At its December meeting, the Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees will discuss the proposed 2014 budget, First 5 FUNdamentals: The Pierce County Early Learning Coalition, Microsoft IT Academy, and other issues. The board will meet from 2:30 to 5 p.m. – a change from the usual meeting time of 3:30 p.m. – on Dec. 11 at the Library’s Processing and Administrative Center, 3005 112th St. E., in Tacoma. Download the agenda.
2014 Proposed Budget – The Board of Trustees will conduct its second and final public hearing on its proposed 2014 budget of $25,654,035. The proposed budget addresses a $1.1 million shortfall, which is approximately 4 percent of the Library’s 2013 budget. The Library plans to meet the shortfall using a combination of spending reductions, staff efficiencies and cash reserves.
First 5 FUNdamentals: The Pierce County Early Learning Coalition – A 2005 survey of Washington kindergarten teachers reported only 44% of incoming students were adequately prepared for kindergarten. The report led to many changes, including the formation of First 5 FUNdamentals: The Pierce County Early Learning Coalition. The Library has been an engaged partner since the inception of the coalition, which has as its goal every child in Pierce County being ready to succeed when they start kindergarten.
Microsoft IT Academy – The Library joined the statewide rollout of Microsoft IT Academy on Nov. 13, led by Microsoft and the Washington State Library. Microsoft IT Academy helps people expand their use of technology, develop computer skills, become proficient in Microsoft software and learn about web development. The Library continues to promote this resource to the public. As of Dec. 2, through the Library, a total of 220 people had enrolled in Microsoft IT Academy, with 2,559 unique web page views.
Pierce County Library System serves 555,000 people in all of unincorporated Pierce County and 15 cities and towns. Learn more at www.piercecountylibrary.org