Library partners with Seattle Storm to enhance summer learning for disadvantaged youth

The Kitsap Regional Library Board meeting on January 28, 2025, focused on the library's ongoing efforts to strengthen community partnerships and enhance service offerings. Key discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration in extending the library's mission and addressing community needs.

Deputy Director of Public Services Shannon Peterson was commended for her role in establishing critical partnerships that have significantly impacted the library's outreach. The board emphasized the library's position as a community hub, linking residents to resources and fostering connections, especially in a time when physical interactions have been limited.

One notable initiative discussed was a partnership with the Seattle Storm, which provided summer learning participants with vouchers for tickets to games. This program aims to encourage reading among children while also offering families access to cultural experiences that they might not otherwise afford. The board noted that such initiatives not only promote literacy but also enrich children's understanding of their environment.

Another partnership highlighted was with community leader Doc Blackwell, known as Doc Love the Kids. This collaboration aims to engage disadvantaged youth and their families by providing them with information about library programs and creating a welcoming space for community discussions. This initiative emerged from a community forum addressing loneliness and isolation, showcasing the library's commitment to addressing social issues.

The meeting also covered several key accomplishments from 2024, including the redesign of the library's "One Book" program and the restoration of pre-pandemic service hours across all locations. The board discussed the importance of staff wellness and development, noting the successful launch of a second staff day aimed at fostering teamwork and supporting the library's strategic goals.

Looking ahead, the board expressed excitement about deepening existing partnerships and exploring new collaborations to amplify the library's impact. They also mentioned ongoing efforts to develop a ballot proposition aimed at securing the library's financial future over the next decade.

Overall, the meeting underscored the library's proactive approach to community engagement and its commitment to evolving in response to the needs of Kitsap County residents.