KCLS Libraries do more than lend books. They play a central role in our communities as welcoming, friendly places that can inspire and empower everyone.
µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø System spans 2,300 square miles and serves nearly 1.6 million people through 50 locations and an extensive array of online services and community outreach programs.
In 2025, the KCLS Foundation granted $1.73 million to KCLS programs. New and ongoing 2026 KCLS programs funded by the KCLS Foundation center around four funding priorities: Lifelong Literacy & Learning, Library Innovation, Accessibility & Inclusion, Community Services & Outreach.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are central among our core values and we are constantly learning and trying new ways to expand access to our programs, resources, and facilities. Learn more about the programs the KCLS Foundation is funding in 2026 below.
LIFELONG LITERACY & LEARNING
Raising A Reader: A nationally recognized caregiver engagement and book delivery program, built upon research showing that children’s literacy increases when families are engaged in a regular reading routine and have access to high-interest books that are developmentally appropriate with diverse representation. Through partnerships with other agencies, we connect directly with high-priority audiences.
Fall & Winter Adult Reading Challenge Program: The Fall & Winter Adult Reading Challenge Program aims to create an annual reading challenge exclusively for KCLS adult patrons during the colder months.
Summer Book Bingo Adult Reading Challenge: The Summer Book Bingo Adult Reading Challenge Program would allow Adult and Community Services to continue KCLS’s current partnership with the Seattle Public Library (SPL) for Summer Book Bingo during May through September
Adult English Language Learning (ELL) Instruction: 700 English Language Learning Instruction class sessions that include reading and writing delivered in person at community libraries throughout KCLS
Supporting Grade Level Reading & Award: A program that helps reluctant and eager readers alike develop and strengthen their love of reading by offering fun books, engaging activities, and the voice to vote for their favorite books of the year. Book sets are distributed using an equity lens prioritizing schools that are under-resourced.
Summer Reading Program: For low-income youth, simple access to books is the main barrier to reading engagement. This annual summer program provides books for all ages and focuses on habituating reading through challenges, incentives, and programs.
TABs (Teen Advisory Boards): Facilitated by Teen Services Librarians (TSLs) to encourage teen volunteers in pursue of civic engagement projects or programming that address the library’s mission and strategic plan, community needs, and teen interests.  
ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
Author Voices Series: A series of author events centering people from historically marginalized and underserved communities.
Friends Day: In-person event for KCLS Friends groups providing a platform for networking, sharing best practices, and learning about shared topics such as fundraising and volunteer recruitment, while fostering a strong sense of community among Friends groups, KCLS staff, and the Foundation.
Deepening Impact of Heritage and Awareness Observances: KCLS currently recognizes 58 cultural and awareness related observances annually through its Heritage and Awareness Calendar. The project funds the purchase of giveaway books for Heritage and Awareness events throughout the year.
In-person and online classes for seniors around technology and the arts.
Books Beyond Barriers: This program supports early literacy and reading for enjoyment for families whose lived experiences are impacted by incarceration, addiction, and foster care through the purchasing of books that will reflect their varied and complex life experiences.
World Languages Online Access & Discoverability: This is a three year project to expand the languages in which KCLS patrons can access the KCLS online catalog. As part of the roll out of additional languages we will create documentation and best practices around language access.
COMMUNITY SERVICES & OUTREACH
This program connects library patrons who have barriers to obtaining basic needs met, are experiencing housing instability or are unhoused, or are living with HIV/AIDS with services and resources to move them toward stability and improved health.
Supportive Services for Unhoused and Under Resourced Families This program brings library resources and programs to community locations such as tent cities, shelters, day centers, treatment clinics, food banks, and subsidized housing. Services include book distribution, hotspot lending, activity kits, referrals to public benefits, and early literacy programs.
This program’s goal is to facilitate connections and create communities of belonging among immigrants, refugees, and new arrivals. It functions as a point of connection, a suite of wrap-around services, and a resolution that all libraries are places of belonging.
LIBRARY INNOVATION
Emerging Patron Technology: This three-year pilot project will fund a dedicated Emerging Technology Administrator to explore, pilot, and implement innovative technologies—particularly artificial intelligence (AI)—with a strong emphasis on enhancing patron-facing services. The position will bridge ITS and Public Services to co-develop tools and programs aligned with community needs.
Vinyl Record Pilot Project: A vinyl record collection and listening station, plus complementary programming, at the Federal Way Library. Focused on Pacific Northwest artists and culturally significant albums, the project aims to expand music access, foster community connection, and explore new collection formats. Rather than serving as a passive resource, the collection will be an active hub, bringing the community together through music exploration, learning, and engagement.
