HomeMy WebLinkAbout081021 Packet
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING AGENDA
August 10, 2021| 1:00pm | Online
****The State of Emergency declared by Governor Inslee temporarily prohibits in-person
contacts with the public required by the Open Public Meetings Act and the Public Records Act.
The May 29, 2020 Public Health Order by Jefferson County Health Officer Thomas Locke also
states no in-person meetings are allowed. Council will be participating by teleconference****
Submit public comment emails to be read aloud (up to three minutes per person) to:
publiccomment@cityofpt.us or join in person via computer or tablet at http://joinwebinar.com
enter the 9 digit Webinar ID 225-540-899 or listen by phone only (listening mode only) United
States: +1 (415) 655-0060 access code: 448-180-272#
Local Dial In – (360) 390-5064 access code: 448-180-272#
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Approval of Minutes
V. Old Business
a. Recruitment
VI. New Business
a. Reopening Updates
b. Summer Reading Program Update
c. 2022 Workplan Discussion
VII. Next Scheduled Meeting – October 12, 2021 | 1:00 p.m. ONLINE or IN-PERSON TBD
a. Agenda items
VIII. Public Comment
IX. Adjourn
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING NOTES
Regular Meeting
DATE: June 8, 2021 START TIME: 1:11pm LOCATION: Online
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kathy Ryan, Savannah Hensel, Jacqueline Mention (chair), Ann Raymond, and Owen Rowe, (City Council
Liaison)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ellie Mathews (Excused), Kathy Ryan
STAFF PRESENT: Library Director Melody Eisler, Deputy City Clerk Haylie Clement
AGENDA ITEM ACTION
V Approval of Minutes
The Library Advisory Board voted to unanimously
approve the April 13, 2021.
VI Old Business:
a. The draft metric documents were presented and received positive
and constructive feedback on items such as the customer satisfaction
survey.
VII New Business:
a. Summer Reading Program Overview: For the first time PTPL, JCL,
and NOLS are partnering together for provide high quality summer
reading programs at the library of the Olympic Peninsula.
https://ptpubliclibrary.org/library/page/cleo-summer-reading
b. City Council Updates- Owen Rowe: discussed recent updates with
council committees and advisory boards
c. Recruitment: Discussed how to recruit two new LAB members
d. Sharing Good Reads: Attendees shared favorite recent children’s and
adult reads.
e. Director Updates: The Library received a Better Living through Giving
Grant called “Spark Joy” for a “Look to the Stars Project” for getting
telescopes to inspire star parties for the community. City Council
approved a $7500 Library Foundation donation to support a
permanent story walk at Kah Tai Lagoon.
Public Comment: none
Next Scheduled Meeting agenda ideas: August 10, 2021 from 1pm-3pm ONLINE
2022 Workplan Discussion, Summer Reading Program update, Board Recruitment,
City Council updates
Adjourn: 2:01 pm
May 2021
MONTHLY MONTHLY
Print Circulation
Current Month YTD 2020
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Adult Books 4,442 24
18,408.
3 20,776 17,749 17.1
YA Books 288 4 7,100.0 1,267 921 37.6
Children's Books 3,925 10
39,150.
0 16,749 11,748 42.6
Express Paperbacks 88 0 #DIV/0! 368 1,399 -73.7
Adult Periodicals 571 4
14,175.
0 1,479 840 76.1
Children's Periodicals 26 0 #DIV/0! 115 208 -44.7
Total 9,340 42
22,138.
1 40,754 32,865 24.0
Nonprint Circulation
Current Month YTD 2020
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
DVD 3,884 14
27,642.
9 14,838 18,449 -19.6
Audiobook 251 0 #DIV/0! 1,009 1,242 -18.8
Electronic Materials* 3,599 2,680 34.3 14,456 14,780 -2.2
Music 281 2
13,950.
0 893 1,349 -33.8
Children's DVD 251 2
12,450.
0 1,183 1,832 -35.4
Children's Audio 107 0 #DIV/0! 353 500 -29.4
Equipment 22 0 #DIV/0! 183 164 11.6
Total 8,395 2,698 211.2 32,915 38,316 -14.1
*Includes eBooks, eAudio and eMagazines
Other Circulation
School Collections 90 1 8,900.0 593 767 -22.7
School collections are books from school libraries that are put on hold by PTL patrons and sent here for pickup.
Total Circulation
Current Month YTD 2020
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Total Circulation 17,825 2,741 550.3 57,260 79,054 -27.6
Renewals 6,226 39
15,864.
1 23,942 20,411 17.3
Self Checkouts
6,458
- #DIV/0! 14,576 22,949 -36.5
Selfcheck as % of total 74% 0% 4% 74% 74%
Selfcheck percent of total reflects Polaris total checkouts at self check machines/ total checkouts at workstations.
Patrons
Current Month YTD 2020
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Registrations
39
23 69.6
178
258 -31.0
Visits 3,852 0 #DIV/0! 21,290 29,371 -27.5
Total Cardholders 9,837 9,098 8.1
9,837
9,098 8.1
Information Service
Current Month YTD 2020
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Reference Questions
600
240 150.0 2,400 3,710 -35.3
Database Usage
536
1,507 -64.4 3,811 4,299 -11.4
Website Visits
8,145
3,696 120.4 45,784 42,779 7.0
Public Computer Sessions
69
- #DIV/0! 69 4,220 -98.4
Library Lending
Current Month YTD 2020
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Loaned to CLAN
1,895
- #DIV/0!
13,207
5,801 127.7
Borrowed from CLAN
2,907
- #DIV/0!
18,881
7,194 162.5
Loaned to ILL
9
- #DIV/0! 55 56 -1.8
Borrowed from ILL
68
- #DIV/0! 367 450 -18.4
Holds Placed
3,876
347 1,017.0
25,755
10,860 137.2
Holds Satisfied
3,672
4
91,700.
0
25,317
9,162 176.3
CLEO libraries are Port Townsend, Jefferson County, McCurdy Library and the Port Townsend, Brinnon, and Quilcene schools.
ILL libraries are any other libraries that allow PTL to borrow their materials and check them out to our patrons.
Programs/Outreach
Current Month YTD 2020
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Adult 4 8 -50.0 23 43 -46.5
Children 1 8 -87.5 36 53 -32.1
Teen 0 0 #DIV/0! 7 4 75.0
All Ages 0 4 -100.0 3 7 -57.1
Total Programs 5 20 -75.0 69 107 -35.5
Program/Outreach Attendance
Current Month YTD 2020
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Adult 30 75 -60.0 306 1002 -69.5
Children
9
100 -91.0
1,088
1,108 -1.8
Teen 0 0 #DIV/0! 202 112 80.4
All Ages 0 43 0.0 240 223 7.6
Total Attendance
39
218 -82.1
1,836
2,445 -24.9
Volunteers
Current Month YTD 2020
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Volunteer Hours 28 36 -22.2 67 450 -85.1
Number of Volunteers 4 5 -20.0 4 5 -20.0
Books on Wheels - Home Delivery Program
Current Month YTD 2020
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
*Books on Wheels 13 2 550.0 40 155 -74.2
*Includes number of home deliveries and reference requests.
Community Meeting Room (Pink House)
Current Month YTD 2020
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Community Meeting Room
Usage 1 2 -50.0 12 33 -63.6
Collection Development
Current Month YTD 2020
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Total Items
45,635
46,254 -1.3
45,635
46,254 -1.3
Total items is a periodic snapshot of the collection that reflects items in the system at the time the report is run (not over a period of time).
Port Townsend Public Library
June 2021
Monthly Program Report
Month in Review
SRP Reading Colors Your World
Summer reading kicked off this month and we hosted our first in-person program in 15
months! Keeth Apgar’s Sing-A-Ling was presented out on the Pink House Lawn.
Spark Joy Grant
The library received a $1500 Spark Joy grant from the Jefferson Community Foundation for
“Look to the Stars”. The grants are meant to “spark joy” in the community. The library will
purchase and circulate telescopes and offer a couple of star parties to celebrate and promote
the joys of astronomy. This also pairs well with the City’s Dark Skies Initiative to turn out
streetlights.
From Chloe Vogel, Youth Services Library Associate and Summer Reading Lead
Lots of kids and families have given great feedback about both Sing-a-Ling and Storytime,
saying that they are so excited to attend programs outside. They are very thankful for all the
resources the library has had to offer during the past year. Keeth Apgar was especially
popular during Sing-a-Ling, and many parents lined up to talk to him at the end of the
program. At the end of my story time this week, a young kid loudly announced, "thank you!"
and it made my day!
Monthly Programs
Program Name Date Presenter Audience # Sponsor/
Cost
Book Lovers Café
So you want to talk
about Race Ijeoma
Oluo
First Monday Melody E Adults 10 Friends $150
for kit
Changeling Alternating
Fridays
Bob D Adults 10 Library
Family ST Thursdays Hilary &
Chloe
0-6 yr. N/A N/A
Craft and STEM
kits given out
June Hilary &
Chloe
Kids- teens 225 Friends
Tween Coding Club June 30th Gage P. Tweens 3 Gage
Pacifera
Port Townsend Public Library
June 2021
Monthly Program Report
Special Events
Craft and Stem Kits
• Preschool Pop-up Butterfly Craft, 50
• Pollinator Planters, 75 (for both Elementary Kids and Teens)
• Preschool Eric Carle Chameleon Craft, 50
• Yayoi Kusama Picture Frames, 50
Yayoi Kusama Picture Frames Children's Kit
For this craft kids will be making Yayoi Kusama inspired picture frames. Yayoi
Kusama is a Japanese-Contemporary Artist, renowned for her use of patterns and
polka dots in her artwork. We will be using all sorts of supplies, such as sequins,
buttons, and stickers to make an eye-catching picture frame to showcase kids’
favorite photos. Kits available while supplies last. Ages 6-11.
Children's Pollinator Planter Kit
Plant your own seeds in compostable planters. Watch them Grow then plant them in
your yard or a bigger pot. Place outside and watch the bees, butterflies, and
hummingbirds flock. Ages 6-11. Kits available while supplies last.
Port Townsend Public Library
June 2021
Monthly Program Report
Program
Name:
Creative District's Art Markers Unveiling
Date: 6-15-21
Presenter: Owen Rowe, Annette Roth, Jonah Trople
Intended Age: Adults (intended for all ages but mostly appealed to adults)
Attendance 20
Location: In-person
Sponsored By: Library Foundation and PT Creative District
Description:
Join sculptor Jonah Trople for the grand unveiling of his five art marker
sculptures. Special speakers and fun activities will be at each location
starting at 5:15pm. Visit one or all sites and celebrate the first project of
the Port Townsend Creative District. The library will stay open late until
7pm to help celebrate. Learn more about
the https://ptmainstreet.org/blog/pt-main-street-events-projects/port-
townsend-creative-district/
1. Site 1 Tyler Plaza
2. Site 2 Washington/Monroe
3. Site 3 Rec Center
4. Site 4 Port Townsend Public Library
5. Site 5 Fort Worden
Comments: Great perspective on the art markers and public art in PT
https://www.ptleader.com/stories/family-grows-with-new-
additions-to-pts-public-art-guest-viewpoint,75533?
Port Townsend Public Library
June 2021
Monthly Program Report
Program
Name: Sing-a-Ling (first in-person in 15 months!!!)
Date: 6-24-21
Presenter: Keeth Apgar
Intended Age: Children and families
Attendance 23
Location: In-person
Sponsored By: FOTL $75
Description: Part story time, part sing-along and fully loaded with laughs,
the select songs and rhyming stories in this show combine
finger play, movement, picture books, uplifting acoustic music
and an engaging, highly-interactive banter between audience
and presenter.
Comments: Many parents and kids thanked Keeth and the library for
bringing this beloved program back to life.
Comments:
Port Townsend Public Library
June 2021
Monthly Program Report
Program
Name:
Nature's Color Connection
Date: 6-22-21
Presenter: Patrick McMillan from Heronswood Garden
Intended Age: Children and families
Attendance 25
Location: Zoom
Sponsored By: Olympic Libraries
Description:
What does a bee see when it’s looking for a sweet sip? Why
are hummingbirds so attracted to red flowers? Join Patrick
McMillan from Heronswood Garden to explore the colors in
our world, and how they connect plants, animals and our
community. Get your questions answered at this live online
event, see awesome footage of flower’s important partners,
and be inspired to get out and explore your local nature.
Port Townsend Public Library
June 2021
Monthly Program Report
Program
Name:
Amazing Mammals with Northwest Trek
Date: 6-29-21
Presenter: Northwest Trek
Intended Age: Children and families
Attendance 30
Location: Zoom
Sponsored By: Friends
Description:
Explore what makes an animal a mammal and what all
mammals, including humans, have in common! Learn about a
variety of mammals that make their homes in the Pacific
Northwest and at Northwest Trek.
June 2021
MONTHLY MONTHLY
Print Circulation
Current Month Current Month/20
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Adult Books 4,631 708 554.1 25,407 18,457 37.7
YA Books 391 37 956.8 1,658 958 73.1
Children's Books 4,423 361 1,125.2 21,172 12,109 74.8
Express Paperbacks 144 131 9.9 512 1,530 -66.5
Adult Periodicals 348 12 2,800.0 1,827 852 114.4
Children's Periodicals 112 10 1,020.0 227 218 4.1
Total 10,049 1,259 698.2 50,803 34,124 48.9
Nonprint Circulation
Current Month Current Month/20
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
DVD 3,848 299 1,187.0 18,686 18,748 -0.3
Audiobook 198 33 500.0 1,207 1,275 -5.3
Electronic Materials* 3,334 3,349 -0.4 17,790 18,129 -1.9
Music 211 66 219.7 1,104 1,415 -22.0
Children's DVD 362 20 1,710.0 1,545 1,852 -16.6
Children's Audio 172 12 1,333.3 525 512 2.5
Equipment 22 1 2,100.0 205 165 24.2
Total 8,147 3,780 115.5 41,062 42,096 -2.5
*Includes eBooks, eAudio and eMagazines
Other Circulation
School Collections 3 5 -40.0 596 772 -22.8
School collections are books from school libraries that are put on hold by PTL patrons and sent here for pickup.
Total Circulation
Current Month Current Month/20
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Total Circulation 18,199 5,044 260.8 75,459 84,098 -10.3
Renewals 5,990 162 3,597.5 29,932 20,573 45.5
Self Checkouts
7,335
- #DIV/0! 21,911 22,949 -4.5
Selfcheck as % of total 77% 0% 4% 77% 74%
Selfcheck percent of total reflects Polaris total checkouts at self check machines/ total checkouts at workstations.
Patrons
Current Month Current Month/20
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Registrations
52
35 48.6
230
293 -21.5
Visits 4,562 345 1,222.3 25,852 29,716 -13.0
Total Cardholders 9,887 9,122 8.4
9,887
9,122 8.4
Information Service
Current Month Current Month/20
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Reference Questions
600
240 150.0 3,000 3,710 -19.1
Database Usage
483
852 -43.3 4,294 5,151 -16.6
Website Visits
9,790
6,436 52.1 55,574 49,215 12.9
Public Computer Sessions
186
- #DIV/0! 255 4,220 -94.0
Library Lending
Current Month Current Month/20
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Loaned to CLAN
1,908
697 173.7
15,115
6,498 132.6
Borrowed from CLAN
2,751
701 292.4
21,632
7,895 174.0
Loaned to ILL
17
- #DIV/0! 72 56 28.6
Borrowed from ILL
85
- #DIV/0! 452 450 0.4
Holds Placed
3,424
2,028 68.8
29,179
12,888 126.4
Holds Satisfied
3,643
2,124 71.5
28,960
11,286 156.6
CLEO libraries are Port Townsend, Jefferson County, McCurdy Library and the Port Townsend, Brinnon, and Quilcene schools.
ILL libraries are any other libraries that allow PTL to borrow their materials and check them out to our patrons.
Programs/Outreach
Current Month Current Month/20
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Adult 4 3 33.3 27 46 -41.3
Children 8 5 60.0 44 58 -24.1
Teen 0 1 -100.0 7 5 40.0
All Ages 0 1 -100.0 3 8 -62.5
Total Programs 12 10 20.0 81 117 -30.8
Program/Outreach Attendance
Current Month Current Month/20 % Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020 % Change
Adult 40 15 166.7 346 1017 -66.0
Children
305
26 1,073.1
1,393
1,134 22.8
Teen 0 3 -100 202 115 75.7
All Ages 0 8 0.0 240 231 3.9
Total Attendance
345
52 563.5
2,181
2,497 -12.7
Volunteers
Current Month Current Month/20 % Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020 % Change
Volunteer Hours 30 86 -65.1 97 536 -81.9
Number of Volunteers 6 12 -50.0 4 12 -66.7
Books on Wheels - Home Delivery Program
Current Month Current Month/20
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
*Books on Wheels 23 0 #DIV/0! 63 153 -58.8
*Includes number of home deliveries and reference requests.
Community Meeting Room (Pink House)
Current Month Current Month/20
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Community Meeting Room
Usage 0 1 -100.0 12 34 -64.7
Collection Development
Current Month Current Month/20
%
Change YTD 2021 YTD 2020
%
Change
Total Items
45,685
46,426 -1.6
45,685
46,254 -1.2
Total items is a periodic snapshot of the collection that reflects items in the system at the time the report is run (not over a period of time).
From:Melody Eisler
Subject:LAB update- next meeting virtual on August 10 at 1pm
Date:Monday, July 26, 2021 1:48:00 PM
Attachments:PTPL Strategic Plan 2021-25 (Updated for 2022) .docx
Hi All,
The LAB meeting will be virtual (refer to my last email for details). I have attached the draft 2022
workplan for the library. Our strategic plan was designed to be updated with our yearly workplan.
Also, here are the priorities at the City Council 2022 Workplan Retreat. This information will help
inform you all to start to talk about LAB’s 2022 workplan. We can finalize your workplan in the
October meeting- this will give you all good information to discuss in preparation. Again, please be
thinking about board recruitment as we have three vacancies.
Cheers,
Melody Sky Weaver (née Eisler) | Library Director
City of Port Townsend | http://ptpubliclibrary.org/ | meisler@cityofpt.us
1220 Lawrence St, Port Townsend, WA 98368
P:(360) 344-3054
The Library’s mission is, “Uplifting our community through reading, learning, connection, and
creativity.”
Port Townsend Public Library
Strategic Plan 2021-2025
Updated for 2022
The Port Townsend
Public Library is
dedicated to:
Uplifting our
community through
reading, learning,
connection, and
creativity.
And ensuring
A thriving community
for all.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021
Acknowledgments
City Council
Pamela Adams
David Faber
Amy Howard
Monica MickHager
Owen Rowe
Michelle Sandoval
Ariel Speser
Library Advisory Board
Robert Gray
Savannah Hensel
Ellie Mathews
Jacqueline Mention
Ann Raymond
Kathy Ryan
Owen Rowe, Council Liaison
Sidonie Wilson (Chair)
Other Departments
John Mauro, City Manager
Kelly Graves, Executive Assistant
Library Supporters
Friends of the Port Townsend Library
Port Townsend Public Library Foundation
Consultants
BERK Consulting
Library Department
Melody Sky Eisler, Library Director
Keith Darrock, Library Manager
Hilary Verheggen, Library Manager
Chloe Vogel, Library Associate
Kathi Johnson, Library Assistant
Shilah Gould, Library Assistant
Nancy Grant, Library Assistant
Erin Fenton, Library Page
Jon Kasper, Library Page
Karen Bezanson, Library Substitute
Mary Coté, Library Substitute
Mary Flick, Library Substitute
Helen Tadeo, Library Substitute
Library Strategic Planning Committee
John Capps, Library Foundation
Keith Darrock, Library Manager
Michael D’Alessandro, Northwind Arts Center
Melody Sky Eisler, Library Director
Nora Mitchell, City Finance Director
Tamara Meredith, Jefferson County Library
Ann Raymond, Library Advisory Board
Sarah Rubenstein, Port Townsend School District
Deborah Vanderbilt, Friends of the Library
Joy Wentzel, Port Townsend School District
Sidonie Wilson, Library Advisory Board
Special Thanks
A special thank you to the numerous Port Townsend community members and
stakeholder agencies who provided their time and thoughtful ideas to help
the City create this Library Strategic Plan in 2020.
For More Information
For more information on the partner organizations and terminology referenced in this
document, please see the Library’s website: ptpubliclibrary.org.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 1
PLANNING CONTEXT IN 2020
The Port Townsend Public Library (PTPL) is truly Port Townsend’s library. Its staff, collections, programs,
historic Carnegie and Charles Pink House buildings are custom tailored for the unique community it serves.
Port Townsend values its small town feel and sense of a community; loves the arts, creativity, history, and
the sea; supports learning at all ages; and has an economy based on tourism and, increasingly, local
self-reliance. This Strategic Plan gives us direction for how to continue to be the best library for Port
Townsend over the coming five years.
Just as PTPL is shaped by its community, this plan is shaped by the particular time we are in. As this
plan is written, we are in the midst of a major public health crisis, on the slow path to recovery. Financial
challenges that were already affecting the City of Port Townsend have been exacerbated, inspiring
Engage PT, a community-wide conversation about how to focus a constrained City budget, and encourage
public participation in Citywide initiatives. Public attention is focused on tackling systemic racism and
climate change; promoting social, economic, and environmental justice, and providing equitable access to
resources for all community members.
We are grateful for our assets and mindful of our constraints. PTPL is fortunate to have the support of
the community, expressed both in recent engagement activities and in the passage of a levy lid lift in 2008
that created a dedicated source for library operations. As generous as this is, this funding is constrained in
two significant ways. The revenues it generates does not increase with inflation and so the library’s
purchasing power is eroding over time. Currently all levy funds are necessary to fund library operations
and there are questions about whether the levy can be used to fund capital improvements. Further
programmatic outreach or any increased services will be dependent on staffing and service models.
Currently, the library is at maximum capacity for maintaining day-to-day operations, which leaves
offerings status quo for now.
Given the economic hardships faced by community members and the City overall, we
will not ask for additional public operating support during the five years covered by this
plan. We will live within our means and work with the City, our Friends and Foundation,
and other partners to manage existing resources and leverage creative funding
opportunities.
“Waterfront with Kayak” photo credit Ashley Courter.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 2
PLAN STRUCTURE AND FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION
In the midst of current challenges, we remain hopeful. This Strategic Plan is calibrated to be both
pragmatic, grounded in short-term realities, and aspirational, looking beyond current constraints.
Engagement activities conducted as a part of this planning process captured what is most important to
community members: our collections, staff, and space. We also heard a desire for more: more community
connections; more programs and resources beyond the walls of the library; and more of a focus on what
makes Port Townsend, and Port Townsend Public Library, unique.
This Strategic Plan names the Library’s Vision, Mission, Core Services, and Assets and Resources. We
will stay true to these, leveraging them to advance four Strategic Initiatives designed to strengthen our
ability to serve the Port Townsend community. These elements are durable and will guide us through 2025
and perhaps beyond.
Each year, in concert with annual reviews on a citywide basis, we will use this guidance to identify current
special projects, with related ideas for the future indicating where we may go in subsequent years. In an
annual cycle, Library staff will work with the Library Advisory Board, City leadership, and our partners to
reflect on our progress and establish priorities and our budget for the coming year. Annually the staff will
identify meaningful measures by which to track deliverables, outcomes, and build success.
Carnegie Library illustration by Diane Mayers.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 3
OUR VISION AND MISSION
We share the City of Port Townsend’s Vision of:
A thriving with access to resources for learning,
relaxing, and expressing creativity.
community founded on our ability to connect to one another,
by design and by accident, in person and online.
for all. includes full access for everyone,
without barriers.
The individuals and organizations of the Port Townsend community must work together to achieve this
Vision, each according to their ability, focus, and resources. For its part:
The Library’s Mission is:
Uplifting our community through reading, learning,
connection, and creativity.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 4
OUR STRATEGY
We will prioritize the delivery of the Library’s Core Services: Collections, Programs and Events, Staff
Expertise, and Access to Technology. Our community relies on us for these services, by providing spaces
to house collections, offering friendly and expert customer service, hosting programs and events, and
creating opportunities for connection, and we will deliver.
We will steward our assets and resources, including our financial resources and beautiful Carnegie
building.
We will amplify our impact through partnerships with our Friends,
Foundation, Cooperative Libraries of the Eastern Olympics (CLEO), and
local and regional organizations. Our community desires more than we can
provide on our own, so these relationships are essential to achieving our
Mission.
We will use our Core Services, partnerships, assets, and resources to
continue to advance four Strategic Initiatives designed to help us be the best possible library for the Port
Townsend community:
Increase equitable access to library offerings to serve all Port Townsend residents and visitors according to
their needs, interests, and abilities.
Build community as a trusted convener and connector, both within and beyond library walls.
Help our Port Townsend community learn, do, create, and share.
Make efficient and effective use of local and regional resources.
Tactics for implementing these Initiatives in 2021, as well as some ideas for the future are presented on the
following pages. Initial Measures of Success are listed for 2021, with the expectation that these will evolve
over time to include specified targets and a mix of outputs and outcomes. As noted on the pages that
follow, 2021 will serve to establish a baseline and methods of gathering ongoing measurement data.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 5
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
1. Increase equitable access to library offerings to serve all Port Townsend residents
and visitors according to their needs, interests, and abilities.
In 2022 Measures of Success
Explore options for enhancing and expanding our collections,
including strategies to improve easy access to digital resources
and make creative use of Library and public spaces to house
programs and collections with a focus on EDI.
Work to get circulation statistics back to at least half of 2019
numbers.
Raise awareness of what we have to offer, where we have
limitations, and where we can connect to partner resources.
Develop a creative method for identifying resources and
programs that are provided by PTPL, including those provided
through partnership with others.
Evaluate current services such as: staff development; access to
technology, ADA; Books on Wheels, to establish a baseline.
Items in our collection.
Total circulation and circulation
statistics over time.
Percent of the Port Townsend
community who are active library
card users.
Percent of respondents to the
customer satisfaction survey
expressing satisfaction with
Library collections.
Ideas for 2023-2025 and Beyond
Engage underserved populations and neighborhoods in the community and identify their needs and
desires for library services.
Build on what we’ve learned about new user desires and continue to balance traditional services with
ideas for drawing in new patrons.
Initiate community conversations to continually connect with the community and promote library
services.
Explore options for pop-up library services and convenient pick up and drop off locations.
Create a Services Improvement and Efficiencies Plan from the established baselines in 2021.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 6
Left: Sing-A-Ling with Keeth Apgar at the Library, photo credit Hilary Verheggen. Right: Community
Read 2018 with Leif Whittaker at Port Townsend High School, photo credit Leif Whittaker and
Freya Fennwood.
2. Build community as a trusted convener and connector, both within and beyond
Library walls.
In 2022 Measures of Success
Work to build in-person programming back to at least half of
2019 levels pre-pandemic of offerings.
Plan Community read with an EDI focus
Plan Summer Reading with an EDI focus
Explore hybrid programming options for in-person/online.
Facilitate access to physical and virtual meeting spaces.
Work with the Friends and Foundation to secure stakeholder
advocacy and financial support for programs and outreach.
Number of events held in the
Library and elsewhere in the
community.
Attendance at and increased
demand for programs.
Positive feedback from event
participants gathered through a
simple immediate feedback tool.
Percent of respondents to the
customer satisfaction survey
expressing overall satisfaction
with the Library.
Ideas for 2023-2025 and Beyond
Extend library programs into the community.
Evaluate library programs and outreach activities to identify equity and access challenges. Use this
baseline assessment to inform a future Program & Outreach Plan.
Develop an annual Program & Outreach Plan, including more developed Measures of Success with a
focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 7
3. Help our Port Townsend community learn, do, create, and share.
In 2022 Measures of Success
Map and formalize our partnerships to leverage community
resources.
Build on existing collaboration with the Port Townsend School
District in the COVID/post-COVID reality through programs
like “Lunch at Your Library” and supporting their place-based
learning.
Continue creative services like “Take and Make Bags,” “Grab
Bags,” and the “Unusual Items to Check Out” collection.
Number of active partnerships.
Number of programs and events
delivered by the Library and its
partners.
Attendance at and increased
demand for creative programs.
Percent of respondents to the
customer satisfaction survey
expressing satisfaction with
Library programs and events.
Positive feedback from event
participants gathered through a
simple immediate feedback tool.
Increased demand for relevant
programs and events.
Ideas for 2023-2025 and Beyond
Showcase local creative works in partnership with other community organizations.
Offer local history and tell local stories in our collections in partnership with local organizations.
Feature more indigenous history, stories, and programs in partnership with local Tribes.
Circulate tools, technology, and other means to do, create, and share.
Left: Git-Hoan Dancers at Jefferson County Library, photo credit Russ Stamp. Right: Children’s Choir
at the library, photo credit Phina Pippia.
Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan 2021-2025 | Updated for 2021 8
4. Make efficient and effective use of local and regional resources.
In 2022 Measures of Success
Serve as a hub for Engage PT and other current City
initiatives. Including, Learn Your City program series.
Plan Library All Staff Day 2022 in-person with EDI focus.
Assemble and prioritize the Library’s maintenance and capital
improvement needs with Parks & Facilities Manager.
Collaborate with the Friends and Foundation to prioritize
resources for capital needs and collections in line with
community priorities.
Interlibrary circulation statistics
within CLEO.
Percent of respondents to the
customer satisfaction survey
agreeing that the Library is a
good steward of public resources.
Percent of respondents to the
customer satisfaction survey
expressing overall satisfaction
with the Library.
Increased Friends and Foundation
resources for collections and
programs.
Ideas for 2023-2025 and Beyond
Invest in staff development to meet evolving service needs aligned with this Strategic Plan.
Work with the City to establish a plan to address long-term capital needs and aging physical
infrastructure.
Explore funding for historical preservations and capital improvements.
Research long-term options for establishing a sustainable operating budget aligned with community
expectations.
Explore long-term options for establishing sustainable funding for the City’s maintenance and capital
improvements to the Library and Pink House.
Engage PT is a yearly campaign – a clear, coordinated, and consolidated approach to community-led, integrated decision-making.