The Seattle Public Library is expanding its services. You can visit your local Library branch to use a study room, check out a book, use a computer, charge your phone, browse the children’s section and more! Here is the latest news.  

Meeting and study rooms open: Are you looking for an affordable place to hold a meeting or event, or work quietly on your own? You can now use The Seattle Public Library’s event spaces, meeting rooms and study areas again. You can book a meeting room at the Library’s neighborhood branches for free, or use a study rooms, most of which are available on a first come, first served basis. The Central Library has a variety of rooms and spaces you can rent for meetings and other events. All facilities are accessible to people with disabilities. Find out more and book a room at spl.org/using-the-library/reservations-and-requests/reserve-a-room. 

Expanded Library hours: Also in May, The Seattle Public Library will expand open hours at the Northgate Branch (it will be open on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and the University Branch (it will be open on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Additional morning or evening hours will also be added to the Lake City, Northeast and Northgate branches. Find all current Library hours at spl.org/hours.  

Changes in hold times and account suspensions: Starting on May 23, the Library will return to a maximum hold time of 7 days (from 14 days) for books, CDs, DVDs and other physical items placed on hold. The Library will also suspend accounts for items that remain overdue after 14 days (from 31 days). The good news is that materials are automatically renewed up to three times if another patron isn’t waiting for the item. Peak Picks books and items checked out through Inter-Library Loan cannot be renewed.  

The Seattle Public Library never charges daily overdue fines, and suspended accounts are reactivated once items are returned. 

Safety precautions: Library visitors are strongly encouraged, but no longer required, to wear masks inside Library buildings. Library staff will continue to wear masks and the library will still offer free masks at dispensers. The library has a fully vaccinated workforce and will continue to use safety protocols such as plexi-glass barriers, increased ventilation and improved air filtration. 

Any Library patron can request Curbside service on an individual basis for pickup of their holds: Just call the branch’s phone number – found on signs at your branch or on the Hours & Locations page on spl.org – to let staff know you have arrived and need assistance with your holds pickup.  

Call the Ask Us line with any questions at 206.386.4636 or email or chat with Ask Us at www.spl.org/ask.