ALL TOGETHER NOW
2024 Annual Report
In every chapter, the Library is here for you
Dear Kitsap Community,
At Kitsap Regional Library, we believe learning should be open to everyone at every stage of life. Guided by curiosity and connection, we create spaces where all Kitsap residents can explore ideas, access information, and connect with their community. With publicly funded, free access to books, technology, and engaging programs, the Library belongs to all of us—and opens doors to opportunity for every age.
In early 2024, we launched our five-year strategic direction, opens a new window, shaped by nearly two years of community input. This plan focuses on enhancing our services and spaces to create welcoming environments while strengthening partnerships that expand access to vital resources. By partnering with schools and other community organizations, we’re reaching more people and providing greater support where it’s most needed.
Looking ahead, the Library faces an important milestone: our levy request on August 5, opens a new window. If approved by voters, this funding will continue to sustain the Library’s services, technology, and spaces, ensuring continued open access to books, digital resources, and programs that support early learning, student success, and lifelong education for all ages.
We’re also excited to celebrate 80 years of service, opens a new window to our communities throughout 2025!
Thank you for being a part of the Library’s story. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected Kitsap and a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
In service and connection,
Jason Driver
Library Director,
Kitsap Regional Library
In 2024
Kitsap Regional Library is committed to ensuring that everyone sees themselves reflected in the Library with programs, collections, and resources that are inclusive and representative of the communities we serve.
9 libraries and a Mobile Services team serving more than 107,000 Kitsap households
131 public computers provided more than 59,000 hours of access and training
Over 200 homes, healthcare facilities, and group homes receive personalized library material deliveries each month
More than 2.6 million books, ebooks, audiobooks, movies—and more!—borrowed and renewed
86,856 active cardholders
55,386 kids, teens, and adults attended nearly 3,000 classes and events
FOSTERING WELCOMING & BELONGING
Everyone sees themselves reflected in the library.
A WELCOMING & SUPPORTIVE LIBRARY
Teen Field Trip Adventures
After a five-year hiatus, teen summer field trips , opens a new windowreturned with an outing to the Tracyton Movie House in June, trampoline park fun at SkyZone in July, and a Clear Creek Trail hike in August. The summer wrapped up with a trip to the Seattle Aquarium. More than 30 teens joined together at the Seattle Aquarium—many meeting for the first time—and left with new friendships blooming.
"Without the structure of school and extracurricular activities, summer can feel like a long, lonely, boring time for many teens. The field trip is an opportunity for Kitsap teens to explore somewhere new in a safe, fun, and free way during the summer." Kayla O'Connor, Teen Services Librarian
Early Learning Starts with Storytime
Throughout 2024, the Library offered more than 800 classes and events—storytime, opens a new windows, baby band, opens a new windows, and more—welcoming parents, caregivers, babies, and toddlers for more than 24,000 visits. These programs provide essential early learning opportunities, using shared stories, songs, rhymes, and movement to support parents and caregivers as their child's first educators. Together, we build foundational literacy skills and foster social and emotional development that contributes to early school success.
More Hours, More Access
In June, we restored library hours to pre-pandemic levels while also making adjustments to better meet community needs. Some branches now stay open later into the evening, and we've added new Sunday hours, making our libraries more accessible to everyone.
Primetime Family Reading
In spring, we partnered with Humanities Washington to bring their Prime Time Family Reading program to our Little Boston, Poulsbo, and Silverdale branches. Over the course of six weeks, we collaborated with the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe's Early Childhood Education Program, North Kitsap School District's Vinland Elementary, and Central Kitsap School District's Woodlands Elementary School to offer reading sessions that celebrated the heritage of each participating community—Indigenous heritage at Little Boston, and Latino heritage at Poulsbo and Silverdale, where bilingual reading sessions were offered.
Through storytelling and group discussions, families explored books that reflected their experiences and values. Participants shared how the program helped them build connections across generations while strengthening language and literacy skills. By championing early literacy and inclusivity, we are deepening our relationships with a broad spectrum of communities and families throughout Kitsap County.
Planning Access for All
As a best practice for public organizations, we began work on a language access plan to ensure all patrons, regardless of their primary language, can engage with library resources. By late 2025, the impact of this new plan will start to be visible, strengthening connections and creating greater opportunities for increased access.
Reducing Barriers
In 2024, we made significant progress in creating more welcoming environments for staff and community, transitioning from awareness to actionable change.
- We adapted tools and began integrating strategies to reduce disparity in policies and hiring.
- Hiring practices were evaluated and updated to minimize bias, with anti-bias training for hiring managers.
- A team was formed to support and monitor progress.
- Efforts have been made to improve services for patrons with disabilities and expand access for low-vision and blind patrons.
- Signage was improved in many locations for better accessibility.
- A land acknowledgment and accessibility statement were developed with the communities they support.
- Translation services were engaged to ensure key communications can be shared in multiple languages.
YOUR LIBRARY ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
Free Access Strengthens Everyone
We added 45,000+ physical and 36,000+ digital items to our collection, reflecting the diverse interests of our community. Popular collections like easy books, juvenile graphic novels and comics, and learning kits remain favorites. Adult print fiction, opens a new window use is slowly growing, even as digital formats gain popularity, and the circulation of adult graphic novels, opens a new window and comics has nearly doubled since 2019.
In the world languages collections, the use of adult materials nearly doubled after a recent refresh, with a new young adult collection usage seeing similar success. Spanish titles make up 70% of checkouts, followed by Japanese and French. Our youngest readers are some of our most adventurous, exploring picture books across many languages.
I love the sense of community I feel when I go [to the library]! And, all the books of course!” - Melia, Facebook Commenter
Meeting You Where You Are
In 2024, over 883,000 items were borrowed through Libby—our free app that provides easy access to more than 40,000 ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines.
In June, we launched Creativebug, a digital learning resource offering over 1,000 videos on topics like sewing, painting, and ceramics. Since launch, patrons have watched nearly 1,400 videos, expanding their skills and creativity from home.
The Book Club Kit collection was also upgraded with MyTurn, allowing patrons to browse by availability and popular topics. With the ability to reserve kits using their library card, readers can now more easily access materials for their reading groups.
These digital offerings help patrons engage with the Library’s services in ways that work best for them, whether through instant access to materials or convenient at-home learning.
Learning Kits Launch
We launched multiple learning kits with Spanish-language content, including bilingual early learning kits for kids ages 1 to 3 and Spanish versions of two of our Northwest nature kits. For older kids, we now have three new Northwest nature kits and a tabletop role-playing games kit, developed as part of the Washington State Library's "Tabletop Role-Playing Games for All" initiative. These kits support STEM learning by encouraging exploration of the natural world, fostering critical thinking, and promoting social connectedness through interactive, collaborative activities.
Data-Driven Decisions
To keep libraries vital and responsive, the Library adopted Library IQ. This tool uses data on borrowing, programs, and community trends to help us improve services and meet patron needs.
BUILD COLLECTIVE IMPACT
Collaboration leads to shared success and lasting positive change.
Shared Success
Community Learning Internship
Since 2015, the Community Learning Internship, opens a new window has helped young adults prepare for the workforce through a paid internship that provides career exploration and work experience in a supportive environment. Interns receive professional development through mentorship from library staff and partnerships with local school districts and organizations, including Worksource Pathways to Success, Ballast Bookstore, Kitsap Strong, and Voices of the Pacific Island Nations. In 2024, interns spent eight months learning and supporting library work while developing a professional project, culminating in a presentation at a fall graduation.
"I will miss this internship, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to explore myself and form connection[s] with the people it has led me to"… "to gain foresight, you need to be open to new experiences." – A'Laynah-Renee Redwine, 2024 Community Learning Intern
In Community with You
Every year, the Library shows up to celebrate and engage with our community at more than 500 festivals, events, and community programs across Kitsap. By being present and partnering to support community goals, we foster connections, support local culture, and promote inclusivity, showing our commitment to our community. This year, you may have seen the Library at some of these larger, countywide events:
- Armed Forces Day Festival
- Juneteenth People's March & Freedom Festival
- Kitsap County Islander Festival
- Kitsap Fair and Stampede
- Kitsap Salmon Tours
- Kitsap Pride Festival
- Wayzgoose Kitsap
Third Graders Discover Library Love
The shift from learning to read and reading to learn is a key milestone for third graders, setting the foundation for their academic future. Since 2007, Kitsap Regional Library has been there to help children make this transition with a field trip to their local library.
In 2024, over 1,500 students enjoyed this immersive experience, attending a storytime, taking a tour, and receiving (for many) their very first library card, along with a goodie bag. The To the Library program, opens a new window fosters meaningful connections with teachers, students, and caregivers to nurture a lifelong love of learning and support kids along the path to graduation.
Teen Volunteers are Back & Making a Difference
After a pause due to the pandemic, the teen volunteer program relaunched in the summer. Providing opportunities to learn and develop future job skills, the program enables teens to contribute meaningfully to the community and build a network of caring adults invested in their future.
Books for Rehabilitation & Well-Being
Since 2019, the Library has partnered with Kitsap County Corrections to provide fiction and nonfiction books monthly at the Kitsap County Jail. Nonfiction titles, chosen in collaboration with the facility's mental health specialists, are selected to support specific individuals, often focusing on well-being, mental health, and recovery. Fiction titles are chosen for leisure reading and made available in community areas for all to enjoy. These collections are made possible through donations.
Summer is More Fun at the Library
Wade into Wonder
From June through August, thousands of kids, teens, and adults chose to "Wade into Wonder" and take on the Library's annual reading and learning challenges. In a new, exciting turn, we teamed up with the Seattle Storm to offer free tickets to a local game as a special prize to youth who read 10 hours. In the end, more than 1,400 participants attended a game.
Summer Learning plays a critical role in preventing the "summer slide"—the loss of academic skill over the school break. With engaging challenges, fun and educational performances, and a vast array of events, the program keeps minds active and curiosity thriving all summer long. Explore the 2025 Summer Learning program.
"My mom likes to take me to the park, library, and other fun places we can explore. I like to read books, and I have the Libby app on my tablet just like my mom." -Milena, age 7, Sylvan
"I decided to use Kitsap Regional Library's subscription to Creativebug and some books to improve my watercolor painting skills and learn new techniques." -Alli, age 50, Manchester
"This summer, I was able to compete in my first pickleball tournament! … I learned that there is a ton of competition and great players out there, and it takes a lot of time, self-control, and drive to get to the top." -Matthias, age 13, Manchester
"I discovered the potatoes in our cupboard had sprouted. I put them in the ground and watched them grow and grow! I can't believe how many potatoes came out of the ground!" -Gabe, 6, Poulsbo
"My kids and I went to the Taiko drum show, and we learned a bit of a song in a new language, which they are still singing. We enjoyed the power of the drums and the joy on the drummers' faces." -Brittany, 38, Silverdale
"I started taking swim lessons this summer. I've been learning how to do the starfish floats, paddle kicks, and holding my breath to dive for rings underwater." -Noah, 5, Kingston
Hot Summer Learning Stats
8,303 10-hour reading finishers
4,127 100-hour reading finishers
(up 21% from 2023)
1,208 Learning Challenge finishers
16,750 kids, teens, and adults attended
658 summer programs
1,400+ participants attended Seattle Storm games
thanks to new partnership for 10-hour readers
30+ performances system-wide
with 4,900+ attendees
Fueling Kids with Free Summer Meals
Partnering with the Bremerton and South Kitsap School Districts, the Sylvan Way and Port Orchard branches once again provided free meals to children 18 and under throughout the summer. Supporting their health and development year-round, this initiative is crucial in addressing food insecurity, ensuring that kids have access to nutritious meals during months when school meal programs are unavailable.
CULTIVATE A RESILIENT INTERNAL CULTURE
Staff Training Days
Twice a year, staff gather to learn from local leaders, library professionals, and one another, focusing on improving the patron experience and strengthening staff confidence, communication, and collaboration, leading to a more educated and supportive workplace.
Leadership Learning & Development
Library leadership at all levels participated in training on unconscious bias, gaining strategies to support fair and informed decision-making. This work helped shape a vision that guides daily operations and long-term planning.
WellCity 2024 Designation
The Library earned the WellCity designation from the Association of Washington Cities for the seventh consecutive year, recognizing its commitment to employee health. Driven by staff participation, this achievement gives the Library a 2% discount on medical insurance premiums.
Elevate & Celebrate
Throughout the year, celebrating the good work of staff and offering opportunities to lift one another up remains a top priority. Quarterly awards were relaunched with a renewed focus on our values, staff were celebrated on Library Workers Day, and the annual staff picnic brought everyone together. All of these efforts were supported through the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation, opens a new window.
THRIVE AHEAD
Sustaining our Library's legacy for generations to come.
Future-Ready, Universally Accessible Spaces
Expanded Community Room Hours in Poulsbo
Made possible by updated card key access, the Poulsbo branch, opens a new window began offering after-hours access to its community room in 2024, and the reservations poured in. Gaming groups, exercise classes, homeowners' associations, and many others quickly filled spaces for evening events and meetings, showing a strong demand for service.
Making Secure, Reliable Access
In 2024, we improved security by implementing badge-secured access, which helped to indicate public and staff spaces clearly. Several buildings were updated, with plans to complete the project in 2025.
Sylvan Way Lobby
The Sylvan Way branch, opens a new window unveiled a more welcoming entry in 2024, featuring a redesigned lobby with comfortable new seating, added outlets, and an upgraded front desk. These improvements aim to create a more approachable space, enhance functionality, and better serve our visitors.
A LIBRARY LEGACY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
Milestone Celebrations
In 2024, the Library celebrated two significant milestones: 100 years since the library in Port Orchard opened its doors and 50 years of service in Little Boston. The Port Orchard branch marked the occasion with a community party, including cake and an opportunity to reflect and share its rich history. Meanwhile, the Little Boston branch enjoyed making bubbles, engraved bookmarks, and slime along with cupcakes and memories shared beneath a festive balloon arch.
"The [Port Orchard] library has always been key to the vitality of downtown." -Kathleen Wilson, South Kitsap Regional Branch Manager.
Together, We Create Connections
Volunteers, resources, and sometimes spaces that support Library services and programs are provided through collaboration with community organizations, building owners, and fundraising partners, fostering a Kitsap community of curiosity and connection beyond what public funding alone can provide.
Building Partners
The cities of Bremerton and Port Orchard, Bainbridge Public Library, Inc., Central Kitsap School District, Friends of the Manchester Library, Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, and the Village Green Metropolitan Parks District.
Fundraising Partners
Kitsap Regional Library Foundation and Friends of the Library organizations of Bainbridge Island, East Bremerton, Manchester, Kingston, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, and Silverdale.
Board of Trustees
- Erik Fong, 2021-2026 (President)
- Gina D. Steiner, 2023-2028 (Vice President)
- Monica Blackwood, 2025-2030 (Trustee)
- Marwan Cameron, 2020-2025 (Trustee)
- Eric Cisney, 2022-2027 (Trustee)
- Stephanie George, 2020-2025 (Former Trustee)
Doing More with Kitsap Regional Library Foundation
The Kitsap Regional Library Foundation supports our community by facilitating charitable gifts that advance Kitsap Regional Library's mission and vision of inspiring curiosity and connection so that all people have the opportunity to grow, belong, and thrive. Learn how philanthropy supports our libraries beyond what public dollars alone can support.
Publically Funded, Free Access for All
Continued Financial Stability
Kitsap Regional Library relies on local property tax revenue for more than 96% of its operating budget. In 2024, nearly $18 million in annual property tax revenue supported everyday Library operations. However, because Washington State limits how much the Library can increase its total property tax revenue each year to just 1%—regardless of inflation or rising costs—the Library's funding has not kept pace with the increasing cost of books, technology, and essential services. Since 2018, even including all revenue sources, the Library's total funding has grown by an average of only 2.5% per year, while costs have risen much faster.
After eight years since the last levy was approved, it is time to raise the levy lid again to maintain the Library’s current level of services, collections, and access to safe, welcoming spaces. If approved, the tax rate would reset from $0.27 to $0.39 per $1,000 of assessed value, ensuring the Library can continue to offer robust collections, engaging programs, and essential building improvements. Without this additional funding, starting in 2026, the Library will face reductions in collections, programs, technology, and facility maintenance.
2024 Operating Costs | $17,796,289
96% of the Library's operating budget comes from local property taxes.
Annual Revenue History
From 2019 to 2024, the Library’s total revenue—including all funding sources—has grown by an average of 2.5% per year.
2024 Revenue Sources
Annual Taxpayer Cost
Represents average cost to property owners based on a $500k value property. The levy rate is per $1,000 assessed property value.
Continuing to Thrive Ahead
Created in 2024, our five-year strategic vision serves as a roadmap for guiding our decisions and fulfilling our mission. It ensures that Kitsap Regional Library remains focused on inspiring future generations and driving our vision: A collaborative community inspired by curiosity and connection, where everyone has the opportunity to grow, belong, and thrive.