On May 13, Governor Jay Inslee announced plans to reopen Washington state by June 30. State officials are working on industry-specific guidance for businesses and organizations.
We’re currently in Phase 3 of our reopening plan. We continue to adjust services per federal, state and local mandates and guidelines. Besides online and contactless services, many libraries now offer modified in-building services. Learn more about what is available near you. We will share our Phase 4 plans in early June. Our plans for Phase 4 include reopening the rest of our library buildings in July. The libraries will open on a gradual schedule throughout the month.
The health and safety of patrons and staff remains our top priority. While inside library buildings, everyone is still required to:
- wear face coverings,
- limit occupancy and
- remain socially distanced.
Get answers to frequently asked health and safety questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We are in the middle of a massive recruitment process. As staff levels continue to increase, hours will gradually expand throughout the summer.
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What changes do you want to see at your library? How can we better meet your needs? Go to our comment form, opens a new window to share your suggestions.
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King County Library System (KCLS) libraries are closed on the following holidays each year:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King’s Birthday
- Presidents’ Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
Check individual location pages, opens a new window for current dates specific to your local library. Holiday and closure information is posted on individual location pages. Look for the "Holidays & Closures" box and select "View all Holidays & Closures" to expand the list.
How Holidays Impact Services
You can still use some contactless and online services while we're closed. Find out how the holidays impact services.
Customer Service
Ask KCLS staff are unavailable for email, chat, or phone calls on holidays. Staff are unavailable to respond to questions on our social media accounts.Digital Access
You will continue to have access to your online account and digital collections. You can download eBooks, stream music and movies, and more. Find digital services that you can use while libraries are closed.Returns and Locker Holds
Book drops and Self-Check-in stations are open on holidays. You can return items to book drops while we are closed.Lockers are available as a hold pickup option at select library locations. Lockers are available 24/7. If your holds are ready to be collected from a locker, you can pick them up on a holiday.Your Next Library Visit
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Yes. You or your small group can reserve a study room. Find a room and request a reservation.
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You or your small group can make an online reservation to use a study room once per week at each library.
There are no limits to how often you or your small group can drop in to use a study room. If you don't have an advanced reservation, you may still be able to use a study room. Check with staff about availability during your visit.
