About SCLD

MISSION

Spokane County Library District connects people with resources 24/7

VISION

Spokane County Library District will be indispensable to the community

SERVICES

Materials: Books, downloadable and standard audiobooks, periodicals, videos, CDs, DVDs, and CD-ROM software available for checkout; online information databases
Computers: Catalog; database access; Internet access; office, reference, educational software
Staff expertise: Reference assistance, Web searching assistance, readers’ advising
K-12 support: Homework support, class visits to libraries, staff classroom visits
Programs: Storytimes, youth reading programs, puppet shows, adult programs, computer training
Outreach: Visits to adult care facilities, storytimes at child care facilities, services to homebound customers
Website: Catalog, materials requests, customer account information, live reference help, information databases, reading lists, suggested websites, library events calendar, branch locations, District information

AREA SERVED

Unincorporated Spokane County and the affiliated cities and towns of Cheney, Deer Park, Fairfield, Latah, Medical Lake, Millwood, Rockford, Spangle, Spokane Valley, and Waverly (annexed to District); and Airway Heights (contracting with District).

Service area population: 236,120 including 123,411 in the unincorporated county and 112,709 in affiliated cities and towns. (State of Washington OFM, 2006 estimate)

Population growth: 1994-2004: 11.3%
Land area: Approximately 1,700 square miles

LIBRARY BRANCHES

10 libraries and outreach services. Branches are located as follows:
Resource Libraries: North Spokane, Spokane Valley
Community Libraries: Airway Heights, Argonne, Cheney, Deer Park, Fairfield, Medical Lake, Moran Prairie, Otis Orchards

SERVICE STATISTICS

Library Materials: Approx. 400,000 items
Staff: Approx. 164 full and part-time positions

Materials borrowed: 1,940,841

Reference questions: 238,047

Computer bookings: 211,564

Cardholders: 116,169

Visitors: 1,158,696

Website hits: 1,527,686

Programs: 2,104

FUNDING

A dedicated property tax of 50¢ per $1,000 of assessed valuation in the unincorporated county and annexed municipalities accounts for almost 93% of annual funding. Annual revenue increases are limited by Initiative 747. The remaining 7% is derived from contract fees, other fees & charges, interest earnings, and interfund transfers.

Budgeted 2008 revenue is $9,912,836. Property taxes & contract fees total $9,691,836 and other revenue is $221,00. Budgeted expenditures are $9,296,258. The unrestricted operating reserve is $1,966,974.

GOVERNANCE

Spokane County Library District is a municipal corporation established by voters in 1942 under provisions of RCW 27.12.040. An independent special purpose district, its sole purpose is providing public library services to the unincorporated county and affiliated municipalities. A five-member Board of Trustees appointed by Spokane County Commissioners governs the District. A Board-appointed library director serves as chief administrator.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chair: Jacob Laete; Vice Chair: Tim Hattenburg
Trustees: Ann Apperson, Frank W. Payne, Mary E. Lloyd

LIBRARY DIRECTOR
Mike Wirt