Information: Seattle libraries will be closed 8/30 through 9/6.

If you're a Seattle library patron, you probably know this already, but just as a reminder, libraries will be closed from Aug. 30 to Sep. 6. On the bright side, due dates will be suspended and no late fees will accrue during that time, and their online database will still be working; on the downside, book drops won't be open, patrons won't be able to reserve a computer in a branch, the Quick Information telephone service will be down, and you can't send texts or e-mails to librarians or chat with them online. Oh, and no free wifi.

However, the electronic/digital collection of e-books, music, and movies WILL be available, so if you haven't ever tried that, this might be a good week to give it a whirl. 

This furlough will save $650,000, part of $3 million in cuts the library system was required to make in 2010, and more unpleasantness may be coming, like higher late fines. If you feel strongly about this, consider attending the public hearing on the idea at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Central Library.