Renton Public Library (RPL) is a well-loved treasure in our community. After a long evaluation process, the Library Master Plan Study recommended to either finance significant changes to bring the library up to date and on par with other libraries in the state and nation, or join King County Library System (KCLS). After gathering as much information as possible I have determined two things. First, the large amounts of funds needed to make and sustain the recommended changes are beyond what the citizens of Renton would be likely to support given the current economic climate. Second, as an independent governing body dedicated solely to providing top-notch library services, KCLS is best able to serve Renton’s needs today and in the future.

By joining KCLS the two Renton branches would get immediate facility improvements and a combined 20 additional library hours per week. Just some of the many added services would include access to free one-on-one homework and test preparation tutoring in dedicated ‘Study Zones’ for our students, access to real-time assistance with resumes, cover letters and interview preparation in specialized Career Centers for job-seekers, Early Learning Literacy Workshops and Talk Time programs for families learning English, and home book delivery for elderly and disabled residents.

I felt at the time the Master Plan was completed that RPL could move forward and offer these benefits to Renton citizens. However, after considering the economic realities both present and future, I must now concede that joining KCLS is the way to go if we want to retain a vibrant, useful, and contemporary library.

Please find more information at: http://rentonforkclsnow.org/ and join me in voting “yes” to Proposition 1 on Feb, 9.

Amy Pieper

Library Board Trustee