Pierce County Library System
Information & Imagination

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees is expected to direct the Library on next steps for potential new libraries in Lakewood and Sumner, conduct its first hearing for the 2020 budget, and discuss other issues at the board’s meeting at the Administrative Center and Library, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 3:30 p.m.

At the November meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.

Potential new libraries in Lakewood and Sumner: The Board of Trustees is expected to give direction for next steps for potential new libraries in new locations in Lakewood and Sumner. The libraries would replace the current Lakewood, Tillicum and Sumner Libraries. At an October study session, the Board reviewed the findings and recommendations from the Library’s engagement with thousands of residents to learn the public’s interest in new libraries. Overall, residents in both communities expressed interest in potential new libraries:

• 84% of Lakewood survey respondents said they were interested in new libraries in Lakewood
• 88% of Sumner survey respondents said they were interested in a new library in Sumner

Direction from the Board will be whether to continue into a planning phase for building projects in Lakewood, Tillicum or Sumner. A planning phase would include further engagement with the public getting their input on a building program, conceptual designs and review of construction cost estimates.

The Lakewood, Tillicum and Sumner Libraries have been well loved and well used. The aging buildings are underserving the communities, as more people and more services compete for limited space.

• The Sumner Library is on land owned by the City of Sumner in a building co-owned by the city and the Library System. The building is aging and will close because it is in need of costly repairs.
• The Lakewood Library is dated, hard to maintain, and would require millions of dollars in upgrades. The City of Lakewood would like to see a new Lakewood library in the downtown core.
• The Tillicum Library is housed in an aging shared facility in poor physical condition. The current layout does not support how people use the library today or tomorrow.

First hearing on 2020 budget: The Board will conduct its first of two public hearings on the Library’s proposed 2020 budget. With funding from a restored levy approved by voters in 2018, revenues exceed what is needed for operational expenses for the first few years of a multi-year funding cycle and allow the Library to sustain operations for multiple years. In 2020 the Library estimates $42.3 million in revenues, which will come primarily from property taxes. The Library proposes a $39.6 million budget for 2020, which would fund services to support residents’ growth and curiosity, offer excellent reading choices, and work to connect and strengthen growing and changing communities. The remaining $2.7 million would be deposited into a sustainability fund to sustain operations for multiple years.

More information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-11132019.pdf

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

253-548-3428-office; 253-229-4477-mobile

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.1 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

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PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss the public’s interest for potential new libraries in Lakewood, Tillicum and Sumner at a study session at the Library’s Administrative Center and Library, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, on Monday, Oct. 21, 3-5 p.m.

At the study session, BERK Consulting, Inc., a public engagement firm, will share findings from discussions with thousands of individuals during a three-month period. BERK will also provide a recommendation to the Board of Trustees about next steps for potential new libraries in new locations in Lakewood, Tillicum-a neighborhood in Lakewood and Sumner. The new libraries would replace the existing libraries.

June through September 2019, the Library System gathered input from people at community events, in the libraries and online. The libraries have been well loved and well used. The aging buildings are underserving the communities, as more people and more services compete for limited space. The libraries were built with the purpose of housing books‒today libraries serve many more competing individual and community needs.

Today libraries are designed around how people want to use the library, as well as for offering a vibrant selection of books, movies and other resources. Buildings now must meet the needs of people who also expect to find computer and related technologies, community meeting spaces, quiet work and study areas, and many other services.

The Sumner Pierce County Library is on land owned by the City of Sumner in a building co-owned by the city and the Library System. The building is aging and will close because it is in need of costly repairs. The community has an opportunity to build a new library on land the city has purchased on East Main, with services and design reflective of community desires.

The Lakewood Pierce County Library was built 56 years ago and now serves 60,000 people with resources for learning, enjoyment and strengthening community connections. The Lakewood Library is dated, hard to maintain, and would require millions of dollars in upgrades. The City of Lakewood’s recently adopted Downtown Plan named library services as a priority for the community. The city would like to see a new Lakewood library in the downtown core.

The Tillicum Pierce County Library is housed in an aging shared facility in poor physical condition. The current layout also does not support how people use the library today or tomorrow.

Following the board’s study session, the Board of Trustees is expected to make a decision about next steps at its Nov. 13 board meeting.

More information and online survey at: imagine.pcls.us.

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

253-548-3428-office; 253-229-4477-mobile

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

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PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss its long-term funding plan, contributions from Friends of the Library groups, services at the Lakewood Pierce County Library, and other issues at the board’s monthly meeting at the Lakewood Library, 6300 Wildaire Rd. SW, on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 3:30 p.m.

At the October meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.

Long-term funding plan. Library leaders will talk with the board about the plan for a multi-year funding cycle to ensure stable, sustainable funding to deliver library services for at least 10 years. Voters’ approval in 2018 to restore the Library’s funding in 2019 provided funding to sustain operations for at least 10 years. With funding from the restored levy, revenues exceed what is needed for operational expenses for the first few years of the 10-year funding cycle and allows the Library to sustain operations for multiple years. In the first funding phase, the Library would receive more revenue than it will spend, saving unspent funds in a sustainability fund. During the second funding phase, revenue and expenditures are planned to be in balance and funds would not be deposited into or withdrawn from the sustainability fund. In the third funding phase, costs are expected to exceed revenue and funds would be withdrawn from the sustainability savings fund to close budget gaps.

Lakewood Library. Lakewood Library staff will give an overview of how it serves the City of Lakewood’s 60,000 residents from multiple socioeconomic backgrounds with diverse needs. The Lakewood Library also serves JBLM service members and their families. Approximately one-quarter of the city’s residents speak languages other than English and as a result the Lakewood Library offers a large selection of books and materials in Korean, Spanish, Russian and other languages. Lakewood Library is well used and well-loved‒more people visit Lakewood Library than any other Pierce County Library. In 2018, people made 266,202 visits to Lakewood Library and checked out 502,738 books, movies and other items. The library houses a Job and Business Center to help people find and get jobs and start and grow small businesses. The library also offers a Law Library Kiosk in partnership with Pierce County Law Library. Recently the library started a teen council to include teen voices in shaping library events, classes and services for teenagers.

National Friends of the Library. To celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week, the Board of Trustees plans to sign a proclamation to proclaim Oct. 20-26, 2019 Friends of Libraries Week in Pierce County. Seventeen Friends groups support Pierce County Library’s 18 full service libraries. The Friends groups volunteer time and resources to help support the libraries and enhance library service in Pierce County communities. In 2018, Friends of the Library groups contributed approximately $105,000 to support library services including books for children and teens to keep during the Summer Reading Program and funds for community events such as MakerFest and Pierce County Conversations.

More information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-10092019.pdf.

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

253-548-3428-office; 253-229-4477-mobile

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

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PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss the Library System’s 2020 work plan and budget, potential new library buildings in the cities of Lakewood and Sumner, national spotlight on the Library’s career services, and other issues at the board’s monthly meeting at the Library’s Administrative Center and Library, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 3:30 p.m.

At the September meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.

2020 Work plan and budget. The board will discuss budget drivers for planning the work and budget to operate the Library System in 2020. In 2020, the Library plans to continue to set aside monies from the reauthorized levy voters approved in 2018, to sustain operations for the coming years. In addition to open hours at 20 locations and online library resources; 1.5 million books, e-books, movies and other materials; staff to support learning; computers, Wi-Fi and technology; and community spaces, in 2020 the Library plans to fund capital projects. Those projects include technology to support the public and staff as well as maintenance and improvements of buildings. In recent years, with a gap in revenues and operation costs, the Library System invested little in technology and building maintenance.

Potential new libraries in Lakewood and Sumner. Thousands of people are continuing to give their ideas and opinions about potential expanded libraries in new locations in Lakewood and Sumner. The Library System is hearing from people at community events, in the libraries and online. All three of the libraries have been well loved and well used. The Sumner Library is on land owned by the City of Sumner in a building co-owned by the city and the Library System. The building is aging and will close because it is in need of costly repairs. The Lakewood Library is dated, hard to maintain, and would require millions of dollars in upgrades. The Tillicum Library is an aging shared facility in poor physical condition. The public engagement activities continue through September, with a plan to provide recommendations for next steps to the Library’s Board of Trustees in October.

Local and national spotlight on Library’s career services. KBTC and PBS selected the Pierce County Library System’s Job + Business Center service to be featured in an upcoming story and series called “Journey to Jobs.” The story of the Library System’s help and remarkable services for job seekers and small business owners/want-to-be owners will be featured in the nationally distributed PBS program “Journey to Jobs” in October. The week of Sept. 16, KBTC will begin airing the five-minute Pierce County Library spot as a stand-alone leading into the “Journey to Jobs” hour-long program. On Oct. 8 at 9 p.m., KBTC will air the nationally produced “Journey to Jobs” program, featuring a spotlight on the services offered in Pierce County. Check out the five-minute feature: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdpZV-z5eLM&feature=youtu.be

More information: full board packet https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-09112019.pdf

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

253-548-3428-office; 253-229-4477-mobile

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

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PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Jamilyn Penn came on board as a new Board of Trustee member for the Pierce County Library System this month.

Penn, a Steilacoom resident, has extensive K-12 and higher education experience. Currently she is the director of transfer education at the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges in Olympia. Penn was a dean of instruction at Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood and at Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland. Previously Penn was a program director for federal programs at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The new Board of Trustee volunteers with local agencies to help individuals with low literacy learn to read. She also volunteers as a change facilitator for Guided Pathways, equity-focused work to close opportunity gaps, particularly for students of color and other historically underrepresented groups. Penn is a student at Northeastern University, where she is working towards a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership.

“Jamilyn’s broad professional experience in education and management, combined with her volunteer service, will complement our strong board, grounded in significant community knowledge and passion to serve all people in the Library System’s service area,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Jamilyn’s excitement and energy will serve our communities well.”

On deck for the Board of Trustees is considering new libraries in new locations in Sumner and Lakewood, and replacing the current library buildings. This summer library staff is gathering comments from people in libraries, online and in communities to learn the public’s interest for new library buildings. This fall the Board of Trustees will review the public’s input and recommendations for next steps.

“I am thrilled to bring my diverse skills to help shape and guide library service throughout Pierce County Library’s service area,” said Penn. “I’m eager to play an active role ensuring the important, truly vital library services continue to be available, accessible and enjoyed by families and individuals throughout our communities.”

The Library System is not a part of Pierce County government. By state law, Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier appointed Penn, and the Pierce County Council ratified the appointment.

Other Library Board of Trustees include Rob Allen, chair; Monica Butler, vice chair; and Trustees Pat Jenkins 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.

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org                       

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PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss WorkSource satellite sites, potential new library buildings in the cities of Lakewood and Sumner, the Key Center Pierce County Library, and other issues at the board’s monthly meeting at Key Center Pierce County Library, 8905 KPN NW, Lakebay, on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 3:30 p.m.

At the August meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.

WorkSource Satellite Sites. WorkSource Pierce recently awarded the Pierce County Library certification as WorkSource Connection Satellite sites. The certification furthers the Library System’s services for jobseekers and people working to improve their career skills. Through the Library System’s 18 full service libraries, job seekers can access online workforce development services, as well as free Microsoft technology certifications, WorkSource workshops and programs and more. Certification is a stamp of approval that shows the Pierce County Library has undergone rigorous training and is committed to a high level of service and performance.

Potential new libraries in Lakewood and Sumner. Thousands of people are talking with the Library System about potential expanded libraries in new locations in Lakewood and Sumner. The Library System is hearing from people at community events, in the libraries and online. Throughout the summer, the public is encouraged to take a print or online survey to help the Library System understand the public’s interest in new buildings. All three of the libraries have been well loved and well used. The Sumner Library is on land owned by the City of Sumner in a building co-owned by the city and the Library System. The building is aging and will close because it is in need of costly repairs. The Lakewood Library is dated, hard to maintain, and would require millions of dollars in upgrades. The Tillicum Library serves a neighborhood in Lakewood in a small, aging shared facility in poor physical condition. The public engagement activities continue through September, with a plan to provide recommendations for next steps to the Library’s Board of Trustees this fall.

Key Center Library. Staff from the Key Center Library will give the board an overview of the Key Center Library, which is a vibrant, central community hub. The library serves people from Wauna, Key Center, Vaughn, Home, Lakebay and Longbranch. Key Peninsula is a neighbor-helping-neighbor, close-knit community, with the library being a central gathering space and place for residents. In the summer months, staff distributes free sack lunches to children on Tuesdays and Fridays for the Food Backpacks 4 Kids program. The first library on the Key Peninsula was founded in 1894 and only women were allowed to use the library. The library served only women in response to a newly formed Horticultural Society that was for men only! Today, children, men and women are welcome at the Key Center Library. In 2018 people made 71,000 visits to the library and checked out 163,000 books, movies and other items.

More information and full board packet: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-08142019.pdf

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

253-548-3428-office; 253-229-4477-mobile

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

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TACOMA – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss recognition from the National Guard, potential new library buildings in the cities of Lakewood and Sumner, partnerships, and other issues at the board’s monthly meeting at the Administrative Center and Library, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, on Wednesday, May 8, at 3:30 p.m.

At the July meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.

Recognition from the National Guard: As part of the Pierce County Library’s Staff Diversity and Inclusion strategy, the Library System submitted a statement of support for the National Guard and Reservists. The Statement of Support Program is the cornerstone of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s effort to gain and maintain support from employers for people serving in the Guard and Reserve. The program is intended to increase support by encouraging employers to advocate for their employees to participate in the military. Supportive employers are critical to maintain the strength and readiness of the Nation’s Guard and Reserve units. At the board meeting, South Sound Co-Chair of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Wayne Hilton will present the Pierce County Library with a certificate to confirm the Library System’s support.

Potential new libraries in Lakewood and Sumner: Staff is actively engaging with the public about potential expanded libraries in new locations in Lakewood and Sumner. At the board meeting, staff will update the board on progress in libraries, online and in communities, to hear from residents about their thoughts, ideas and interests for replacing current libraries with new libraries in new locations to serve Lakewood, Tillicum and Sumner. With a theme around imagine – imagine a new Lakewood Library…Tillicum Library…Sumner Library, hundreds of people have already shared their ideas and opinions. The imagine theme is giving context and possibilities to conversations about libraries for today and tomorrow. To date, nearly 600 people have completed online surveys. People are also sharing their opinions via print surveys in libraries and at community events. The public engagement activities continue through September, with a plan to provide recommendations for next steps to the Library’s Board of Trustees this fall.

Library partnerships: Staff will give an overview of the benefits of the Library System’s partnerships and sponsorships, as well as discuss aspirations for growing and further nurturing valued alliances. Partnerships is a Core Service in the Library’s Strategic Plan and calls for the Library System to collaborate with others to best serve the public through partnerships. As a civic leader, the Library System is committed to strategic partnerships with numerous organizations – including for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies/governments. Partnerships are important to advance the Library’s services and commitment to serve all people.

More information: See full board packet: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-07102019.pdf

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

253-548-3428-office; 253-229-4477-mobile

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org                       

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

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TACOMA – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss potential new library buildings in the cities of Lakewood and Sumner, tour the Graham Pierce County Library, and address other issues at the board’s monthly meeting at the Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E, on Wednesday, June 12, at 3:30 p.m.

At the June meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.

Potential new libraries in Lakewood and Sumner. Library staff will update the board on activities to talk with residents in Lakewood and Sumner about potential new library buildings. During the next several months, staff will gather input about potential new libraries from residents in Lakewood, Tillicum‒a neighborhood in Lakewood and Sumner. The engagement activities are primarily outside of the libraries‒in the communities at public events and with organizations to reach diverse populations throughout the communities. The Library System wants to hear from residents about what they would imagine in new library buildings in those communities.

Tour Graham Library. The Board will tour the Graham Library, which serves the rapidly growing area of southeast Pierce County, boasting 27,000 residents and accounting for a 1,000 population increase every year for the past 10 years. Graham Library is a busy hub for this part of the county‒last year 98,000 people visited the library and checked out more than 225,000 books, movies and other items. The Graham Library is a significant community gathering place, bursting with learning and reading services from baby and toddler story times and Play to Learn with the Tacoma Art Museum to resume writing and job-finding classes and resources.

More information: See full board packet: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-06122019.pdf

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

253-548-3428-office; 253-229-4477-mobile

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

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facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

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TACOMA – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will review the 2019 Strategic Plan, see a preview of the Summer Reading program, and address other issues at the board’s monthly meeting at the Administrative Center and Library, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, on Wednesday, May 8, at 3:30 p.m.

At the May meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.

2019 Strategic Plan: The Pierce County Library’s 2019 Strategic Plan highlights the Library System’s 2019 projects. The Strategic Plan builds on the Library System’s Strategic Framework’s focus areas of learning, enjoyment and community. The Library System created the Strategic Framework in 2017, based upon input from thousands of individuals who shared the same concerns about what communities need most: living wage jobs, confidence in using technology, access to health and social services, learning resources for all ages, connecting individuals in communities, and convenient leisure activities.

• Examples of the projects highlighted in the 2019 Strategic Plan for learning with an emphasis on inspiring life-long learning include:
• Increasing engagement with schools and students with the Card in Every Hand program.
• Opening a law library at Lakewood Pierce County Library.
• Examples of projects for enjoyment to foster the love of reading include:
• Presenting A Year of Reading featuring Pierce County READS and other services.
• Updating books, movies and other materials and offering more e-books and audiobooks.
• Examples of projects for Community to engage with residents include:
• Engaging residents in Sumner, Lakewood and Tillicum to learn their interest and readiness for potential new libraries.
• Inspiring families with Our Community Adventure, a civic engagement program for two to five year olds.

Summer Reading Program: The Library’s “Universe of Stories” Summer Reading Program launches June 1 and runs through Aug. 31. Library staff is meeting with students in the 13 public school districts in the Library’s service area to talk about the numerous out of this world reading adventures this summer. For the first time this year, the Library will offer an online sign-up to easily track readers’ progress. Thanks to funding from the Pierce County Library Foundation for the first time, all participants will earn a book to keep when they complete the reading program. Also, participants are encouraged to donate food at all Pierce County Libraries for the Emergency Food Network. The highly successful free lunch program at the Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library is expanding to the Summit Pierce County Library this summer, too.

More information: See full board packet: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-05082019.pdf

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

253-548-3428-office; 253-229-4477-mobile

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org             

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TACOMA – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss recruiting for an upcoming vacancy on the board, potential new libraries in Lakewood, Tillicum and Sumner, services at the Fife Pierce County Library, and address other issues at the board’s monthly meeting at the Fife Library, 6622 20^th St. E., Fife, on Wednesday, April 10, at 3:30 p.m.

At the April meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.

• Recruiting Board of Trustee member: The Library System is seeking a community-focused, engaged leader to be a member of its Board of Trustees. The successful applicant will help shape and guide library service throughout the Library System. Trustee Donna Albers’ term on the board ends in August. Trustees are non-paid positions and may be appointed for five-year terms and serve up to two consecutive terms. Trustees advocate for the Library System, approve budgets, adopt policies, and plan for the Library’s future.
• Potential new libraries: The Library System is developing plans to gather input and an understanding of the public’s interest and readiness to relocate and replace the current Lakewood, Tillicum and Sumner Pierce County Libraries. In 2009 the Library completed a Facilities Master Plan, Pierce County Library 2030, which provided a detailed analysis of library facilities, their use, and a proposal for facility needs in the future. Pierce County Library 2030 included a library services visioning process and gathered input from more than 5,000 community members, community leaders and stakeholders. The Library is currently updating the Facilities Master Plan.
• Fife Library services: The board will tour the Fife Library and hear how the community is responding to their first public library and the newest Pierce County Library, now eight years old. The 6,000 square foot library with skilled staff and rich resources has been delivering on its promise to the 10,000 Fife residents with spaces and places for learning, enjoying and connecting as a community. In 2018 staff rearranged books, movies, and other materials at the Fife Library, so people can more easily browse and find materials. The new shelving makes a greater use of the space and allows for more open areas for people to gather, study and work collaboratively. The library is highly loved and used by residents, with 7,400 registered card holders checking out 74,000 books, movies and other items from the library last year. Fife boasts 74 percent of its residents have active library cards, with many of the cards serving entire families!

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

253-548-3428-office; 253-229-4477-mobile

More information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/about-us/board-trustees/board-agenda-packets/Default.htm

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

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