Dear Tacoma community,
As we approach the close of 2025, I find myself reflecting on the strength, resilience, and creativity of our vibrant community as we came through a challenging year together. This year, Tacoma Public Library continued to serve as a hub where connections are made, ideas are shared, and stories are told—both in the pages of books and in the interactions between neighbors, friends, and staff in our libraries.
One of the core values of Tacoma Public Library is connection—connecting people to ideas, to each other, and to resources that empower and inspire us. Through conducting surveys, library feedback stations, and individual interviews for our strategic plan refresh this year, I heard from so many that what they need from our libraries are places to connect, whether through events, community meeting rooms, or simply as a welcoming place where people can simply be. And this year, our commitment to that value has been evident in so many ways. From connecting families through literacy programs, to bridging cultural and generational divides through community events, or growing in community partnerships where we can offer even more by sharing resources, we’ve been reminded time and again of how important the library is as a point of connection.
This year also marked our participation in the Year of Belonging, a citywide initiative focused on connection, understanding, and collective growth. Through storytelling, cultural events, and shared experiences, we’ve worked to cultivate a welcoming environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to participate. Our Tacoma Reads event with Valarie Kaur was a powerful example of this vision in action—bringing our community together to explore themes of justice, love, and belonging.
We were honored to receive the 2025 AMOCAT Award for Arts Patron, recognizing our role as a conduit for the arts and our collaborations with cultural organizations across Tacoma. From hosting the Wayzgoose, to Tacoma Creates-funded events like Studio and Storytime with Tacoma Art Museum, and TPL’s STEAM programs like Up and Atom, we’ve worked hard to partner in making the library a creative and inclusive space for all. And of course, the long-awaited reopening of the Main Library featuring our new Maker Labs and Community Hub was a top highlight of 2025!
Whether you’ve visited a library this year, borrowed an eBook, attended a program, accessed a library or community resource, engaged with our social media, or enjoyed the library as a quiet space to browse books or study, we are so grateful for the opportunity to connect with you. And whether you’re a long-time library user or someone who visited us for the first time this year, you are an important part of our story.
We look forward to continuing to serve and connect with you in the coming year.
With gratitude,
Amita Lonial
Library Director
