The King County Library System (KCLS) – including the Burien Library – will add two new services to select library locations during the COVID-19 closures, including Book Returns and Curbside to Go.

The Book Return opens today – Tuesday, June 23, 2020 – and Curbside to Go begins Wednesday, July 1.

Visit kcls.org/reopening for more information on KCLS’ multiphase plan to expand services, and contact Ask KCLS with questions.

“We are excited to be offering Curbside to Go,” said KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum. “While we are not yet able to welcome patrons back inside our buildings, these next steps bring us closer to providing full access to KCLS’ collection, programs and services.”

Here’s more from KCLS:

Book Returns and Curbside to Go
Both the book return and Curbside to Go services will be offered at 16 library locations to start, including Auburn; Bellevue; Bothell; Burien; Covington; Enumclaw; Fairwood; Federal Way; Kent; Kirkland; Mercer Island; North Bend; Renton Highlands; Sammamish; Shoreline; and Vashon. The Skykomish Library will follow on July 2—its book return will be open during the same hours below, while Curbside to Go will only be offered on Thursdays, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

Book Returns: Starting Tuesday, June 23

      • Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00am-7:00pm
      • Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-1:00pm

All materials must be returned through the manual book drop. They will not be accepted in person by staff or through Self Check-In. Returned materials will be quarantined—and remain on patron accounts—for a minimum of three days before being checked in. Any fines or fees accrued during that time will be waived.

Curbside to Go: Starting Wednesday, July 1

      • Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00am-1:00pm and 4:00-7:00pm
      • Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-1:00pm

Curbside to Go provides a safe, contact-free way to pick up library materials. Patrons may arrive by car, bike or on foot, and with or without an appointment. While outside library buildings, patrons are asked to maintain six feet of separation from other patrons and staff at all times.

How to use Curbside to Go:

By appointment:

      • Make an appointment on the myLIBRO mobile app, or call one of the select libraries’ Curbside to Go phone numbers.
      • Arrive at your scheduled appointment time.
      • Your materials will be waiting for you in a bag on the Pickup Table.

By walk-up:

      • Call the phone number posted outside the library.
      • Wait in the Service Line.
      • Staff will collect your materials and bring them to the Pickup Table.

By walk-up without a phone: 

      • Wait in the Service Line until you reach the front.
      • Advance to the library door once staff are back inside. They will speak to you through the glass.
      • Staff will collect your materials and bring them to the Pickup Table.

KCLS encourages patrons to continue to take advantage of online services and resources while library buildings remain closed to the public. Residents in the KCLS service area (in King County, outside the city of Seattle) can sign up instantly for a digital eCard to access the library online. For those who don’t have computer or Internet access, contact Ask KCLS by phone at 425.462.9600 or 800.462.9600. Staff are ready to answer questions, and direct residents to helpful resources and information.

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