- Library System’s 2021 budget reduces burden on taxpayers - 12/3/2020
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees is holding its second and final public hearing on its 2021 budget, which is planned to reduce further tax burdens on taxpayers. The Board meeting and public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 9, 3:30 p.m.
Join the meeting by phone or online:
The Library Board of Trustees is planning a flat budget to lessen burdens on people who are already stressed from COVID-19 and the resulting economic recession. The trustees are continuing their commitment to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ investment as it supports serving communities during the pandemic.
The proposed $39.4 million operating budget balances the tax impact on the public while maintaining the long-term sustainability of the Library and reinventing services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed budget also reduces expenditures by nearly $350,000 less than the 2020 budget. The proposed 2021 budget maintains the Library’s goal to sustain funding from the 2018 reauthorized levy approved by voters, which the Library System projects will provide stable funding up to 2029.
Taxes on houses and other property is the primary source of funding for the Library System. To support the proposed budget, the Board plans to levy property taxes at a lower amount than legally authorized from homeowners and other property owners. By law, the Library could increase taxes by 1% more than it levied the previous year, while not exceeding its legal levy amount of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. In 2021 that would have been an increase of $406,000. By not increasing taxes by 1% in 2021, the Library has an option to levy at a higher rate than 1% in future years.
Also, the proposed 2021 budget shows a loss of about $400,000 in revenue from fines on overdue books and other materials, because the Library is not charging fines as another action to help people during the economic crisis from the pandemic.
In 2021, the Library plans to continue curbside service with convenient and safe access to books, movies and other materials. Also, it plans to buy more online e-books and audiobooks and reduce the time people wait for popular reads. The Library plans to support people with its Get Hired services to help people develop their technology skills and improve their career marketability for getting jobs, as well as give them resources to start or advance their small business.
Full packet: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-12092020.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, 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
- Pierce County Library Board budget to reduce burden on taxpayers - 11/16/2020
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will hold its first of two public hearings on its 2021 budget, which would reduce further tax burdens on taxpayers who are already burdened and stressed with the economic recession. The Board meeting and public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 18, 3:30 p.m.
Join the meeting by phone or online:
The proposed $39.4 million operating budget balances the tax impact on the public while maintaining the long-term sustainability of the Library and reinventing services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed budget will reduce expenditures by nearly $350,000 less than the 2020 budget. A goal of the proposed budget is for the Library to continue its commitment to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ investment. Further, the budget maintains the Library’s goal to sustain funding from the 2018 reauthorized levy approved by voters, which the Library System projects will provide stable funding up to 2029.
Taxes on houses and other property is the primary source of funding for the Library System. To support the proposed budget, the Board plans to levy property taxes at a lower amount than legally authorized from homeowners and other property owners. By law, the Library could increase taxes by 1% more than it levied the previous year, while not exceeding its legal levy amount of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. In 2021 that would have been an increase of $406,000. By not increasing taxes by 1% in 2021, the Library has an option to levy at a higher rate than 1% in future years.
Also, the proposed 2021 budget shows a loss of about $400,000 in revenue from fines on overdue books and other materials, while the Library is not charging fines as another action to help alleviate further burdens during the economic crisis from the pandemic.
In 2021, the Library plans to continue curbside service with convenient and safe access to books, movies and other materials. Also, it plans to buy more online e-books and audiobooks and reduce the time people wait for popular reads. The Library plans to pilot new ways to get books and other materials to where people are versus residents having to go to library buildings.
At the December board meeting, the Library Board will hold its second and closing public hearing on the 2021 budget and it will make a final determination on the budget.
Full board packet: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-11182020.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, 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
- Board discusses current services, plans for 2021 and more - 10/8/2020
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss how the Library System continues to serve communities during the pandemic, its 2021 budget and strategic work plan, results from its Summer Reading program, and other issues at its meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 3:30 p.m.
Join the meeting by phone or online:
Library services during COVID-19:
- Online tools for students are helping many parents-turned teachers support their children’s remote learning. The Library added TumbleMath after a trial run this summer. TumbleMath uses animated and narrated stories to teach math concepts for children, making math fun and learning stick.
- Library Curbside continues to grow in interest for people wanting physical books, movies and other items. Next week, the Library will add Anderson Island as a curbside location to the 18 locations already offering the service.
- Online Library (downloads.pcls.us) remains the primary way people are reading with downloads of e-books and audiobooks driving demand for the Library to bolster offerings.
- On Oct. 6, Washington State’s Safe Start plan updated to allow libraries to offer some in-building activities at 25% capacity. Pierce County Library is reviewing the Safe Start guidelines for in-building library service and developing plans. The health and safety of the public and staff is a top priority of the Library’s reopening plans. The Library will share more information about its plans and timeline in the coming weeks.
2021 Budget and work plan. COVID-19 will continue to re-shape library services in 2021 and how the Library delivers on the focus areas of learning, enjoyment and community outlined in the Library’s Strategic Plan. The Library is committed to ensuring parents have the resources to raise thriving children, people have access to excellent reading for pleasure to reduce stress and share joy, and Pierce County communities have the knowledge and resources to make confident choices. In 2021, the Library plans to continue curbside service, giving people convenient and safe access to books and materials. It also plans to pilot new ways to get books, materials and other services to people where they are, versus where the library buildings are located. It plans to offer lockers where people can pick up books and movies they have reserved and get them at a time that works for them. At the November meeting, the Library Board will review the 2021 budget and conduct its first hearing on the budget.
Summer Reading program. The program was definitely different this year, as were most activities in 2020. Most of the “Dig Deeper: Read, Investigate, Discover!” program was online. Participation was difficult to determine. In all, more than 4,000 children, teenagers and adults signed up for the online program and logged 1.9 million minutes of reading. This accounting is down considerable from the in-person and online Summer Reading program in 2019, where 37,000 people participated and read 17 million minutes.
Full board packet: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-10142020.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, 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
- Board discusses 2021 budget and work plan and more - 8/27/2020
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss the 2021 budget and work plan, current services, racial and social equity, diversity and inclusion, and other issues at its meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 3:30 p.m.
Join via either:
2021 Budget and work plan. As the Library System plans its budget and work plan for 2021, it will continue to weigh the significant uncertainty and impacts of the novel coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19) and how to best serve communities in the coming year. The board will discuss its budget principles – the factors that will direct where to invest the public’s money for library services. The factors under consideration include:
- Being good stewards of taxpayers’ investment.
- Limiting further financial burdens on communities already harmed by the economic downturn.
- Ensuring flexibility to change services and funding focuses in these uncertain times.
The Board will also discuss service priorities that may include:
- Continuing and extending services to people impacted by the pandemic such as parents-turned teachers, people seeking new jobs and job skills, and people without access to digital technology (Wi-Fi, computers, printers).
- Providing books and materials online, in libraries, curbside and from buildings, when the libraries can safely reopen.
- Offering services where and when people need them in communities.
Library Curbside (curbside.pcls.us) and Online Library (downloads.pcls.us). People are loving the Library System’s curbside service at 18 libraries. At the curb, people may pick up books, movies and other items they have selected through the online catalog, a Grab Bag of mystery items based upon the readers’ interests, Activity Packs with hands on activities for all ages, and copies of prints people send remotely to a library. E-book and audiobook downloads continue to be in high demand. The Library has shifted funding to offer more downloadable books.
Racial and social equity, diversity and inclusion. The Board will continue its review and discussion of the Library’s policies related to equity and antiracism as well as all of the Library’s policies to ensure they foster diversity and inclusion. The Board will continue its discussion to gain a further understanding of the Library’s current efforts and gaps to support racial and social equity, diversity and inclusion.
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
- Board discusses curbside service, 2021 plans and racial equity - 8/10/2020
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss the system’s new curbside service, plans to serve communities in 2021, racial and social equity, diversity and inclusion, and other issues at its meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 3:30 p.m., via conference call, 1-510-338-9438, access code: 623 788 004 #, attendee ID: #.
Library Curbside. For nearly a month, the Library System has been offering curbside service, initially at eight locations, now at 16 locations, and on Aug. 17 at all 18 full service libraries. At the curb, people may pick up books, movies and other items they have selected through the online catalog, a Grab Bag of mystery items selected by staff based upon the readers’ interests, Activity Packs with hands on activities for all ages, and copies of prints people send remotely to a library. Residents are responding well to this new service with nearly 7,000 appointments scheduled in the first two weeks.
2021 Planning. As the world continues with significant uncertainty with the impacts of the novel coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19), the Library System is striving to plan how to best serve communities in 2021. The Library System continues to adapt and to reimagine what and how it provides service, while keeping health and safety a top priority. As the Library plans for 2021, it continues to keep its commitment to being good stewards of taxpayers’ investment and the managing a multi-year plan to sustain funds from a restored levy approved by voters in 2018. Knowing continued flexing and responding will be a part of 2021, the Library is preparing its work plan and budget with changing course as a key component. At the meeting, the trustees will discuss how near- and long-term service priorities will change to remain to meet the needs of Pierce County’s communities in today’s world.
Racial and social equity, diversity and inclusion. As the Library System increases its commitment and efforts related to equity and antiracism, the Board of Trustees will review some of the Library’s related policies, projects, data and activities. Library leaders intend the study will help trustees gain a further understanding of the Library’s current efforts to support racial and social equity, diversity and inclusion. The Board’s discussions will help develop future strategies to support the Library’s priorities towards equitable and inclusive services and an anti-racist organization.
More information: www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-08122020.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 614,000 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
- Board discusses serving communities during the pandemic - 7/6/2020
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss how the Library System is serving communities during the novel coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19). Join the meeting via conference call, 1-510-338-9438, access code: 623 788 004 #, attendee ID: #, on Wednesday, July 8, at 3:30 p.m.
With the buildings closed, the Library’s online library has been serving residents 24/7 with online e-books, audiobooks, magazines, live and recorded classes and events, staff-produced videos and other learning and enjoyment resources.
Checkouts of children’s online e-books and audiobooks (www.piercecountylibrary.org/books-materials/audiobooks-ebooks/Default.htm) continue to grow with checkouts doubling comparing June 2019 with 9,923 checkouts and June 2020 with 19,948 items checked out. Overall, checkouts of online books continue to be significantly higher this year compared with last: 652,981 (January-June 2019) and 837,948 (January-June 2020).
Between mid to late June the Library offered more services (www.piercecountylibrary.org/services/library-reimagined.htm), including opening 20 of the Library System’s 21 book drops. People are bringing back the 180,000 items checked out before the library buildings closing on March 14. Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and scientific study guidelines, the Library quarantines all books and other materials returned to the libraries for 72 hours.
Staff is gearing up to offer curbside service at some libraries in mid-July where people can pick up books, movies and other items, as well as copies of prints they send remotely to the libraries.
Pierce County Library is committed to safe and welcoming libraries for the public’s use and a safe work place for staff, and it will offer further services in the coming weeks and months.
Also, at the Board meeting, the trustees will thank and say farewell to Monica Butler who has served on the Board for five years and has completed her term. The Board thanks Butler for her sound guidance and leadership. Next month, the Library expects to announce its new Board of Trustee member.
More information: www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-07082020.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 614,000 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
- PCLS Board discusses racial and social equity - 6/17/2020
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss how the Library System ensures racial and social equity in its service to Pierce County communities and with the staff it employs. Join the special board meeting via conference call, 1-510-338-9438, access code: 623 788 004 #, attendee ID: #, on Thursday, June 18, at 4 p.m.
The Board will review and discuss the Library System’s commitment to the 2017 Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Statement on Racial Equity and Social Equity (www.urbanlibraries.org/initiatives/statement-on-race-and-social-equity). The Board may further discuss how the Library System might further integrate the principles of the statement into the Library System’s services, classes and events, books and other materials it buys, staff it hires, how it communicates with the public, and policies.
Today 173 public libraries in North America have signed the ULC statement.
More information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-06182020.pdf
About Pierce County Library System
The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 614,000 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
- Board discusses progress service during the pandemic - 6/8/2020
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss how the Library System has been serving communities while the library buildings are closed to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19) and steps to reinvent services. Join the meeting via conference call, 1-510-338-9438, access code: 623 788 004 #, attendee ID: #, on Wednesday, June 10, at 3:30 p.m.
At the June meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.
Progress to serve communities during the pandemic: People of all ages have turned to the Library System for many online services while the buildings are closed. In May, the Library welcomed nearly 2,000 more cardholders – that is 54% more customers for online services, compared with April 2019. With library cards people have immediate access to all online library services from e-books, audiobooks, and magazines to e-sources such as Consumer Reports, Chilton Library for car repairs, and TumbleMath Library featuring animated stories to teach math concepts, and tools for students while studying at home with real-time, online tutors.
In May, the Library System expanded its online e-reading rooms with focused specially selected e-books and audiobooks. In addition to an e-reading room for children, the Library System now offers e-reading rooms for teenagers and specific genres including mysteries and thrillers, do-it-yourself (DIY) and romance. The e-reading rooms are digitized concepts of physical reading rooms.
Library staff also helped people through phone conversations, email, and Facebook find great books through the Library’s My Next Read service, which matches people’s interests and preferences to books, authors and reading series.
Reimagining more library services: Staff is reimagining services as it prepares to offer curbside service under Phase 2 of the Safe Start Washington Phased Reopening plan. The Library is preparing the service so it is safe for the public and staff as well as an excellent experience for the community. Staff is taking training to work safely and learning safe procedures to handle books and materials as people return the items to the libraries and the Library quarantines the materials. Library staff is excited and eager to begin offering more services from library buildings, as well as continuing to offer online services.
As the Library reinvents services, staff is studying demographic information as well as surveying the public to learn and understand how to serve communities best in the coming months. Of particular interest is ensuring it provides learning and engaging experiences to serve the most vulnerable people in the county, including those without internet access.
More information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-06102020.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 614,000 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
- Library Board discusses serving the community during pandemic - 5/11/2020
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss how the Library System is serving communities while the library buildings are closed to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19) and in compliance with Gov. Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order. Also, at the meeting the Board will talk about plans to reopen library buildings to the public in the coming months. Join the meeting via conference call, 1-510-338-9438, access code: 623 788 004 #, attendee ID: #, on Wednesday, May 13, at 3:30 p.m.
At the May meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.
Library services during the pandemic: While the Pierce County Library’s buildings are closed, the Library System is enthusiastically and actively delivering library services online and in the community. People can get and start using a library card immediately and gain access to all online library services. Online services include e-books, audiobooks, and magazines and e-sources resources to help with personal and professional goals, Ancestry Library, Tumblebook Library featuring animated, talking picture books, and tools for students while studying at home with real-time, online tutors.
Pierce County residents are eagerly accessing these high-valued services:
- In April for the first time 1,878 people started checking out e-books and online audiobooks, this marked the second highest number of new customers since the Library started offering this service several years ago. March 2020 was the highest number of new customers with 2,054.
- In April people checked out 144,595 e-books and online audiobooks, the highest month on record since the Library began offering this service.
- Staff provided resource guides, early learning materials, as well as free books funded by the Pierce County Library Foundation to school food sites at several local school districts and Centro Latino.
- The Library is connecting with residents through social media with Facebook posts reaching 22,232 people with 3,040 engagements with likes, shares and comments on posts, for an engagement rate of 14%, far exceeding the industry standard of 5.4%.
- The Library is also communicating with people via email messages resulting in 39,000 recipients opening each message for an open rate of 46%, exceeding industry standard of 25.17%.
Planning for opening library buildings: Staff is preparing to reopen libraries in alignment with Governor Inslee’s Safe Start Washington plan to safely reopen businesses and other activities. Libraries are included in Phase 3 of the reopening plan. As many public health and government leaders are planning, the Library is also preparing to phase in the offering of services with a turning of a dial, and not flipping a switch. The Board will discuss plans for staff to return to the buildings and prepare to provide service in library buildings. The Library is committed to safe and welcoming libraries for the public’s use and a safe work place for staff.
More information: 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 614,000 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
- Help guide the future of valued services at the Library System - 4/13/2020
Apply to be a member of the Library’s Board of Trustees
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Looking for an opportunity to give back to the Pierce County community and help lead valued services for 614,000 children and adults? Apply to be a Board of Trustee with the Pierce County Library System.
“If you are an engaged leader, seeking a community-focused way to give back and be a significant part of your community, you are an ideal candidate for the Library’s Board of Trustees.” said Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “The successful applicant will help shape and guide library service throughout unincorporated Pierce County and 15 cities and towns annexed to the Library System.”
The Board of Trustees oversee the Library System’s commitment to thoughtfully invest the public’s funds in highly valued library services‒services the public selected as their top priorities.
Trustees’ responsibilities include:
- Advocating for library services.
- Setting goals and charting courses.
- Approving budgets.
- Adopting policies.
- Planning for future directions.
Trustees must live in the Library’s service area. Trustees are non-paid positions and are appointed to a five-year term, with an opportunity to serve up to two consecutive terms.
Pierce County Library is the fourth largest library in Washington state, in terms of population served. From building early literacy skills for children and helping people find and get jobs to supporting STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and helping grow the love of reading for people of all ages, the Library’s services constantly transform to best support growing and changing communities. With the public’s investment in the Library System, the Library is committed to deliver value to every community member.
The Library’s Strategic Framework, a multi-year plan directs the Library’s work, which the Board of Trustees guides in its administration for the overall direction and fiscal management of the Library System. Input from thousands of residents shaped the Strategic Framework, which is comprised of three focus areas: learning, enjoyment and community. Through the framework, the Library supports residents’ growth and curiosity, offers excellent reading choices, and connects and strengthens growing and changing communities.
Interested individuals may apply at trustee.pcls.us or at a Pierce County Library. Applications must be received by Friday, May 15, 2020, online or to the Pierce County Library System, Attn.: Executive Director’s Office, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98446.
Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director
Mobile: 253-229-4477
About Pierce County Library System
The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 614,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.1 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.
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