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in Business
 Pierce County Library System is striving to meet community needsBy: Kit Thompson
April 19, 2010
More space, more seats, more books and materials, more technology and computers, and overall more of everything is what people called for when Pierce County Library System asked how it could best meet community needs. From late 2008 through 2009, the Library System worked with more than 5,000 individuals and community leaders to learn how it could best serve communities.
“We learned our libraries are bursting at the seams and the demand for spaces to bring people together to read and learn is growing,†said Neel Parikh, executive director for the Library. “People applauded us for trying to keep up with changing expectations. The demand is clear that what they need today is different from yesterday and it will be different again tomorrow—and they expect us to deliver.†The Library System worked collaboratively with communities to shape Pierce County Library 2030, a facilities master plan. The plan outlines library services and buildings to meet community needs during the next 20 plus years. Pierce County Library 2030 is a combination of discussions with the public, an assessment of current library services and buildings, information about future population trends, and best practices from libraries nationwide. Key recommendations in the report include: larger spaces, additional seats, more books and materials, improved technology/computers, expanded meeting rooms and event/workshop spaces, partnerships with other organizations to maximize resources and skills, economically and environmentally sustainable operations and buildings, and services conveniently accessible where people live and go. Recommendations in the plan call for expanding all of the current libraries, as well as relocating some libraries. It also calls for adding one new library in the Frederickson area, to respond to the significant growth. “Pierce County Library 2030 charts a course for future buildings, expansions or replacements of library buildings, and alternative ways for people to access services,†said Parikh. “The plan gives a vision for creating community centers that truly connect people. The plan also outlines the best route to meet the needs of growing and changing communities by delivering contemporary services.†Currently 551,000 live in the Library’s service area. That is 28 percent more than the population planned for the current facilities. The Library will continue to work with communities to determine when the timing is best to begin plans to fund the facilities master plan. Learn more about Pierce County Library 2030 @ www.piercecountylibrary.org/services/1-;12-09/ |
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