During a weeklong rollout starting Tuesday, April 6, the King County Library System (KCLS) will reopen five additional libraries with modified in-building services at reduced capacity. The new locations include the Enumclaw, Federal Way 320th, Snoqualmie, Vashon and Woodinville Libraries. Residents may now browse collections, use computers, copiers and printers, access Wi-Fi, and get socially-distanced help from staff inside one of KCLS’ 11 reopened libraries.
The first six libraries to offer modified in-building services were Fall City, Kent, Muckleshoot, Skykomish, Tukwila and Woodmont. KCLS will continue to follow Governor Jay Inslee’s Healthy Washington—Roadmap to Recovery plan and Safe Start guidelines throughout their reopening process, and will reopen additional libraries on a gradual schedule.
Services and hours of operation vary by location. Some libraries offer in-building services only, while others offer a hybrid model with both curbside and in-building services. Check your library’s location page at kcls.org/locations for the most up-to-date information, or contact Ask KCLS for assistance at kcls.org/ask, or call (425) 462-9600 or (800) 462-9600. The new locations will open on the following schedule:
In-Building Service
- 4/6/21: Snoqualmie Library
- 4/7/21: Enumclaw, Federal Way 320th and Woodinville Libraries
Hybrid: In-Building and Curbside Service
- 4/9/21: Vashon Library
KCLS’ physical spaces and in-building services have been modified to keep patrons and staff safe. Residents are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, and staff ensure that occupancy levels do not exceed 25-50% of building capacity. Masks are required for entry, and libraries are open for a limited amount of time, followed by an hour of cleaning.
"It has been wonderful to see patrons inside our libraries once again,” stated KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum. “We hope you enjoy reconnecting with staff and services, and we thank you for your patience as we work to reopen more locations.”
Residents may continue to use KCLS’ contactless Curbside to Go services at the majority of library locations. Learn more about curbside pickup and printing, outdoor library lockers, external Wi-Fi, surprise bags of books and more at kcls.org/visit. And patrons may still access KCLS online at kcls.org. Residents in the KCLS service area (in King County, outside the city of Seattle) can sign up instantly for a digital eCard for eBooks, audiobooks, streaming movies, digital magazines, research databases, and student and small business resources.
