Tools
King County Library System
Annual Report & Year in Review
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“If we focus on improving that which is already great, we can transform ourselves, our organizations, families and communities.” |
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| Introduction Today’s libraries are here because neighbors valued public libraries as a vital investment in their community. Friends got together more than 60 years ago to create a network of libraries for everyone, whether they lived in town, outlying communities or distant rural areas. That vision became reality when county voters established the rural library district that has grown to become the King County Library System (KCLS). Times have changed, cities have grown where farms used to be, but the underlying vision remains the same: a vital network of free public libraries connecting our communities through shared resources for lifetime learning. Today KCLS maintains the community tradition of excellent service while planning and building the libraries of tomorrow. In 2005, we asked our patrons to help guide the future of KCLS libraries by telling us what they value most in their community libraries today. Our goal was to define a “Gold Standard” of library service, to guide allocation of library resources—and budget priorities—to the things that matter most. Through an extensive patron survey, more than 5,400 respondents told us what was on their mind, what they like about KCLS and areas where they’d like to see improvements. Overwhelmingly positive replies lauded KCLS staff and the outstanding service they provide. Respondents also praised the abundant materials in the Library System’s collection and the range of computer resources KCLS offers. Suggestions for improvement included making it easier for people to know what is available in their libraries and how to find what they need. Also at the top of the list was: dependable technologies that work reliably across all libraries, more open hours, enhanced comfort and space in facilities, and reduced noise levels. Based on survey results, we are focusing our efforts over the next several years to maintain the level and quality of service and materials patrons rely on and improve our performance in the areas indicated through the survey results. On the following pages you’All see some highlights of KCLS’ 2005 achievements and previews of things to come. |
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 KCLS began with a shared vision of public libraries as the heart of the community—an essential part of the quality of life. Today that role is more important than ever. KCLS libraries are vital for our friends and neighbors at every stage of life. Parents bring their toddlers and preschoolers to Story Time, where even the youngest children learn to love libraries and books. The early learning-focused Ready to Read program teaches parents and caregivers the skills they need to help their young children learn basic pre-reading skills, making reading easier when school begins. Free and fun Summer Reading Programs help elementary school children enjoy learning throughout the summer. While they’re having fun, they’re also retaining and building their reading skills through the long summer months, giving them a head start when they return to classes in the fall. Middle and high school students rely on KCLS libraries to find the resources they need to complete their homework assignments, prepare for tests, seek funding for college and develop social skills. While learning to find information at the library, they’re also acquiring study and research skills that will help them be successful throughout their lives. New graduates use KCLS resources to research employers, write skillful resumés and find their first jobs. For teens and adults alike, KCLS libraries offer how-to guides for sports and outdoor skills, trekking, travel or new language skills, plus the latest works on political and social issues and spiritual growth. Adults turn to KCLS for many reasons, from planning affordable family outings to learning new parenting techniques or first aid skills. Many come for new job opportunities, tips on starting a small business, research for their careers or that long-dreamed of first novel. Many seniors make visits to the library as part of their weekly activities—for social interaction, to enjoy magazines and books or to improve their computer skills. And in many communities, the library provides the only public gathering space for miles around. |
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KCLS Leadership
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| Behind the Scenes Every day, every week, every month of the year, dedicated library staff bring their skills, commitment and enthusiasm to work for their patrons, communities and co-workers. While community libraries are our most public face, it also takes the dedicated service of KCLS support staff to keep the System running smoothly. Information Technology Services staff keep the computer networks, phones, catalog, software and computer stations up-to-date. Collection Management Services specialists select, order materials, catalog and label new items. Shipping crews sort and move materials, and drivers deliver books and other resources to each library daily, logging 121,050 miles in 2005. Facilities Management Services tackles new construction projects, while Buildings and Grounds staff keep the libraries in excellent shape, on call around the clock in case of emergencies. The Business and Finance office handles purchasing and payments, tracks expenditures, processes payroll and keeps KCLS on solid financial footing. Human Resources handles the myriad of details needed to provide training, benefits and personnel services to more than 1,200 KCLS employees. The Community Relations and Graphics staff develop, design and produce all public information and marketing materials, handle advertising and media relations and provide strategic communication support throughout the System.
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Progress on Capital Improvements |
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Summary Today, as in the beginning, KCLS remains committed to ensuring that our libraries continue to grow with our communities, and to keep meeting their needs and exceeding their expectations in the years to come. To that commitment we bring the flexibility to adapt to a constantly changing environment and our unwavering intent to do the best possible job with the resources available. We will continue to seek and use patron advice to guide our decisions, as we seek the best balance of vision and practical application. That’s the most important commitment we can make to deliver the results our patrons expect and continue the KCLS tradition of excellence. |
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 KCLS Foundation Creating a Community of Readers In the hearts of our communities, our libraries provide programs and services that advance literacy, lifelong learning and technology skills. These vital collections and programs need financial support beyond available public funds. The King County Library System Foundation mobilizes resources and enriches our community by sponsoring reading programs, homework centers, author visits, writing seminars and much more. |
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Encouraging Readers: One Child at a Time Our vision: All children in our community will be ready to read by their first day of school. Research in early brain development shows that children prepare to read long before they start school, even as early as infancy. Reading to–and with–young children is one of the most effective ways parents can support brain development and early learning skills.  The KCLS Foundation supports the library’s Ready to Read program that reaches out beyond the library walls and into communities to provide adults with the vital strategies and materials to effectively develop these skills in children. Our goal is to reach 30,000 parents and caregivers with free Early Literacy workshops, skill-building techniques and encouragement for families to share books and stories. The KCLS Foundation strives to ensure a lifetime of books and resources for all learners in our community and brings quality and value to library programming. In 2005, nearly 100,000 children and adults participated in programs and activities supported by the KCLS Foundation. Dragons, Dreams, & Daring Deeds—the 2005 Summer Reading Program—set an all-time record, with more than 34,000 children participating. ABC Express vans traveled to more than 50 childcare centers and provided books to nearly 10,000 kids in low-income areas this past year. Reading skills are vital to academic achievement, especially in the early grades. The Ready, Set, Read! program challenges kids to set goals and establish the reading habit. Eighteen local school districts promote the program in elementary schools, and nearly 10,000 students tallied four million reading minutes. Combining great books and quiz show questions sets the stage for the annual Global Reading Challenge. Eleven hundred fourth and fifth grade students from 42 schools formed teams, read books and had fun in these challenging contests. Students who need extra help with homework can visit Study Zones in nearly all libraries. More than 200 volunteers lent their expertise in tutoring 2,600 students in a variety of subjects, including math and science. The Read 3, Get 1 Free program involved 3,600 teens and provided free books as incentives for reading time and reviews. |
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Looking to the Future
Return to top Last Updated: October 17, 2007 | ||||||||
KCLS and KCLS Foundation Annual Report - Printer Friendly version
Bill Ptacek
Your investment in Early Literacy and in reading programs for all ages will reap substantial benefits for children and adults, employers and our community. Libraries change lives. Your support of the KCLS Foundation is making a difference and creating a community of readers. Thank you.
President, 2006
