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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 but remain committed to providing contact-free services and online programs, services, resources and events.
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 Curbside to Go. Or stop by to pick up a surprise bag of five book titles at all Curbside to Go locations.
All late fees accrued during the closure (starting on March 1) are currently waived through September 30.
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
Available
Continue to provide online services and programs.
Digital collections.
Online programming.
Ask KCLS by phone, email, chat.
Not Available
All libraries remain closed to the public.
All book returns closed; no returns allowed.
Phase 1.5
Available
Some staff return to buildings to resume activities to prepare for Phase 2 and 3.
Physical distancing and health protocols in place.
Select book returns will gradually open with strict guidelines.
Phase (and sub-phase) progressions depend on current public health and safety guidelines.
Not Available
All libraries remain closed to the public.
Current Phase: Phase 2
Available
Staff in buildings with physical distancing and health protocols in place.
Ability to place and pick up holds and materials with Curbside To Go services at select locations, in a multiphase rollout. Modifications likely.
Select book drops open to return materials.
Limited mobile outreach delivery with Library2Go!
Phase (and sub-phase) progressions depend on current public health and safety guidelines.
Not Available
All libraries remain closed to the public.
Phase 3
Available
KCLS invites the public back to some or all buildings with modified operations.
Limited hours, services and access to technology will be determined and may vary by location.
Physical distancing and health protocols remain in place.
Curbside To Go and Library2Go! mobile outreach delivery continues to rollout.
Phase (and sub-phase) progressions depend on current public health and safety guidelines.
Not Available
No large public gatherings inside libraries or in-library events. Meeting and study rooms closed.
Phase 4
Available
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: Now 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.
Curbside to Go: Now Open at 41 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 KCLS’ online resources and services. Residents in KCLS’ service area can sign up instantly for a digital eCard for access to:
Connect to our Digital Resources
Patrons are encouraged to use KCLS’ online resources and services. Residents in KCLS’ 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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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.
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You may return your books through the manual book drops during open hours. Visit our Curbside to Go page for hours and locations. Check our website frequently for updates.
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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.
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All of our online services continue. In addition, you can borrow materials via our Curbside To Go service. Libraries remain closed to the public.
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Yes. You can now place new holds, activate suspended holds, and pick up holds. You will get an email notification when your holds are available.
Or stop by to pick up a surprise bag of five book titles at any Curbside to Go location.
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Yes. The King County Library System (KCLS) is temporarily unblocking cards through the closure period.
While KCLS is closed for the safety of our staff, patrons and community during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have:
- Suspended all collections agency activity. No account will be sent to collections while we are closed to the public.
- Lifted the block on any card which had a fee preventing a user from accessing materials.
Those users now have access to the extensive online library KCLS offers. When the library returns to normal operations patrons will be responsible for these fees at a later date.
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All due dates and renewal limits are currently in effect. However, we aren't charging fines through September 30.
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King County Library System cardholders can use the following services:
Don’t have a card yet? Do you live in King County but not in Seattle, Yarrow Point, or Hunts Point? Apply for an eCard. You can use your eCard instantly to borrow eBooks, stream movies, and more.
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eCards are available to King County residents and property owners, outside of Seattle, Yarrow Point, and Hunts Point. We aren't able to create new accounts for people outside of our service area during the closure. At the moment, the eCard is the only option for starting a new account with immediate access.
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Contact individual database services for help. You can find contact information for each service on our list of databases. If contact information is not listed for the service you need help with, contact Ask KCLS.
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.
