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Last month, The Seattle Public Library announced that we are excited to transition to a new integrated library system (ILS), the behind-the-scenes system that manages collections, circulation, and patron accounts. Our current ILS is outdated and no longer supported by its vendor.  

We will replace it with a new, more reliable, secure, and efficient system thanks to funds from the 2019 Library Levy. This work is also an important part of our 2024-2033 Strategic Plan. The project will begin in early September and conclude in early October. We want to make sure you know what to expect during that time. 

Some Library services disrupted in September 

Due to the scope and complexity of this project, some Library services will be temporarily disrupted this September.

From September 8 through September 15, patrons should bring their physical or digital library card when checking out materials. Because the SPL mobile app will be down during this time, patrons who want to use a digital library card should add it to their phone’s virtual wallet before September 6. Patrons can also use a picture or screenshot of their library card’s barcode. We are also asking patrons to hold onto their materials until October 1.

Beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, we will provide regularly updated information at www.spl.org/Update. Please bookmark that page for reference. We will continue to provide regular updates there until all Library services are back to normal.  

Services that WILL NOT BE affected: 

Much of what you know and love about Library services will be working as expected: 

• We will be open! Libraries will be open as scheduled. See our hours at www.spl.org/Hours.
   
• Library staff will be available to help you find books or answer questions in person or online at www.spl.org/Ask.
   
• Physical items will be available for check out in person at all open Library locations.
   
• E-books and e-audiobooks will be available through Libby: www.spl.org/Libby.
   
• Public computers, printers, scanners, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi hotspots will be online.
   
• Library programs will continue; see what’s happening at www.spl.org/Calendar.
   
• Meeting rooms and study rooms will be available. 

Services that WILL BE affected: 

You will notice planned interruptions to some services: 

• Patron accounts will be unavailable from 6 p.m. on Sept. 6 through Sept. 15. We will extend due dates, and transactional notifications and payments will be paused. We encourage you to keep your books until we are back to normal operations in early October!
   
• Placing holds on physical items will be unavailable from 6 p.m. on Sept. 6 through Sept. 15. Patrons will be able to place staff-assisted holds beginning Sept. 16 by visiting or calling your branch, or by contacting us at www.spl.org/Ask. SPL Mobile app users can place holds in the app beginning Sept. 17 – download it at www.spl.org/App. We anticipate physical holds to be fully back online by Oct. 1.
   
• Online catalog data will be “frozen” from 6 p.m. on Sept. 6 through the end of September. During this time, you will be able to browse the catalog, but the availability of titles may not be accurate. Library staff can help you look for physical items to check out during this time. The data in the catalog is expected to be up-to-date by Oct. 1.
   
• New physical item titles, including Peak Picks, cannot be added to our collection until the project is complete in early October.
   
• Self-checkout stations will be unavailable from Sept. 8 through Sept. 15. You will be able to check out books and other materials at our staff desks.
   
• New Library cards will be available, but patrons will need to apply for them in person from Sept. 6 through Sept. 15. New cardholders during this time should bring their cards to the Library to check out materials, as Library staff will not be able to look up new cardholders until Sept. 16.
   
• 24/7 pickup lockers will be unavailable as pickup locations starting in early September through Sept. 15. Patrons with holds in lockers can pick up these materials inside of branches, and we will send direct notifications about this.
   
• Some online resources will not be available from 6 p.m. on Sept. 6 through at least Sept. 16, such as the Library’s Mobile App, Museum Pass, LinkedIn Learning, Tutor.com, Flipster, PressReader, and some online databases. More information on the timeline for restoration of these services will be available as the project gets underway.
   
• InterLibrary Loan will be unavailable from August 24 through Sept. 16. This service will be offline earlier than other services due to the program’s impacts on other library systems.
   
• Mobile Services patrons will receive service as normal unless they already have been contacted about skipping their September visit while Library holds and account management functions are offline. Extra browsing materials will be made available for lobby stop patrons. 

Thank you for your patience! 

We expect the ILS transition to be complete in early October. At that time, you will be able to access your account, place holds on physical items, use all online resources, and more.  

While we wish we could avoid any disruption to our services, a new ILS is essential to our work and to the stability and security of our systems. Thank you for your patience and understanding.  

You can bookmark our project update page at www.spl.org/Update to stay up-to-date on our progress, and staff will be available to help answer your questions in person and online at  www.spl.org/Ask.