As part of its 2030 future planning services, the Pierce County Library System has been hosting open houses throughout its system to share results of a recent library services survey.

“We are developing a facilities master plan,” PCL Communications Director Mary Getchell said. “We will look at library services and buildings – both from the standpoint of existing buildings.”

Getchell said the PCL board of trustees is reviewing how libraries are serving the public and will consider factors such as the need to expand or change locations. Some of the ideas may include the delivery of services, including adding grocery store kiosks and mailing items to patrons.

“We’re looking at library services that are self-serve libraries with after-hours access,” she said.

With the Puget Sound population growing and patrons’ needs expanding, Getchell said the board is addressing “quite an undertaking.”

“We’re looking at what we know about parking and capacity,” she said. “We’re doing a great deal of assessment work on that now and we’ll be sharing that at the open houses and with community leaders. We have heard form the public on need-to-change plans,” she said. “We’ll have a draft recommendation in the spring and the final plan will come in fall 2009. “

Such changes may come at a cost.

“Very likely, any changes will have a dollar amount attached to it,” she said. “It will ultimately be going to the public, which goes to a bond – which looks at expansions and new buildings – if this is the direction the board hopes to go.”

The next open house will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, at the Bonney Lake library, 18501 90th St. E. and Feb. 5 at Sumner Pierce County library, 1116 Fryar Ave.

Reach Judy Halone at jhalone@courierherald.com or 360-802-8210.