It's been a big year at the Library, particularly in downtown Bremerton. Branch staff hosted speed-friending events, offered community craft and coffee breaks, led boisterous Storytimes and Story Nights, threw free summer concerts, co-hosted First Friday art walks and World Cup viewing parties, and helped coordinate Bremerton's first-ever Hobby Hunt. And now? The staff of the Bremerton - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. branch just won the 2026 Creative Kitsap "Agency of Impact" Award.
"While all of the [Kitsap Regional Library] branches bring life and connection throughout Kitsap, we are proud to honor the team at MLK branch, found right here in downtown Bremerton," announced Wayzgoose Board President Jo Roberts at the Creative Kitsap evening award ceremony. "Their significant contributions to support the community create a place where arts and culture thrive. Staff members routinely go above and beyond to shoulder the weight of running workshops and partnerships throughout Bremerton while prioritizing equity and accessibility. Their enduring passion and kindness are worthy of commendation."
Glenna Matteson, the Bremerton - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. branch manager, says her branch is uniquely positioned in downtown Bremerton to both provide community services and host celebratory events. She says earning this award in 2026 is particularly meaningful after a full and often challenging year.
"This has been a really big year of community change. There have been changes to community resources; we have navigated community shifts, along with a crazy busy summer. Particularly with the FIFA fan zone [in Quincy Square], there's been a lot of energy in different ways in downtown Bremerton," said Glenna. "So, for the team to navigate that with creativity and still be grounded in the mission and vision of the organization and to be recognized means a lot. It feels very special to be seen for the work that we're doing."
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