Find books, music, movies, and more »
About Us
- About Us - Overview
- Administration
- 2010 Annual Report to the Community
- Board of Trustees
- Community Partner Links
- Contact Us
- Employment
- FAQ
- Pierce County Library Foundation
- Friends of the Library
- News Releases
- Pierce County Library 2030 - Facilities Master Plan
- Policies
- Re-authorized Levy
- Social Media
- Volunteering
2008 Annual Report to the Community
Pierce County Library System : Helping you and your community.
Pierce County Library System is a community asset in today’s tough economy
During this tough economic time, people are turning to Pierce County Library System now more than ever for assistance.
2008 Report to the Community (PDF - 1.4 MB)
Pierce County Library has seen a dramatic increase in use, due to the economic downturn as well as offering additional services from a re-authorized levy voters passed in 2006.
Examples of increased usage:
- Number of card holders: 2007 — 193,234; 2008 — 212,831: 10% increase
- Items checked out: 2007 — 5,844,827; 2008 — 6,616,850: 13% increase
- Library visits: 2007 — 1,966,837; 2008 — 2,299,338: 16% increase
- Web site visits: 2007 — 881,678; 2008 — 1,549,299: 75% increase
Communities get value from the Library
Pierce County Library System offers books, computers, staff and other resources to help people during these tough economic times:
- Create resumes.
- Find clothing, food, housing, transportation.
- Locate utilities assistance.
- Improve computer skills.
- Locate home loan help.
- Stretch and save money.
- Search and apply for jobs.
- Providing resources to Spanish and Korean-speaking people.
Pledges from re-authorized levy
In September 2006, voters gave a 56% approval to re-authorize the Library System’s levy which enabled it to maintain current and provide additional services. In 2008 the Library further developed services based on the levy promises.
Levy Pledge: New materials and faster service
- Added downloadable eBooks and expanded audiobooks, which resulted in an increase of downloadable checkouts by 172%.
- Updated online resources and added Value Line with stock information.
Levy Pledge: Additional services for kids and teenagers
- Increased hours children and teenagers read during summer reading by 44%.
- Added three early literacy stations with computers to help children prepare to read.
Levy Pledge: Upgraded services and technology for customers
- Added Korean and Spanish bookmobile services.
- Added 64 computers with high-speed Internet for public use and taught morepeople in computer classes. In 2009, the Library will continue to build upon, enhance and sustain these services.
Pierce County Library System
3005 112th St. E.
Tacoma, WA 98446-2215
253-536-6500
2008 Board of Trustees:
- Allen Rose, Chair
- Paul Chasco
- Gene Matsusaka
- J.J. McCament
- Budd Wagner
Library's Executive Director: Neel Parikh
To request this document in an alternate format, call 253-536-6500, ext. 140 or TTY 711.
Photo credits: Chris Tumbusch and Group 4
Media Sponsor
