Kitsap Regional Library: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Library system in Kitsap County, Washington}}

{{moreUse citationsmdy neededdates|date=DecemberMarch 20172024}}

{{Infobox library

| library_name = Kitsap Regional Library

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| image = Bremerton, WA public library.jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Downtown Bremerton - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. branch

| type = [[Public library]]

| established = 19441945

| ___location = [[Kitsap County, Washington]]

| coordinates = {{coord|47|35|42|N|122|37|30|W|display=inline,title}}

| num_branches = 9

| collection_size = 428312,376733 items

| req_to_access =

| annual_circulation = 2.74 million

| pop_served = 277280,000900

| members = 8370,225319

| budget = 17$16.9 Millionmillion (20242022){{cn|date=March 2024}}

| director = Jason Driver

| num_employees =

| website = {{URL|krl.org}}

| references = Washington Public Library Statistical Report, 20162022<ref name="2016StatsSOS-Stats">{{cite web |date=OctoberSeptember 20172023 |title=20162022 Washington Public Library Statistical Report |pages=18–22, 64, 70 |url=https://wwwapps.sos.wa.gov/_assets/library/libraries/libDevlibdev/2016stats2022stats.pdf |publisher=[[Washington StateOffice Library]]of |accessdate=Decemberthe 25,Secretary 2017of |url-status=liveState]] |archiveurlaccessdate=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225033427/https://www.sos.wa.gov/_assets/library/libraries/libDev/2016stats.pdfMarch |archivedate=December 253, 2017 2024}}</ref>

}}

The '''Kitsap Regional Library''' is a [[public library]] system in [[Kitsap County, Washington]], United States. It has nine locations that serve over 280,000 residents in Kitsap County; its collection includes over 300,000 items that have an annual circulation of 2.4&nbsp;million. Founded in 19441945 as the Kitsap County Rural Library District, the librarymodern system serveswas overformed 277,000from Kitsapa residents1955 merger with nine locations across the county[[Bremerton, andWashington|Bremerton]] throughcity a variety of outreach serviceslibrary.

The Library provides access to over 400,000 items in its physical collection as well as access to downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and music. Library patrons can also access popular digital resources such as [[ALLDATA|AllData Repair]], [[Ancestry.com]], ''[[Consumer Reports]]'', Learning Express and [[Mango Languages]].

KitsapThe Regionallibrary Librarysystem is a primarily tax-funded organization overseen by a five-member Boardboard of Trusteestrustees. Board members represent the five geographic regions of Kitsap County - which include [[Bainbridge Island, Washington|Bainbridge]], [[Bremerton, Washington|Bremerton]], North Kitsap, South Kitsap, and Central Kitsap - and are appointed for five-year terms.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-12-December 11, 2012 |title=Board of Trustees |url=https://www.krl.org/trustees |access-date=November 9, 2022-11-09 |website=Kitsap Regional Library |language=en}}</ref> The library and its services are also funded by local civic organizations, [[Friends of the Library]] organizations, Bainbridge Library, Inc. and the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation.

Along with these funds, the Library relies on local civic organizations, seven [[Friends of the Library]] organizations, Bainbridge Library, Inc. and the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation, which contributes approximately $300,000 combined annually to support programs and the maintenance of Library spaces. Additionally, the efforts of these groups have made possible the building of a new library in [[Kingston, Washington|Kingston]] and the building of a new library in Silverdale.

== History ==

[[File:Early_library_in_BremertonEarly library in Bremerton,_Washington Washington.jpg|thumb|left|Bremerton library facility, c.{{circa}} 1938]]

Kitsap Regional Library represents the communities of Kitsap County, but it has its beginnings in the Bremerton Public Library, which was approved by the City of Bremerton in 1908. The Library was first located over the fire department's horse stables before outgrowing its capacity.

The first major library in Kitsap County was the Bremerton Public Library, which was opened in June 1908 following approval by the city government. It was originally located at the former [[horse stable]]s of the [[fire department]] and housed 1,000 books, primarily works donated by the [[Seattle Public Library]] and private contributors. For the next two decades, the library moved between several buildings in Bremerton as it outgrew various spaces.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brief History of Bremerton Branch Library |url=https://www.bremertonwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5414/Exhibit-1-PDF |publisher=City of Bremerton |accessdate=March 3, 2024}}</ref>

Several moves to new facilities took place during the 1910s and 1920s; sufficient space was an ongoing challenge for the frequently used library. The community passed a bond measure in 1937 and with the help of a [[Works Progress Administration]] grant, the current building in downtown Bremerton was constructed. However, a county-wide need for library services was evident. By 1938, the Bremerton Public Library was used by approximately 15,000 individuals throughout the area; during this time, the population of Bremerton itself was 10,000 people.

Bremerton voters passed a bond measure in 1937 to build a permanent library, which would also be financed with [[Works Progress Administration]] grant.<ref name="Sun-Downtown2016">{{cite news |last=Farley |first=Josh |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Changes coming to Bremerton's downtown library |url=https://archive.kitsapsun.com/news/local/changes-coming-to-bremertons-downtown-library-3f52df61-bc00-5021-e053-0100007f9905-397852311.html |work=[[Kitsap Sun]] |accessdate=March 3, 2024}}</ref> The new Bremerton Library opened on August 1, 1938.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 2, 1938 |title=Crowds Impressed As City Opens New Library Structure |page=1 |work=[[The Bremerton Sun]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-crowds-impressed-as-city-open/142642689/ |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |accessdate=March 3, 2024}}</ref> By 1938, the Bremerton Public Library was used by approximately 15,000 individuals throughout the area; during this time, the population of Bremerton itself was 10,000 people.{{cn|date=March 2024}} The building was renovated in 2005 at a cost of $400,000, with one-fourth of costs provided by a donation from the [[Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation]].<ref name="Sun-Downtown2016"/> The branch was renamed for civil rights leader [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] in 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last=Meyer |first=Elisha |date=January 16, 2024 |title=Historic Bremerton library renamed after Martin Luther King Jr. |url=https://www.kitsapdailynews.com/news/historic-bremerton-library-renamed-after-martin-luther-king-jr/ |work=Kitsap Daily News |accessdate=March 3, 2024}}</ref>

Through a collaboration between the Bremerton Public Library and the Kitsap County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations, a levy was passed in 1944 to create a Kitsap County Rural Library District. The goal of this new system was to expand library services to areas outside of the City of Bremerton. The Kitsap County Rural Library District operated under its own budget and staff until 1955 when it merged with Bremerton Public Library, consolidating resources, budgets, staff, and equipment.

A county levy for areas in 1944 was passed to create the Kitsap County Rural Library District, which would serve most of the county.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 10, 1944 |title=Rural Library Proposition to Be Submitted to the People |page=1 |work=The Bremerton Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-rural-library-proposition-to/142643263/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 3, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=July 13, 1944 |title=Rural Library Plan Okehed by Voters |page=1 |work=The Bremerton Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-rural-library-plan-okehed-by/142642866/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 3, 2024}}</ref> The Kitsap County Rural Library District operated under its own budget and staff until it merged with Bremerton Public Library on August 1, 1955.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 12, 1955 |title=1956 Library Budget Will Show Savings |page=2 |work=The Bremerton Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-1956-library-budget-will-show/142643225/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 3, 2024}}</ref>

At the date of its creation, Kitsap Regional Library included a regional service center at Bremerton; stations at [[Eglon, Washington|Eglon]], [[Retsil, Washington|Retsil]], [[Seabeck, Washington|Seabeck]], [[Kingston, Washington|Kingston]], [[Erlands Point, Washington|Erlands Point]], [[Manchester, Washington|Manchester]], [[Navy Yard City, Washington|Navy Yard City]], [[Port Gamble, Washington|Port Gamble]], [[Silverdale, Washington|Silverdale]], [[Tracyton, Washington|Tracyton]], [[Rolling Bay, Bainbridge Island, Washington|Rolling Bay]] and [[Suquamish, Washington|Suquamish]]; and one branch library in [[Poulsbo, Washington|Poulsbo]]. Two bookmobiles further extended service to rural areas. From 1955 until 1976, the system was headquartered in the historic downtown Bremerton ___location. However, demand for library services exceeded capacity, and a new headquarters was built in 1976 at Sylvan Way. The building opened to the public in 1978.

At the date of its creation, Kitsap Regional Library included a regional service center at Bremerton; stations at [[Eglon, Washington|Eglon]], [[Retsil, Washington|Retsil]], [[Seabeck, Washington|Seabeck]], [[Kingston, Washington|Kingston]], [[Erlands Point, Washington|Erlands Point]], [[Manchester, Washington|Manchester]], [[Navy Yard City, Washington|Navy Yard City]], [[Port Gamble, Washington|Port Gamble]], [[Silverdale, Washington|Silverdale]], [[Tracyton, Washington|Tracyton]], [[Rolling Bay, Bainbridge Island, Washington|Rolling Bay]] and [[Suquamish, Washington|Suquamish]]; and one branch library in [[Poulsbo, Washington|Poulsbo]]. Two bookmobiles further extended service to rural areas. From 1955 until 1976, the system was headquartered in the historic downtown Bremerton ___location. However, demand for library services exceeded capacity and a new headquarters was built in 1976 at Sylvan Way. The building opened to the public in 1978.

==Locations==

Kitsap Regional Library serves Kitsap County through nine physical locations. Each ___location offers a collection of books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs and other materials; access to computers and technology assistance; public meeting spaces; and classes and events that are free and open to all.

Kitsap Regional Library serves Kitsap County through nine physical locations. Each ___location offers a collection of books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs and other materials; access to computers and technology assistance; public meeting spaces; and classes and events that are free and open to all.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

=== Bainbridge Island ===

{|class="wikitable sortable"

Bainbridge Island is home to the second public library in all of Puget Sound; a small library was housed above a mill store starting in 1863. Bainbridge Island has been a part of the Kitsap library systems since 1947. Today, the Bainbridge Island ___location is housed in a building designed in 1962 by local architect John Rudolph. The facility was expanded in 1982 and 1997 and refreshed in 2017. All building construction and expansion expenses were paid with privately raised funds. The facility is supported and maintained by Bainbridge Public Library, Inc, a registered nonprofit organization.

|+ Kitsap Regional Library locations

|-

=== Bremerton - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr ===

! Name

! Opened<ref name="KRL-Locations">{{cite web |title=Kitsap Regional Library: Information for grant applications |url=https://www.bremertonwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5412/-Exhibit-15-PDF |publisher=Kitsap Regional Library |via=City of Bremerton |accessdate=March 3, 2024}}</ref>

The Bremerton - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr ___location of Kitsap Regional Library is housed in a historic 1938 [[art deco]] building originally funded by the Works Progress Administration. This ___location acted as Bremerton's main library until 1955, when it became the headquarters for the newly formed Kitsap Regional Library system. In 1978, a new library headquarters opened in East Bremerton, and the downtown library was designated as a branch library. In 1999, the building was named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The City of Bremerton owns and maintains the building, which was renovated in 2007 and 2023, while Kitsap Regional Library provides service with staff and materials. In 2024, to commemorate the 25-year anniversary of the building's name, the branch was renamed the Bremerton - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr branch.

! Current building<ref name="KRL-Locations"/>

! class="unsortable" | Notes

=== Kingston ===

|-

| [[Bainbridge Island, Washington|Bainbridge Island]] || align="center" | 1863 || align="center" | 1962 ||

An open house in a small cafeteria room behind a schoolhouse on July 10, 1945, marked the beginning of Kitsap Regional Library service in the Kingston community. In 1985, the Kingston ___location moved to a new community center in the vacated Bayside Community Church, which had been purchased by Kitsap County. This move was supported by capital improvement funds from a Library [[Tax|levy]]. In 2016, the Kingston ___location of the Kitsap Regional Library moved to the newly constructed Village Green Community Center, which is owned by the Metropolitan Park District of Kingston and also houses the [[Boys & Girls Clubs of America|Boys and Girls Club]] and a [[senior center]].

|-

| [[Bremerton, Washington|Downtown Bremerton]] (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Library) || align="center" | 1908 || align="center" | 1938 ||

=== Little Boston ===

|-

| [[Kingston, Washington|Kingston]] || align="center" | 1935 || align="center" | 1935 ||

The Little Boston ___location began in 1974 on the [[Port Gamble S'Klallam Indian Reservation]] in North Kitsap County. During the first 15 years, the library was housed in a 600-square foot A-frame cabin. In 1988, the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe received a grant from the Library Services and Construction Act to build a modern library facility. The tribe donated land and, in April 1989, a new library opened its doors. Between 1989 and 2001, circulation increased 680 percent. Recognizing the need for a new and larger building, the tribe and Kitsap Regional Library joined in a capital campaign for an educational and cultural complex. The House of Knowledge Complex was built in 2007 and includes a [[longhouse]], a Career and Education Center, Elders Center and the Little Boston ___location of the Library.

|-

| [[Little Boston, Washington|Little Boston]] || align="center" | 1974 || align="center" | 2007 ||

=== Manchester ===

|-

In July 1947, Mary J. Sanford, owner of the Manchester Shopping Mart and member of the Kitsap Regional Library board of trustees, donated a corner of the shopping mart for use as a library. Quickly gaining community support, the library grew and moved to a renovated chicken coop in 1948. The library then moved again, to a 16-by-24 modular building at the Port of Manchester in 1953. The Friends of the Library received designation as a nonprofit organization in 1976 and two years later, were able to successfully secure a Farmers Home Administration grant which allowed for the construction of a permanent building that opened in 1954. With collections, staff and interior furnishings provided by Kitsap Regional Library, the current Manchester library ___location opened for business in September 1980. The community room was added in 1994.

| [[Manchester, Washington|Manchester]] || align="center" | 1947 || align="center" | 1980 ||

|-

Through the efforts of the Friends of the Manchester Library, the Manchester branch began a new chapter in 2022, with renovations that expanded the library to 3,375 square feet. These renovations created more reading space for adults, larger areas for kids and teens, enlarged the meeting space and updated the shelving, paint and carpet in the interior.

| [[Port Orchard, Washington|Port Orchard]] || align="center" | 1924 || align="center" | 1984 || Annexed into KRL in 2010

|-

The Manchester ___location benefits from its surrounding gardens, which the Long Lake Garden Club and the Friends of the Library design and maintain. The gardens are an active teaching space that demonstrates water-wise, sustainable gardening techniques and educates the public on local flora. The Manchester ___location building is currently owned and maintained by its Friends of the Library group; the property on which it is located is owned by the Port of Manchester.

| [[Poulsbo, Washington|Poulsbo]] || align="center" | 1918<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.krl.org/locations/11/|title=Poulsbo|website=www.krl.org|accessdate=August 29, 2024}}</ref> || align="center" | 2001 ||

|-

=== Port Orchard ===

| [[Silverdale, Washington|Silverdale]] || align="center" | 1945 || align="center" | 2022<ref>{{cite news |last=Lin |first=Peiyu |date=March 24, 2022 |title=Long-awaited opening of new Silverdale Library almost here, with more amenities, community space |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2022/03/24/new-silverdale-library-branch-opening-near-more-amenities-coffee-community-space-kitsap-community/9458311002/ |work=Kitsap Sun |accessdate=March 3, 2024}}</ref> ||

|-

In 1924, public library service began in Port Orchard with a small library inside the Town Hall, and in 1947, it moved to a new municipal building. To increase service and resources to the community, the City of Port Orchard joined the Kitsap Regional Library system in 1964. Services were offered in what is now the Sidney Museum and Gallery. By 1984, there was a need for additional space and the City purchased the old town post office for library use. This facility, owned and maintained by the City of Port Orchard, is still currently in use, having undergone privately funded additions and remodels in 1995 and 2013 to provide dedicated spaces for children and meetings.

| Sylvan Way (Bremerton) || align="center" | 1978 || align="center" | 1978 || Library headquarters

|}

=== Poulsbo ===

The Poulsbo community has had a library since 1918 when the local Civic Club founded the community's first public library with support from the town council. In 1946, the library contracted with the Kitsap County Rural Library District. In 1959, a levy was passed to support a new building on a town-owned lot. The City of Poulsbo managed the library until the mid-1980s when the city voted to join the Kitsap Regional Library's system. In 1998, voters of North Kitsap approved a bond measure to expand and remodel the Poulsbo ___location's library. The new building opened in 2001 and is owned and maintained by The Kitsap Regional Library. The Poulsbo ___location houses a unique [[Scandinavia]]n Collection with volumes ranging from Icelandic phrasebooks to [[Scandinavian design|Swedish interior design]] to children's books. It also is home to a collection of [[Foundation Center]] materials.

=== Silverdale ===

Silverdale has had a library since 1945. In 1946, the Silverdale Library Committee remodeled a 16-by-16-foot [[United States Army|Army]] surplus building for use as the library. By 1958, the small building was inadequate and volunteers remodeled and expanded the building. In 1970, the Friends of the Silverdale Library launched a building campaign and in just 6 months, money was raised for a 1,000-square-foot library.

The Silverdale community grew significantly in the 1970s due to the presence of the [[Naval Base Kitsap|Bangor Naval Base]]. With an increased need for library services, the Silverdale Library joined the Kitsap Regional Library system so the library could qualify for Trident Impact Funds. These funds helped expand the Silverdale ___location in 1980 to its current size.

In 2015, the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation and the Friends started the Capital Campaign for a New Library in Silverdale, raising the $5.5 million needed to build a new library. Kitsap Regional Library partnered with the Central Kitsap School District in 2018 to move the Silverdale branch to the south end of the Central Kitsap High School. The 13,772 square foot new building opened in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2022/03/24/new-silverdale-library-branch-opening-near-more-amenities-coffee-community-space-kitsap-community/9458311002/|title=Long-awaited opening of new Silverdale Library almost here, with more amenities, community space|first=Peiyu|last=Lin|website=Kitsap Sun}}</ref>

=== Bremerton - Sylvan Way ===

Bremerton - Sylvan Way is the largest ___location within Kitsap Regional Library and includes the administrative center for the system. The 35,000-square-foot building was completed in 1978 after a countywide bond measure was approved by voters. Approximately half of this space is dedicated to providing public library services, while the other half is home to Kitsap Regional Library's collection and technical services, outreach, IT, human resources, communications, and administrative departments. Kitsap Regional Library's ___location at Sylvan Way is also home to the Puget Sound Genealogical Society and a Northwest History Reference Collection.

=== Bookmobile ===

The Library previously offered Bookmobile services. Bookmobile services in Kitsap County began in 1947 with "Molly," the Library's first bookmobile. A second bookmobile, "Little Chief," was added in 1954. Both bookmobiles ran until they were replaced by "Buttercup." A major fundraising effort in 2008 resulted in the purchase of the most recent bookmobile, "Violet." Bookmobile service was discontinued in 2018.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

== Programs and Servicesservices ==

=== Programs ===

==== Summer Learning ====

In addition to book borrowing, the Kitsap Regional Library offers access to online databases and subscriptions as well as various programs at its branches.

Summer Learning provides children, teens and adults the opportunity to learn and explore during the summer months.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gleich|first1=Terri|title=Library pushes patrons beyond summer reading|url=http://www.kitsapsun.com/story/life/2017/05/24/library-pushes-patrons-beyond-summer-reading/337860001/|accessdate=6 July 2017|agency=Kitsap Sun|publisher=USA Today Network|date=24 May 2017}}</ref> While still promoting reading Summer Learning also incorporates STEM classes, community events and other opportunities to provide a multi-faceted experience to participants. Summer Learning is supported by the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation and Friends of the Library groups, as well as by partnerships with community organizations and businesses.

The annual summer learning program includes prizes for reading and other activities, classes, and events.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gleich|first1=Terri|title=Library pushes patrons beyond summer reading|url=http://www.kitsapsun.com/story/life/2017/05/24/library-pushes-patrons-beyond-summer-reading/337860001/|accessdate=July 6, 2017|work=Kitsap Sun|date=May 24, 2017}}</ref> The library system launched its "One Book, One Community" program in 2008 that serves as a regionwide [[book discussion club]] that focuses on a set of books each year.<ref>{{cite news |last=Park |first=Ken |date=September 9, 2021 |title=Hope replaces hard topic in reading event |url=https://www.kitsapdailynews.com/news/hope-replaces-hard-topic-in-reading-event/ |work=Kitsap Daily News |accessdate=March 3, 2024}}</ref> In 2014, Kitsap Regional Library was selected as a [[John Cotton Dana Award]] for its Traveling Book Campaign, which utilized technology and guerrilla marketing—primarily by placing copies of the One Book selection around the county—to draw awareness within the local community to the programs.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

==== One Book, One Community ====

Each year, Kitsap Regional Library's One Book, One Community program encourages the reading and discussing of a single book. The Library seeks a title that is thought-provoking.

In 2015, Kitsap Regional Library received a three-year National Leadership grant<ref>{{cite news|title=Kitsap Regional Library receives grant for STEM learning initiative|url=http://www.kitsapsun.com/story/money/business/business-journal/2015/04/01/kitsap-regional-library-receives-grant-for-stem-learning-initiative/95730584/|accessdate=July 6, 2017|agency=Kitsap Sun|date=April 1, 2015}}</ref> from the [[Institute of Museum and Library Services]] to design and implement a sustainable model of [[Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics|STEM]] programming for all public libraries. The project, titled Make Do Share, collects tools and resources to support staff in planning, facilitating and improving STEM programs for youth.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Peterson|first1=Shannon|title=Kitsap Regional Library Leverages Youth Voices to Support Sustainable STEM Learning|url=https://www.imls.gov/blog/2017/03/kitsap-regional-library-leverages-youth-voices-support-sustainable-stem-learning|website=Institute of Museum of Library Services|access-date=July 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628091328/https://www.imls.gov/news-events/upnext-blog/2017/03/kitsap-regional-library-leverages-youth-voices-support-sustainable|archive-date=June 28, 2017}}</ref>

In 2014, Kitsap Regional Library was selected as a [[John Cotton Dana Award]] for its Traveling Book Campaign, which utilized technology and guerrilla marketing to draw awareness within the local community to the One Book programs. Copies of the 2014 title, "[[The Leisure Seeker]]", by [[Michael Zadoorian]] were placed around the community; individuals who discovered copies of the book were encouraged to read and share.

The Kitsap Regional Library also offers book group kits, loans on Discover Passes to visit Washington state parks, early learning kits for young children, STEM learning kits for young students, audiobook converters, a [[seed library]], ukuleles, and video games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.krl.org/borrowmore/|title=Borrow More|website=www.krl.org|accessdate=August 29, 2024}}</ref>

==== Make, Do, Share ====

In 2015, Kitsap Regional Library received a three-year National Leadership grant<ref>{{cite news|title=Kitsap Regional Library receives grant for STEM learning initiative|url=http://www.kitsapsun.com/story/money/business/business-journal/2015/04/01/kitsap-regional-library-receives-grant-for-stem-learning-initiative/95730584/|accessdate=6 July 2017|agency=Kitsap Sun|date=1 April 2015}}</ref> from the [[Institute of Museum and Library Services]] to design and implement a sustainable model of [[Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics|STEM]] programming for all public libraries. The project, titled Make Do Share, collects tools and resources to support staff in planning, facilitating and improving STEM programs for youth.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Peterson|first1=Shannon|title=Kitsap Regional Library Leverages Youth Voices to Support Sustainable STEM Learning|url=https://www.imls.gov/news-events/upnext-blog/2017/03/kitsap-regional-library-leverages-youth-voices-support-sustainable|website=Institute of Museum of Library Services|accessdate=6 July 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628091328/https://www.imls.gov/news-events/upnext-blog/2017/03/kitsap-regional-library-leverages-youth-voices-support-sustainable|archivedate=28 June 2017}}</ref>

==== To the Library ====

To the Library is an ongoing program that brings third-graders across Kitsap County to visit their Library ___location for a field trip. During their field trip, students explore the library, meet staff, and learn about collections and resources. The Library works closely with community partners, from schools to local businesses and nonprofits, to offer this program throughout the county.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gleich|first1=Terri|title=Library trip a right of passage for Kitsap's third-graders|url=http://www.kitsapsun.com/story/life/2017/04/26/library-trip-right-passage-kitsaps-third-graders/100955666/|accessdate=6 July 2017|agency=Kitsap Sun|publisher=USA Today Network|date=26 April 2017}}</ref>

==== Library of Things ====

In addition to books, movies, music, and other traditional library loans, Kitsap Regional Library offers book group kits, loans on Discover Passes to visit Washington state parks, early learning kits for young children, STEM learning kits for children in grades 3–5, VOX readers that turn any book into an audiobook, a free seed library (at the Port Orchard and Manchester branches), ukuleles, and video games.<ref>[https://www.krl.org/borrowmore Borrow More: Kitsap Regional Library]</ref>

===Services===

{|

|valign="top"|

* Afterschool classes and events

* Storytime and early literacy resources

* STEM education

* Print and downloadable ebooks, magazines and audiobooks

* Meeting spaces

|width="40"|

|valign="top"|

* Technology instruction

* Outreach services

* Public computers, faxing, printing, and scanning services

* Readers advisory, BookMatch

* Online databases

|width="40"|

|valign="top"|

* Research assistance

* Test proctoring

* Interlibrary loans

|}

== Funding ==

=== Foundation ===

Kitsap Regional Library Foundation's role is to financially support the Library. Founded in 1991 and governed by a Board of Directors, the Foundation is a [[501(c)(3)]] corporation qualified to receive tax-deductible donations. They raise money from individuals, foundations, businesses, and community organizations to ensure continued support for essential library programs and services not covered by public funds.

=== Friends groups ===

In addition to taxpayer funding, the library receives contributions through the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation, a [[501(c)(3)]] corporation qualified to receive tax-deductible donations. There are also seven active [[Friends of the Library]] groups that organize volunteers to run book sales and fundraising events.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

Kitsap Regional Library receives support from seven active Friends of the Library groups: Bainbridge Island; Kingston; Manchester; Port Orchard; Poulsbo; Silverdale; and East Bremerton (Sylvan Way). The Friends groups are composed of volunteers whose work, which includes coordinating book sales and fundraising events, provides funding for Library operational and programming expenses.

=== Building ownership ===

Kitsap Regional Library currently owns two of its library facilities: the Poulsbo and Sylvan Way locations.{{cn|date=March 2024}} The facilities in downtown Bremerton and Port Orchard are owned by the city in which they are located. The remaining locations are owned by separate entities: the Little Boston ___location is owned by the Port Gamble S’KlallamS'Klallam Tribe; the Kingston ___location is owned by the Metropolitan Parks District; the Manchester Location is owned by the Manchester Friends of the Library, the Silverdale ___location is owned by the Central Kitsap School District and the Bainbridge Island ___location is owned by Bainbridge Island Public Library, Inc. Kitsap Regional Library provides staffing, library services and resources and non-structural, routine maintenance for each ___location.

== Grants and awards ==

=== Grants ===

* Paul Allen Family Foundation Grant, 2013<ref>{{cite news|title=Paul G. Allen Family Foundation supports libraries in latest $6.9 million grant cycle|url=http://www.pgafamilyfoundation.org/news/news-articles/press-releases/press-release-paul-g-allen-family-foundation-suppo|accessdate=6 July 6, 2017|agency=Paul Allen Family Foundation|date=29January Jan29, 2013|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414201342/http://www.pgafamilyfoundation.org/news/news-articles/press-releases/press-release-paul-g-allen-family-foundation-suppo|archivedate=14 April 14, 2017}}</ref>

* National Leadership Grant for Libraries, 2015<ref>{{cite news|title=Kitsap Regional Library receives grant for STEM learning initiative|url=http://www.kitsapsun.com/story/money/business/business-journal/2015/04/01/kitsap-regional-library-receives-grant-for-stem-learning-initiative/95730584/|accessdate=11 July 11, 2017|publisher=Kitsap Sun|date=1 April 1, 2015}}</ref>

=== Awards ===

* John Cotton Dana Award, 2014<ref>{{cite news|last1=Reuland|first1=Fred|title=Eight selected winners of the 2014 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award|url=http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2014/04/eight-selected-winners-2014-john-cotton-dana-library-public-relations-award|accessdate=6 July 6, 2017|agency=American Library Association|date=25 April 25, 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322230023/http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2014/04/eight-selected-winners-2014-john-cotton-dana-library-public-relations-award|archivedate=22 March 22, 2016}}</ref> 2018

* LibraryAware Community Award Honoree, 2014<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dowd|first1=Nancy|title=Congratulations to the Winners of the 2014 LibraryAware Community Award!|url=https://www.ebscohost.com/novelist-blog/novelist-article/congratulations-to-the-winners-of-the-2014-libraryaware-community-award|accessdate=6 July 6, 2017|agency=NoveList|date=24 June 24, 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825095556/http://www.ebscohost.com/novelist-blog/novelist-article/congratulations-to-the-winners-of-the-2014-libraryaware-community-award|archivedate=25 August 25, 2014}}</ref>

* National Medal finalist, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 2016<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bran|first1=Aliza|title=Thirty museums and libraries honored as finalists for National Medal Award|url=https://www.imls.gov/news-events/news-releases/thirty-museums-and-libraries-honored-finalists-national-medal-award|website=Institute of Museum and Library Services|accessdateaccess-date=6 July 6, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628141905/https://www.imls.gov/news-events/news-releases/thirty-museums-and-libraries-honored-finalists-national-medal-award|archivedatearchive-date=28 June 28, 2017}}</ref>

* PR xChange Awards, Library Leadership and Management Association, American Library Association, 2011–2013, 2015-2017, 2023<ref>{{cite web|title=Library Leadership and Management Association|url=http://www.ala.org/llama/awards/prxchange_winners|website=American Library Association|date=30 November 30, 1999 |accessdate=6 July 6, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423174810/http://www.ala.org/llama/awards/prxchange_winners/|archivedate=23 April 23, 2017}}</ref>

==References==

{{reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Washington library systems}}

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[[Category:County library systems in Washington (state)]]

[[Category:Education in Kitsap County, Washington]]