- Board discusses trustee vacancy and other issues - 4/8/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss recruiting a new trustee, property and other issues at its Board meeting on Wednesday, April 14, 3:30 p.m.
Join the meeting by phone or online:
- Phone: 253-215-8782, webinar identification: 977 6052 7787, passcode: 106659
- Zoom with a Zoom account from a web browser or an app:
https://zoom.us/j/97760527787?pwd=T1VGT0ZvbEhhRWVmSXdOTEFwQndrQT09
Trustee recruitment. The Board is recruiting (trustee.pcls.us) to fill a planned vacancy on its Board of Trustees, with Trustee Rob Allen’s term ending in August 2021. The Board is seeking a trustee with an interest in serving diverse communities and a commitment to public service. Trustees shape and guide library service throughout unincorporated Pierce County and 15 cities and towns annexed to the Library System. Five Pierce County residents serve on the volunteer board. Trustees must live in the Library’s service area. People interested in being a Trustee must apply by April 30.
Property updates.
- The Library sold a portion of property at the Graham Pierce County Library to Pierce County. The county said it plans to widen 224th St. E. and install a traffic signal in front of the library. With these changes, the Library System plans to make improvements to the Graham Library’s parking lot and improve access to the building.
- This year, the city of Puyallup plans to annex a portion of unincorporated Pierce County, 134 acres east of Freeman Road. The Pierce County Library currently serves property owners in this area, which includes 26 residential properties and warehouses. When the annexation is complete, Puyallup Public Library will serve residents in this area. Because of a borrowing agreement between the two library systems, residents may continue to receive library services from Pierce County Library as well.
More information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-04142021.pdf
Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director
253-548-3428-office; 253-229-4477-mobile
About Pierce County Library System
The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 620,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 822,000 books, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.
piercecountylibrary.org
facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary
twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary
- Help guide valued services at the Pierce County Library System - 4/1/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Interested in helping guide the future of valued services at Pierce County Library System? Care about serving diverse communities? Apply to be a member of the Board of Trustees with the Pierce County Library System.
“As a Trustee, I know first-hand how thoughtfully we oversee the public’s investment—your investment—in your Library System,” said Library Board of Trustee Vice-Chair Jamilyn Penn. “Our commitment and responsibility to the public’s trust is immense. We are looking for another engaged leader who is seeking a community-focused way to give back.”
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 directs the Library System’s commitment to invest the public’s funds in highly valued library services, which the public selected as their top priorities.
The Pierce County Library’s trustees oversee the Library’s nearly $40 million operating budget on behalf of the 620,000 people in the Library System’s service area. 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.
The Pierce County Library is the fourth largest library system in the state, and property taxes are its primary funding source. 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 support growing and changing communities.
Interested individuals may apply at trustee.pcls.us or curbside at a Pierce County Library. Applications must be received by Friday, April 30, 2021, online or mailed to the Pierce County Library System, Attn.: Executive Director’s Office, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98446.
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, 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 technology plan and other issues - 3/4/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss the Library’s technology plan, diversity, equity and inclusion work, recruitment for a new trustee, and other issues at its Board meeting on Wednesday, March 10, 3:30 p.m.
Join the meeting by phone or online:
Technology plan: Library Information Technology Director Stephanie Ratko will give an overview of the Library System’s five-year technology plan. The Library is midway through implementing the five-year plan (2019-2023), which identifies overall technology goals, activities and projects. Staff changed activities in 2021 to respond to serving communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, with items such as UV light boxes to clean laptops and mice and plans to bolster Wi-Fi access outside of the buildings. Pierce County Library is the primary place for some individuals to access technology such as computers, Wi-Fi and printers. The plan focuses on providing Pierce County residents access to modern technology.
Equity, diversity and inclusion work. The Board will continue its review and discussion of the Library’s work to advance its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. In recent weeks, the Library selected HenderWorks Consulting to help the Library develop a strategic action plan and equity, diversity and inclusion framework. The consulting firm will also help the Library continue its work to build an inclusive and diverse culture, operations and services.
Trustee recruitment. This spring, the Library will begin recruiting to fill a planned vacancy on its Board of Trustees. At the March board meeting, trustees will review plans to recruit a new trustee to join the board this summer. Trustees shape and guide library service throughout unincorporated Pierce County and 15 cities and towns annexed to the Library System. The Board of Trustees directs the Library System’s commitment to invest the public’s funds thoughtfully in highly valued library services, which the public selected as their top priorities. Five Pierce County residents serve on the volunteer board. Trustees must live in the Library’s service area.
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 620,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 822,000 books, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.
piercecountylibrary.org
facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary
twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary
- Board reviews diversity, equity and inclusion work - 2/4/2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss diversity, equity and inclusion work and related polices and other issues at its Board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 3:30 p.m.
Join the meeting by phone or online:
- Phone: 253-215-8782, webinar identification: 977 6052 7787, passcode: 106659
- Zoom with a Zoom account from a web browser:
https://zoom.us/j/97760527787?pwd=T1VGT0ZvbEhhRWVmSXdOTEFwQndrQT09
- Zoom with a Zoom account with an app:
https://zoom.us/j/97760527787?pwd=T1VGT0ZvbEhhRWVmSXdOTEFwQndrQT09
Equity, diversity and inclusion work. The Board will continue its review and discussion of the Library’s work to advance its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. The Library Board will review and is expected to approve updates to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-Harassment policies. Library staff will give an update on its steps to integrate equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism within the Library, its services, and its engagement with the communities it serves. The Library is hiring a consultant to guide this work.
More information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-02102021.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
- 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.
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