SEATTLE — Most neighborhood branches of the Seattle Public Library system will be closed intermittently through June 4.
The closures are due to limited staffing capacity and are being implemented to reduce unplanned closures and provide more reliable schedules, according to the library system.
Changes to the Library's minimum staffing levels and increased leave usage have impacted its capacity. This has led to unplanned closures, with staff being redirected to other locations if a branch doesn't have the right number or mix of staff to open and operate a building safely and with full services.
Below is a list of library closures:
- 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
According to the library system, it has been working to rebuild staffing capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2023, more than 160 new staff were hired to meet and exceed pre-pandemic levels.
In the short term, chief librarian Tom Fay approved exemptions to the current hiring freeze, which includes bringing on temporary staff to allow for additional open hours.
"Not an easy decision to make. We're all about access," said Fay. "Everybody is looking to solutions. We're not looking to be combative. That's not happening here. It's a great thing, it means the city is working together to solve this."
The library is a non-executive department of the city, meaning it operates independent of city hall and Thursday's decision was made by library officials.
The situation has been brewing for months. In March, some library employees addressed Seattle City Council.
"Our quality of service [is] not as good as it was prior to the hiring freeze. This would not be an issue if the freeze ended and our branches could be fully staffed," said one employee who was only identified as Sharon.
"When libraries close, it means the whole community loses a place to turn for learning and joy and safety and connection with each other," said another employee named Jacob.