- Pierce County Library celebrates 25 years of teen’s art and writing contest - 1/19/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System celebrates 25 years of teen creativity with Our Own Expressions Teen Writing & Art Contest, which runs now through Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021.
Teen writers and artists in seventh through 12th grades, who live in or attend school in Pierce County, may enter the free contest, individually or as a team. They may enter in one or all four categories: poetry, short story, photography and drawing.
Tacoma resident Bethany Maines was a teen in 1997 when she entered the inaugural contest. She had always been a creative writer although never considered pursuing it as a career. Maines placed third in the short story category and grew up to become a published author, illustrator and graphic designer.
“This contest is one of the things that gave me the confidence to pursue writing more seriously,” Maines said. “Participating in the contest gave me the encouragement to keep pursuing writing and also gave me recognition in my own community.”
Maines went on to publish a collection of short stories based on her winning entry, titled “Tales from the City of Destiny.” Pierce County Library’s online e-books offer some of Maines’ books for check out.
“We love hearing the success stories from teens who went on to pursue more creative outlets and careers, as a result of the Our Own Expressions contest,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “A lot can be said about a teen when their writing and artistic talent is recognized and published. Congratulations to Bethany and the tens of thousands of teens who participated in the contest through the years!”
Students may get entry forms online. Teens may use mobile printing and Library Curbside to download and pick up printed copies of the entry forms. Students may submit entries online or by mail to Pierce County Library System, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98446-2215.
Judges will review writing entries based on originality, style, general presentation, grammar, spelling and evidence of skill appropriate for the writer’s age. Judges will review art entries based on composition, evidence of skill commensurate with the age of the artist, creativity and effective use of media. Published authors, professional artists and photographers select the final winning pieces.
The Library System will announce all of the winning entries in a special publication and distribute copies throughout Pierce County Libraries and to the winning students’ schools. The Pierce County Library Foundation will award cash prizes of $50 to $100 to winners in three age groups: seventh and eighth grade, ninth and 10th grade, and 11th and 12th grade in all four categories.
Contest winners will be announced and celebrated virtually in May.
Visit expressions.pcls.us for more information about the Our Own Expressions contest.
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, 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, 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
- Graham Pierce County Library closed, today Jan. 15, due to power outage - 1/15/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Graham Pierce County Library is closed today, Friday, Jan. 15, due to power outages from the windstorms earlier this week.
Other Pierce County Libraries offering curbside service are open today, for people to pick up books, movies and other items using Library Curbside.
The Pierce County Library System will continue monitoring the power outage. Watch the Library’s website for updates.
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, 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, 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
- Graham Pierce County Library plans to open for curbside service Jan. 15, at 2 p.m. - 1/15/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Graham Pierce County Library plans to open for curbside service today, Friday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m., if power is restored to the building. Watch the Library’s website for updates.
Other Pierce County Libraries offering curbside service are open today, for people to pick up books, movies and other items using Library Curbside.
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, 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, 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
- Graham Pierce County Library closed, today Jan. 14, due to power outage - 1/14/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Graham Pierce County Library is closed today, Thursday, Jan. 14, due to power outages from the windstorms earlier this week.
Other Pierce County Libraries offering curbside service are open today, for people to pick up books, movies and other items using Library Curbside.
The Pierce County Library System will continue monitoring the power outage. Watch the Library’s website for updates.
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, 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, 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
- Graham Pierce County Library plans to open for curbside service Jan. 14, at 1 p.m. - 1/14/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington –Graham Pierce County Library plans to open for curbside service today, Thursday, Jan. 14, at 1 p.m., if power is restored to the building. Watch the Library’s website for updates.
Other Pierce County Libraries offering curbside service are open today, for people to pick up books, movies and other items using Library Curbside.
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, 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, 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
- Bonney Lake, Graham and Summit Libraries are closed today Wednesday, Jan. 13 - 1/13/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Bonney Lake, Graham and Summit Pierce County Libraries are closed today, Wednesday, Jan. 13, due to power outages from the windstorms. Other Pierce County Libraries offering curbside service are open today, for people to pick up books, movies and other items using Library Curbside.
The Pierce County Library System will continue to monitor power at all 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, 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, 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
- Some libraries are closed today Wednesday, Jan. 13, due to power outages - 1/13/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Some Pierce County Libraries are closed today, Wednesday, Jan. 13, due to power outages from the windstorms. Please call your library to learn if it is open for curbside service today.
Other Pierce County Libraries offering curbside service are open today, for people to pick up books, movies and other items using Library Curbside.
The Pierce County Library System will continue to monitor power at all 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, 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, 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
- Library reaches 1.7 million e-book and audiobook checkouts in 2020 - 1/12/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Jan. 12, 2021 – The Pierce County Library System announced today it reached a record-breaking 1.7 million digital book checkouts in 2020. This accomplishment illustrates the continued growth and importance of library digital lending of e-books and audiobooks, especially in a year with building closures due to the global pandemic. Pierce County Library is one of 102 public library systems worldwide that surpassed one million checkouts (complete list here).
Pierce County Library has been providing readers 24/7 access to e-books and audiobooks for more than a decade through OverDrive and its award-winning Libby reading app. Reader interest and usage has grown every year.
“Our thanks goes to the tens of thousands of people in Pierce County enjoying and learning from e-books and audiobooks,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “With the pandemic, our online library became the only library for residents for many months. Thanks to our amazing readers for checking out more than a million books during this time and throughout the year!”
The highest-circulating title Pierce County Library readers borrowed through OverDrive in 2020 was Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. The top-circulating genre, romance, represents the most popular in a vast catalog, which also includes thrillers, biographies and children/young adult choices.
The top five e-book titles borrowed through Pierce County Library’s digital collection in 2020:
1. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
2. “Girl Waits with Gun” by Amy Stewart
3. “Educated” by Tara Westover
4. “Blue Moon” by Lee Child
5. “The Guardians” by John Grisham
The top five audiobook titles borrowed through Pierce County Library’s digital collection in 2020:
1. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling
2. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
3. “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah
4. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
5. “Educated” by Tara Westover
Readers in Pierce County just need a valid library card to access digital books from Pierce County Library’s OverDrive-powered digital collection. Readers can use any major device, including Apple(R), Android™, Chromebook™ and Kindle(R) (US only). Visit https://piercecounty.overdrive.com/ or download the Libby app to get started and borrow e-books and audiobooks anytime, anywhere.
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, 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, 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
About OverDrive
OverDrive strives to create “a world enlightened by reading.” Serving a growing network of 65,000 libraries and schools in 84 countries, OverDrive delivers the industry’s largest digital catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and other content through award-winning apps. The Libby reading app for libraries is one of Popular Mechanics’ 20 Best Apps of the Decade, while the student reading app Sora is one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2019. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio USA and was named a Certified B Corp in 2017. www.overdrive.com
Contact:
Mary Getchell
Pierce County Library System
253-548-3428
mgetchell@piercecountylibrary.org
- Board discusses diversity, equity and inclusion and more - 1/8/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss diversity, equity and inclusion, its agreement with the Pierce County Library Foundation, and other issues at its Board meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 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:
https://zoom.us/j/97760527787?pwd=T1VGT0ZvbEhhRWVmSXdOTEFwQndrQT09
Equity, diversity and inclusion. The Board will continue its review and discussion of the Library’s development of an overall strategic and action plan for diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism to advance the Library’s commitment to these principles. The Library is in the process of hiring a consultant to assist in assessing current culture, structures and organizational readiness to develop a long-term equity, diversity and inclusion plan to better serve and engage with the community. Also at the meeting, the Board will review recent updates proposed to its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-Harassment policies.
Pierce County Library Foundation agreement with the Library System. At the meeting, the Board of Trustees expects to approve an agreement for the Pierce County Library Foundation to conduct work and raise funds to support valued library services. The foundation’s volunteer board of directors advocates for the Library System and invests in its service to ensure access to library services for all individuals.
More information about board meeting: www.piercecountylibrary.org/about-us/board-trustees/board-agenda-packets/
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, 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, 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
- Library closed Monday, Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day - 1/4/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System will be closed and will not offer curbside service on Monday, Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Jr. 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: MaryGetchell | 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 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 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, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare 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
