Seattle Libraries Close Through Mid-April Due To Coronavirus Woes

SEATTLE, WA — All branches of The Seattle Public Library will be closed, beginning Friday at 6 p.m. through mid-April, due to concerns over the new coronavirus, officials announced today.

Patrons still will have access to such digital services as e-books, e-audiobooks, streaming movies, TV and music services, plus free access to magazines and newspapers. The "Ask Us" reference platform also will be available online and or by phone, and will be manned by library staff working from their homes.

"It is clear that now is the time for strong and decisive action in order to protect the public we serve every day, as well as our staff and volunteers, who have been going above and beyond to continue providing service over the last several days as this public health crisis has taken hold," Executive Director and Chief Librarian Marcellus Turner said.

"As health officials and scientists have noted, we likely had 1,100 active COVID-19 infections as of March 10 in our region," he said. "If we do not act, there could be more than 25,000 cases by early April."

Closures will be in place until April 13, at which time the situation will be reevaluated. Weighing in on the decision, which was not made "lightly," were Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and the Library Board of Trustees, Turner said.

Those in possession of library materials can ignore due dates as the system is extending loan periods during the closure, and items can be returned when branches reopen.

"We look forward to welcoming you back into our buildings when this virus runs its course, and our communities begin to reconvene and rebuild a sense of normalcy," Turner said. "Until then, visit us at here at spl.org to take advantage of our great digital resources."

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