The Seattle Public Library announced today that the main and branch libraries will remain open but programs and events for March have been cancelled. Future events are yet to be determined.
Dear patron,
We know you’ve been paying close attention to the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak in our region. We wanted to alert you about key changes the Library has made to protect the health of our patrons and staff while still providing essential Library services.
Branches and Central still open
At this time, the Central Library and its 26 branches will continue to operate with standard hours. The Library will continue to offer book holds at every location and our Books By Mail service will continue for the Mobile Services patrons who use it. To reduce exposure, the Library continues to follow best sanitation practices for workplaces, as well as adding sanitation stations to locations and pulling toys and other difficult-to-sanitize items. And remember: You no longer have to worry about overdue fines: As of January, 2020, we’ve eliminated daily fines, and you can also renew materials for a third time, provided others are not waiting.
All programs, events and meeting room bookings canceled in March
Due to current guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve and the high-risk populations who volunteer for us, as of Saturday, March 7, we are canceling all programs and events for the month of March, including Homework Help, tech classes, story times, Tax Help, book clubs and author events. The Library has also canceled all Bookmobile service. All external meetings scheduled in Library meeting rooms will be canceled or rescheduled.
Planning ahead
The Library is re-evaluating its services daily and planning for future scenarios, including developing staffing and service models should we need to reduce services at any locations. Patrons can stay updated on changes to Library services on our website. We have a special page for coronavirus updates. You can also follow the Library on Twitter and Facebook to stay updated.
Digital resources
During this challenging time, we wanted to encourage you to check out the Library’s many online books and media and other resources including e-books and e-audiobooks; streaming TV, movie and music services; online classes; and digital subscriptions to newspapers and magazines.
We know these changes will impact our patrons. We will work hard to keep communicating with you about changes and get your pressing questions answered. Please share questions or concerns with Library staff, either at one of our locations or via the Library’s digital Ask Us platform at www.spl.org/ask.
In the meantime, you can also stay informed through some of the region’s best resources on this crisis, including include Public Health – Seattle & King County, the Washington State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Sincerely,
Marcellus Turner
Executive Director and Chief Librarian
The Seattle Public Library
