We hired our first Health and Social Services coordinator/social worker a full-time grant writer and a director of the newly created Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Department. We opened the final two libraries of our taxpayer-supported capital bond issue (Kent Panther Lake and Boulevard Park) and two state-of-the-art Makerspaces (in Bellevue and Federal Way). Since I became the Executive Director in 2018, KCLS has achieved many other milestones. Partnering with the county, libraries provided COVID testing kits, vaccinations and personal protection equipment. Thanks to our innovative staff, patrons were able to attend programs online and to check out materials through curbside pickup and contactless lockers. I am particularly proud of the way KCLS navigated the stressful COVID-19 pandemic, when everyone had to adapt to public health mandates. We even implemented a Green Initiative, doing our part to address climate change. ![]() Library programs range from arts and crafts to homework help to entrepreneurial inspiration. We have partnered both with organizations and the KCLS Foundation to address social needs ranging from literacy and digital equity to outreach for older adults and those experiencing homelessness. We are also one of the most responsive, serving communities with varying needs and interests. time zone, I know KCLS is one of the biggest, busiest and best library systems in the country. We anticipate more good news when the 2023 rankings are released in January.Īs a librarian who has worked in every U.S. As of the close of 2022, we proudly secured the #2 spot in the United States for OverDrive usage and ranked #4 globally. We just reached a remarkable milestone, with over 8 million checkouts for eBooks and downloadable audiobooks through OverDrive so far this year! This marks a significant progression from our 2019 record of 5,678,572 checkouts. Positive impacts are what KCLS staff works so hard to achieve.Īnother way we know patrons value their libraries is through their response to our digital collection. Many of you have written me over the years, or thanked staff, on what libraries mean to you and how they have made a difference in your lives. There is so much to say, to reflect on, and to be grateful for.įirst, I would like to thank our patrons for their heartwarming support of our 49 public libraries, our programs, collections and services. ![]() This will be my last blog prior to retiring after a long library career, including the past five years as KCLS Executive Director.
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