The Seattle Public Library’s Mobile Services Vehicles Are on the Road Again
release date: August 27, 2020
The Seattle Public Library’s Mobile Services vehicles are once again navigating the streets of Seattle to deliver books, DVDs and other materials to senior housing facilities, preschools that serve low-income families, encampments for people experiencing homelessness and other patrons who have difficulty accessing Library materials.
The Library’s Mobiles Services unit has not made deliveries since mid-March, when Library locations closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As part of its reopening plan reopening plan for phasing in services, the Library has restarted Mobile Services, along with accepting book returns and opening curbside service at seven locations.
“Our patrons — from preschoolers to residents in low-income senior housing — are thrilled that we are once again bringing Library materials to them,” said Robin Rousu, a supervising librarian with The Seattle Public Library’s Mobile Services unit. “Many of the older adults we reach have limited technology access and are isolated. These patrons rely on our deliveries of books and DVDs for education and entertainment.”
The Library’s mobile deliveries include holds for individual patrons who are unable to visit a Library location, collections of books for preschools, uncatalogued books for insecurely housed patrons, and more. The Mobile Services unit is also working with community partners to identify new locations that reach communities who need assistance with Library access.
“Many, many thanks to the Mobile Library staff for the huge amount of work undertaken to deliver books last week!,” wrote one patron to the Library after receiving a mobile delivery. “Done so safely, so smoothly, an amazing undertaking. This service is a godsend.”
New protocols are in place to protect patrons and staff from COVID-19. Drivers and staff are wearing masks and other personal protective equipment; books and materials are quarantined for 72 hours before delivery; and all delivery is contact-free.
The Library’s Books by Mail service has also restarted. The Library is accepting new patrons, with the same eligibility criteria as before the COVID-19 closure.
MORE INFORMATION
Visit the Library’s Road to Reopening page for more information on book returns, Curbside Service and other Library services being offered while Library buildings are closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Patrons can now place new holds on physical materials.
The Seattle Public Library also has many free online programs, services and resources while its physical buildings are closed. You can find out more on our website or by contacting the Library by phone at 206-386-4636. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information during this challenging time.