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Kitsap Regional Library reports levy revenue, launches 'Book Boost' for summer and begins Sylvan Way facility exploration
Summary
At the May 26 meeting the library reported a large tranche of levy revenue arrived in April, previewed a 'Book Boost' program (up to three books per child), shared April usage numbers, and described early work on a potential joint Sylvan Way/YMCA facility; the board approved the consent agenda by voice vote.
Kitsap Regional Library officials told the Board of Trustees on May 26 that a large tranche of revenue from the recent lid‑lift levy arrived in April and that the system is in solid financial health.
"We received our first large tranche of revenue due to the lid lift levy. That came in nicely in April," Chief Financial and Operating Officer Dan Baer said during the finance report. Baer said next year’s budget will return to a 1% property‑tax increase plus new construction revenue, and that the State Auditor's Office annual report for the fiscal year ending 2024 was filed on time.
Director Jason Driver highlighted service and program priorities for the summer. He described a redesigned summer model and the new "Book Boost" approach, under which youth ages 0–18 can receive up to three books for participation. "This year's redesigned model focuses on increasing access, flexibility, and long term impact, especially for youth literacy," Driver said.
Driver also summarized system usage figures from April: roughly 126,000 items circulated, about 15,000 visits, and about 1,700 public computer sessions (figures presented in the director's monthly report). He said outreach teams supported six events in April that connected more than 1,300 people.
On facilities, Driver said the library has kicked off exploration of a potential new Sylvan Way library. Team Concertis was selected as the owner's representative, and the exploratory team includes architects with experience on library projects and YMCA representatives to study a possible joint‑use facility that could replace a nearly 50‑year‑old building. "This could become a significant civic investment centered on learning, wellness, and youth development," Driver said, while stressing the effort is in the early stages.
The board approved the consent agenda covering routine items (minutes, expenditures, voucher bills and surplus materials/vehicles) by voice vote during the meeting. There was no recorded board discussion or formal response to the WPEA public comment during the session.
The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2026.
