A library staffer setting up a “Curbside to Go” sign. Photo courtesy KCLS

A library staffer setting up a “Curbside to Go” sign. Photo courtesy KCLS

King County libraries move to Phase 4 this month

Libraries across King County will advance to Phase 4 on June 30, and all remaining library buildings will be open by July 13.

After the coronavirus pandemic swept through the county early in 2020, libraries were shuttered. Since then, the libraries have adapted by offering curbside services and slowly reopening. Entering Phase 4, the final step towardreopening, means that all libraries will again reopen for service, and in-building services will gradually resume.

This includes manual book drops along with self-check-in stations. Locker pickups will continue at the Bothell and Covington libraries, but “curbside to go” service will end. Masks and physical distancing requirements will still remain in place until further notice.

The last day to pick up curbside books at the Fall City Library will be June 26, and July 1 at North Bend Library. Books under hold will still be available to pick up inside the library.

“We look forward to welcoming patrons back into all of our library buildings,” said King County Library System Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum in a press release. “We know this is the moment many of you have been waiting for, and we are happy it is nearly here.”

The closures of the library system were unprecedented in King County since the system was founded during World War II. During the closure, staff conducted training and hosted digital story times and online programming.

The importance of libraries goes beyond providing books and reading materials for many people. It also provides a vital link to the internet for people who otherwise don’t have access.

Throughout the pandemic, several libraries were outfitted with WiFi upgrades for their buildings. These boosted the signal beyond the parking lots and allowed people to hop online outside the buildings.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Northwest

Auburn Riverside High School. COURTESY PHOTO, Auburn School District
Student brings gun to Auburn Riverside High School

Auburn Police arrest 15-year-old for unlawful gun possession; gun was unloaded

Gov. Jay Inslee, left, with First Lady Trudi Inslee at a press conference advocating for laws to prevent gun violence. (Provided by the Washington State Governors’ Office)
House Democrats push Washington closer to assault weapons ban

Their bill outlawing the manufacture and sale of certain guns passed the state House. No Republican voted for it.

Decatur High School in Federal Way. COURTESY PHOTO, Federal Way Public Schools
Federal Way Police arrest Decatur High security guard for sexual misconduct

Man allegedly committed sexual misconduct with a female student

Courtesy Photo, WIld Waves Theme and Water Park
Wild Waves in Federal Way seeks to fill 700 positions for summer season

Hiring event set for Tuesday, March 14 at WorkSource in Tacoma; can also apply online

Five people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday night, March 7 in Renton. COURTESY PHOTO, Renton Police
Four juveniles injured after late-night collision in Renton

18-year-old man reportedly ran a red light in a stolen vehicle on Rainier Avenue

File photo
Man shot, injured at Fred Meyer parking lot in Renton

Police report the man was found with a head wound and is in ‘critical condition.’

Screenshot from King County TV
State of the County: Constantine discusses homelessness, environment, cameras for deputies

On March 7, King County Executive Dow Constantine gave his “State of… Continue reading

File photo: A sign at a Cal Anderson Park reproductive rights protest on May 14, 2022, in Seattle.
Legislation seeks to strenghten Washington’s abortion laws

OLYMPIA — A day after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v.… Continue reading