During a recent government meeting, the Pierce County Library System's Executive Director, Gretchen Casarotti, presented an overview of the library's operations and initiatives, emphasizing its vital role in the community. Casarotti, who has been in her position since 2022, highlighted that the library serves approximately 670,000 residents across 2,000 square miles, making it the fourth largest library system in Washington State.

The library's funding primarily comes from property taxes, accounting for about 98% of its budget. Casarotti noted that the library has seen a significant increase in digital circulation, particularly during the pandemic, and is now focusing on balancing physical and digital resources. In 2023, the library recorded nearly 3 million visits and circulated around 5 million items, with half of those being digital.

Meejin Turner, supervising librarian at the Orting branch, shared insights into local collections, including a popular history collection and a robust DVD selection, which caters to residents with limited internet access. Turner also discussed the library's strategic planning efforts, which aim to refresh its services and facilities in response to community needs.

The meeting also highlighted upcoming events, including tech assistance sessions at the local senior center and creative engagement activities for teens. Casarotti concluded with a heartwarming story about a child named Devin, who benefited from library programs that foster early literacy and social skills, illustrating the library's impact on the community.

Overall, the meeting underscored the library's commitment to enhancing literacy and community engagement while adapting to the evolving needs of its patrons.