Libraries Transforming Tacoma

I have always loved libraries. Much of my spare time was spent at the South Tacoma or Moore Libraries after school, on weekends and through the summer. Now, as a Trustee for the Tacoma Public Library, I can serve a community institution that has shaped my life. I hope that through my service, I can support those same opportunities for future generations of Tacoma.

Our Tacoma Public Library is not just about books but serving the needs of our community and providing access to information. I often call the library, “the education office for the City of Tacoma.” As an educator, I see how the library helps fill in the spaces around our schools and to support our students. From story times for young children and families, to homework help, to job skills and credentials, our library is an asset to our city for improving the lives and education of our community.

I am deeply proud of all the library has accomplished in my time on the board: hiring a new director, expanding our hours and opening on Sundays, purchasing micro-libraries and expanding library services to underserved parts of our city. Now, as I run for council, I look forward to continuing to invest in our libraries and become a fuller partner in the education of Tacoma.

With support, the library can extend hours and days of operation. Libraries open seven days a week and with evening hours will mean great access for our working families.

With continued investment, the library can acquire new resources, like materials in multiple languages, technology for digital media labs and maker spaces, and co-working spaces for entrepreneurs that can support residents gaining new skills and starting and running businesses.

With collaboration, the library can co-locate services so that the we becomes a “one-stop shop” for arts and culture, social services, and community engagement.

The library remains one of the few public spaces, open to everyone, and dedicated to open access and education. I serve as a library trustee because I believe that education, access to information and learning, remain critical to the success of any city. If Tacoma wants to be a great city, in which all residents can grow and share in our prosperity, we must have a great library!