- Library Board and City Council discuss Sumner Pierce County Library - 2/7/2023
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System’s Board of Trustees will join the City of Sumner Council at the Council’s Study Session meeting on Monday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m., to discuss plans for a new Sumner Pierce County Library. Join the meeting in person at Sumner City Hall, 1104 Maple St., virtually at https://sumnerwa-gov.zoom.us/j/86432665763, use ID: 864 3266 5763 or by phone 253-215-8782. Also, people may watch the meeting on the City of Sumner YouTube channel during or after the meeting.
At the meeting, the Library Board and City Council will learn more about a new library planned for East Main Street. The City of Sumner owns the building and land where the current Sumner Library is located on Fryar Avenue. The Library System leases the space. The current building has reached end of life, requiring major repairs. In addition, the building is undersized for the population it serves, and it is difficult to access. The City and Library System are collaborating to build a new library on Main Street East.
During the meeting, architects will share information about modern trends in library buildings and creating flexible spaces and places to meet community needs. In addition, library trustees and city councilmembers will discuss plans to fund the building, up to 20,000 square feet of space, with a potential Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) and bond as well as donations from individuals and organizations.
The Library System estimates the total cost of the project is approximately $19 million in today’s market. The Library is committed to contributing $5 million through a variety of sources. The Library currently has a $1 million ask of funding from the State of Washington being considered as part of the Department of Commerce’s Library Capital Improvement Program. The remaining $14 million is being considered as a bond measure for voters in the Sumner area.
Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director, Pierce County Library, 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477
Carmen Palmer, Communications Director, City of Sumner, 253-299-5503
About the Pierce County Library System
The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 655,000 people throughout Pierce County with 19 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and property taxes are the main funding source. People may choose from more than one 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, 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, 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 the City of Sumner
The City of Sumner’s vision is to set the standard of excellence for a progressive small city. With a population of 10,000 people, Sumner includes both a picture-perfect, classic Main Street as well as the largest Manufacturing Industrial Center in Pierce County. With over 17,000 people working in Sumner, it remains a regional hub for services like the Sound Transit commuter station and the Gordon Family YMCA.
sumnerwa.gov
youtube.com/@CityofSumner
twitter.com/CityOfSumnerWA
instagram.com/cityofsumnerwa/
facebook.com/SumnerPD/
- Pierce County Library Board to discuss work plan and other topics - 2/6/2023
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – At the Pierce County Library System’s Board of Trustees’ Wednesday, Feb. 8, 3:30 p.m. regular monthly meeting, the Board will discuss the 2023 work plan, plans for a new Sumner Pierce County Library and other topics.
The meeting will be held in person at the Library’s Administrative Center 3005 112th St E, Tacoma WA 98446. Optional virtual attendance is available via https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/about-us/board-trustees/board-agenda-packets/Default.htm.
At the meeting, trustees will learn more about the Library System’s work plan for 2023. The work plan includes continued work on the Library’s equity, diversity and inclusion strategy, enhancing resources to support children’s learning with sensory and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), updating monitors for use in public meeting rooms, and other services to support Pierce County residents.
In addition, trustees will continue discussions about a new Sumner Library. The current library on Fryar Avenue is in a building the City of Sumner owns. The City of Sumner’s Town Center Plan envisions different uses for the current library location and relocating the library. In January and February, the Library System is gathering input from the community about their ideas and interests for a new library on property the Library purchased on Main Street East. Hundreds of Sumner area residents are sharing their ideas for a new Sumner Library.
For more information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/about-us/board-trustees/board-agenda-packets/Default.htm
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 655,000 people throughout Pierce County with 19 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 one 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, 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, 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
- Create, publish and win prizes in the Pierce County Library’s teen contest - 1/23/2023
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System invites teenagers throughout Pierce County to showcase their creative talents in the Pierce County Library System’s Our Own Expressions Teen Writing & Art Contest, now through Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.
“For more than 25 years, the Library’s writing and art contest has provided teens with a valuable creative outlet,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Gretchen Caserotti. “We look forward to seeing the creativity and storytelling from the county’s budding artists and authors. The contest is an excellent opportunity for teens to express their thoughts and interests.”
Teen writers and artists in seventh through 12th grades, who live in or attend school in Pierce County, can participate in the free contest as an individual or as a team in one or all four categories: poetry, short story, photography and drawing.
Students may get entry forms online or at their local Pierce County Library. Teenagers may submit entries online, drop off at their local library or send by mail to Our Own Expressions, 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 the winning writing and art in a special publication and distribute copies throughout Pierce County Libraries and to the winning students’ schools. The Pierce County Library Foundation will award prizes worth $100 to $150 to winners in three age groups: seventh and eighth grade, ninth and 10th grade, and 11th and 12th grade in all four categories.
The Library System plans to showcase contest winners at an awards ceremony in spring 2023.
As part of the annual contest, the Library will offer several events to support the students in developing their art and writing from poster art and photography to writing sessions and a visit with an author. Visit expressions.pcls.us for more information about the free classes and events and 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 655,000 people throughout Pierce County with 19 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 one 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, 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, 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
- Anderson Island Pierce County Library closed Wednesday, Jan. 18 - 1/18/2023
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Due to mechanical issues impacting ferry service, the Anderson Island Pierce County Library is closed Wednesday, Jan. 18.
As always, the Library’s online services are open at www.piercecountylibrary.org, featuring online e-books, audiobooks, videos and magazines as well as other services and resources.
About Pierce County Library System
The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 655,000 people throughout Pierce County with 19 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and property taxes are the main funding source. People may choose from more than one 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, 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, 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 Board to discuss Sumner Library at meeting - 1/5/2023
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – At the Pierce County Library System’s Board of Trustees’ Wednesday, Jan. 11, 3:30 p.m. regular monthly meeting, the Board will discuss plans for a new Sumner Pierce County Library and other routine topics.
The meeting will be held in person at the Library’s Administrative Center 3005 112th St E, Tacoma WA 98446. Optional virtual attendance is available via https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/about-us/board-trustees/board-agenda-packets/Default.htm.
The City of Sumner owns the current building and the Library System leases the space for the Sumner Library. The building is undersized for the population it serves, and it is difficult to access. The City of Sumner’s Town Center Plan envisions different uses for the current library location and relocating the library.
The Library System is planning to build a 15,000-20,000 square foot library on property the Library System owns at 15126 Main St. E. At the Board meeting, Library administrators will review funding options to construct the building.
For more information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/about-us/board-trustees/board-agenda-packets/Default.htm
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 655,000 people throughout Pierce County with 19 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 one 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, 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, 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 closed Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day - 1/2/2023
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
During that time, the Library’s online services, as always, will be open at www.piercecountylibrary.org, featuring online e-books, audiobooks, videos 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 634,000 people throughout Pierce County with 19 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and property taxes are the main funding source. People may choose from more than one 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, 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, 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
- What does the community want for their new Sumner Library? - 1/2/2023
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Space for toddlers to gain literacy skills and giggle, areas for families to learn and connect, space for teens to study and collaborate, areas for jobseekers and entrepreneurs to hone their skills – what do Sumner area residents want for their new Sumner Pierce County Library?
During the next couple of months, the Pierce County Library System is engaging with Sumner area residents to hear their ideas for spaces and services. In the library, in the community and online the Library System will be gathering the community’s vision for its center for learning, enjoyment and community. Share ideas at the current library-at 1116 Fryar Ave., online at sumlib.pcls.us, or at an open house with Library leaders and architects:
Sumner Library, 1116 Fryar Ave.
Tuesday, Jan. 31, 11 a.m.-noon
Tuesday, Jan. 31, 3-4 p.m.
“Sumner is brimming with growing families and multigenerations, and its library will reflect the community,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Gretchen Caserotti. “The Sumner Library will be a destination for children and families to develop a love of reading with literacy rich activities. It will be the public’s library and welcoming and comfortable for all people.”
The new building
The City of Sumner owns the current 10,600 square-foot Sumner Library, as well as the land. The Library System leases the space. In addition, the building is undersized for the population it serves, and it is difficult to access. The City of Sumner’s Town Center Plan envisions different uses for the current library location and relocating the library.
In October 2021, the Library purchased a 1.67-acre site to build the new library, which the City of Sumner had originally purchased for the Library System. The new library would be built at 15126 Main St. E., which is close to where the library began serving the community more than 90 years ago, in the Ryan House. This puts the library back on Main Street, where it will be close to schools, the senior center, shopping and where people live.
The Library System is planning to build a 15,000-20,000 square-foot library on the property. The Library System is committed to the centrally located library being inclusive and local. It intends to tailor books, materials and all services to be accessible and user-friendly for the diverse residents of Sumner.
Funding the new library
With a potential Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) and bond as well as donations from individuals and organizations, the community will enjoy a new state-of-the-art modern building, with a hometown cozy feel. The Library System projects the building to cost approximately $15 million to $19 million, with $12 million to $15 million from a potential bond, $3 million from donations, and potentially another $1 million or more from state appropriations, which could further reduce the potential bond amount.
An LCFA would include all of the properties in the city limits of Sumner and properties adjacent to Sumner, which are part of the city’s urban growth plan. Thus, the LCFA would encompass the greater Sumner area.
Both the Library System Board of Trustees and City of Sumner City Council would need to pass resolutions to pursue establishing such an area and a ballot measure. If voters approve an LCFA, it would be its own type of municipality and independent taxing district, administered by Pierce County.
Ultimately, if voters agree to create an LCFA, the residents in that area would fund the new building with a $12 million to $15 million bond.
The Library System realizes in these economic times any such additional costs to taxpayers is a carefully weighed decision. That is why the Library is engaging with the community about what is most important to residents for services and spaces in a possible new library and investing in their generation and the next generation.
Background
In 2019, the Pierce County Library gathered input from the community to learn the public’s interest in a new library for Sumner. Overall, thousands of residents from the Sumner area shared their ideas and showed their enthusiasm, with 88% of survey respondents saying they were interested in a new library in Sumner.
The Library System is reigniting its conversation with the community in its continued commitment to shape a building and services reflecting the community’s needs and values. During the next couple of months, the Library System wants to understand the features, activities and services the community hopes to have in its new library.
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 634,000 people throughout Pierce County with 19 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 one 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, 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, 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
- Steilacoom Pierce County Library parking lot access limited - 11/29/2022
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Due to ongoing road construction near the Steilacoom Pierce County Library, the parking lot is only accessible via Steilacoom Boulevard until Saturday, Jan. 14.
For more information about the Steilacoom Library, visit https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/branches/west-county-branches/steilacoom/steilacoom-library.htm.
About Pierce County Library System
The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 655,000 people throughout Pierce County with 19 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and property taxes are the main funding source. People may choose from more than one 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, 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, 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
