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- Re-authorized Levy
- Community Advisory Committee
- More about re-authorized levy rate
- New branch hours
- Overview
- Progress on meeting levy promises
- Public opinion survey results
- Q & A to Re-authorized Levy
- Social Media
- Volunteering
Re-authorized Levy
Re-authorized levy maintains and brings new library services
In 2011, the Library continues to maintain promises from a re-authorized levy that voters passed in 2006. The promises include:
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Expanding access to staff, resources, materials, and facilities by increasing open hours
In the September 2006 primary election, voters gave a 56% approval to re-authorize Pierce County Library System’s levy rate, maintaining current services and adding library services. With the Library’s re-authorized levy rate of 48 cents for every $1,000 of assessed property value, the Library is delivering on its four levy pledges to the communities.
The Library continues to improve services and make progress on meeting levy promises.
Levy promise: Expanding access to staff, resources, materials, and facilities by increasing open hours
The Library has increased open hours by 25 percent:
- 2006 - 737 open hours
- 2011 - 918 open hours
Number of libraries open on:
- Thursday evenings - 6
- Sunday afternoons - 9
- Mondays - 18 (all libraries)
See library hours in locations listing.
Levy promise: Adding a wide variety of books and materials
In 2011 the Library will provide communities with up-to-date services, which will include:
- Downloadable audio and e-books - In 2010 the Library added many more downloadable audiobook and e-book offerings. Customers doubled the number of audio and e-book downloads: 2009 customers checked out 54,830 items, and in 2010 customers checked out 105,336. In 2011, the Library will invest further in downloadable books.
- Downloadable music - In 2011, the Library is offering downloadable music for the first time.
- New access to DVDs - In some of the 17 libraries, adults and children will automatically check out DVDs through the Library’s equivalent of DVD “Red Box” machines.
Levy promise: Increasing services for children and teens
The Library continues to increase services for children and teens, including:
More information about services for kids and teens.
Levy promise: Upgrading services and technology for customers
More computers for public use
In 2006, the Library offered an average of 5.6 computers in each library - nearly the lowest of all library systems in Washington state. The Library has continued to offer more new computers. Customers may reserve a computer in advance.
Yearly increase in number of computers:
- 2006 - 95
- 2007 - 175
- 2008 - 239
- 2009 - 241
- 2010 - 384
Free computer classes for adults
The Library offers free computer classes for adults. See the Library’s calendar for details on locations and schedules for classes. The classes will help adults succeed as life-long learners. The Library is offering classes in:
- Basic computer skills
- Job searching
- Small business and investment
- Email, Excel, Word, PowerPoint
- Creating a resume
- Pricing antiques and collectibles
- Downloading audiobooks and e-books using online Library services.