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King County Library System reports heavy Bellevue usage, plans for makerspace, Memory Lab and community court
Summary
King County Library System told the Bellevue City Council about high circulation and program participation, plans for summer reading, a Memory Lab to record community stories and an upcoming community court partnership. KCLS leaders said Bellevue libraries are among the system's busiest and noted a potential levy lid lift could affect hours and
Representatives from the King County Library System updated the Bellevue City Council on system usage, programs and planned initiatives for Bellevue libraries.
KCLS Executive Director Heidi Daniel and regional manager David Frappier told the council that Bellevue locations are among the system’s busiest and highlighted 2024 system statistics: more than 22 million items checked out systemwide, more than 10 million digital checkouts and about 5 million annual visitors. The speakers said KCLS is second in the U.S. and fourth in the world for digital checkouts and that Bellevue contributes a substantial share of physical and digital circulation.
Frappier outlined local programming highlights: record attendance in after‑school “study zone” tutoring, the Bellevue makerspace and a Memory Lab project funded by the Mellon Foundation to collect oral histories including stories of Japanese American incarceration and contemporary immigrant experiences. He said the Bellevue library will host related exhibits and programming, including author talks and community events tied to a citywide One Bellevue One Book selection.
KCLS also said it will host community court services at the Bellevue library in the coming months; staff described community court as a restorative, neighborhood‑based approach that can reduce incarceration and help participants meet court obligations and access services. The library plans two summer reading launch events in Bellevue (Newport Way and Lake Hills) with family activities and literacy kits.
Council members asked about possible shared uses of KCLS parking and thanked the library for services and partnerships. Council member Hamilton suggested that when library parking demand is low the city and library explore managed public access to the garage to support nearby attractions such as Ashwood Park and KidsQuest.
KCLS executives noted a looming budget issue: the system has not sought a ballot levy since more than a decade ago and a future lid lift could be needed to sustain expanded hours, building improvements and collections. They said next year’s budget without a levy increase is projected to be in deficit and that longer‑term service level changes could be required if additional revenue is not secured.
Discussion vs. decision: The presentation was for information only; no council action or funding decision was requested at the meeting.
