KCLS Begins New Decade with Major Milestones

ISSAQUAH, Wash., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the King County Library System:

Proposition 1: Voters Approve Levy Lid Lift for libraries

Thanks to dedicated community advocates and library supporters, voters approved Proposition 1 on the February 9 special election ballot by 52%, authorizing a one-year increase in the property tax level to fund essential library services. With the passage of Proposition 1, voters restored the full allowable library levy rate of 50 cents per $1,000 assessed property value for 2011. The additional revenue will sustain library operations, including hours of service, new and replacement materials, computers and software upgrades, and regular preventive maintenance.

Library's jobs outreach project receives third national award

"Look to Your Library," a timely and innovative community outreach project by the King County Library System (KCLS), has been named a winner in the 64th Annual John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award (JCD) Competition, sponsored by the H. W. Wilson Company and coordinated by the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA).

The Look to Your Library project combined library events, in-person coaching, a dedicated Web section featuring library and community resources, and a comprehensive media and community outreach campaign to connect Puget Sound area residents with information and services to help them weather the financial collapse that began in late 2008. Implemented in early 2009, Look to Your Library continues to be popular with KCLS patrons. The special-purpose LTYL Web section has recorded nearly 30,000 visits in 10 months, and media coverage of LTYL reached record highs for the library system.

The JCD Award -- the longest established and most prestigious honor for library public relations through the American Library Association -- recognizes libraries for excellence in communication promoting library services. The 2010 award marks the third JCD Award KCLS has received since 2000.

More than 40 libraries submitted entries for the prestigious award. Six recipients selected by the 11-member jury were announced January 16 during the Association's midwinter conference in Boston. Winners will be honored at the American Library Association's (ALA) national annual conference in Washington, D.C. in June, where each winning library also will receive a $5,000 award from the H.W. Wilson Foundation.

SOURCE King County Library System