold here.
