- Library Board conducts public hearing on 2020 budget and addresses other issues - 12/5/2019
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will conduct its final public hearing for the 2020 budget, get an overview of staff services, and discuss other issues at the board’s meeting at the Administrative Center and Library, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 3:30 p.m.
At the December meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.
Final public hearing on 2020 budget: The Board will conduct its second and final public hearing on the Library’s proposed 2020 budget. With funding from a restored levy approved by voters in 2018, revenues exceed what is needed for operational expenses for the first few years of a multi-year funding cycle and allow the Library to sustain operations for multiple years. Approximately 95% of the Library’s funding comes from property taxes. In 2020 the Library plans to retain nearly $9 million in its newly established levy sustainability fund to sustain operations for multiple years. The Library proposes a $39.7 million operating budget for 2020, which would fund services to support residents’ growth and curiosity, offer excellent reading choices, and work to connect and strengthen growing and changing communities. In particulate, the 2020 budget funds purchasing more e-books and books for Summer Reading, in response to the public’s high use of those materials.
Staff services: Staff is a strategic Pierce County Library service, connecting the public with the right resource at the right time. The Library System’s diverse, skilled staff of 377, full and part time people (298 full time equivalents), reflects the communities the Library serves. The Library is committed to a respectful and inclusive work place, with 99% of all staff having completed training in this area. Engaged and talented staff lead with the Library’s core skills and qualities, which include customer focus and teamwork to ensure staff welcome and serve all people and work together. From recruitment to retirement the Library invests time and resources to grow the passion and compassion of the staff that engages with hundreds of thousands of Pierce County’s residents.
More information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-12112019.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 1.1 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
- Enjoy crafts, music and holiday traditions with the Library - 11/26/2019
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington –Take some time to create and celebrate this holiday season with free, fun events for adults and teens from the Pierce County Library System.
Events include:
Holiday Make and Take
Bring some creativity and make a holiday craft.
Thursday, Dec. 5 @ 6-8 p.m., Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave.
Solo Harp with Susan W. Haas
Enjoy the seasonal music of harpist Susan W. Haas.
Thursday, Dec. 5, noon-2 p.m., Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
Sunday, Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 4-6 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
Thursday, Dec. 12, 4-6 p.m., Steilacoom Pierce County Library, 2950 Steilacoom Blvd.
The Dickens Carolers
Hear The Dickens Carolers quartet as they sing holiday classic and contemporary songs in Victorian dress.
Saturday, Dec. 7, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Bonney Lake Pierce County Library, 18501 90th St. E.
Holiday Calligraphy Class
Learn fun and versatile Narnonian lettering to add a personal touch to holiday cards and projects. Supplies provided.
Monday, Dec. 9, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Tillicum Pierce County Library, 14916 Washington Ave. S.W., Lakewood
Starry Night Winter Rocks: Rock Painting
Join Dazed and Reused Art Studio to create a starry night winter scene with painted rocks. For adults and teens. Registration required at calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/events.
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6-7:30 p.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.
Tapestry Singers Choir Holiday Performance
Enjoy a free holiday concert in the University Place Civic and Library Building Atrium.
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2-3 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
A Pioneer Christmas: Traditions Across America
Watch as historical performer Tames Alan presents various traditional celebrations of the Christmas season as they might be found across the country during the latter part of the 19th century.
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
Be sure to pick up a book or holiday movie while at the library to help relax and reduce stress from the holidays.
Visit www.piercecountylibrary.org for more holiday resources and events to enjoy.
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
- Enjoy the holidays with community fun from the Library - 11/25/2019
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Gingerbread houses, puppet shows, carolers and crafts await this holiday season at the Pierce County Library System. Gather to celebrate throughout the community with free fun for all ages.
Events include:
Gingerbread Houses
Make and decorate a gingerbread house. All supplies provided while they last. All ages; Children under six must be accompanied by an adult.
Wednesday, Dec. 4 @ 3-5 p.m., Milton/Edgewood Pierce County Library, 900 Meridian E., Suite 29, Milton. Drop in. No registration required.
Saturday, Dec. 7 @ 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive. Registration required at piercecountylibrary.org/calendar.
Saturday, Dec. 7 @ 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E. Registration required at calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/events.
Saturday, Dec. 7 @ 10-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon, Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma. Tickets issued Friday, Dec. 6, starting at 10 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7 @ 10:30 a.m. and Monday, Dec. 9 @ 4 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100. Tickets issued day of event.
Wednesday, Dec. 11 @ 3-5 p.m., Steilacoom Pierce County Library, 2950 Steilacoom Blvd. Registration required at piercecountylibrary.org/calendar.
Saturday, Dec. 14 @ 10 a.m.-noon, DuPont Pierce County Library, 1540 Wilmington Drive. Drop in. No registration required.
Saturday, Dec. 14 @ 11 a.m.-noon and noon-1 p.m., Anderson Island Pierce County Library, 11319 Yoman Rd. Registration required in library or by phone.
Saturday, Dec. 14 @ 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Buckley Pierce County Library, 123 S. River Ave. Drop in. No registration required.
Saturday, Dec. 14 @ 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E. Drop in. No registration required.
Saturday, Dec. 14 @ 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Key Center Pierce County Library, 8905 KPNW, Lakebay. Registration required at piercecountylibrary.org/calendar.
Saturday, Dec. 14 @ noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E. Tickets issued at the library starting Sunday, Dec. 1.
Saturday, Dec. 14 @ noon-1 p.m., Tillicum Pierce County Library, 14916 Washington Ave. S.W., Lakewood. Drop in. No registration required.
Saturday, Dec. 14 @ 1-3 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma. Drop in. No registration required.
Saturday, Dec. 21 @ 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave. Drop in. No registration required.
Puppets Please
Colorful marionettes perform a holiday-themed, in-the-round show. All ages.
Saturday, Dec. 14 @ 10:30 a.m., Bonney Lake Pierce County Library, 18501 90th St. E.
Saturday, Dec. 14 @ noon-12:45 p.m., Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave.
Saturday, Dec. 14 @ 1:30-2:15 p.m., Milton/Edgewood Pierce County Library, 900 Meridian E., Suite 29, Milton.
Monday, Dec. 16 @ 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon, Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.
Saturday, Dec. 21 @ noon-12:30 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma
Saturday, Dec. 21 @ 1:30-2 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma
Saturday, Dec. 21 @ 3:30-4:40 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
Monday, Dec. 23 @ 11:30 a.m.-noon, Key Center Pierce County Library, 8905 Key Peninsula Hwy N.W., Lakebay
Vivace! Holiday Performance
Enjoy a special performance by the Bethel School District’s Vivace! Choral Program.
All ages.
Thursday, Dec. 5 @ 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th
St. E.
Ornament Making Party
Make an ornament to take home and one to decorate the library for the season! All ages.
Tuesday, Dec. 10 @ 3-4:30 p.m., Eatonville Pierce County Library, 205 Center St. W.
The Story of Ebenezer Scrooge: The Traveling Lantern Theatre Company
Join The Traveling Lantern Theatre Company for performances of “The Story of Ebenezer Scrooge” or “A Christmas Carol.” All ages.
Wednesday, Dec. 11 @ 5-6 p.m., Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E.
Tinker Thursday: Circuit Trees and Holiday Cards
Create a light-up holiday card or tree using circuitry! All ages; Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required at calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/events
Thursday, Dec. 12 @ 5:30-6:30 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup
Las Posadas Piñata Party
Make a cardboard piñata for Las Posadas! All supplies provided. All ages.
Saturday, Dec. 14 @ 2-3 p.m., Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
Don’t forget to pick up a book or holiday movie while at the library to help spread holiday cheer.
Visit www.piercecountylibrary.org for more holiday resources and events to enjoy.
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
- Pierce County Library System closed Nov. 28-29 for Thanksgiving - 11/14/2019
TACOMA – The Pierce County Library System will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29, for Thanksgiving.
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 1.1 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
- Board to give direction on new libraries and conduct budget hearing - 11/8/2019
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees is expected to direct the Library on next steps for potential new libraries in Lakewood and Sumner, conduct its first hearing for the 2020 budget, and discuss other issues at the board’s meeting at the Administrative Center and Library, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 3:30 p.m.
At the November meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.
Potential new libraries in Lakewood and Sumner: The Board of Trustees is expected to give direction for next steps for potential new libraries in new locations in Lakewood and Sumner. The libraries would replace the current Lakewood, Tillicum and Sumner Libraries. At an October study session, the Board reviewed the findings and recommendations from the Library’s engagement with thousands of residents to learn the public’s interest in new libraries. Overall, residents in both communities expressed interest in potential new libraries:
- 84% of Lakewood survey respondents said they were interested in new libraries in Lakewood
- 88% of Sumner survey respondents said they were interested in a new library in Sumner
Direction from the Board will be whether to continue into a planning phase for building projects in Lakewood, Tillicum or Sumner. A planning phase would include further engagement with the public getting their input on a building program, conceptual designs and review of construction cost estimates.
The Lakewood, Tillicum and Sumner Libraries have been well loved and well used. The aging buildings are underserving the communities, as more people and more services compete for limited space.
- 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 City of Lakewood would like to see a new Lakewood library in the downtown core.
- The Tillicum Library is housed in an aging shared facility in poor physical condition. The current layout does not support how people use the library today or tomorrow.
First hearing on 2020 budget: The Board will conduct its first of two public hearings on the Library’s proposed 2020 budget. With funding from a restored levy approved by voters in 2018, revenues exceed what is needed for operational expenses for the first few years of a multi-year funding cycle and allow the Library to sustain operations for multiple years. In 2020 the Library estimates $42.3 million in revenues, which will come primarily from property taxes. The Library proposes a $39.6 million budget for 2020, which would fund services to support residents’ growth and curiosity, offer excellent reading choices, and work to connect and strengthen growing and changing communities. The remaining $2.7 million would be deposited into a sustainability fund to sustain operations for multiple years.
More information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-11132019.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 1.1 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 Library System closed Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day - 10/28/2019
TACOMA – The Pierce County Library System will be closed Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans 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
facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary
twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary
- Learn about living with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease - 10/21/2019
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Living with Alzheimer's disease is life changing for both the person with the disease and their family and friends. Imagine what it would be like for someone being diagnosed in their early 60s, 50s or even as young as their 30s. Attend a free viewing and discussion of the film "Too Soon to Forget: The Journey of Younger Onset Alzheimer's Disease" at the Pierce County Library System and explore the stories of nine families living with Alzheimer’s.
Younger onset Alzheimer's disease affects people 65 years old or younger. Though the exact number of people with younger onset is unknown, the impact of living with Alzheimer's in midlife is great and very little information is available specifically for those facing younger onset. This documentary aims to begin a national conversation to encourage awareness, understanding and acceptance of younger onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Events will be held on the following dates:
Monday, Nov. 4, 12:30-2 p.m. at Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Key Center Pierce County Library, 8905 Key Peninsula Hwy N.W., Lakebay
Friday, Nov. 8, 1-3 p.m. at South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup
Saturday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
November is both Family Caregiver Month and Alzheimer's Awareness Month.
The Library System is offering these events in partnership with the Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center.
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
- Celebrate DIY culture at the county’s largest maker event - 10/18/2019
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Coding, robots, 3D printing and more will be on display at the Pierce County Library System’s free MakerFest event Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Agriplex at the Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 9th Ave. S.W., Puyallup. Come out and enjoy hands-on STEAM activities for all ages from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Come on by and inspire your inner scientist, engineer or artist while having a blast with the many fun, learning choices,” said Pierce County Library System Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “This community event brings people together around shared interests and makes for a thrilling family day.”
MakerFest features nearly 50 exhibitors showcasing arts and crafts, technology, robotics, homesteading, health, upcycling, emergency preparedness, science and much more.
Participants may stop by for an hour or stay all day and join in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) activities. Attendees can try their talents at spinning yarn on a spinning wheel, working with hand tools, designing games, making a smoothie while riding a bike, and doing and seeing a whole lot more. A photo booth with celebrity exhibitors including Star Wars’ R2-D2 will also be available.
Children may have fun while playing and learning with KaBOOM! Imagination Playground™. The big blue blocks help children build math concepts as they count and sort blocks, literacy as they talk about building projects, and many other skills.
Inspire imagination with books, DVDs and more STEAM activities at the Pierce County Library or by visiting www.piercecountylibrary.org.
The Pierce County Library Foundation sponsors MakerFest. Pierce County’s largest maker event is presented in partnership with Puyallup Public Library and Tacoma Public Library.
Learn more about MakerFest and all of the STEAM activities available at Pierce County Library at makerfest.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 1.5 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
- Library Board to discuss public interest in new Lakewood and Sumner Libraries - 10/17/2019
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss the public’s interest for potential new libraries in Lakewood, Tillicum and Sumner at a study session at the Library’s Administrative Center and Library, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, on Monday, Oct. 21, 3-5 p.m.
At the study session, BERK Consulting, Inc., a public engagement firm, will share findings from discussions with thousands of individuals during a three-month period. BERK will also provide a recommendation to the Board of Trustees about next steps for potential new libraries in new locations in Lakewood, Tillicum-a neighborhood in Lakewood and Sumner. The new libraries would replace the existing libraries.
June through September 2019, the Library System gathered input from people at community events, in the libraries and online. The libraries have been well loved and well used. 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.
Today libraries are designed around how people want to use the library, 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 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 and now serves 60,000 people with resources for learning, enjoyment and strengthening community connections. The Lakewood Library 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 is housed in an aging shared facility in poor physical condition. The current layout also does not support how people use the library today or tomorrow.
Following the board’s study session, the Board of Trustees is expected to make a decision about next steps at its Nov. 13 board meeting.
More information and online survey at: imagine.pcls.us.
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
- Download e-books and audiobooks on Digital Bookmobile - 10/16/2019
Puyallup, Washington stop is one of only two stops in Washington state
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Learn how to find and download e-books and audiobooks aboard the nationally touring Digital Bookmobile stopping by the South Hill Mall in Puyallup on Friday, Oct. 25, 12-6 p.m. outside of Dick’s Sporting Goods. On the Digital Bookmobile, find out how to borrow e-books and audiobooks easily, fast, conveniently and for free from the Pierce County Library System and Puyallup Public Library anytime, anywhere.
“It is pretty cool the Digital Bookmobile is stopping in Puyallup on its national tour – the stop is one of only two stops in Washington,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Online reading fosters a love of reading with its absolute ease and convenience. When folks come on board the Digital Bookmobile, they will learn just how easy it is to download books.”
Lomax further explained reading helps offset the pressures of daily life and helps reduce stress. By offering time on the Digital Bookmobile, the Library System hopes to inspire excitement and build awareness for more people to access e-books and audiobooks.
Community members are invited to this free, interactive exhibit to learn about and try e-books and audiobooks. The event is part of the Digital Bookmobile’s national tour and is open to readers of all ages. On board, people can use interactive workstations, touchscreens and e-readers to sample book titles and more.
Library staff and e-reading experts will be available on the Digital Bookmobile to guide visitors through the easy process of borrowing digital books. Readers with a valid library card can borrow their favorite titles 24/7 by visiting downloads.pcls.us or by downloading the Library's one-tap reading app, Libby, powered by OverDrive.
Visitors may also learn how to enhance their reading experience with tips and tricks from the experts, including how to sort and filter searches, create notes and highlights, manage holds for e-books and audiobooks, tag titles and much more. Library cardholders who borrow e-books and audiobooks are not charged late fees because the books automatically return after three weeks of use. After downloading an e-book or audiobook, readers can read or listen instantly from virtually any smartphone, tablet or computer.
The Digital Bookmobile is powered by OverDrive, the digital reading platform for more than 43,000 libraries and schools worldwide, including the Pierce County Library System and Puyallup Public Library.
To check out digital books from Pierce County Library, visit downloads.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 1.5 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.
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