King County Library System

King County, WA, USA

The King County Library System (KCLS) is a large and active library system serving nearly 1.6 million people across 2,300 square miles through 50 locations and extensive online services. Founded in 1942, KCLS's mission is to inspire the people of King County to succeed through ideas, interaction, and information. The library system provides free, open, and equal access to a vast collection of materials, including millions of physical items and digital resources like ebooks and audiobooks, making it a leading circulating library for online downloads in the United States. KCLS offers a wide range of services and programs for all ages, including computer access, job search assistance, author events, and specialized services for children and teens. Their strategic framework emphasizes creating opportunities through meaningful connections, providing equitable access to skills and knowledge, and fostering communities of inclusion and belonging. KCLS values knowledge, diversity, equity, inclusion, and intellectual freedom, striving to be a welcoming and essential resource for all community members.