The Seattle Public Library is scheduling intermittent branch closures at several locations through Tuesday, June 4 due to limited staffing capacity. The temporary schedule listed below is being implemented to reduce unplanned closures and provide more reliable schedules to patrons.
Several factors have impacted the Library’s staffing capacity, including changes to the Library’s minimum staffing levels, increasing leave usage, and the Library’s current freeze on hiring. Our impacted staffing capacity has led to unplanned closures, as the Library must redirect staff from one location to another if a branch doesn’t have the right number, or right mix, of staff to open and operate a building safely and with full library services. The Library is working to bring on additional staffing support. More information about these impacts to the Library’s current staffing levels can be found below.
While most locations will experience scheduled closures, the Library has identified some locations that will not see schedule changes to ensure ongoing library access in all areas of the city.
Patrons are encouraged to check the Library’s website before visiting one of our branches, as unplanned closures can still occur due to maintenance, safety or other staffing issues.
Below is a complete list of scheduled closures through Tuesday, June 4. Additional information about the Library’s schedule beyond June 4 will be shared this May.
Library schedule closures through Tuesday, June 4
-
- Central Library
-
- No planned closures
-
- Ballard Branch
- No planned closures
- Beacon Hill Branch
- Closed Sunday, April 14, April 28, May 12 and May 26
- Broadview Branch
- Closed on Sundays through June 4
- Capitol Hill Branch
- Opening at noon on Thursdays and closed on Sundays through June 4
- Columbia Branch
- Closed Saturdays through June 4
- Delridge Branch
- No planned closures
- Douglass-Truth Branch
- Closed Saturdays from April 20 through June 4
- Fremont Branch
- Closed Fridays through June 4
- Green Lake Branch
- Currently closed for seismic retrofit construction
- Greenwood Branch
- No planned closures
- High Point Branch
- Closed Sundays through June 4
- International District/Chinatown Branch
- Closed Fridays through June 4
- Lake City Branch
- Closed Sundays through June 4
- Madrona Sally-Goldmark Branch
- Closed Wednesdays and Fridays through June 4
- Magnolia Branch
- Closed Sundays through June 4
- Montlake Branch
- Closed Tuesdays and Fridays through June 4
- NewHolly Branch
- Closed Mondays through June 4
- Northeast Branch
- Closed Fridays through June 4
- Northgate Branch
- Closed Saturdays through June 4
- Queen Anne Branch
- Closed Saturdays from April 20 through June 4
- Rainier Beach Branch
- Closed Sunday, April 21, May 5, May 19 and June 2
- South Park Branch
- Closed Mondays through June 4
- Southwest Branch
- Closed Saturdays from April 20 through June 4
- University Branch
- No planned closures
- Wallingford Branch
- Closed Fridays and Saturdays through June 4
- West Seattle Branch
- Closed Fridays through June 4
- Central Library
About Library open hours and staffing levels
The Library has been working to rebuild staffing capacity, both in number and position type, since the pandemic, which continues to be a challenge. By 2023, the Library was able to hire over 160 new staff to meet and exceed pre-pandemic open hours. The Library was able to significantly expand open hours systemwide, as promised in the 2019 Library Levy.
At the same time, the Library has increased its minimum staffing levels at many locations to ensure the right number and mix of staff are present to safely operate facilities and provide full services. The Library’s minimum staffing levels help ensure staff are able to provide full library services and are supported and prepared to manage any challenging or disruptive situations in and around our libraries.
Increased post-pandemic leave use among staff is another factor in our reduced staffing capacity. This impact is primarily seen in areas such as personal or family medical leaves and unpaid leave.
In addition, the Library recently implemented a hiring freeze, in tandem with Mayor Harrell’s hiring freeze mandated for executive departments, to address budget challenges we face. The Library is a non-executive City department that has the authority to authorize its own hiring policies. However, Chief Librarian Tom Fay has approved several exemptions, allowing the Library to hire temporary staff to help stabilize operations.
The Library continues to work to identify staffing solutions and is working closely with the Mayor’s Office through the budget process to better understand any impacts to the Library’s General Fund allocation in the 2025-2026 budget. Mayor Harrell and Chief Librarian Fay remain committed to supporting library branches and the services provided to Seattle communities.
How the Library is addressing staffing capacity issues
The Library and the City understand how important libraries are to the people of Seattle, and we are looking at all potential options to support open hours that meet the needs of our community now and into the future.
In the short-term, Chief Librarian Tom Fay has approved exemptions to the Library’s current hiring freeze, including temporary staff to provide additional open hours support. This process is underway, and we expect these staff will be on board in the coming weeks.
How patrons can support their local library
We greatly appreciate the messages of support from Seattle residents as we have navigated these scheduling challenges. The Library has two support organizations that frequently advocate for the Library. The Seattle Public Library Foundation is the nonprofit fundraising partner of the Library and operates the Public Library Action Network. More information about the Foundation’s work can be found here: Advocacy – The Seattle Public Library Foundation (supportspl.org). The Friends of The Seattle Public Library is the grassroots membership organization that supports advocacy as well. Information about the Friends can be found here: About (friendsofspl.org). Patrons interested in supporting the Library can reach out to these organizations.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
How will I get my holds?
Holds will be extended and available for patrons when the library location reopens. We will keep holds on the shelf for 7 days and adjust so patrons have time to check out their items.
What will happen if I have a hold in a Library Pickup Locker and the location is closed?
With Library Pickup Lockers, you can access your holds anytime. The lockers are located outside of the branch and the building does not have to be open in order to get your items.
Where can I go if I had the meeting room reserved for the whole day, but then the branch closes due to low staffing?
Branch staff will contact patrons who have meeting room reservations. We will do our best to offer options and alternatives to customers. Here is some current verbiage we are using when we contact customers:
-
- Meeting room cancellation messaging: “The ____________ Branch will be closed on ___________ when you have the meeting room booked. Please call us at 206-386-4636 to reschedule or be moved to another location that will be open.”
How do I know which branches have open study rooms?
Many of our locations have study rooms or conference rooms. Information can be found on our website. You can also call our locations for more information about availability and reservations.
Why are some meeting rooms open and programs continuing, even when locations are closed?
Some of our locations allow for partial access to the building, which allows groups or individuals who have reservations for the space to continue. We are able to have these specific areas of the building accessible without the need to staff the entire location.