Kitsap Regional Library presents 2025 annual report; foundation reports more than $688,000 in donations

Kitsap Regional Library trustees received the system's 2025 annual report on April 28, a presentation that highlighted new programs, facility upgrades and philanthropic support that library leaders said will help sustain services beyond property-tax funding.

Jeanne Allen, director of strategy and communications, walked trustees through highlights from the interactive 2025 report: a pop-up makerspace in Silverdale, "Library After Dark" events, expanded hours at the MLK branch, ScanEasy stations, a pilot to check out laptops for in-branch use, and an increase in summer-learning participation (staff reported 10% more 10-hour finishers and 20% more 100-hour finishers).

Jason Driver summarized the foundation's fundraising: "Over 1,000 donors donated more than $688,000," he said, and staff reported that 84% of that funding came from individual community supporters rather than institutional foundations. Driver said roughly $313,000 of foundation funds were put to work immediately in priority areas such as summer learning, staff recognition and branch needs.

Allen and Driver thanked the communications team and the KRL Foundation for supporting the organization's outreach and program work. The annual report also noted KRL's participation in 1 Book, 1 Coast, expanded community events (more than 60 in 2025), and infrastructure improvements such as a solar-electric upgrade in Bainbridge.

Trustees also heard logistical notes: KRL will prepare its annual report for the State Auditor's Office process (staff expect to submit the report by the end of May, with an audit likely in the fall) and the system will install a book locker in the Seabeck area pending logistics.

Trustees applauded staff and the foundation for the year's results; the board did not take a formal funding vote during the meeting. The annual report is available on the Kitsap Regional Library website for public review.