The library system announced that construction at its West Seattle, University District and Fremont branches will stretch into 2027, missing the original target of finishing by the end of 2026. In a blog post dated Oct. 27, SPL cited "delays" and issues tied to each building's "age and design" for pushing the projects past the original timeline.

Under the revised schedule, construction at the West Seattle and University branches is now expected to wrap up in January 2027. The Fremont branch is slated for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

The library has not yet announced exact reopening dates or times. SPL said it will share that information through its blog and by email when the details are finalized.

"We understand how important these branches are to the neighborhoods and communities they serve, and how eager patrons have been for them to reopen," the library wrote in the post. "We apologize for the inconvenience of these delays, and thank our patrons in advance for their patience and understanding."

The three branches serve dense, walkable neighborhoods where residents rely on the library for books, internet access, meeting space and children's programming. Extended closures can be a particular hardship for families, older adults and people without reliable home internet or transportation to other branches.

The postponements add to a stretch of construction disruption for the library system, which has been renovating and upgrading facilities across the city. Library officials have not said whether the delays will affect the budget for the projects or the scope of the remaining work.

For now, patrons in West Seattle, the University District and Fremont will need to continue using nearby branches and the library's digital services until the renovated buildings come back online next year.