Our Path to Reopening
All libraries are now open for visits.
Versión en español / Spanish version
New Hours
All libraries have opened for visits. Hours have changed at all locations.
We are open from Tuesday to Saturday. Most libraries are open five days a week. A few libraries are open three or four days a week. Some locations have reduced the number of days or hours they are open each week. Doing so allows us to staff all locations.
You can find new hours on your library's location page.
What to Expect When All Libraries Are Open
When you visit the library, you’ll notice that our spaces and services still look a bit different. Services will be modified at first and will expand over time. We'll continue to assess and apply health and safety protocols as needed.
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Services may vary by location. Socially-distanced chairs and tables may be available.
During your visit, you can:
- Check out holds.
- Browse the collection.
- Use a computer or printer.
- Use the copier/scanner.
- Send a fax.
- Return items to the manual book drop or Self-Check-in station outside.
- Give items to staff at the desk to check in.
- Apply for, or activate, a library card.
- Use the restroom.
- Get help from staff.
- Use a library Makerspace.
You won't be able to:
- Use a meeting or study room.
- Attend events.
- Donate books to Friends Book Sales.
- Browse newspapers or magazines. Magazines and newspapers will not be available for browsing at in-library locations. Try using our digital magazine collections through the Libby app and PressReader.
- Pick up a surprise bag.
- Pick up curbside holds.
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Curbside pickup needs a lot of staff and space to work well. We don't have enough staff and space at some locations to offer Curbside and reopen all buildings at the same time.
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No. Surprise bags will no longer be available once Curbside To Go Service ends at the beginning of July.
We know surprise bags have been popular, and we're working on new ways to offer a similar service.
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Check your library's location page for up-to-date information. You can find new hours on your library's location page.
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Services and hours will be modified at first and will expand over time. We offer evening, Saturday and weekday hours so that we can serve as many people as possible.
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Libraries are open for at least 7 hours per day. You may stay as long you like during open hours.
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You do not need to worry about late fees. We are not charging overdue fines until further notice, even after libraries reopen. We still ask that you please return your items when they are due.
All due dates and renewal limits are currently in effect. Other patrons may have a hold on the item you’re returning.
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Meeting rooms are currently closed. Rooms will not be available for bookings until further notice.
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We are following the state mandate and local guidelines regarding face coverings.
Starting August 23, masks are required for everyone while inside the library, ages 5 and older. Please let us know if you need a mask and we will be happy to provide it.
Do you need accessibility accommodations?
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No. King County will require proof of vaccination or a negative test result to enter some events and establishments starting on October 25, 2021. Libraries are not included in this health order. This rule does not change our services.
Thank you for your understanding as we navigate the challenges of COVID-19. The health and safety of our staff and visitors remains our top priority as we reopen all buildings.
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.
Some book drops open with strict guidelines.
Not Available
- All libraries remain closed to the public.
- Mobile outreach services not available.
Phase 2
Place holds, pick up materials and printing with contactless Curbside to Go at some locations.
Locker pickups available at Bothell and Covington Libraries, 24/7.
Online services and programs continue (digital collections, programs and Ask KCLS).
Some 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 3
Partial reopening at some libraries with 25-50% capacity.
Modified in-library 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.
Most manual book drops and Self-Check-in stations are 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.
Current Phase: Phase 4
All libraries reopen; in-building services gradually resume.
- All manual book drops and Self-Check-in stations open to return materials.
- Locker pickup continues at Bothell and Covington Libraries.
- Masks are required for all patrons entering the library, ages 5 and older. Please let us know if you need a mask and we will be happy to provide it.
- Libraries at 100% capacity; no physical distancing required.
- Limited mobile outreach.
- Makerspaces open with limited availability.
Not available:
- Curbside pickup ends.
- Meeting and study rooms closed.
- Surprise bags are no longer available.
- No large public gatherings or in-library events.
- No Friends Book Sales or book donations.
- No volunteer opportunities inside the library.
