Poulsbo is a big, busy branch, and when Branch Manager Pam Crowe noticed that the Meet & Study rooms were constantly booked, with many patrons unable to reserve the space they needed for meetings and study sessions, she knew just what to do.
Earlier this year, Pam attended a Poulsbo Friends of the Library, opens a new window meeting and asked if the Friends would consider funding a construction project to build new Meet & Study rooms.
The Friends fundraise year-round through events like book sales to raise money for improvements not in the Library's budget. Recently, these improvements have included the purchase of technology, such as TV screens and audio equipment, as well as the acquisition of adult-sized chairs for the Children's Area, allowing children to read with accompanying adults.
The Friends' board met and quickly agreed to fully fund the project using their fundraising treasury.
"Every single cent that comes in at our book sales goes to the library," said one Friend, who asked to remain anonymous to ensure all the Friends were credited equally.
The Poulsbo branch was closed for three days this fall, and reopened to reveal two new, beautiful Meet & Study rooms featuring glass walls, adjustable-height tables, and technology to accommodate a variety of meetings and uses.
Now that the public can reserve the new rooms, opens a new window, branch staff report that many are enjoying the new spaces and that both rooms are hosting meetings and study sessions each day. Everyone at the Poulsbo branch, and at Kitsap Regional Library, is extremely grateful to the Poulsbo Friends of the Library for making this dream a reality.
If you're interested in joining the Poulsbo Friends of the Library, the Friends are always welcoming new members! Visit their website here, or email poulsbofriendsofthelibrary@gmail.com to learn more.
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