The International District/Chinatown Branch library is reopening with its normal schedule on Thursday, July 30, according to an email announcement. The branch will be open six days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Fridays.
The library branch has been closed since May 11 due to lingering odors, which library staff had noticed since the end of March. The Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda), which leases the building, conducted a thorough investigation and found “evidence of trash, food waste and rodents in some walls and crawlspaces adjacent to the garbage room and two former restaurant spaces inside the building,” according to the announcement.
SCIDpda has cleaned and sealed off areas that were affected, and the library deep-cleaned the branch in advance of the re-opening.
“The Library has been eager to reopen the International District/Chinatown Branch and continue serving our patrons,” reads the re-opening announcement. “We know how important the branch is to you, your neighborhood, and your community. This was an unexpectedly long closure, and we appreciate your patience and support.”
The library noted it has many events, classes and activities scheduled in August. Every two weeks it partners with REACH, a program of Evergreen Treatment Services, which connects homeless people with resources. REACH will be present at the International District/Chinatown branch on July 30, the opening day, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and on August 13.
On August 5, it will host a free family session on creating simple crafts. Another regular event at the library is an afternoon of coffee and conversations on August 10, designed for insecurely-housed members of the community, including snacks, coffee and tea and a chance to chat with neighbors. On August 16 from 1 to 3 p.m., the library will feature a Day of Remembrance commemoration event with author Frank Abe and Densho, with snacks and a family art activity.
The branch was first opened in June 2025. According to the library website, it has seats for 40 patrons, who can access computers, study rooms, and outlets to charge devices, as well as a restroom, printer, and air conditioning. It also features materials in multiple languages.
