Tukwila Mayor Allan Ekberg, KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum and Washington State Librarian Sara Jones inaugurate new lockers at the Tukwila Library on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022.

A ribbon cutting ceremony inaugurated four new electronic lockers at the Tukwila Library on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022.

KCLS patrons may now pick up holds from a 24/7 locker at six libraries across King County, including Tukwila. The new exterior lockers are also located at the Federal Way 320th, Kirkland, and Woodinville Libraries. The other two existing lockers are located at the Bothell and Covington Libraries, which were acquired in response to the coronavirus pandemic in October, 2020. KCLS was one of the first large library systems in the country to offer the innovative locker pickup service.

The KCLS Foundation funded the lockers at the Bothell, Covington, Federal Way 320th and Kirkland Libraries, while a portion of the $364,480 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant KCLS received in October 2021 funded the lockers in Tukwila and Woodinville. This grant is supported with 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 an easy and convenient way for patrons to pick up materials,” KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum said. “We are excited to offer this popular service in more communities, and we hope residents enjoy having increased access to books and materials.”

“I am most appreciative of the Tukwila Library and KCLS’ progressive approach to patron accessibility,” Tukwila Mayor Allan Ekberg said. “Providing flexible pick-up hours with 24/7 access to the lockers is a great asset for all.”

“The Washington State Library is pleased to see ARPA funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in action,” Washington State Librarian Sara Jones said. “Federal investments in library services, such as KCLS’ locker system, are making timely and positive impacts in our communities.”

King County residents may access the new lockers with their KCLS library card and PIN/password. Learn more about how to choose a locker for your next library hold 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 country. Serving the communities of King County (outside the city of Seattle), KCLS has 50 libraries and 1.2 million cardholders. In 2021, residents checked out over 7.8 million digital eBooks and audiobooks through OverDrive, making KCLS the No. 4 digital circulating library system in the world and the highest per capita in the U.S. In 2011, KCLS was named Library of the Year by Gale/Library Journal.

More info at https://kcls.org.