A ribbon-cutting ceremony inaugurated four new electronic lockers at Tukwila Library on Friday, February 11, 2022.
KCLS customers can now collect their reservations from a 24/7 locker at six King County libraries, including Tukwila. The new outdoor lockers are also located at the Federal Way 320th, Kirkland and Woodinville libraries. The other two existing lockers are located at Bothell and Covington Libraries, which were acquired in response to the coronavirus pandemic in October 2020. KCLS was one of the first major library systems in the country to offer the innovative pick-up service lockers.
the KCLS Foundation funded lockers at Bothell, Covington, Federal Way 320th and Kirkland libraries, while part of the $364,480 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant KCLS received in October 2021 funded lockers at Tukwila and Woodinville. This grant is supported by ARPA funding provided by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
“The lockers provide customers with an easy and convenient way to retrieve materials,” said Lisa Rosenblum, executive director of KCLS. “We’re excited to bring this popular service to more communities, and we hope residents enjoy having increased access to books and materials.”
“I really appreciate the Tukwila Library and KCLS’ progressive approach to user accessibility,” said Tukwila Mayor Allan Ekberg. “Offering flexible pick-up times with 24/7 access to lockers is a big plus for everyone.”
“The Washington State Library is thrilled to see ARPA’s funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in action,” said Washington State Librarian Sara Jones. “Federal investments in library services, such as the KCLS locker system, are having timely and positive impacts in our communities.
Residents of King County can access the new lockers with their KCLS library card and PIN/password. Learn more about how to choose a locker for your next library reservation. here.
About the King County Library System
Founded in 1942, the King County Library System (KCLS) is one of the busiest public library systems in the nation. Serving communities in King County (outside the city of Seattle), KCLS has 50 libraries and 1.2 million cardholders. In 2021, residents accessed more than 7.8 million eBooks and audiobooks through OverDrive, making KCLS the #4 circulating digital library system in the world and the highest per capita in the United States. In 2011, KCLS was named Library of the Year by Gale/Library Journal.
More info on https://kcls.org.
