About Us
- 75th Anniversary
- About Us - Overview
- Administration
- Annual Reports
- Board of Trustees
- Community Partner Links
- Contact Us
- Library News
- Friends of the Library
- National Medal for Museum and Library Service
- News Releases
- Pierce County Library 2030: Facilities Master Plan
- Pierce County Library Foundation
- Policies
- Restored Levy 2018
- Social Media
- Strategic Plan
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
Philosophy Policy
Policy Statement
The Pierce County Library is a proactive civic leader engaged in the unique role of supporting individuals and the community as they pursue their interests, further their education, obtain information, engage their imagination and explore a wide variety of ideas.
The Library is a place for individuals and the community to gather, to build connections, and to contribute to creating a vibrant and healthy community.
Pierce County Library operates under the fundamental belief that libraries play a vital role in a democracy by supporting an individual’s access to the information they seek and the privacy to explore ideas, form opinions and make decisions on issues affecting their lives. The highest potential of American democracy can only be realized when a full range of ideas is accessible to the people as embodied in the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment and Article 1 of the Washington State Constitution. The Board of Trustees believe operating in pursuit of these democratic principles will lead to successful individuals and families and thriving communities.
To serve as a core document describing principles that support and guide Pierce County Library’s operations, services and decisions.
Policy
Through community leadership, services, resources, programs, partnerships, facilities and customer assistance, the Library connects people to the world of information and imagination and provides opportunities for individuals to connect with others in the community.
The Library creates an environment that allows each individual or family to explore and make choices within their personal values and interests, and accomplish their individual goals.
The following principles guide the work and decisions of the Board of Trustees and the staff of the Pierce County Library:
The Library:
- Offers current, up-to-date, customer-focused services, experiences, facilities, technology and resources.
- Provides welcoming places for the community to gather and interact.
- Demonstrates leadership in the Library field, embracing the spirit of innovation and thoughtful risk taking in service of the community and its residents.
- Actively engages communities and residents about what they value and want from the Library and uses this input to inform Library actions and choices.
- Is an innovative community leader and cooperates, collaborates and partners with agencies, community groups, organizations and others to achieve common goals and to effectively and efficiently support, provide and deliver resources and services the community needs and values.
- Operates as a System in order to provide equitable service for all communities in its service area, and in recognition that the best use of money and resources is achieved by sharing materials and resources, professional skills and knowledge, and administrative support.
- Acts as a good steward of the taxpayer’s dollar and makes decisions that best serve the community.
- Seeks to serve residents where they want, when they want and how they want, including in Library facilities, in the community and online.
Adopted by the Pierce County Rural Library District Board of Trustees, July 17, 1974. Revised January 8, 2014.
