Sights in West Seattle: Bus lines, quiet libraries

(Photos by Jason Grotelueschen)

With classes back in session for many West Seattle schools, you’re likely to see a school bus or two in your neighborhood very soon. The bus row in the photo above was spotted at Alki Elementary this morning, where the Alki and Lafayette bus drivers were meeting to discuss the official start of Seattle Public Schools’ schedule (September 8th).

Also, you’ll see signs at your local Seattle Public Library branch similar to the one below at High Point. While the libraries are typically nice and quiet, they will be completely quiet this week as the systemwide SPL closure begins today, as we’ve noted previously.

3:24 PM UPDATE: Added the correct start date for most SPS schools (Sept. 8th)

coffee August 30, 2010 (11:10 am)

Which means NO SPEEDING in school zones. 35th Ave SW between 102 and 106th, people NEVER slow down and when they are ticketing I have no sympathy.

GoGo August 30, 2010 (12:48 pm)

I think it’s a damn shame they have to close the libraries, for any period of time. Someone(s) should take a pay cut instead.

Jordan August 30, 2010 (12:59 pm)

While I never use the libraries, the closure of all libraries at the same time is just poor planning. They could have gotten the same cost reductions by closing 50% for two weeks or 25% for four weeks and everyone would have had a close library to go to. I can’t help but think that this type of scheduling is just a way to stick it to the public.

Carraig na splinkeen August 30, 2010 (2:53 pm)

Pretty sure for most Seattle public schools, the school start date is Sept 8, not 9. And I definitely second the no speeding comment. With the new law, wonder how many parents we’ll see talking on the phone in school zones when picking their kids up?

Mark K. August 30, 2010 (5:38 pm)

@Jordan, while I do not support the closures, I think that in order to realize the savings that they will in the one-week closure, the system has to close all branches AND their administrative offices. A rolling closure would necessitate keeping the administrative offices and support staff (maybe scaled down) working while the branches are closed. By closing all down at once, everyone gets a week off, and greater cost savings are realized.

Sucks, and I wish they could have come up with a better way.

Gina August 30, 2010 (5:45 pm)

A week without pay is a pay cut.

Stephanie August 31, 2010 (12:48 pm)

It’s funny that you posted this picture… This is the most irritating thing ever… The busses and parents picking up their kids block driveways to houses and apartments all along 59th, and when you’re trying to come into or leave your driveway/parking lot, you can’t! It’s ILLEGAL to block driveways! Come on!