Expanding Library Access

The Library created an in-house social services program and added or expanded ways for patrons to access Library services, collections and programs.

Expanding hours and access

After the winter Omicron wave of COVID-19, maintained open hours at 27 Library locations at 90%+ of pre-pandemic service levels.
Operated Pickup Lockers at the High Point and Rainier Beach branches, which allows 24/7 contactless access to Library holds.
Installed language access kiosks at International District/Chinatown, Beacon Hill, South Park, Columbia and Lake City branches, which provide core Library materials in four languages to non-English language speakers.
Installed 22 ScanEZ stations that can be used to make free scans and copies, send faxes and translate scanned text in 100 different languages.
Loaned 1,270 Wi-Fi hot spots in the community, including 465 outreach hot spots that are loaned long-term to communities disproportionately impacted by the digital divide.
An initial evaluation of the Library’s fine-free policy found that two years after eliminating overdue fines, return rates have not changed, and 18,000 patron accounts were restored when fines were eliminated.

Connections to social services

Created an in-house Social Services Team, including a social services librarian, a senior community resource specialist and a Library Levy-funded community resource specialist who will be the expert on services for youth up to age 26.
This team will provide expertise to the Library on social service resources, coordinate with other providers, support staff in de-escalation and trauma-informed practices and assist patrons in need of referrals or who are in crisis.
In November and December 2022, the Social Services Team provided 99 referrals and connected patrons to housing, food, clothing, mental health, employment and other resources; and distributed emergency winter supplies to more than 270 individuals.

Mobile Services on the road

Mobile Services safely and efficiently provides Library services to those with barriers to access, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, and preschoolers from low-income families.
At the end of 2022, Mobile Services provided monthly visits or deliveries to 25 preschools, 68 adult facilities/buildings and two tiny house villages.
Provided Books by Mail services to 84 individuals and made monthly deliveries to 37 home service patrons.