Why we do what we do.....

The Mission of the
Tacoma Public Library

The mission of the Tacoma Public Library is to provide the highest quality library services to fulfill the informational, educational, recreational and cultural needs of the citizens in the dynamic and changing community of Tacoma, which is comprised of many ethnic and economic backgrounds, and further, to recognize changes that occur in society and to adapt these changes to the delivery of people-oriented library services.

Our responsibilities

The Tacoma Public Library has responsibilities in nine discrete areas. Each of these areas must be addressed as the Library implements its Mission Statement through the Strategic Plan.
Information
The Tacoma Public Library will provide information to its users which is accurate, delivered quickly, appropriate to the users' needs and drawn from the broadest range of available sources. The Library will place special emphasis on local and regional information sources.
Children
The Library has a special responsibility to the children of Tacoma. In every location, we supplement the preschool and formal education processes and promote and foster in children a love of reading and books. Neighborhood libraries provide a safe and welcoming environment for children.
Formal Education
The Library is the principal provider of materials to supplement programs of formal education, including schools and home schooling.
Life-Long Learning
The Tacoma Public Library is committed to providing services and materials which make life-long learning, the attainment of personal goals, and self-directed education for all ages possible.
Business and Employment
The Library will provide information, technology and programming to assist patrons to achieve their business and employment goals.
Recreation
The Library furnishes library resources to provide enjoyable experiences.
Culture
The Library brings citizens together with a diversity of library materials, authors, artists and performers.
Responsiveness
The Tacoma Public Library is alert to and responds to the changing needs in this dynamic community.
Accessibility
The Library provides library service which is conveniently located, during accessible hours, in a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Reference service is of high quality, accurate and timely; library materials are abundant, relevant and reflect the diversity of our society. Library materials are acquired in many formats.
Equal Opportunity
The Library provides a basic access to information. The Library has a responsibility to provide equal access to information and technology, and equal opportunities for learning, for all citizens of Tacoma, regardless of economic status.

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