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King County Library System presents year of increased visits and programs at Kenmore branch
Summary
KCLS managers reported rising usage at the Kenmore library — over 70,000 visits and more than 16,000 checkouts in the prior year — and highlighted programs for children, teens and adults including ASL story time and LGBTQ+ youth partnerships.
Representatives from the King County Library System briefed the Kenmore City Council on usage trends and programs at the Kenmore branch, reporting steady post-pandemic growth in visits, circulation and new accounts.
Alice Darnton, regional manager for KCLS’ Alder Region, and Kenmore operations manager Ben Ressler said Kenmore is one of KCLS’s 50 locations and described the branch as a busy medium-sized library. Ressler reported more than 70,000 visits last year, more than 16,000 items checked out and more than 1,500 new library accounts — all increases after reopening from the pandemic.
Librarian and information services manager Katie Boyse outlined popular programming: two Friday morning story times that draw 40–70 participants each, a newly offered evening story time, the library’s American Sign Language story time (one of two in King County), and a Portuguese story time. For teens the library hosts programs including an LGBTQ+ youth group in partnership with Lambert House; for adults the branch runs book clubs, arts programs, and informational workshops.
Boyse said outreach includes school visits to promote reading awards and summer-reading programs. The library’s summer reading theme "Curious Creatures" begins June 7 and staff will appear at farmers markets and community events to promote programs.
Council members thanked library staff and asked about card designs and digital resources. KCLS managers pointed to digital services available with a library card, including access to the New York Times, Canopy and Hoopla movie streaming, Libby e-books and Mango language learning. No council action was associated with the presentation; it was presented for information and outreach coordination.
