The Wallingford branch of The Seattle Public Library, located at the corner of 45th and Woodlawn in the Solid Ground building, is still closed to the public due to the pandemic. Alas, we will be one of the last branches to reopen, due to tight spaces (hard to social distance) and other challenges with keeping patrons and staff safe and healthy. The Wallingford team misses the community and our regulars very much, and we are currently working at nearby locations.
So where can you get your library fix? You have many great options.
If you are in need of physical books, CDs, DVDs, Begin with Books kits, sheet music, a wifi HotSpot, or one of our 1,500 vinyl records, go to www.spl.org and request items through our catalog. Need recommendations? Hit up Your Next 5 Books and you will get a personalized list made by librarians! In addition to your holds, when you come to a pickup location you can choose from the latest Peak Picks or get a Surprise Bundle (picked by librarians, grouped by genre, for kids, teens, and adults). Limited remote printing is also available.
Holds, Pickup and Printing
There are 15 locations offering holds pickup and printing. The nearest to Wallingford are: the Ballard Library (Tues-Sat, noon to 6pm) and the Greenwood Branch (Wed/Fri/Sunday noon to 6pm). Parking garages at these locations are closed. Spaces are reserved near doors for folks who need physical assistance (look for the sign with a phone number to call, and we can bring your books out to you). If you don’t need assistance, but want a parking lot, you may prefer our Broadview or Northgate locations.
Like other locations that aren’t offering pickup services, the Wallingford branch isn’t accepting returns. The nearby Green Lake branch is our one exception, accepting returns, but not offering pickup.
Your library card is your ticket to some wonderful online options too, including Ebooks, Digital Magazines & Newspapers, Movies and TV, and Music!
Don’t have a card? You can fill out a form online, then bring your ID to one of our Curbside locations. Even if you can’t get a card (or have a blocked one), you can still get paperbacks to read at these locations…just let staff know you don’t have a card and would like a uncatalogued book bundle.
We’re working on starting in-building services at a few locations in the coming weeks. We’re a long way from browsing the stacks and reading in armchairs, but we’ll be providing important services beyond holds and pick up, such as public computers, information services, and charging stations. For updates, bookmark our Road to Reopening page.
If you need help with any of these options you can call 206-386-4636 or Ask Us online.
Your Wallingford librarian,
Dawn
I believe Governor Inslee stated that libraries can reopen in November. How can we find out what the progress on this is?
I called the library info number today. I was told that 2 sites for a trial run for in person library services have been selected for re-opening about the end of the month. Several others ar eon the list next. At the moment Lake City and Beacon Hill will be the trial ones. Next up includes Broadview location. In the later round is Ballard.
Thank you, Dawn! We miss you folks at the Wallingford branch!
Just a comment to say that in addition to writing a great post and being an interesting human, Dawn, that sweater is truly excellent!
Thanks so much for the update! Having the Greenwood branch open for pickup has been such a huge help, we are there at least once a week. Can’t wait to have our darling little branch back in action again though, here’s hoping we’re back with you before 2022.
Also that sweater is BEYOND. so good!