Tammy Baggett, director of Wake County Public Libraries, and Theresa Fields, senior manager for collection development, told the committee the library system operates 23 locations, provides extensive online learning and tutoring resources, and is pursuing outreach aligned with the district’s needs.

“We are 23 library location strong, and that number is growing,” Baggett said. “Roseville will be getting a library” funded by the 2024 bond.

Fields described the library’s online and tutoring services. Tutor.com is available to anyone with a Wake County library card from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, provides vetted one‑on‑one tutoring (including Spanish‑language support), records sessions, and offers a writing drop‑off service. The libraries also added Udemy access (micro‑courses, trade skills and translated content) and relaunched a mobile app that issues an immediate digital card.

Baggett said the system received Culture City sensory‑inclusive certification and provides sensory kits, noise‑canceling headphones and other accommodations at branches. Fields described programs for early literacy (Thousand Books Before Kindergarten), ABC Craft and Learn, storytimes and a library tutoring platform that complements in‑person supports. The libraries reported nearly 12 million visits in the last fiscal year.

Committee members asked about communications and cross‑promotion with schools; library staff said they coordinate with district communications and can add tutoring links and flyers to school messaging. Fields said team library core (TLC) programs engage older teens as volunteers and mentors at regional branches.

Baggett and Fields urged principals and school staff to promote library resources to families and noted that Wake County employees can obtain library cards even if they live outside the county. They directed attendees to wake.gov/libraries for program links and instructions to obtain a digital card.