Help Shape Library Services for the Future

How can libraries keep pace with today's changes and meet future needs? The growing demand for services, the non-stop information explosion and constantly changing technologies make it difficult to predict the future, let alone be ready when it arrives.

To prepare the libraries of the future, the King County Library System is developing a long-range plan for services to guide planning and development to stay ahead of a curve of continuous change.

Throughout 2007, KCLS staff and leadership have been reviewing and analyzing results of earlier public and employee surveys to identify key service needs and goals that will help libraries continue to provide the best possible services and resources. The Future Services Plan will help KCLS meet patrons' expectations within responsible financial guidelines.

Intensive efforts have identified five key service goals:

-- Help babies, toddlers and preschoolers get ready to read

-- Motivate kids and teens to love reading

-- Inspire adults of all ages to keep on learning

-- Offer the best in-person service

-- Serve and celebrate all of our diverse communities

You can help guide the future of KCLS libraries by sharing your thoughts through and ideas for the future services KCLS libraries will offer.

In January, KCLS will hold four open focus groups and run an online survey to gather feedback and ideas from library users and the general public to help library leaders determine the best service choices for the next decade.

-- January 14, 7-8:30pm Federal Way Regional Library

-- January 15, 7-8:30pm Auburn Library

-- January 23, 7-8:30pm Shoreline Library

-- January 24, 7-8:30pm Redmond Regional Library

For locations, visit http://www.kcls.org and go to Using the Library, Locations & Hours.

If you are unable to attend a focus group, please take a few moments for our online survey at your convenience between January 7 and 17.