- Scheduled website maintenance Aug. 9-12 - 8/6/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Scheduled maintenance is planned for the Pierce County Library System’s website, Monday, Aug. 9-Thursday, Aug. 12. During this time, the following services’ webpages will be intermittently unavailable:
- My Next Read and TitleQuest (purchase request)
- Job + Business Center
- Military Connections
- Pierce County READS
- STEAM
- Summer Reading
We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for your patience.
About Pierce County Library System
The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 620,000 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 822,000 books, 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, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare 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’s Board discusses 2022 planning and more - 8/5/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss it 2022 budget and work plan and other issues at its Board meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 3:30 p.m.
Join the meeting by phone or online:
- Phone: 253-215-8782, webinar identification: 977 6052 7787, passcode: 106659
- Zoom with a Zoom account from a web browser or an app:
https://zoom.us/j/97760527787?pwd=T1VGT0ZvbEhhRWVmSXdOTEFwQndrQT09
In planning for the 2022 budget and work plan, the Board will review the Library’s Strategic Framework, established in 2017, with significant input from the public. The framework guides the Library System in how it invests the public’s monies in top priority services, defined by the public. The framework includes three focus areas for library services in learning, enjoyment and community as well as core services the public can rely on as stable programs. Following the voter-approved 2018 levy to sustain funding for the Library System, in 2019 the Library System established strategic directions to serve communities more intentionally:
- Providing services for individuals and families who are asset limited or living with tight incomes. A United Ways of the Pacific Northwest’s report showed in Pierce County 12% (36,274 households) lived in poverty and 22% (66,503 households) were Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE).
- Making capital investments in buildings and technology to meet the needs of growing and changing communities.
- Improving operational processes.
In planning for 2022, the Library System will continue to explore how the public’s use of and need for library services are changing during the pandemic and resulting economic impacts. The Library will continue to assess services to ensure it is offering valued and needed services to meet the community’s changing needs. At the board meeting, library leaders will begin a discussion with the Board of Trustees to learn how the Library’s near- and long-term service priorities might need to change to respond to Pierce County residents’ changing needs.
More information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-08112021.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 620,000 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 822,000 books, 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, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare 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
- Community leaders join the Library System’s Board of Trustees - 8/4/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Two community leaders are joining the Pierce County Library System’s Board of Trustees this summer. Neesha Patel, an Edgewood resident, and Abby Sloan, a University Place resident.
“Being part of the Board of Trustees is an exciting opportunity for me to further serve our communities. I am very impressed by the multifaceted service the Library provides to the community and how effectively it has evolved and adapted to the needs of the community,” said Patel. “The Pierce County Library is one of our most valuable and accessible resources in the county, and I look forward to helping support and guide this essential service.”
Patel is a volunteer with Tacoma Community House and works with underrepresented and marginalized populations to help them develop career skills and complete educational certifications. Patel’s career spanned many years teaching as a mathematics professor with several community colleges in the Puget Sound region.
“Joining the Board of Trustees during this time of tremendous change as the Library System reopens from the pandemic restrictions is a welcoming opportunity,” said Sloan. “The Library is the center of our community and brings people together around the passion of reading and the pursuit of knowledge and technology. I look forward to helping guide this valued community asset.”
Sloan is an elementary school principal with the Tacoma Public Schools. She’s a Board Member for the Pierce College Education Program, a co-project manager for community food banks, a volunteer with University Place Community Events Collaboration and participates in several other community volunteer activities.
The Library System is not a part of Pierce County government. By state law, Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier appointed the trustees, and the Pierce County Council ratified the appointments.
Other Library Board of Trustees include Pat Jenkins, chair; Jamilyn Penn, vice chair; 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.
About Pierce County Library System
The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 620,000 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 822,000 books, 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, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare 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
- Lakewood Library’s technology services closed July 27-28 - 7/23/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Lakewood Pierce County Library’s technology services will be closed Tuesday, July 27-Wednesday, July 28, with a plan to open the building with more services starting Thursday, July 29. On July 27-28, people may continue to pick up books, movies and other materials curbside at the library.
When Lakewood Library reopens for more services, people may come into the building to browse bookshelves, check out books and movies and access technology including using computers, printers and Wi-Fi, as well as scanning, copying and faxing a limited number of pages free. Seating will be limited and will mostly be available for people to use technology services, such as computers.
Throughout the summer, the Pierce County Library System plans to open 18 of its 20 locations for browsing services. The Library System will continue to offer curbside pickup of books, movies and other items at 19 Pierce County locations.
About Pierce County Library System
The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 620,000 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 822,000 books, 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, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare 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
- Parkland/Spanaway Library’s tech services closed July 19-20 - 7/19/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library’s technology services will be closed Monday, July 19-Tuesday, July 20, with a plan to open the building with more services starting Wednesday, July 21. On July 19-20, people may continue to pick up books, movies and other materials curbside at the library.
When Parkland/Spanaway Library reopens for more services, people may come into the building to browse bookshelves, check out books and movies and access technology including using computers, printers and Wi-Fi, as well as scanning, copying and faxing a limited number of pages free. Seating will be limited and will mostly be available for people to use technology services, such as computers.
Throughout the summer, the Pierce County Library System plans to open 18 of its 20 locations for browsing services. The Library System will continue to offer curbside pickup of books, movies and other items at 19 Pierce County locations.
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 620,000 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 822,000 books, 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, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare 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
- Eatonville Library’s technology services closed July 15 - 7/13/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Eatonville Pierce County Library’s technology services will be closed Thursday, July 15, to prepare to open the building with more services starting Friday, July 16. On July 15, people may continue to pick up books, movies and other materials curbside at the library.
When Eatonville Library reopens on July 16, people may come into the building to browse bookshelves, check out books and movies and access technology including using computers, printers and Wi-Fi, as well as scanning, copying and faxing a limited number of pages free. Seating will be limited and will mostly be available for people to use technology services, such as computers.
Throughout the summer, the Pierce County Library System plans to open 18 of its 20 locations for browsing services. The Library System will continue to offer curbside pickup of books, movies and other items at 19 Pierce County locations.
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 620,000 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 822,000 books, 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, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare 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’s Board discusses reopening libraries and more - 7/8/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss reopening libraries, upgrades to Bonney Lake and Graham Pierce County Libraries, and other issues at its Board meeting on Wednesday, July 14, 3:30 p.m.
Join the meeting by phone or online:
- Phone: 253-215-8782, webinar identification: 977 6052 7787, passcode: 106659
- Zoom with a Zoom account from a web browser or an app:
https://zoom.us/j/97760527787?pwd=T1VGT0ZvbEhhRWVmSXdOTEFwQndrQT09
Reopening libraries with more in-building services. As of July 8, 12 of 18 full service Pierce County Libraries are open with more in-building services. People are ecstatic to now browse and check out books, movies and other materials and use computers and printers. By the end of July, all full service libraries will be open. Many people have been sharing how downloadable e-books and audiobooks and the Library’s curbside service have been lifesavers while they’ve been staying home. The public is very happy to be back in their Pierce County Libraries.
“I got a little teary when I walked in. This feels really good. I just like the smell. It’s so different than just picking books up curbside.” – Graham Pierce County Library customer
“Honey, I’m home!” – DuPont Pierce County Library customer
"I'm going to pop some champagne! This is the best news ever!" – Pierce County Library customer
Improvements to Bonney Lake and Graham Libraries. Upgrades to children, teen and adult spaces at Bonney Lake Library will help improve access to books and movies. The remodeling will allow for a better use the overall space for quiet reading and studying as well as noisier group activities. Updates at the Graham Library involve changes to the parking lot to align with the county’s nearby road improvements, which the Library System projects will improve access to the building.
More information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-07142021.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 620,000 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 822,000 books, 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, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare 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
- Key Center Pierce County Library’s technology services closed Wednesday, July 7 - 7/5/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Key Center Pierce County Library’s technology services will be closed Wednesday, July 7, to prepare to open the building with more services starting Thursday, July 8. On July 7, people may continue to pick up books, movies and other materials curbside at the library.
When Key Center Library reopens on July 8, people may come into the building to browse bookshelves, check out books and movies, and access technology including using computers, printers and Wi-Fi, as well as scanning, copying and faxing a limited number of pages free. Seating will be limited and will mostly be available for people to use technology services, such as computers.
Throughout the summer, the Pierce County Library System plans to open 18 of its 20 locations for browsing services. The Library System will continue to offer curbside pickup of books, movies and other items at 19 Pierce County locations.
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 620,000 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 822,000 books, 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, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare 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
- Teen creativity shines in Pierce County Library System’s art contest - 7/5/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Pierce County teen artists, photographers, and writers put an exclamation point on the 25th year of the Pierce County Library System’s annual Our Own Expressions Teen Writing and Art Contest! More than 700 students in grades 7 through 12 from schools across the county displayed their creativity and talent in their drawings, photographs, poems and short stories.
Professional writers Michael Magee and Brandi Douglas, photographer Lisa Roden, and artist Abrian Curington selected the winners, who were awarded cash prizes from the Pierce County Library Foundation. The award-winning young authors and artists will have their winning work displayed at expressions.pcls.us and in copies of the winners’ booklet available at Pierce County Libraries through Library Curbside service.
“Thank you to the hundreds of teens who shared their talent, voice and vision in the contest,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Students faced many challenges this past year due to the pandemic, learning remotely and everything else about being teenagers. I’m happy to see the many teenagers who participated in the contest as a creative outlet to find and show enjoyment.”
Drawing Winners
Grades 7-8: 1st—Tia Norman, Tacoma; 2nd—Chelsea Bass, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Erika Rusak, Auburn
Grades 9-10: 1st—Iris Rogel, Bonney Lake; 2nd—Julia Clarke, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Charlotte Southworth, Tacoma
Grades 11-12: 1st—Sam Johnson, Spanaway; 2nd—Chloe Brown, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Taylor Swensen, Bonney Lake
Photography Winners
Grades 7-8: 1st—Michael Fulkerson, Tacoma; 2nd—Morgan Ackerland, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Natalynn Kirkendoll-Graham, Vaughn
Grades 9-10: 1st—Sofia Anderson, Steilacoom; 2nd—Alana Rojas, DuPont; 3rd—Anna Salmon, DuPont
Grades 11-12: 1st—Jehlil Ruffner, Steilacoom; 2nd—Jade Edwards, Anderson Island; 3rd—Elliot Carlsson, Steilacoom
Poetry Winners
Grades 7-8: 1st—Kaylina Warren, Sumner; 2nd—Alexa Kotansky, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Natalie Bates, Tacoma
Grades 9-10: 1st—Clarisse Fowlkes, Puyallup; 2nd—Audrianna Rouse, Puyallup; 3rd—Olivia Lathrom, Graham
Grades 11-12: 1st—Benita Kisembo, University Place; 2nd—Lily Tamminga, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Honor Tamminga, Gig Harbor
Short Story Winners
Grades 7-8: 1st—Audrey Douglass, Puyallup; 2nd—Gabriella Vonada, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Lia Hartley, Puyallup
Grades 9-10: 1st—Rylie Wood, Bonney Lake; 2nd—Jacob Lawty, University Place; 3rd—Nathan Schmidt, Lakewood
Grades 11-12: 1st—Mary Funches, University Place; 2nd—Honor Tamminga, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Aubren Reis, Fircrest
Thank you to the Pierce County Library Foundation for sponsoring the Our Own Expressions Teen Writing and Art Contest. The Library System encourages teens to continue their creative outlets with virtual teen library events and plan to participate in next year’s contest scheduled for early 2022.
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 620,000 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 822,000 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, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare 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
- Fife Library’s technology services closed Tuesday, June 29 - 6/28/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Fife Pierce County Library’s technology services will be closed Tuesday, June 29, to prepare to open the building with more services starting Wednesday, June 30. On June 29, people may continue to pick up books, movies and other materials curbside at the library.
When Fife Library reopens on June 30, people may come into the building to browse bookshelves, check out books and movies and access technology including using computers, printers and Wi-Fi, as well as scanning, copying and faxing a limited number of pages free. Seating will be limited and will mostly be available for people to use technology services, such as computers.
Throughout the summer, the Pierce County Library System plans to open 18 of its 20 locations for browsing services. The Library System will continue to offer curbside pickup of books, movies and other items at 19 Pierce County locations.
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 620,000 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 822,000 books, 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, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare 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
