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Reciprocal agreement likely for Tacoma, county library systems

By John Larson

Area residents who possess library cards from the Pierce County Library System may be able to obtain cards and check out material free of charge from Tacoma Public Library (TPL) beginning July 1. Last month, the board of trustees of TPL voted to enter into a 15-month trial borrowing agreement.

The board of the county system approached TPL with the idea in January. They will vote on whether to approve the agreement during its May 14 meeting.

Cross-borrowing between the systems has not been allowed since 1979.

Mary Getchell, communications director for the county system, said the idea came because of “convenience, customer service and choice.”

A county resident who works in Tacoma could check out a book, CD or DVD in Tacoma after work and not worry about rushing home in time to hit the Milton library before it closes. Tacoma cardholders, in return, will be able to check out material from any of the 17 county branches, as well as utilize a homework help service.

“This offers far more choices than before,” Getchell said. “This is very much based on use hearing from our customers.”

Library patrons are increasingly mobile, Getchell noted. “When you drive by that library (in Tacoma) and you live in Milton, now you will be able to stop in and check something out. This gives them that opportunity.”

The county system has a reciprocal agreement with the city of Puyallup’s library system, which began in 2007. Getchell said the Tacoma pilot program “is based on the success we had in Puyallup.”

The pilot program is set to run for 15 months. It could be made permanent if the boards of both systems agree.

Currently, Tacoma library cards are available to non-residents for $38 for six months or $56 a year. Tacoma residents can purchase household Pierce County cards for $121 per year.

Fircrest and Ruston are not part of the county system. Residents of those cities would still need to pay to use library services in Tacoma.

The board of the county system will take public testimony on the agreement prior to the vote during its next meeting, which begins at 3:30 p.m. May 14 at its administration building, located at 3005 112th St. E. in Parkland.

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