TODAY/TONIGHT: What’s happening in West Seattle in the hours ahead

(Dragonfly, photographed in Arbor Heights by Mark)

We had hoped to publish this list a few hours ago, but news got in the way. Not too late, though, to share three things happening the rest of today/tonight:

LIBRARY DROPOFFS BEGIN: Seattle Public Library branches are still closed but starting today, some are accepting dropoffs – including two in our area. From SPL:

This week we will begin accepting returns of Library materials at the High Point, Rainier Beach and Southwest branches. This is a limited operation to help us refine our processes of accepting and processing book returns safely, effectively and efficiently before accepting returns at more locations. Bookdrops will be open limited hours.

You are welcome, but not required, to return your borrowed items at these locations beginning this week. Due dates are extended until at least Aug. 15, and we are a fine-free Library system, so there is no rush to return and you can take the time you need.

When can I return my books? Locations and hours are as follows:

Beginning Tuesday, July 14, the High Point, Rainier Beach and Southwest bookdrops will be open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. or until bookdrops are full.

All returned items will be quarantined – and remain on your account – for a minimum of 3 days before being checked in.

Later this month, SPL expects to expand this to more locations.

SHOWING SUPPORT FOR BLACK LIVES: Tuesday/Thursday streetcorner protests continue:

Come stand in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter

Tuesday, July 14th, 4 to 6 pm, corner of Delridge Way and SW Orchard

Come show support for BLM and ending systemic racism. Hold signs, meet neighbors and stand for racial justice. –Scott at PR Cohousing, endorsed by Hate-Free Delridge. Signs available.

If you miss today, Scott and others will be there 4-6 pm Thursday too.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm board meeting online tonight, community members welcome. Agenda includes hearing from the Southwest Precinct’s new commander and operations lieutenant. Go to this page on the FCA website to get the link for registering to attend, so you can get the Zoom link.

just wondering July 14, 2020 (4:04 pm)

Yea!

James Murphy July 14, 2020 (5:42 pm)

Sorry we missed today, will try for Thursday!

Kathy July 14, 2020 (7:02 pm)

FYI, after announcing the few branches that would accept book returns, the Seattle Public Library followed up with this request on Facebook to NOT return books unless they had contacted you:

“In order to test how to process returned materials, we are directly contacting a subset of patrons about returns starting July 14. If you have not heard from us, please hold off on returning materials until you do!“

So don’t rush to return those books just yet…

WSB July 14, 2020 (7:26 pm)

That might explain why there was no news release – a reader forwarded it. But they should have known people would share it.
Carole July 14, 2020 (11:12 pm)

I got an email advising I could return books. It named only 3 branches with book drops unlocked. I must be in the subset. I’ve had a sack of 12 books in my trunk and was glad to get them “home.”

anonyme July 15, 2020 (7:29 am)

With no daytime or weekend public transit to/from Arbor Heights I will no longer be able to use the library, which has always been a lifeline. I will be deferring my property taxes from now on. Can’t use the library anymore, no public transit, and soon no police – wtf am I paying these high taxes for? I’ve never been an anti-tax person, but have reached the tipping point. Enough.

Beth July 15, 2020 (10:53 am)

ANONYME – The libraries are mandated under the Governor’s plan that they cannot physically reopen until that County reaches Phase 3 (this is to keep everyone safe and help slow the spread of COVID). In Phase 2, libraries are able to implement curbside returns and pickups. Both Seattle Public Library and King County Library System are in the process of implementing this for patrons (it is a multi-step approach by both library systems). There are also many virtual services being provided such as ebooks/audiobooks, online resources, and numerous virtual programs.

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