2023 Impact Report: inspiring the future of our libraries

2023 Impact Report

inspiring the future of our libraries

a message of gratitude

Dear Library Supporter,

Thank you for standing with us as we work together to advance our Library’s mission. Your generous gift is more than a contribution; it’s an investment in the well-being and enrichment of our community.

Through your support, Kitsap Regional Library can consistently expand its services and offer innovative programming that engages our community in exciting new ways.

Last year, 639 donors gave more than $421,000 to support our library programs and projects. Across our nine locations, Kitsap residents visited their local libraries more than 766,970 times. A staggering 47,500 community members participated in library programs, while cardholders borrowed over 2.5 million items. Additionally, our mobile services team made over 2,970 home visits, and our dedicated library staff hosted more than 2,560 live and virtual programs.

These numbers illustrate the profound impact our Library has on the community, and it’s made possible, in part, through your unwavering support. Thank you for being a driving force behind our Library’s evolution and continued service. We deeply appreciate your love and support.

With gratitude,

Wendy Kile Executive Director

our mission

We proudly support our community by facilitating charitable gifts that advance Kitsap Regional Library’s mission and vision:

“inspiring curiosity and connection so that all people have the opportunity to grow, belong, and thrive.”

Our Foundation 30 years strong

Since its inception in 1993, our Foundation has served to build an inspiring future for our community with you. Together, we’ve ensured free access to information, technology, learning opportunities and community connections for all. With over $8 million dollars given to support technology, collections, programs, major capital building projects and branch needs, we’ve supported Kitsap Regional Library’s success through raising funds, building awareness and bringing the whole of our community under one roof.

Your impact in this mission cannot be understated. Much of the library’s work could not be realized without your charitable gifts. Kitsap Regional Library depends on support from individuals, foundations and businesses to provide the programs and services our patrons rely on each year, and our most ambitious projects like building new libraries and creating shared community spaces are only possible through your philanthropy.

As a donor, you are a valued member of the Library family and your generosity has a profound impact on the communities we serve. Every personal investment you make strengthens the public’s investment in Kitsap Regional Library and paves the way to building an inspiring future for our community.

This anniversary serves as both a celebration and as a reminder that our great work is never done. 30 years of work has had a profound impact on our Library and our community, and we are looking forward to the next 30!

sources of support

Support to the Library

Last year, 639 donors contributed over $421,771 to the Library and 191 individuals made their first gift!

With your support, the Foundation gave over $262,602 to Kitsap Regional Library, providing the necessary funding for essential services, programs and projects.

$80,763 Branch, Program & Collection Support

Your Library making an impact

Each year we celebrate the positive impact Kitsap Regional Library has had on our community. Through free access to services, resources, programs, and spaces, the Library remains a community cornerstone that supports the growth of a thriving community.

Library Initiatives making a difference

Your generous gifts to the Library help ensure free and equitable access to the programs, projects and resources that inspire our community. You make Kitsap a better place for all. Through programs like To the Library and Summer Learning, your support has a lasting impact.

Summer Learning

June through August, thousands of kids, teens and adults take on the Library’s annual reading and learning challenges.

2023’s theme, “Dig Into Summer” encouraged patrons to grow their reading skills, plant new goals and to create new experiences. Our community grew closer together through events and classes for all ages, while individuals blossomed and dug deep into hands-on learning and reading activities.

from the community

“I learned, some times you just have to say to yourself, don’t give up! Learn to float before you swim.”

- Lyra, age 10 Silverdale

While bringing joy to countless members of our community, Summer Learning also does something crucial for kids and teens: preventing a decline in academic skills during the school break, known as the “Summer Slide.”

Each year, Summer Learning unites Kitsap in learning and play, challenging everyone to gain new skills and explore our world— no matter their age. Learning is a lifelong adventure, and your gifts ensure our community never stops growing.

“It was amazing! I learned that you can stay at the library for many hours and no one kicks you out!”

- Carys, age 13

Bainbridge Island

“Learning Korean went well. My friend and I communicate all of the time!

I learned so many new things! Next time I’ll challenge myself even more.”

- Leah, age 14 Sylvan Way

by the numbers

It’s incredible to watch our community come together through the power of learning.

“I learned that I am never too old to try and learn something new.”

- Belinda, age 49

Manchester

“I learned Finnish to honor my roots and to communicate with my grandmother. Simply trying is a good start, don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”

- Sara, age 24

Port Orchard

To the Library

Since 2007, To the Library has inspired third-grade students to reach for the stars in their lifelong learning journey, and last year, the success of this program was out of this world!

To the Library invites third-grade students in Kitsap County on a field trip experience where some visit their local Library for the first time. Guided by a librarian, students explore the Library and are introduced to the resources and services available to support them on their path to graduation.

With play being a great way to inspire learning, the To the Library program includes a Library scavenger hunt and interactive storytime. Each student also leaves with a goodie bag full of reading recommendations, Library stickers, pencils and bookmarks, their very own book to take home, and, for many of them, their first library card account.

Third grade is a crucial milestone in a child’s academic journey as they move from learning to read to reading to learn. This transition plays a vital role in their future academic success. Children who become proficient readers by this age are more likely to excel academically through high school, increasing their chances of graduating and pursuing future career opportunities.

Thank you for supporting the meaningful relationships this program builds among library staff, teachers, families, and students on their unique educational journeys. Your generosity ensures To the Library can continue to inspire generations of Kitsap youth to shoot for the moon with their academic goals.

by the numbers

from a local teacher

“My third graders love the To the Library program. Many of my students do not have much experience with the library outside of the school library. They love seeing the library, getting their very own library card, and getting a special gift.

They come to school and tell me about the books they are checking out at the library, with their families. As a teacher, I am thrilled when students are excited about reading.”

Kari Davis, Clearcreek Elementary

The impact of the To the Library program cannot be understated, with 125 students choosing to return to the Library with their families after their initial field trip. Wow!

5 Participating School Districts

47 To the Library School Visits

881 New Library Cards Distributed

2,133 Participating Students

2,189 Books & Bags Distributed

Community Outreach

awareness

Your generosity supports the Library’s visibility throughout our community. In 2023, the Library was involved with dozens of different community events and connected with thousands of community members. By having a presence at these events, the Library brings awareness to the library services, resources and spaces that our community depends on.

literacy

Gifts like yours helped the Library distribute over 10,000 books throughout the community, achieving a significant milestone. By getting books into homes, our Library is not just providing reading material; they’re nurturing a fundamental aspect of literacy. Research consistently shows that access to books at home correlates strongly with improved literacy skills and academic success. Your support directly contributes to this endeavor, empowering families to foster a love for reading and learning within their households.

connection

Outreach events throughout Kitsap County help the Library connect with Kitsap residents who may have never used the Library before. By giving a gift to the Foundation, you inspired the fun activities, giveaways and sweet treats that drew in crowds and invited new patrons into our Library family.

Library Support

training

The Foundation provided funding for staff training, including “The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness” by Ryan Dowd and “Bystander Intervention Training” by Right to Be! Through your generosity, staff members were able to receive this critical training, ensuring they have the tools needed to support the diverse needs of our community.

resources

Donations help our branches in meeting patrons’ day-to-day needs and comfort. Your contributions enable us to provide small consumables and special resources, enhancing the overall experience for visitors and ensuring everyone has access to essential resources and materials.

celebration

With an organization driven by excellence, it is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to recognize and honor Library staff for their ongoing commitment to the Library. As ambassadors of free information, the impact they have on our community cannot be understated.

The Power of Community

our hearts are full our board of directors

Thank you to our sponsors for your commitment to supporting the future of our Library. You inspire us!

our generous donors

Thank you to our amazing family of donors. We are honored to recognize you and extend our sincerest gratitude.

View the donor honor roll at supportKRL.org/donors23.

Carrie Eastman President

Ginger Vaughan Vice President

Erik Fong Past President

Cathy Harvey Secretary

Kara Hops Treasurer

Sarah Butler

Ruchi Christensen

Wendie Johnson

Kristann Orton

Brian P. Wicks, MD

Andrea Sanchez-Williams

Jennifer Yeaman

Ways to Give legacy giving

This spring, transform your passion for libraries into a lasting legacy. Use our free online tool to generate your will and support the Library long after your lifetime.

Plan your legacy at supportKRL.org/legacy.

annual giving events

Make a gift during one of our annual giving events, including Kitsap Great Give, Giving Tuesday, and end-of-year giving Nov. through Dec. 31.

Stay posted on upcoming events at supportKRL.org/newsletter.

shop library

Purchase your favorite library merchandise while supporting the Library. A percentage of every sale supports critical library programs and resources our community relies on.

Shop today at supportKRL.org/shop.

more ways to give

We understand that preferences for supporting charitable causes varies greatly. We’ve ensured there are many ways to inspire the future of library services in Kitsap.

Learn more at supportKRL.org/giving.