At its December meeting the Pierce County Library System’s Board of Trustees will discuss the Library’s 2009 budget; planning for future library services, which is being called “Pierce County Library 2030”; how Pierce County Library rated in a recent national report; and other issues.
The Board of Trustees will meet at the Pierce County Library System’s Processing and Administration Center, 3005 112th St. E., in Tacoma on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 3:30 – 6 p.m.
Three of the primary issues the board will address include:
- 2009 operating budget The Board will hold a public hearing on a 2009 proposed operating budget of $29 million. The Library’s top priority continues to be meeting the commitments in the voter-approved re-authorized levy from 2006. A specific promise from the levy for 2009 is services for kids and teenagers including helping prepare children to read. In 2009, the Library will add eight early literacy workstations throughout some of the library branches. The stations will give children hands on computer activities to help prepare them to read. The overall 2009 projected revenue is up by 3.44 percent from 2008, while costs to run the Library still outstrip revenue for a total increase of 5.18 percent.
- Planning for future library services—Pierce County Library 2030: Staff will report on developing a facilities master plan, Pierce County Library 2030, which will be a 20 + year plan outlining future library services and buildings. Currently, the Library is conducting surveys to gather input about services. Starting in January, the Library will host a series of open houses to gather further ideas and comments. The Library anticipates that the facilities master plan will form a basis for future buildings, expansions or replacements of library branches, as well as delivering services directly to people through kiosks or other remote methods, delivering services where, when, and how people need them.
- National library ratings report: The Board will review the Hennen’s American Public Libraries Rating, which is a report that rates public libraries. Pierce County Library ranked 20th out of 82 libraries nationally that serve 500,000 or more people. Pierce County Library ranked in the 91st percentile for the number of books and other items people check out during each visit; in the 83rd percentile for the percentage of the Library’s budget spent on books, movies, and other materials; and in the 79th percentile for the items people check out per the number of people who live in the Library’s service area (circulation per capita).
- The Pierce County Library System’s 17 branches and three bookmobiles bring people together, enrich lives, and provide children and adults with opportunities to learn.