Washington State Public Library Initial Service Changes & Closures Due to COVID-19

This dataset records when and how Washington state's public library systems changed or suspended certain services at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, culminating with the closure of library buildings to the public. The data reflects responses to an emerging public health emergency by institutions dedicated to public service and accessibility. Information comes primarily from library websites and social media accounts, and occasional communication with library staff.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Source https://data.wa.gov/resource/6iab-kcxu
Author Washington State Open Data Program
Last Updated July 22, 2025, 20:10 (UTC)
Created July 22, 2025, 20:10 (UTC)
1. This is an updated version of a dataset collected from March to May 2020 by the Washington State Library (OSOS). This version includes additional information about announcement dates and effective dates for service changes, confirmed by a team of University of Washington Information School students, primarily via library websites, library social media and occasional communication with library staff. Please see additional Notes and Attachments for supporting documentation and the team's report. For earlier versions of this dataset, Contact Dataset Owner.
2. An empty cell in a particular service column can mean that the service was not applicable to that library system, or that data owners could not confirm information about the status of service (whether changed or unchanged).
3. Missing date values for service changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic (indicated by a "Yes" in the particular service column) mean the data owners could not find evidence for a specific date.
4. Please contact the Washington State Library to correct errors or update information. (Click "Contact Dataset Owner")
Category Culture and Community
Metadata Language English
Originator Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State
Period of Time 2020-02-27 to 2020-03-31
Posting Frequency as needed for additions or corrections
harvest_object_id 13a48690-32eb-4f4c-86fb-5345d06717b2
harvest_source_id c4128faf-39ff-4aa3-918e-8a395702cab3
harvest_source_title washington-state