West Seattle, Washington
30 Saturday
(WSB file photo – an entry from 2018 showcase, on display at SW Library)
A fall tradition is returning, and the Southwest Library invites you to participate. Here’s the announcement:
In 2023, the Southwest Artist Showcase is back for its 31st year! This free, month-long event at the Southwest Branch of the Seattle Public Library features artists from all over Southwest Seattle. We welcome submissions from people of all ages and experience levels.
The showcase is a non-juried, non-profit art exhibit. All artists who identify as West and Southwest Seattle residents are invited to submit up to 2 pieces of art. Artwork will be accepted Tuesday, October 3 through Thursday, October 5 only and will be on display at the Southwest Branch from Saturday, October 7 through Saturday, November 4. Artwork will not be offered for sale at the Library. All works must be picked up by 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 11.
To view the Showcase, visit the Southwest Branch during open hours from Saturday, October 7 – Saturday, November 4 to view the art displayed throughout the branch.
Please note that some works may not be included if their size or construction prevents their effective display in the library. Library staff will determine the placement and display of each piece, and artwork will not be moved once it has been placed.
For more information about the Southwest Artist Showcase, please visit spl.org/southwestartistshowcase or call the Southwest Branch at 206-684-7455.
Branch hours, for dropping off and/or viewing art, can be found here.
Thanks to Thomas for sending the tip and photo.
Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) returns to regular hours starting today. It was one of four Seattle Public Library branches around the city that had special summer hours these past three months “to reduce heat-related closures and provide more cooler morning open hours for patrons by opening and closing these branches two hours earlier two days a week.” The highlight of the reinstated regular hours: The branch is open until 8 pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
If you’re looking for a COVID vaccination/booster, the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is partnering with Othello Station for three free clinics in the next week. All are 2 pm-5:30 pm; the dates are Tuesday, July 18th; Saturday, July 22nd; and Tuesday, July 25th. No health insurance or appointment required. If you have questions, you can call the branch at 206-684-7455 or go to the Public Health – Seattle & King County website.
As reported here on Friday, bedbug sightings led the Seattle Public Library to close its Delridge, High Point, and Southwest branches all weekend. SPL explained that the branches would subsequently receive “chemical treatment” Monday morning and then reopen later Monday. They’ve sent word that the three branches are expected to reopen at noon tomorrow. Back when we reported on a High Point outbreak in May, SPL explained that it has an “integrated pest-management system” for this and other types of pests; Web searches suggest bedbugs have been a recurring problem for libraries nationwide for at least a decade. Meantime, thanks again to the reader who spotted the sign on one branch’s door Friday – that was our first word of the closures.
3:58 PM: Thanks to Christy for the tip and photo. The High Point and Southwest libraries closed at 2 pm and will be closed all weekend because of what the door sign describes as “a pest issue requiring chemical treatment.” Book drops are closed too. We have an inquiry out to Seattle Public Library headquarters in hopes of finding out more. Back in May, another reader tip led to this report about a similar situation stemming from a bedbug problem at the HP branch.
5:04 PM: As a reader comments below, Delridge is now closed too, and that’s reflected in the reply we just received from SPL spokesperson Laura Gentry:
We have temporarily closed the Delridge, High Point and Southwest branches due to bedbug sightings by staff at these three locations in the last 24 hours.
We are taking aggressive steps to remediate the issue; and unfortunately, that means keeping the branches closed throughout the weekend. These branches are scheduled to receive treatment early Monday morning, so we are keeping them and their book drops closed until that has occurred and they are cleared for re-entry (about two hours following application).
We are very sorry for the inconvenience this causes our patrons in the Southwest Region of the city, but it is important we act quickly to limit the impacts of this issue by immediately closing these locations, applying treatment, and discarding impacted materials.
We thank our eagle-eyed staff who quickly alert us to anything that might negatively impact patrons, staff, or Library spaces!
They’re not sure yet what time the branches will reopen Monday – likely by early afternoon – we’ll update when we have word.
ADDED SUNDAY: SPL says all three will reopen Monday at noon.
Thanks to Thomas for the tip and photo. He went to the Southwest Branch Library (9010 35th SW) last night, expecting it to be open until 8 pm as it has been on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but discovered new “summer hours” that have this branch open 10 am-6 pm seven days a week. We checked with the Seattle Public Library, which says the early closures for this and three other branches (outside West Seattle) are because the branches are not fully air-conditioned. The “summer hours” were announced on the library website earlier this month. The Southwest Branch is in line for more A/C, though; we’re checking on the latest plan for when it’ll be installed. (Update: SPL spokesperson Elisa Murray says it’s supposed to be complete “by the end of this year.”)
P.S. SPL also pointed out to us that the Southwest Branch has something new (and temporary) – a short-story dispenser!
(WSB file photo)
West Seattle’s landmark Log House Museum – home to the Southwest Seattle Historical Society – has a closure ahead. It’ll be closed to the public June 1-June 10 for interior renovations. SWSHS’s Elizabeth Rudrud explains, “These renovations will allow the museum to host more programs (with greater capacity), highlight the building’s original layout as a Carriage House for the Fir Lodge (Alki Homestead) while still interpreting the structure as a private residence, open the space for an upcoming interactive exhibit, and create new opportunities for private-event rentals, which will provide the museum with unrestricted income to support its mission.”
During the closure – and beyond – you can see three traveling exhibits at local libraries. Here are the three exhibits SWSHS is calling “Community Explorers“:
The exhibits are viewable during the branches’ regular hours; you can find those on the Seattle Public Library website.
Jana emailed us wondering if we knew anything about a “pest” problem that she said had closed the book drop at High Point Library for a while, and led to an early closure of the entire branch on Tuesday. So we asked Seattle Public Library for details. Here’s what we heard back from SPL spokesperson Laura Gentry:
Staff at the High Point Branch discovered a bed bug issue two weeks ago in the book drop and around the computer area, which they believe (but is hard to confirm) to be an isolated situation involving a single patron. Staff locked the book drops, quarantined computers, discarded or quarantined impacted materials as appropriate, sanitized book bins, cleaned the impacted computer area, and have been in conversation with the patron.
After containment and cleaning, staff have not seen additional bedbugs for over a week. The book drop has reopened.
The Library conducted a chemical treatment of the branch on Tuesday evening as a precautionary measure. It is considered safe to enter the treated space two hours after chemical treatment, but we let the branch sit overnight as another extra precaution. The pest control company we are working with will return at the end of the month to examine the branch and ensure the issue is fully resolved.
The Library has an integrated pest management program to prevent and contain bed bugs and other pests we might encounter in or around our facilities. Elements of the program include education, good housekeeping, regular inspections, professional custodial practices and immediate response to sightings. These efforts play a vital role in reducing the chance of a major infestation.
Thanks for the question from your reader.
Don’t know much about bed bugs? Read this.
As announced in February, Seattle Public Library branches are expanding their schedules, and that means – among other things – that all branches in our area will be open seven days a week. The new schedules start tomorrow. Here again is the list of what those schedules will be:
o 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday and ThursdayHigh Point Branch, 3411 SW Raymond St.
o 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.South Park Branch, 8604 8th Ave. S
o 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdaySouthwest Branch, 9010 35th Ave. SW
o 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and WednesdayWest Seattle Branch, 2306 42nd Ave. SW
o 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday
Tomorrow is also when Story Times start returning to SPL branches, as noted here last week – first one will be tomorrow at noon, Baby Story Time at the Southwest Branch.
Thanks to Lauren for the tip, via this photo – those with little ones will be able to take them to local Seattle Public Library branches for in-person Story Times starting next week:
This is so new, it’s not even on the SPL online calendar yet. But we’ll be adding the dates to the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar shortly.
Both of these closures later this week are for staff training:
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY: Its facilities will be closed Wednesday (March 22nd), but branch book drops will be open. Details here.
SEATTLE PARKS AND RECREATION: Many of its facilities will be closed Thursday (March 23rd), including community centers and indoor pools. Details here.
The Seattle Public Library is adding more hours/days at many of its branches, using funding from the 2019 “Libraries for All” levy, and that means – among other changes – that once the additions take effect, all SPL branches in this area will be open seven days a week. (Currently, Delridge and West Seattle/Admiral are closed Fridays, while Southwest is closed Saturdays.) SPL’s announcement notes, “With this expansion, Library locations will be open a total of 223 more hours per week than currently and 133 more hours per week than in 2019 when the Levy was overwhelmingly passed by voters.” These are the schedules that will take effect the week of April 3rd.
o 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday and ThursdayHigh Point Branch, 3411 SW Raymond St.
o 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.South Park Branch, 8604 8th Ave. S
o 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdaySouthwest Branch, 9010 35th Ave. SW
o 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and WednesdayWest Seattle Branch, 2306 42nd Ave. SW
o 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday
To see the full announcement, including all the new schedules for branches citywide, go here.
More Seattle Public Library “Homework Help” is being added at one branch in West Seattle, and the service is expanding to a new location nearby. From the announcement, here are the local highlights:
Homework Help, The Seattle Public Library’s free after school tutoring service (spl.org/HomeworkHelp), will add two locations and increase hours in February.
Starting the week of Feb. 6, the South Park Branch will offer two afternoons of Homework Help a week, and the Columbia, High Point and Rainier Beach branches will increase their weekly Homework Help hours …
At Homework Help, students in kindergarten through grade 12 can get help with their homework, as well as read and play learning enrichment games with trained volunteer tutors.
The new schedule is below; changes start the week of Feb. 6:
High Point Branch: 3411 SW Raymond St., 206-684-7454
o *Mondays, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (additional day)
o Tuesdays, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
o Wednesdays, from 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.South Park Branch: 8604 Eighth Ave. S., 206-615-1688
o Tuesdays, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
o Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.Homework Help will not be offered when Seattle Public Schools is not in session, including midwinter break (Feb. 21 through 24) and spring break (April 10 through 14). Homework Help will also not be offered on Wednesday, March 22, when all Library locations are closed for All-Staff Day. Homework Help’s last day for the 2022-2023 school year will be Thursday, June 22.
SPL also continues to offer free one-on-one online tutoring at all grade levels and in three languages – find out more about that here.
The Seattle Public Library has just announced this year’s plan for free tax help, partnering with United Way of King County and AARP. Trained volunteers will be available to help you prepare personal tax returns and to answer questions. One of the eight branches at which this service will be offered is in West Seattle – the Southwest Branch at 9010 35th SW. It’ll be by appointment on Wednesdays, 1 to 6 pm, starting a week from tomorrow (February 1st). You can make an appointment and find out about other tax-help options by going to spl.org/taxhelp.
Seattle Public Library has weather-related changes again today too. Here’s the West Seattle plan:
*The High Point and Southwest branches will be open noon-6 pm
*The Delridge, West Seattle (Admiral), and South Park branches are closed
P.S. The King County Library System‘s White Center branch will be open its regular Wednesday hours, 1-8 pm.
(SPL-provided collage of photos featuring artists who participated in 2018)
This year’s Southwest Artist Showcase is almost here – the art show open to everyone! One week until you can take your creation(s) to Southwest Library, September 28-30, for the October 2-30 show. Anyone who lives in the West/Southwest Seattle area can bring in up to two pieces of art. Library staffers set up the show, and then it’s open all month for everyone to see. After the show ends on October 30th, you have until November 4th to go retrieve your work. This is a non-juried show, no entry fees, in its 30th year at the library. If you want to participate, just bring your art to the library during its regular open hours on those three days. One caveat from the library: “Please note that some works may not be included if their size or construction prevents their effective display in the library.” Questions? Call the library at 206-684-7455.
Another weekend with multiple shootings around the city. What will it take to break the pattern? An event Tuesday at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) seeks to broach that subject. All are welcome to attend – here’s the announcement, if you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
Join us for a panel presentation and conversation about changing the narrative around gun violence.
The impact of gun violence continues to be felt throughout the nation and in Seattle. The Office of Arts & Culture, in partnership with The Seattle Public Library, is organizing this speaker series to address and combat the effects of gun violence on our communities. This second event in the series will feature Rosette Royale, local journalist and editor, and a panel of local artists: Dalisha Phillips, Bruce Leroy, Chamel Simmons, and Rell Be Free.
The lecture series, comprised of performance, presentation, and discussion, will integrate arts and cultural elements to change the narrative around gun violence. Additional events in the series will be offered at locations across the city with different speakers and activities through October 2022.
Tuesday’s event, titled “Art, Artists, and the Narratives of Loss and Resiliency,” is set to start at 6 pm.
4:05 PM: That’s Seattle’s chief librarian Tom Fay, and he’s at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) for a conversation with whoever shows up. It’s the first in a series of “Community Conversations” around the city with the Seattle Public Library‘s new chief. You have until 5 pm to stop in and speak up. You can also answer an online survey to share your thoughts about SPL’s future.
5:47 PM: A few notes from the conversation, for which about a dozen people showed up: The Southwest Branch, one of two in West Seattle that had closures last week because of the heat, will be fully air conditioned by next summer. The afterschool homework-help program is expected to come back this fall. In a discussion of how libraries and users dealt with the pandemic, an attendee noted that the curbside service was greatly appreciated – as were ebooks.
Something to say about the Seattle Public Library? Tell it to the person in charge, in person, next week. Just announced this morning:
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