Library Services

Established in 1955 under RCW 27.12 as a Rural Library District to provide county-wide library services. A separate “regular property tax levy” funds the Library District, which is 95% of its funding source.

Today, the City of Port Orchard is the only area of the county not annexed into the Library District; a direct payment arrangement between the city and the District at the annual District property levy rate applied to assessed value of property within the city, extends Library services to city residents.

Kitsap Regional Library

• Provides Library services for the current Kitsap County population of 240,400 people, forecast to be 326,076 by 2025.
• Currently serves over 176,188 active Library users (73% of the population).

The Library’s levy authority is stated in RCW 84.52.063 and limits the Library District tax levy amount to fifty cents per thousand dollars of assessed value.  This authority is also restricted by a state law (RCW 84.55), established in 2002, that limits the amount that the Library District can levy to no more than 1% over the prior year's levy, plus new construction. Additional information available from the Kitsap County Assessor.

Assessor's Office FAQ      Levy Limitations      2006 Statement of Assessments.

The Library District owns and maintains only two of the nine Libraries in the system (Silverdale & Sylvan Way).  Each of the remaining seven communities own, operate and maintain their Library facility under different arrangements.  The Library District provides library services, staffing, materials, and technology.

Current Library Services:

• 24-hour online Library services at www.KRL.org (Library catalog, electronic databases, reference support, local information, events calendar, room reservations, employment & volunteer postings, etc.)
• Educational and entertaining events and programs
• Reference services in-person, by phone or e-mail
• Live Homework Help online tutoring
• Storytimes and early learning activities
• Book Discussion Group collection and services
• Inter-Library Loan services with over 8,000 U.S. and Canadian Libraries
• Summer Reading and other literacy programs
• Public meeting rooms

Current Outreach Services:

• Bookmobile service to outlying communities
• Services for the homebound and senior living/care facilities
• Daycare deposit collection and services
• Community and school support

Current Technology Services:

• Public access computers with Internet access (filtered access for minors)

• Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) access on hi-speed lines at all locations
• Basic computer training classes and individual instruction (both using volunteer trainers)
• Word processing computer stations and copy machines

KRL Mission Statement:  Kitsap Regional Library serves the community as a center for lifelong learning and a steward of access to stories, information and knowledge

Board of Trustees: Jackie Aitchison, North Kitsap Representative (President); Teresa McDermott, Central Kitsap Representative (Vice President);

Anna Laurie, Bremerton Representative; Gail Mathison, South Kitsap Representaive; Althea Paulson, Bainbridge Island Representative