Pierce County Library System
Information & Imagination

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Pierce County Library System will be closed Monday, Sept. 2, Labor Day.

 

During that time, the Library’s online services, as always, will be open at www.piercecountylibrary.org, featuring downloadable e-books, audiobooks and magazines as well as other services and resources.

 

Contact: Mary Getchell | Marketing and Communications Director

253-548-3428-direct; 253-229-4477-mobile

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, movies and other materials as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at the Pierce County Library Administrative Center, Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org

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PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Jamilyn Penn came on board as a new Board of Trustee member for the Pierce County Library System this month.

 

Penn, a Steilacoom resident, has extensive K-12 and higher education experience. Currently she is the director of transfer education at the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges in Olympia. Penn was a dean of instruction at Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood and at Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland. Previously Penn was a program director for federal programs at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

 

The new Board of Trustee volunteers with local agencies to help individuals with low literacy learn to read. She also volunteers as a change facilitator for Guided Pathways, equity-focused work to close opportunity gaps, particularly for students of color and other historically underrepresented groups. Penn is a student at Northeastern University, where she is working towards a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership.

 

“Jamilyn’s broad professional experience in education and management, combined with her volunteer service, will complement our strong board, grounded in significant community knowledge and passion to serve all people in the Library System’s service area,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Jamilyn’s excitement and energy will serve our communities well.”

 

On deck for the Board of Trustees is considering new libraries in new locations in Sumner and Lakewood, and replacing the current library buildings. This summer library staff is gathering comments from people in libraries, online and in communities to learn the public’s interest for new library buildings. This fall the Board of Trustees will review the public’s input and recommendations for next steps.

 

“I am thrilled to bring my diverse skills to help shape and guide library service throughout Pierce County Library’s service area,” said Penn. “I’m eager to play an active role ensuring the important, truly vital library services continue to be available, accessible and enjoyed by families and individuals throughout our communities.”

 

The Library System is not a part of Pierce County government. By state law, Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier appointed Penn, and the Pierce County Council ratified the appointment.

 

Other Library Board of Trustees include Rob Allen, chair; Monica Butler, vice chair; and Trustees Pat Jenkins and Daren Jones. Trustees are non-paid positions. 

 

The five-member board governs the Library’s policy and fiscal direction. Trustees’ responsibilities include:

• Advocating for library services.
• Setting goals and directions.
• Approving budgets.
• Adopting policies.
• Planning for the future.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org                       

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss WorkSource satellite sites, potential new library buildings in the cities of Lakewood and Sumner, the Key Center Pierce County Library, and other issues at the board’s monthly meeting at Key Center Pierce County Library, 8905 KPN NW, Lakebay, on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 3:30 p.m.

 

At the August meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.

 

WorkSource Satellite Sites. WorkSource Pierce recently awarded the Pierce County Library certification as WorkSource Connection Satellite sites. The certification furthers the Library System’s services for jobseekers and people working to improve their career skills. Through the Library System’s 18 full service libraries, job seekers can access online workforce development services, as well as free Microsoft technology certifications, WorkSource workshops and programs and more. Certification is a stamp of approval that shows the Pierce County Library has undergone rigorous training and is committed to a high level of service and performance.

 

Potential new libraries in Lakewood and Sumner. Thousands of people are talking with the Library System about potential expanded libraries in new locations in Lakewood and Sumner. The Library System is hearing from people at community events, in the libraries and online. Throughout the summer, the public is encouraged to take a print or online survey to help the Library System understand the public’s interest in new buildings. All three of the libraries have been well loved and well used. The Sumner Library is on land owned by the City of Sumner in a building co-owned by the city and the Library System. The building is aging and will close because it is in need of costly repairs. The Lakewood Library is dated, hard to maintain, and would require millions of dollars in upgrades. The Tillicum Library serves a neighborhood in Lakewood in a small, aging shared facility in poor physical condition. The public engagement activities continue through September, with a plan to provide recommendations for next steps to the Library’s Board of Trustees this fall.

 

Key Center Library. Staff from the Key Center Library will give the board an overview of the Key Center Library, which is a vibrant, central community hub. The library serves people from Wauna, Key Center, Vaughn, Home, Lakebay and Longbranch. Key Peninsula is a neighbor-helping-neighbor, close-knit community, with the library being a central gathering space and place for residents. In the summer months, staff distributes free sack lunches to children on Tuesdays and Fridays for the Food Backpacks 4 Kids program. The first library on the Key Peninsula was founded in 1894 and only women were allowed to use the library. The library served only women in response to a newly formed Horticultural Society that was for men only! Today, children, men and women are welcome at the Key Center Library. In 2018 people made 71,000 visits to the library and checked out 163,000 books, movies and other items.

 

More information and full board packet: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-08142019.pdf

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

253-548-3428-office; 253-229-4477-mobile

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org                       

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Pierce County residents will soon have an additional 18 locations around our region where they can get access to jobseeker and worker services under the WorkSource brand.

 

The Pierce County Library System’s 18 locations have been awarded certification as WorkSource Connection Satellite sites. That means they will provide computers where jobseekers can access online workforce development services, as well as offering free Microsoft technology certifications, WorkSource workshops and programs and more.

 

“This certification and our partnership with WorkSource Pierce will play out with more and better services for people who turn to Pierce County Library for help getting a job or landing a better job,” said Pierce County Library’s Customer Experience Director Jaime Prothro. “Our libraries are all over the county—outside of the major population areas. We help people conveniently where they live, and are committed to helping jobseekers find success in each of our communities.”

 

Certification is a stamp of approval that shows the Pierce County Library has undergone rigorous training and is committed to a high level of service and performance. When a job seeker or worker walks into a certified WorkSource site seeking help to find a job or advance in their career, or when an employer walks in looking to recruit new hires, they’ll know they’re walking into a site that provides services that exceed customer expectations, meeting high standards established by the Pierce County Workforce Development Council (WDC).

 

Partnering with the Pierce County Library will help bring workforce development services to rural reaches of the county where they may not currently exist, which is one of the chief goals of the WDC’s strategic plan.

 

“On behalf of the workforce development system, I want to thank the Pierce County Library System for their continued partnership,” said WorkForce Central CEO Linda Nguyen. “We are thrilled that we will be able to make services available in communities where our residents reside.”

Meeting residents where they are and reaching into historically underserved areas are crucial components to meeting the WDC’s two bold goals:

 

• By 2025, the workforce system will reduce the number of disconnected young adults, ages 16 to 24, by half — from 15,300 to 7,650. “Disconnected” means they’re not working or enrolled in school.
• By 2025, the workforce system will reduce the number of residents between the ages of 25 to 64 without a high school diploma or equivalent by half — from 38,475 to 19,237.

 

Check out these additional workforce development services offered by the Pierce County Library at its newly certified sites. You can find a listing of those sites here.

 

• The Library System offers six Job and Business Centers, located at Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Parkland/Spanaway, South Hill, Sumner and University Place Pierce County Libraries. Individuals can spend extended time on computers and get assistance in their job search process.
• Workshops and programs that will be offered by WorkSource partners will allow those on unemployment insurance (UI) to earn UI credits, including a co-facilitated Job Club that meets twice a month at South Hill Library.
• Book a Librarian appointments where individuals can receive assistance from a librarian for up to one hour to work on their individual questions and informational needs. Even without an appointment, customers find friendly, helpful, and supportive staff who offer an array of assistance for job seekers.
• JobNow, an online service where individuals can receive online resume feedback and interview prep with a trained professional.
• Study room and conference room spaces.
• Connection to WorkSource Pierce partners through the Common Referral System, powered by United Way’s 2-1-1.

Contact:     Candice Ruud, WorkSource Pierce, 253-213-2960

                  Mary Getchell, Pierce County Library Ssytem, 253-548-3428

 

About WorkForce Central

WorkForce Central strengthens the Pierce County economy by identifying skill gaps between jobseekers and employment opportunities, fostering data-driven decision making, and connecting workforce development partners into a cohesive, collaborative and effective network.

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services.

piercecountylibrary.org             

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

 

TACOMA – The Pierce County Library System wants to learn the public’s interest in new libraries in new locations in Sumner and Lakewood, which would replace the current libraries.

 

“The current libraries are well loved and well used and have served the communities well,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Unfortunately, the aging buildings are underserving the communities, as more people and more services compete for limited space. The libraries were built with the purpose of housing books‒today libraries serve many more competing individual and community needs.”

 

Lomax explained new libraries would be designed around how people want to use the library today, as well as for offering a vibrant selection of books, movies and other resources. Buildings now must meet the needs of people who also expect to find movies, music, computer and related technologies, community meeting spaces, quiet work and study areas, and many other services.

 

The Sumner Pierce County Library is on land owned by the City of Sumner in a building co-owned by the city and the Library System. The building is aging and will close because it is in need of costly repairs. The community has an opportunity to build a new library on land the city has purchased on East Main, with services and design reflective of community desires.

 

The Lakewood Pierce County Library was built 56 years ago, more than 30 years before the city of Lakewood was incorporated. Today the library serves nearly 60,000 people with services and resources for learning, enjoyment and strengthening community connections. The existing building doesn’t support how people use the library today or tomorrow – the building is dated, hard to maintain, and would require millions of dollars in upgrades.

 

The City of Lakewood’s recently adopted Downtown Plan named library services as a priority for the community. The city would like to see a new Lakewood library in the downtown core.

 

The Tillicum Pierce County Library serves a neighborhood in Lakewood in a small, aging shared facility in poor physical condition. The current layout also does not support how people use the library today or tomorrow.

 

This summer the Library System is talking with residents in libraries, at community events and online, to learn what they would imagine in new libraries, from qualities such as welcoming, modern, community-focused and comfortable to features such as quiet spaces, spaces for activities and group study, technology‒computers, printers and Wi-Fi, as well as meeting rooms for public groups.

 

The Library System would like to know the public’s thoughts about new libraries during week-long open houses:

 

• Sumner Library, 1116 Fryar Avenue, Sunday, July 28- Saturday, Aug. 3
• Lakewood Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W., and Tillicum Library, 14916 Washington Ave. S.W., Monday, Aug. 12-Saturday, Aug. 17

 

More information and online survey at: imagine.pcls.us.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.1 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org             

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

TACOMA – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss recognition from the National Guard, potential new library buildings in the cities of Lakewood and Sumner, partnerships, and other issues at the board’s monthly meeting at the Administrative Center and Library, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, on Wednesday, May 8, at 3:30 p.m.

 

At the July meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.

 

Recognition from the National Guard: As part of the Pierce County Library’s Staff Diversity and Inclusion strategy, the Library System submitted a statement of support for the National Guard and Reservists. The Statement of Support Program is the cornerstone of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s effort to gain and maintain support from employers for people serving in the Guard and Reserve. The program is intended to increase support by encouraging employers to advocate for their employees to participate in the military. Supportive employers are critical to maintain the strength and readiness of the Nation’s Guard and Reserve units. At the board meeting, South Sound Co-Chair of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Wayne Hilton will present the Pierce County Library with a certificate to confirm the Library System’s support.

 

Potential new libraries in Lakewood and Sumner: Staff is actively engaging with the public about potential expanded libraries in new locations in Lakewood and Sumner. At the board meeting, staff will update the board on progress in libraries, online and in communities, to hear from residents about their thoughts, ideas and interests for replacing current libraries with new libraries in new locations to serve Lakewood, Tillicum and Sumner. With a theme around imagine – imagine a new Lakewood Library…Tillicum Library…Sumner Library, hundreds of people have already shared their ideas and opinions. The imagine theme is giving context and possibilities to conversations about libraries for today and tomorrow. To date, nearly 600 people have completed online surveys. People are also sharing their opinions via print surveys in libraries and at community events. The public engagement activities continue through September, with a plan to provide recommendations for next steps to the Library’s Board of Trustees this fall.

 

Library partnerships: Staff will give an overview of the benefits of the Library System’s partnerships and sponsorships, as well as discuss aspirations for growing and further nurturing valued alliances. Partnerships is a Core Service in the Library’s Strategic Plan and calls for the Library System to collaborate with others to best serve the public through partnerships. As a civic leader, the Library System is committed to strategic partnerships with numerous organizations – including for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies/governments. Partnerships are important to advance the Library’s services and commitment to serve all people.

 

More information: See full board packet: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-07102019.pdf

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

253-548-3428-office; 253-229-4477-mobile

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org                       

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

TACOMA – Whether it is a first job or a career change, job seekers can gain the skills to Get Hired with free classes from the Pierce County Library System.

 

“How people find and apply for jobs and career advancement has changed with technology,” said the Pierce County Library’s Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Connecting job seekers with employment experts provides them with skills training and proven techniques about the job search process, which can be the difference in landing an interview and getting hired.”

 

At the Library System’s Get Hired classes people will learn to use technology to make connections and assist in their job search. The classes will also help job seekers analyze skills to determine qualifications or address what truly can be over-qualification. The courses are designed to help job seekers get the edge needed to compete in the job market.

 

Job seekers can improve their job-hunting skills through workshops including:

 

Job Seeker’s Guide to the Cloud

Learn how cloud technologies such as Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox can assist in the job search. Registration required.

Thursday, July 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Steilacoom Pierce County Library, 2950 Steilacoom Blvd.

Friday, Aug. 30, 2-4 p.m., Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E.

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2-4 p.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.

 

Get Hired Help

Job search process stalled? Want to learn more tech skills? Need to write a resume? Get help with tech and job-related questions.

Thursday, July 18, 2-4 p.m., Key Center Pierce County Library, 8905 Key Peninsula Highway N.W., Lakebay

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2-4 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma

Thursday, Aug. 29, 2-4 p.m., Milton/Edgewood Pierce County Library, 900 Meridian E., Suite 29, Milton

Friday, Sept. 20, 2-4 p.m., Buckley Pierce County Library, 123 S. River Ave.

 

Job Hunting for Mature Workers

Concerned that age is hurting the job search? Address issues such as over-qualification or career changes. Registration required.

Wednesday, July 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave.

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.

 

Get Hired also offers free technology certifications. Enroll at http://techcert.pcls.us, take online courses and practice tests, and certify at the Library. Certifications are available for:

 

• Adobe products: Animate, Dreamweaver, Flash, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and Premiere Pro

• Microsoft programs: Access 2016, Excel 2016, Outlook 2016, PowerPoint 2016 and Word 2016

• Block Based Languages, Cloud, Database, HTML and CSS, HTML5, Java, JavaScript, Mobility and Devices, Networking, Python, Security, Software Development, Windows OS and Windows Server

• QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online

 

Additional learning opportunities, technology support and online resources to help people get hired are also available through the Pierce County Library.

 

Thanks to the Pierce County Library Foundation for sponsoring the Get Hired program.

 

The Library partners with WorkForce Central and WorkSource to bring expert job help to support career success and help people realize their employment goals.

 

Find more resources to help strengthen practical skills and knowledge at http://gethired.pcls.us.

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.1 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org                       

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

TACOMA – Scheduled maintenance is planned for the Pierce County Library System’s website Thursday, June 20, 7-8 a.m. The website will be unavailable for about 30 minutes during the maintenance.

We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for your patience.

During this time, the following services will still be available: my account, catalog, OverDrive for downloading e-books and audiobooks, RBdigital for downloading magazines, and the Library’s calendar of events and classes.

TACOMA – Pierce County Library System will be closed Thursday, July 4, Independence Day.

 

During that time, the Library’s online services, as always, will be open at www.piercecountylibrary.org, featuring downloadable e-books, audiobooks and magazines as well as other services and resources.

 

Contact: Mary Getchell | Marketing and Communications Director

253-548-3428-direct; 253-229-4477-mobile

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from more than 1.5 million books, movies and other materials as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at the Pierce County Library Administrative Center, Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

TACOMA – Adventure out of this world with the Pierce County Library System’s Summer Reading Program, A Universe of Stories. Inspired by the 50^th anniversary of the July 1969 moon landing, the Library will host a series of space-themed events and activities to boost learning and enjoyment during the summer months.

 

“Many children experience the summer slide, which means they lose some of their learning and literacy skills during the summer months,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “With our Summer Reading Program, we help children glide successfully through the summer into fall and retain their learning and literacy while having fun as they continue to build literacy skills all summer.”

 

Reading is an important tool to help kids retain what they’ve learned and prepare them for success in the coming school year. The Library’s Summer Reading Program challenges students of all ages to read and adds incentives such as passes to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and tickets to the Seattle Storm and Tacoma Rainiers when they reach reading goals.

 

Participants may also read down their fines. After reading for 10 hours, every reader will receive a coupon to remove $5 off of fines they may have for overdue books and materials.

 

The Summer Reading Program fosters a love of reading for the entire family. The program also offers events for kids, teens and adults, including story times, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities and magic shows to encourage learning all summer with out of this world fun.

 

Following is just a glimpse at the many events.

 

            Museum of Flight Portable Science: Summer Sky Stories of Alexandria

Travel back in time to second century Alexandria for a night of stargazing and storytelling! Meet a student of the great astronomer Claudius Ptolemy in this interactive planetarium show. Ages 5 and up.

Monday, June 24, 2:30 p.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.

Wednesday, Aug. 7, 3:30 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100

Thursday, Aug. 15, 1:30 p.m., Milton/Edgewood Pierce County Library, 900 Meridian E., Suite 29, Milton

 

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: How the Moon and Stars Affect Wildlife on Earth

Connect how glowing orbs in the sky inspired space travel and how they relate to wild animals. Learn about transformations, brave journeys, and odd behaviors of wild animals from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium staff. Explore what strange things happen in nature by the light of the moon. Meet a live zoo animal and touch feathers, skulls and furs from animals guided by the night sky! Ages 6-18.

Tuesday, June 25, 10:30 a.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.

Thursday, July 11, 1 p.m., Orting Pierce County Library, 202 Washington Ave. S.

Friday, July 12, 2 p.m., Tillicum Pierce County Library, 14916 Washington Ave. S.W., Lakewood. Please call or stop by the library to register.

Tuesday, July 30, 10:30 a.m., Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave.

Wednesday, June 26, 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100

 

Science Tellers: Aliens: Escape from Earth

Join an action-packed and educational adventure totally out of this world! Listen to an intergalactic story that comes to life. Go behind the scenes of the special effects and recreate the science experiments. Ages 3-18.

Tuesday, July 9, 2 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma

Friday, July 12, 11 a.m., Key Center Pierce County Library, 8905 KPNW, Lakebay

Wednesday, July 17, 11 a.m., Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E.

Thursday, July 18, 1 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E.

Saturday, July 20, 10:30 a.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.

Tuesday, July 30, 2 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100

 

Teen Escape Rooms

Escape in a mental and physical adventure and solve a series of puzzles and riddles from clues, hints and strategy. Designed for teens grades 6-12. Register online at piercecountylibrary.org/calendar or contact the host Library for more information.

 

• Aliens
  • Wednesday, June 26, 3:30 p.m., Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
  • Thursday, June 27, 2 p.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.
  • Thursday, July 11, 3:30 p.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.
  • Monday, July 22, 4 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E.

 

• Star Wars
  • Tuesday, July 2, 3 p.m., Key Center Pierce County Library, 8905 KPNW, Lakebay
  • Wednesday, July 24, 4:30 p.m., Buckley Pierce County Library, 123 S. River Ave.
  • Wednesday, Aug. 7, 3 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma
  • Wednesday, Aug. 7, 3:30 p.m., Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
  • Monday, Aug. 12, 5 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
  • Wednesday, Aug. 14, 3 p.m., Milton/Edgewood Pierce County Library, 900 Meridian E., Suite 29, Milton
  • Thursday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m., DuPont Pierce County Library, 1540 Wilmington Drive

 

• Steven Universe
  • Wednesday, July 3, 4 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma
  • Wednesday, July 24, 3:30 p.m., Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.

 

• Stranger Things
  • Monday, July 1, 5 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
  • Wednesday, July 10, 3:30 p.m., Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
  • Thursday, July 25, 2 p.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.
  • Tuesday, July 30, 3 p.m., Key Center Pierce County Library, 8905 KPNW, Lakebay
  • Wednesday, July 31, 4 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma
  • Monday, Aug. 5, 4 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E.
  • Thursday, Aug. 8, 3:30 p.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.

 

Adult Escape Rooms

Challenge mental and physical skills and escape in an adventure and solve a series of puzzles and clues. Register online at piercecountylibrary.org/calendar or contact the library for more information.

 

• Alien

Monday, July 29, 6 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma

 

• Star Wars

Friday July 26, 4:30 & 5:15 p.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.

• Monday, Aug. 12, 5 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
• Monday, Aug. 12, 6 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma

 

• Stranger Things
  • Friday, June 28, 4:30 p.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.
  • Monday, July 1, 5 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100

 

The Library System has declared 2019 A Year of Reading. Reading offsets the pressures of daily life and helps people relax. A Year of Reading includes the Summer Reading Program as well as Pierce County READS‒a community event where everyone reads the same book at the same time, author visits, personal reading shoppers in libraries and online through the My Next Read service, e-newsletters with reading recommendations, Read to a Dog to build children’s reading skills, and other ways to engage and connect with reading.

 

Readers can sign up for Summer Reading and start earning prizes on June 1. Join in special events at a Pierce County Library, from June 22 through Aug. 17.

 

The Pierce County Library Foundation sponsors the Summer Reading Program.

 

Find out more about the Summer Reading Program, how to earn prizes, and register at summerreading.pcls.us.

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.1 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

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