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Pierce County Library System highlights branch usage, new strategic plan and teen programming
Summary
Gretchen Casarotti, executive director of Pierce County Libraries, told the Pierce County Council on April 30 that the system operates 19 branches across the county, recorded about 1.5 million branch visits and more than 5 million circulations in 2024, and has launched a new strategic plan focused on user experience, partnerships and long‑range capital planning.
Gretchen Casarotti, executive director of Pierce County Libraries, told the Pierce County Council on April 30 that the system operates 19 branches across the county, recorded about 1.5 million branch visits and more than 5 million circulations in 2024, and has launched a new strategic plan focused on user experience, partnerships and long‑range capital planning.
"There is something for everyone to discover at your local library. Libraries are just more than books," Casarotti said, telling council members the University Place branch is one of the system’s larger, newer buildings and that the system serves roughly 300,000 active cardholders.
Why it matters: Libraries provide free space, programming and one‑on‑one help that supports students, jobseekers, small businesses and residents of all ages. Casarotti described both systemwide statistics and local programs that support digital access, civic participation and community connection.
Casarotti and staff described services that support small businesses and entrepreneurs: free meeting and study rooms, one‑on‑one "Ask Us" appointments for database and market research help, guidance on grants and forms, and partnerships with local business groups. Bonnie Svystovsky, senior librarian at the University Place branch, and Steve Carmody, regional services manager, attended the presentation.
The director recounted a recent example from Teen Thursdays at the University Place branch: a teenager with an intellectual disability created a small stuffed toy in a session and—according to Casarotti—"began animatedly talking to the stuffed animal" after the activity, an interaction a caregiver said was the most the teen had spoken publicly. Casarotti used the story to illustrate how library programs can create social connection without fees or registration.
What was not decided: No funding votes or ordinance changes were proposed. The presentation was informational and the library offered to meet with council members afterward for tours and to discuss annexation and partnerships.
Ending: Library leaders invited council members and residents to use branch resources, participate in programs and volunteer with Friends groups; they emphasized the library’s role as a free, welcoming public space.
