The King County Library System regrets the difficulty Ms. Malo's son had recently trying to call home to tell her that he had arrived safely at the Burien Library.
We recognize her concern, and appreciate the need for safe communities, especially for children.
KCLS library staff does have the authority to allow limited local calls in emergency situations. We have reminded the staff of their authority in these matters, and encourage sensitivity to the needs of unattended children.
KCLS contacted Qwest Communications, the sole landline telephone service provider in the Burien area, and learned that there are no pay phone providers in Burien.
Qwest has discontinued pay phone service entirely, and no other telecom companies provide landlines in Burien. It is not possible to provide pay phone service at the Burien Library, and unlikely that there are other pay telephones in the area.
The King County Library System does everything within our power to provide safe and secure environments in all our libraries.
While we hope that all children have safe and reliable transportation to and from our libraries at all times, it has long been KCLS policy to have two employees stay after library closing hours with unattended minors waiting for transportation, if the need arises.
Even so, we ask parents to remember that the library is a public place, similar to any other public area in any community, and we encourage all parents to continue to take the lead role in ensuring the safety of their children.
Bill Ptacek
Director
King County Library System