Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Library Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
King County Library System highlights rising use, programs and peer navigator work at Auburn branch
Summary
KCLS Regional Manager David Wright told Auburn council that the system has 677,000 active cardholders, reported heavy physical and digital circulation and described local programming and a peer navigator program that had 403 service encounters this year in Auburn.
David Wright, regional manager for the King County Library System, updated the Auburn City Council on Sept. 15 about library usage and local programs.
Wright said KCLS had 677,000 active cardholders systemwide in 2024 and that the system recorded 11.5 million physical checkouts and 10.9 million digital checkouts. He said Auburn residents used the Auburn Library about 160,000 times from June through July and that 14,000 community members used their Auburn library card at least once in the past year. "In the past year, 3,500 people here in Auburn have signed up for a library card for the very first time," Wright said.
Wright described local programming — summer reading, teen events, fiber art meetups and a "get ready for kindergarten" program for Spanish‑speaking families — and highlighted an upcoming author event on Nov. 7 featuring Stephen Graham Jones, moderated by Muckleshoot tribal member Madrian White.
Wright also described a peer navigator program funded through Peer Community and Peer Washington that helps people experiencing homelessness access housing, employment and other services. He said Auburn’s peer program had 403 service encounters year‑to‑date, averaging about 29 unique individuals per month, and resulted in 43 referrals to shelters, housing assistance, medical treatment and recovery services.
Discussion vs. decision: This was an informational presentation. No council action was taken.
What’s next: Wright invited council members and residents to KCLS programming and the Nov. 7 author event; the peer navigator program will continue coordinating referrals and outreach in Auburn.
