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Kitsap Regional Library discusses levy planning, Sylvan Way replacement and rising digital and computer use
Summary
Library leadership and trustees discussed long‑range planning for a future levy, options for replacing the aging Sylvan Way facility, partnerships to build a community campus in Bremerton, and recent usage statistics showing mixed trends across digital and in‑person services.
Jason (Library Director) updated the board on strategic priorities, including preliminary work toward a future levy, efforts to replace the Sylvan Way facility and training and data tools related to LibraryIQ.
"We're starting to get out, myself and Wendy Kyle, executive director of the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation, to build some synergy with our friends in order to gain their support to eventually be able to, get out and pass a levy," Jason said, describing early outreach to community partners and commissioners.
Nut graf: The discussion centered on preparing the library’s financial and partnership groundwork for capital needs (notably a replacement or major upgrade for Sylvan Way) and on interpreting a set of usage statistics staff presented; trustees received the update but did not vote on a levy or capital plan.
Jason said Sylvan Way serves as the county’s de facto central library and houses administrative operations; leadership is exploring a "community campus" model that would share costs and services with partners to reduce taxpayer burden. He said site planning and partner outreach are at an early stage, with meetings occurring roughly once a month.
On data and tools, Jason said LibraryIQ training is underway and the board can expect initial reports in four to six months. He said the library continues to compile statistics with established methods and that LibraryIQ will be an additional input, not a wholesale replacement for prior reporting.
Jason presented January statistics: circulation growth of about 7%; a 55% decrease in database sessions; public computer sessions up 8%; computer hours up 21%; printing services up 35%; and in‑person visits up 3%. He said 80–85% of the system budget is currently allocated to staff costs. "I wouldn't say that this number tells a story of, this is a trend that will continue," he cautioned, calling the figures a month‑to‑month snapshot.
Board member Marwan Cameron and new trustee Monica Blackwood were listed among participants in long‑range planning discussions; Jason said he toured other library models, including Phoenix and Scottsdale facilities, to inform visioning for a Bremerton campus. He also said staff participated in a Bremerton Housing Authority survey contracted by the U.S. Department of Housing to discuss community housing needs and the library’s role for people experiencing homelessness.
Ending: Trustees did not take formal action on a levy or capital project at the meeting; staff said outreach and planning work will continue and the board will be asked to consider a levy resolution at a future date.
