The Seattle Public Library To Reopen Four More Branches In Early July
release date: July 1, 2021
The Seattle Public Library will reopen the Green Lake, Northeast, Northgate and West Seattle branches next week. Twenty-one out of 27 Library locations will be open for patrons to browse collections and check out books, use a computer or Wi-Fi, charge devices, ask for assistance, or simply sit and read.
A complete list of reopening dates and operating hours is provided below. Meeting rooms, study rooms and in-person programs are not yet available at reopened Library locations.
In light of Washington state’s move to full reopening on June 30, the Library is making other changes: All reopened locations will be open at 100% capacity, will not require physical distancing, and will reintroduce additional computer stations and seating. However, for now, mask requirements remain in place for all City of Seattle buildings, including libraries.
“It has been so gratifying to see people of all ages and backgrounds in our libraries again, checking out armfuls of books, using computers to fill out job applications and write emails, and taking refuge from the heat,” said Interim Chief Librarian Tom Fay. “We look forward to reopening more locations and expanding open hours throughout the summer.”
Five libraries – the Fremont, Madrona-Sally Goldmark, Montlake, NewHolly and Wallingford branches – are not yet providing Library services due to staffing constraints as a result of citywide, COVID-era budget cuts. The Capitol Hill Branch is currently offering just material returns and public restroom access.
Thanks to $1.1 million in funding from the City’s Seattle Rescue Plan, the Library anticipates returning to pre-pandemic staffing levels to support the reopening of all locations and the expansion of open hours. With this funding, the Library can work toward full reopening throughout the summer to support Seattle’s children returning to in-person school this fall.
COMPLETE LIST OF REOPENED LOCATIONS AND HOURS
Reopened libraries will operate on the following schedule. Newly reopened libraries are listed in bold. Visit the Library’s Hours and Locations page (www.spl.org/Hours) for a complete list of locations and services currently available, and visit our Shelter page (www.spl.org/Shelter) for a list of libraries with air conditioning (also noted in the list below with the abbreviation A/C).
- Ballard Branch (A/C)
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
- Beacon Hill Branch (A/C)
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
- Broadview Branch (A/C)
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
- Central Library (Levels 1, 3 & 5) (A/C)
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
- Columbia Branch
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays
- Delridge Branch (A/C)
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays
- Douglass-Truth Branch (A/C)
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
- Green Lake Branch
- Reopening: Thursday, July 8
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays
- Greenwood Branch (A/C)
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays
- High Point (A/C)
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays
- International District/Chinatown Branch (A/C)
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
- Lake City Branch (A/C)
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
- Magnolia Branch (A/C)
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays
- Northeast Branch
- Reopening: Wednesday, July 7
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
- Northgate Branch (A/C)
- Reopening: Tuesday, July 6
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
- Queen Anne Branch
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Rainier Beach Branch (A/C)
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays
- South Park (A/C)
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays
- Southwest Branch
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
- University Branch
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
- West Seattle Branch
- Reopening: Tuesday, July 6
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 pm. Tuesdays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
With temperatures still high in the Seattle area, patrons can find a list of libraries with air conditioning at www.spl.org/shelter. Libraries without air conditioning do sometimes close due to high temperatures; find updated status alerts on the website at www.spl.org.
Note that all Library locations will be closed on Sunday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
MORE INFORMATION
Check spl.org/hours for a complete list of hours and services at each branch. The Library’s Road to Reopening page shares the latest updates on our reopening process. Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information.