Pierce County Library System

Pierce County Library System supports an incredibly diverse community: a growing population of children, a constant influx of new residents from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, job seekers and small business owners, active older adults, and more. Through innovative programs and partnerships, rooted in and developed as a result of research, the library system has been successful in leveraging community resources and delivering high-value services. Research informed a decision to implement one of the state’s first non-Dewey Decimal libraries to increase usability. It was an immediate success – in the first four hours, 780 visitors checked out 1,566 items. The Library System’s Early Literacy Program is a flagship program. The Early Literacy staff work in many partnerships developing successful curriculum and services with organizations including the Health Department and Child Care Aware of Tacoma/Pierce County. Pierce County Library System along with community partners provide caregivers with tools and training and help children prepare for school.