At last.
That was the sentiment expressed by smiling patrons as they left a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Tukwila Library on February 8, one of 14 being hosted by the King County Library System. Although the line stretched out the door, those in the queue said getting their vaccination card stamped was well worth the wait.
“KCLS made life easier for us,” said Russell B., who with his wife, was the first in line at Tukwila Library and among 81 clinic attendees. The couple received COVID-19 booster shots, and said they felt relieved as they sat amid the bookshelves, waiting the Public Health-recommended 15 minutes before driving home.
KCLS, in partnership with Public Health-Seattle & King County, began offering free vaccinations at four libraries—Tukwila, Enumclaw, Auburn and Federal Way—in early February, and will host them through the end of March. The libraries were selected according to Public Health data showing cities with low vaccination rates.
Single and two-dose vaccines plus boosters are available to all those five years and older. The vaccines are provided at no cost, regardless of insurance, citizenship or immigration status, and on-site interpreter services are available. Appointments can be made online but walk-ups are welcome. However, masks are required for entry.
Last fall, the KCLS-Public Health partnership served a total 165 people at vaccination clinics. A KCLS Foundation grant is funding the winter clinics, as well as direct postcard mailers to associated zip codes to encourage residents to get their shots.
“As trusted sources of information and assistance, public libraries are well versed in connecting community members to important resources,” stated KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum. “We are proud to partner with Public Health to provide an easy and convenient way to get the COVID-19 vaccine.”
The Tukwila clinic was held several hours before the library opened to the public at 1pm. Many came to get second doses, booster shots and to get their school-age children vaccinated, saying they wanted their children to stay safe while in school. Kids took home free books, and KCLS offered everyone vaccination-card holders.
“I had a hard time finding the vaccine for my daughter,” said Vanessa E., referring to her nine-year old. “We waited in line for two and a half hours in one case, and by the time it was our turn, they ran out of the vaccine. So this was a piece of cake.”
Deanna B. agreed. She wanted a booster, but her main focus was getting a first shot for her six-year-old daughter, Freya. The girl winced as the needle went into her arm, but perked right up after being rewarded with a sticker. She looked at her mom and asked, “Can we go to 7-11 for a treat?”
“You did great! You were very brave,” said William B., a Public Health worker who administered the shot. He has been working at clinics for over a year.
“I feel like it’s something I can do to help get this pandemic under control, and people coming in have been very grateful,” he said. “I’ve been encouraged by the number of people getting their vaccines and by the lowering (pandemic) numbers.”
Vanessa E. was among those expressing gratitude for the vaccinations, as well as for KCLS.
“It was great that the clinics are being held at libraries,” she said. “We love books. I’m a lover of the Library System and appreciate all they do. All their hard work is really important to us.”
