2024 Impact Report
Inspiring Curiosity and Connection
A Message of Gratitude
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 programs and services that inspire curiosity and connection across Kitsap County.
Philanthropy plays a critical role in making more possible for our Library and the communities it serves. Through your support, Kitsap Regional Library is able to expand services, innovate programming, and meet emerging community needs—helping ensure that the Library remains a vital resource for all.
Last year, over 620 donors contributed more than $822,000 to strengthen library programs and projects. Your support has never been more important; Kitsap residents visited their libraries more than 832,000 times across nine locations. Over 54,000 community members participated in Library programs, and cardholders borrowed more than 2.6 million items. The mobile services team made over 2,700 home visits, while staff hosted more than 2,900 live and virtual programs that enriched and educated our community.
These numbers illustrate the Library’s transformative impact, made possible by tax funding and the charitable gifts that amplify its reach and impact. Your support ensures that Kitsap Regional Library continues to evolve, meeting today’s needs and preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Thank you for being part of this important work. Your generosity is a testament to the power of community and the enduring value of libraries.
Our Mission
We proudly support our community by facilitating charitable gifts that advance the Library's mission and vision:
Inspiring curiosity and connection so that all people have the opportunity to grow, belong, and thrive.
Support to the Library
Last year, 620 donors contributed over $822,250 to the Library and 159 individuals made their first gift!
With your support, the Foundation gave over $771,482 to Kitsap Regional Library, providing the necessary funding for essential services, programs and projects.
Click here for more information on the disbursement of our sources of support.
$125,053
Annual Summer Learning Program
$82,623
Branch & Program Support
$101,913
Books & Collection Support
$22,537
Annual To the Library Program
$34,335
Staff Training & Recognition
$405,021
Silverdale Capital Campaign
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.
832,296
Visits Across Nine Branches
(increase of 9%)
54,601
Library Program Attendees
(increase of 15%)
2,640,234
Library Items Borrowed
(increase of 5%)
51,333
Technical Support Sessions
(increase of 6%)
2,996
Live & Virtual Library Programs
(increase of 17%)
94,339
Public Computer Sessions
(increase of 17%)
Your Gifts at Work
Supporting the Library’s Priority Areas
Kitsap Regional Library aligns its work through five priority areas; your generous gifts help ensure free and equitable access to the programs, projects and resources across the following areas:
By the Numbers
It’s incredible to watch our community come together through the power of learning.
8,303
10-hour Readers
(increase of 10%)
4,127
100-hour Readers
(increase of 21%)
1,208
Learning Challenges
16,750
Event Attendees at 658 Programs
This summer I learned ASL. I learned signs for baby, cry, crawl, bacon, boy and a lot more. It is really cool to thing that some people use ASL every day! Some of the signs were hard but fun! I really enjoyed learning it and I hope some people will try to learn too!
Sage, age 9
This summer I spent many hours reading to my toddler daughter and watching her love for books, stories and reading grow. From the beginning of the summer, she transformed from a passive listener to an active story-teller…It is my goal to participate in Kitsap Library’s summer reading program every summer to help encourage her love of reading.
Elisabeth, age 35
I went to the Silverdale library and it was really fun! I loved the treehouse and the felt board. One of my favorite things was the book recommendation! I would love to go there again!
Addy, age 10
This summer I decided to volunteer to gain more volunteer experience and help others. I chose to volunteer at the Silverdale waterfront teaching kids and younger teens to sail. I’m a member of the Kitsap Sailing Team and I know how important the sailing camps are to the team and I wanted to help people learn something new. Throughout this experience, I learned more about teaching and sailing too.
Maya, age 16
Since covid I battled cancer and became a recluse. On June 3rd I made it into the local library branch, reupped my card. While there I joined the reading program and attended a new group, “Gardeners Tea Party”. And reconnected with my community. Thank you Kitsap Regional Library for the resources to connect.
Michelle, age “Grammie Status”
By the Numbers
The impact of the To the Library program cannot be understated; it builds reading confidence and opens doors to lifelong learning.
5
Participating School Districts
39
To the Library
Branch Visits
2,391
Participating Students
from a local teacher
From a Local Teacher
Our annual visit to our local Kitsap Regional Library provides a wonderful opportunity for our third graders at Emerald Heights. It is truly a day of discovery, learning, and inspiration. Watching the students engage with the library’s resources and exploring new worlds through books is an invaluable experience for all involved. We are grateful to the library staff for their warm welcome and dedication in making this visit so enriching. It’s amazing to see how our students’ excitement for reading and learning grows when they are surrounded by such a vast and welcoming collection of books and resources.
This trip not only sparks curiosity and creativity but emphasizes the importance of community partnerships in supporting our students’ educational journey. We look forward to more opportunities like this and encourage our third graders to continue exploring the library’s offerings long after their visit.
Auri Roberts
Third Grade Teacher
Emerald Heights Elementary
Community Outreach
Your generosity ensures the Library remains a visible and vibrant part of our community. In 2024, the Library participated in dozens of local events, connecting with thousands of community members.
By showing up where our community gathers, the Library strengthens awareness, inspires new users, and ensures more people have access to the tools they need to grow, belong, and thrive.
Last year, the Library distributed 11,000+ books throughout the community, building a foundation for lifelong literacy.
Research shows that home libraries play a critical role in youth literacy, academic success, and lifelong learning. With books in their hands, families are empowered to boost literacy skills, spark imagination, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Outreach events help connect the Library to our community. With your support, Library staff created welcoming experiences with engaging activities, fun giveaways, and sweet treats—sparking curiosity and inviting new patrons to discover all the Library has to offer.
By making these moments possible, you helped strengthen community connections, making the Library more accessible and inviting to all!
At the Juneteenth celebration, a Manchester patron discovered “Brown Baby Lullaby” by Tameka Fryer Brown at the Kitsap Regional Library booth—just in time for the arrival of her first grandchild. In November, she traveled to Huánuco, Peru, to meet him, bringing the book as a special gift. It was an instant favorite!
Thank you for your generosity in providing these books and know that Kitsap Regional Library is making a difference around the world!
- Manchester Patron/Grandma
Thank You!
We couldn't do this without you. Thank you on behalf of the children, families and adults the Library serves in every corner of our community. Your generosity makes the dreams of our community possible. You inspire us!