Algona-Pacific Library

History of the Algona-Pacific Library

For over 50 years, the communities of Algona and of Pacific provided library services to their residents with libraries located in each of their City Hall buildings.  The two small library sites together totaled less than 2,000 square feet.

In 1990, more than 70% of the voters in each of the communities voted to join KCLS. Plans were soon underway for one, larger library to serve both communities.

Groundbreaking for the new 5,250 square foot building was held September 29, 1993, and it opened to the public on July 19, 1994. The Algona-Pacific Library was built and furnished with funds from KCLS's 1988 bond ($910,000). The City of Pacific donated $15,000 and the City of Algona donated $10,000 to support the building project. 

The Algona-Pacific Library features colors and botanical motifs in the finishes and flooring that recall the natural surroundings of the community. Perhaps the most striking feature of the library is its tile floor at the main entry. Made up of over 18,000 individual tiles, the circle shaped mosaic is an image of a large flower in blue, red, green and yellow -- complimenting both the interior and exterior colors. 

The Algona-Pacific Library was one of five KCLS libraries to receive a Microsoft Libraries Online grant in 1996. It now offers a wide variety of technology resources and provides computer orientation for the public. 

The 2004 Planned Capital Bond expansion of the library was scaled back to include interior improvements in 2007. Enhancements included new carpet, paint, backroom shelving and computers. Some exterior siding also was replaced due to structural damage. In 2010, the children's area was altered to meet ADA guidelines for accessibility. Four sections of shelving were removed, materials redistributed and a second table added to meet the demand for additional seating, thus creating a visually inviting corner for families. 

Circulation at the Algona-Pacific Library has increased nearly 20% -- from 169,606 items checked out in 2007 to 201,934 in 2010.  And library services have been expanded to include delivery of information, programs, and materials outside the doors of the library building: Library2Go! vehicles deliver books and materials to daycare centers, seniors, and other community stops one week out of every month, librarians visit schools and community organizations to deliver programs and services, and KCLS has made online access to information available via an array of methods: Tell Me a Story videos, Twitter updates, FaceBook, downloadable e-books, databases, etc.

In addition to serving residents of Algona and Pacific, and nearby communities, the library also serves Pierce County residents through a reciprocal use agreement with the Pierce County Library System.

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Last Updated: December 5, 2011

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