- Board to discuss work plan and budget and potential new libraries - 9/5/2019
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.
piercecountylibrary.org
facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary
twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary
- Local leader appointed to Pierce County Library System’s Board of Trustees - 8/20/2019
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
facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary
twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary
- Board to discuss job satellite sites and potential new libraries - 8/7/2019
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.
piercecountylibrary.org
facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary
twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary
- Board to discuss National Guard recognition and potential new libraries - 7/5/2019
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
twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary
- Board to discuss potential new libraries - 6/6/2019
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.
piercecountylibrary.org
facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary
twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary
- Board to discuss Strategic Plan, Summer Reading and more - 5/6/2019
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
facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary
twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary
- Library Board to discuss trustee opening and other issues - 4/3/2019
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 20th 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.
piercecountylibrary.org
facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary
twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary
- Want to help guide Pierce County Library System? - 4/2/2019
TACOMA – The Pierce County 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 unincorporated Pierce County and 15 cities and towns annexed to the fourth largest library system in Washington state.
“With voters’ recent approval to restore the Library System’s levy to its authorized rate and maintain services for growing and changing communities now is an opportune time to be a trustee,” said Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “The Library is committed to demonstrate and deliver value to every community member and to earn the public’s continued confidence and trust.”
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:
- Advocate for library services.
- Set goals and directions.
- Approve budgets.
- Adopt policies.
- Plan for the future.
Under the Library’s Strategic Framework, a multi-year plan to guide and direct the Library’s work, the Board of Trustees administer the overall direction and fiscal management of the Library System. Input from thousands of residents shaped the Strategic Framework, which resulted in three focus areas for library services: 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.
Trustees are non-paid positions and are appointed to a five-year term, and they may serve up to two consecutive terms.
Interested individuals may apply at trustee.pcls.us or at any Pierce County Library. Applications must be received by Tuesday, April 30, 2019, 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
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
facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary
twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary
- Board to discuss selecting books and materials and other issues - 3/7/2019
TACOMA – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss selecting books and materials, get an update on the Library System’s 2019 strategic work plan, talk about filling an upcoming vacancy on the board, and address other issues at the board’s monthly meeting at the Administrative Center and Library, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, on Wednesday, March 13, at 3:30 p.m.
At the March meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.
- Selecting books, movies and other materials: Collection Management Manager Tracey Thompson will share the tale of selecting tales from how the Library System chooses just the right book to read to a hospice patient to picking the perfect materials to help non-traditional students further their education. The Library System’s librarians truly picture the people in Pierce County for whom they are purchasing books and materials. This method seems to work very well, given people checked out the Library’s books and other items 6.6 million times in 2017 (2018 numbers are still being tallied). Thompson will describe balancing the popularity of offering e-books with the publishers’ complex method of pricing e-books.
- Strategic Work Plan—focus on small business owners and teen volunteers: The Board will review projects in the Library’s 2019 Strategic Work Plan including resources for small business owners and meaningful volunteerism for teenagers. For small businesses, Library staff is identifying small businesses and providing them with packets outlining the Library’s in-library and online resources to start and grow small businesses. For teen volunteers, staff is shaping Teen Library Corps, the Library’s teen volunteer program, which piloted during Summer Reading last year. This year the Library plans to expand the program and incorporate developing job skills into the volunteer program.
- Recruiting Board of Trustee member: Trustee Donna Albers’ term on the board ends in August. The Board will begin a recruitment process in April for a new trustee. Trustees are non-paid positions and may be appointed for five-year terms and serve up to two consecutive terms. Trustees shape and guide library service, advocate for the Library System, approve budgets, and adopt policies.
More information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-20190313.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
twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary
- Board to discuss business processes, work plan and other issues - 2/10/2019
TACOMA – The Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss business processes, the Library System’s 2019 strategic work plan, Pierce County READS, and other issues at the board’s monthly meeting at the Administrative Center and Library, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 4:30 p.m.
At the February meeting, the Board of Trustees will conduct the following business.
- Core business services: Library leaders will give an overview of how the Library System manages and measures business processes. Some of the business processes include the Library’s funding strategy to ensure it has operational funds to deliver valued services, collaborative planning and project management tools to produce projects on time and on budget, and automated audits of software systems such as the Library’s online catalog of books, movies and other materials.
- 2019 Strategic Work Plan: The Board will review the Library’s 2019 Strategic Work Plan highlighting work in the Library’s three main focus areas: learning, enjoyment and community. Projects on tap for 2019 include A Year of Reading to foster the love of reading for adults and Our Community Adventure to provide families with young children an adventure map of community activities and library resources.
- Pierce County READS winter 2019: The community one-book program, Pierce County READS, engages thousands of adults reading copies of the same book at the same time, and coming together as a community, which is a part of A Year of Reading. This winter’s Pierce County READS features bestselling author Kristin Hannah, author of “The Great Alone” and “The Nightingale.” The Pacific Northwest author with an international following will give a free talk and sign books Saturday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m. at McGavick Conference Center on the Clover Park Technical College campus at 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. in Lakewood.
More information: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/files/library/board-packet-20190213.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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