Our Path to Reopening
All library locations are temporarily closed to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about our Path to Reopening.
Versión en español / Spanish version
We would like to thank our staff, volunteers and patrons for their understanding and support as we navigate the challenges related to COVID-19. The health and safety of our staff and visitors is our top priority as we develop our reopening plans.
King County Library System (KCLS) libraries are currently closed per the Governor’s Stay Home Stay Safe order (currently in Phase 2). However we remain committed to providing contactless services and online programs, services, resources and events.
On October 6, updates to the WA Safe Start plan were announced. The updates allow libraries some indoor activity in Phase 2 at 25% capacity. We are working on our plans and protocols to accommodate this recent change. The health and safety of our staff and visitors is our top priority as we develop our reopening plans. You can expect modified operations at some or all buildings. This includes limited hours, services and access to technology. Physical distancing and health protocols will remain in place. Contactless services and online services and programming will continue through all phases. More details and dates will be announced when plans are finalized.
We have developed a reopening approach that includes limited, but progressively expanding services, outreach and access to libraries while following public health social distancing practices and safety guidelines.
Book drops are open at many locations.
Holds are available again! You can now place new holds and activate suspended holds on physical items. Holds can be picked up at most libraries through contactless services. Or stop by to pick up a surprise bag of five book titles at all contactless service locations.
All late fees accrued during the closure (starting on March 1) are currently waived through December 31.
Please visit this page often for important updates.
The library may not be open yet, but we're working to welcome you back safely. We can't wait to see you again.
Phase 1
KCLS offers online services and programs.
- Digital collections.
- Online programming.
- Ask KCLS by phone, email, chat.
Not Available
- All libraries remain closed to the public.
- Mobile outreach services not available.
- All book returns closed; no returns allowed.
Phase 1.5
KCLS offers online services and programs.
- Digital collections.
- Online programming.
- Ask KCLS by phone, email, chat.
Some staff in buildings with physical distancing and health protocols in place, preparing for subsequent phases.
Select book drops open with strict guidelines.
Not Available
- All libraries remain closed to the public.
- Mobile outreach services not available.
Current Phase: Phase 2
Place holds, pick up materials and printing with contactless Curbside to Go at select locations.
Locker pickups available at Bothell and Covington Libraries, 24/7.
Online services and programs continue (digital collections, programs and Ask KCLS).
Select manual book drops open to return materials.
Limited mobile outreach services.
Staff in buildings with masks and physical distancing and health protocols in place.
Not Available
- All libraries remain closed to the public.
Phase 2.5
Partial reopening at select libraries with 25% capacity.
Modified in-person services and technology offered at some libraries, with reduced hours and limited access.
Curbside to Go, Locker and printing pickup continues at some locations.
Online services and programs continue (digital collections, programs and Ask KCLS).
Limited mobile outreach services.
Select manual book drops open to return materials.
Mask and physical distancing requirements remain in place.
Staff in buildings with physical distancing and health protocols in place.
Not Available
- Meeting and study rooms closed.
- No large public gatherings or in-library events.
Phase 3
Partial reopening at select libraries with 50% capacity.
Modified in-person services and technology offered at some libraries, with reduced hours and limited access.
Curbside to Go, Locker and printing pickup continues at some locations.
Online services and programs continue (digital collections, programs and Ask KCLS).
Limited mobile outreach services.
Select manual book drops open to return materials.
Mask and physical distancing requirements remain in place.
Staff in buildings with physical distancing and health protocols in place.
Not Available
- Meeting and study rooms closed.
- No large public gatherings or in-library events.
Phase 4
KCLS returns to standard business practices while continuing to offer services in new ways learned during the pandemic.
- Libraries open.
- Meeting and study rooms open, pending Administration approval.
- Large public gathering allowed inside libraries.
Learn More about Current Services
Book Drops: Open With Varying Hours
Return materials through the manual book drop. Materials will not be accepted in-person by staff or through Self Check-In. Returned materials will be quarantined and remain on patron accounts for a minimum of 3 days before being checked in. Any fines or fees accrued during that time will be waived.
Contactless Services: Open at Most Libraries
Pick up library materials in a safe, contact-free manner. Available to patrons who arrive by car, on foot, by bike and with or without an appointment.
Ask KCLS
Locations may be closed, but our staff are still here to answer all your questions. Need a book recommendation, tech support, help with schoolwork, or information about current events? Call Ask KCLS at (425) 462-9600 or contact us online.
Connect to our Digital Resources
Patrons are encouraged to use our online resources and services. Residents in our service area can sign up instantly for a digital eCard for access to:
Connect to our Digital Resources
Patrons are encouraged to use our online resources and services. Residents in our service area can sign up instantly for a digital eCard for access to:
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you have many questions about your library during the coronavirus pandemic and what to expect while libraries are closed. These FAQs will be regularly updated.
Borrowing, Library Accounts, and Services During Phase 2
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You’ll be notified by phone or email when your item is ready for pickup. You'll have three days to pick it up.
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This is a new service and we are starting with just a few libraries to make sure it works well for you. After a few weeks, staff will evaluate the workflow. We'll make any necessary changes before adding more libraries.
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We are working on our plans and protocols to accommodate this recent change. The safety of library staff and patrons is our highest priority. Our current goal is to provide limited in-library service by early 2021. We are following safety guidance provided by the Washington Safe Start plan. The guidelines are regularly updated in response to new data. We will only reopen library buildings to the public if it is safe to do so.
You can expect modified operations at some or all buildings.
- This includes limited hours, services and access to technology.
- Physical distancing and health protocols will remain in place.
- Curbside to Go and online services and programming will continue through all phases.
More details and dates will be announced when plans are finalized.
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Surprise bags are bags selected by librarians and library staff by age and interest. Surprise bags are available at Curbside to Go locations (plus Library Connection @ Southcenter). Surprise Bags are five items each, and there is a three bag per patron limit.
MyLIBRO app users can request a bag when picking up holds. Ask for the bag in the “Arrival Notes” field when you arrive for your scheduled appointment. At some locations, you may also request a surprise bag without having items ready for pickup.
Walk-up patrons can ask when making their appointment.
myLIBRO website users can request a bag when making an appointment. Ask for the bag in the “Add a Note” field.
You can ask for a bag of titles in any of these categories.
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We hope to invite the public back to some or all buildings with modified operations in Phase 3. Limited hours, services and access to technology will be determined and may vary by location.
Visit our blog to learn more about what's different during the pandemic. How COVID-19 Changes Your Library Experience.
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You may return your books through the manual book drops during open hours. Find the nearest location with a book drop on the Find a Location map. Or, find your library on the A-Z location list. Check our website frequently for updates.
Visit our blog to learn more about what's different during the pandemic. How COVID-19 Changes Your Library Experience.
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No. eCards are only available to people who live or own property inside the King County Library System (KCLS) service area. Our service area includes all of King County except for Seattle, Yarrow Point, and Hunts Point.
Residents of reciprocal library systems can get a card that needs to be activated in person. Apply online for an all-access card. You can activate your card in person at one of our libraries during Curbside to Go hours. You will need proof of address and photo ID that shows your date of birth. You'll receive instructions to complete the process when you get your card in the mail.
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Library lockers are available 24/7.
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You have a limit of $1.50 for printed pages each week. Preview your print job carefully before you upload it. If you do not have enough credit for your entire print job staff are unable to print it. The maximum print job is 10 black and white pages or 3 color pages.
Letter, 8 1/2" x 11"
A black and white page is $0.15.
A color page is $0.50. -
All of our online services continue. In addition, you can borrow materials via our contactless services. Libraries remain closed to the public.
Visit our blog to learn more about what's different during the pandemic. How COVID-19 Changes Your Library Experience.
Information from Local, State, and National Agencies
Coronavirus Call Centers
If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 or are a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19:
- Contact the King County Novel Coronavirus Call Center.
For general questions about COVID-19 or Washington State's response:
- Contact the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center.
