Downtown Reno Library Elevator News
Due to ongoing construction, the elevator at the Downtown Reno Library is currently not in service. Computers and restrooms are available on the main level for patrons who are unable to use the stairs, and staff can assist with retrieving materials from other levels.

 

 

Washoe County invites you to SpeakUp. Learn about projects and programs, access meeting agendas, and share comments on topics you care about.
Washoe County Library logo

Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees of Washoe County Library System is appointed by the Washoe County Commissioners in accordance with NRS 379.022, and is responsible for governing the operations of Washoe County Library System. The Library Board appoints the Library Director and evaluates his or her performance, helps set library goals and objectives, approves policies, monitors the Library's finances, evaluates the Library's overall effectiveness, and advocates for the library in the community.

Gianna Jacks, Chair

gjacks@washoecounty.gov

Trustee Photo

Gianna Jacks was appointed September 2023. Throughout her life she has worked on a variety of government boards and committees as well as community volunteer activities. Gianna worked in real estate for 18 years and was in the United States Navy Reserves for eight years. Gianna is originally from Southern California in the San Fernando Valley, and has explored under the ocean from San Diego to Ventura as a PADI Master Dive Instructor. She’s a former Regional Toastmaster Champion and owned a coffee food truck before moving to Incline Village then Carson City and Reno, and has been a Nevadan ever since. Gianna and her husband own a local tax and business consulting company. Gianna’s hobbies include reading books, hugging trees, and hiding the TV remote from their three home-schooled children.

Her first term ends June 30, 2027.

Lea Moser, Vice Chair

LMoser@washoecounty.gov

Trustee Photo

Lea is a fifth-generation Sparks, Nevadan. She is also an alumna of Sparks High School and a two-time alumna of the University of Nevada, Reno. She has an MPH from UNR in Health Policy and Health Administration and a BA in Political Science and Philosophy. Lea served two years as a City Year/AmeriCorps member — an education based nonprofit/AmeriCorps organization that serves under-resourced schools in Boston and in San Jose. She is also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer in which she served a little over two years volunteering in Botswana, Africa, as an HIV/AIDS life skills volunteer. Lea currently works full-time as an epidemiologist with the CDC Foundation, working in conjunction with the Office of State Epidemiology.

Her first term on the library board ends June 30, 2026.

Al Rogers, Trustee

Arogers@washoecounty.gov

Trustee Photo

For over 30 years Al Rogers worked in local government and education, where he gained an exceptional perspective about the community he has served and invested his time and talent on behalf of the citizens of Northern Nevada. As a leader, mentor, and volunteer, Al has acquired the contacts and background that solidify his position to serve on the Washoe County Library Board of Trustees.

From the day he started his career at Bishop Manogue Catholic High School, to his local government career with the City of Reno and Washoe County that culminated as director in the Executive Office of the County Manager with Washoe County, Al has taken on some of the greatest responsibilities that one could tackle in a public service lifetime directing diverse programs that included parks and recreation, citizen and community engagement, legislative relations, government affairs, emergency management, county strategic planning, and budget and county commissioner support.

Al’s list of professional accomplishments is as long as the list of accolades that he has received for his volunteerism, and he is proud to have previously served on the Washoe County Regional Animal Services Advisory Board. When time allows, Al and his wife Roberta enjoy golf, his family life, as well working on home improvement projects and traveling the world. His first term ends June 30, 2024.

Ann Silver, Trustee

asilver@washoecounty.gov

Trustee Photo

Ann Silver was born and raised in New York and found her way to Northern Nevada following graduation from Cornell University and Notre Dame Law School. She started her career working for Indian Legal Services in Carson City.

Following several years as Executive Director of Nevada’s Department of Employment & Training, she returned to New York City where she served as Sr. VP of Human Resources & Labor Relations before being promoted to the role of General Manager of Radio City Music Hall. She then moved on to lead Human Resources & Labor Relations for Compass Group, one of the largest food service and restaurant operators in the country.

In 2005, Ann returned to Nevada, led several non-profits including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada, and in 2016, became the first female to serve as CEO of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce in 98 years. The organization has grown to represent 2,200 businesses and non-profits that employ over 120,000 Washoe County residents.

Ann lives in Reno and spends free time reading, walking, and reading even more. Her first term on the Library Board ends June 30, 2026.

 

The Library Board meets regularly on the third Wednesday of each month, usually at one of the library's twelve locations. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

2024

  • 06/26/2024 - Agenda - Minutes - Recording - Hybrid - Virtual Meeting & Incline Village Library
  • 05/15/2024 - Agenda - Minutes - Recording - Hybrid - Virtual Meeting & South Valleys Library
  • 04/17/2024 - Agenda - Minutes - Recording - Hybrid - Virtual Meeting & Spanish Springs Library
  • 03/20/2024 - Canceled
  • 02/21/2024 - Canceled
  • 01/17/2024 - Agenda - Minutes - Recording - Hybrid - Virtual Meeting & Downtown Reno Library

2023

2022

2021

2020

  • 12/16/2020 - Agenda - Minutes - Virtual Meeting
  • 11/18/2020 - Agenda - Minutes - Virtual Meeting
  • 10/21/2020 - Agenda - Minutes - Virtual Meeting
  • 09/16/2020 - Agenda - Minutes - Virtual Meeting
  • 08/19/2020 - Agenda - Minutes - Virtual Meeting
  • 07/15/2020 - Agenda - Minutes - Virtual Meeting
  • 06/17/2020 - Agenda - Minutes - Virtual Meeting
  • 05/20/2020 - Agenda - Minutes - Spanish Springs Library - CANCELED
  • 04/15/2020 - Agenda - Minutes - South Valleys Library - CANCELED
  • 03/18/2020 - Agenda - Minutes - Downtown Reno Library - CANCELED
  • 02/25/2020 - Agenda - Minutes - Concurrent - County Commission Chambers 
  • 02/19/2020 - Agenda - Minutes - Downtown Reno Library
  • 01/15/2020 - Agenda - Minutes - Sparks Library

2019

2018

2017

  • 12/20/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - Sierra View Library - (Location Change)
  • 11/15/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - North Valleys Library
  • 10/18/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - Hard Rock Hotel (South Lake Tahoe) - CANCELED
  • 10/16/17-10/18/2017 - Notice of Possible Quorum - Hard Rock Hotel (South Lake Tahoe)
  • 09/27/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - Downtown Reno Library (special meeting)
  • 09/20/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - Sierra View Library - CANCELED
  • 08/16/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - Incline Village Library
  • 07/19/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - South Valleys Library
  • 06/21/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - South Valleys Library - CANCELED
  • 05/17/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - Northwest Reno Library
  • 05/03/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - Downtown Reno Library (special meeting)
  • 04/19/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - Spanish Springs Library
  • 04/19/2017 - Notice of Possible Quorum - Spanish Springs Library
  • 03/15/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - Sparks Library
  • 02/22/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - Sparks Library
  • 02/15/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - Sparks Library - RESCHEDULED
  • 01/18/2017 - Agenda - Minutes - Downtown Reno Library

2016

2015

Washoe County Library System Strategic Planning Process for 2022-2025

Download the Complete Strategic Plan 

Washoe County Library System began its strategic planning process in August 2021. In creating a variety of opportunities for the public and staff to provide input we can maximize the library’s resources to serve the greatest need of Washoe County. We created an online and paper survey that received over 775 responses.

We held eight strategic planning forums at most of our branches throughout the county. We provided an internal survey for staff to provide input as well as the Library Board of Trustees. The majority of our patrons responded as well educated (41% said graduate degree or higher), mostly women (78%), and mostly white (87%). This response is typical for most library patrons. Our survey response is consistent with our user base. However, it does allow us to reflect on outreach to different communities to make sure we are hearing from everyone. When asked how patrons use the library, the top four responses were:

  • Picking Up Holds
  • Browsing for Something New
  • Reading, Relaxing, and Hanging Out
  • Attending Library Events.

The services most important for patrons were:

  • Open Hours
  • New and Popular Books and Movies
  • Magazines and Newspapers
  • Events for Seniors
  • Events for Kids.

This response was also consistent when patrons were asked what services they would like to see expanded. One addition was the expansion of ebooks and downloadable audiobooks from our online respondents.

Using the survey, forum feedback, and staff feedback, our Leadership Team met over two weeks to discuss how to translate these needs into the following:

  • Stimulate Imagination: Enhance the Washoe County Library System’s Collection based on patron interest and proximity.
  • Provide Welcoming Spaces: Enhance the Washoe County Library System’s Spaces through renovations, spaces, furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
  • Workforce Building: Provide Workforce Training and Virtual Space Opportunities for a COVID and Post-COVID Environment.
  • Lifelong Learning: Improve the welfare of and provide more resources for Lifelong Learners and Seniors in Washoe County.
  • School Support: Ensure Washoe County Library System supports in-school children to help them succeed.
  • Celebrate Our Diverse Community: Ensure we are serving and celebrating everyone in our community.
  • Promote the Library: Renew Tax Initiative and ensure the library is financially secure.

There will be a specific time action plan to accompany this document. In engaging these initiatives, we will still maintain existing goals. Our last strategic plan had similar initiatives with Community Hub (much like Welcoming Space), Grow Young Readers (like School Support), Express Creativity (Maker Services and Technology Classes), and Know Your Community.

Just like growing an orchard, a strategic plan plants the seed and allows it to grow. Once matured, we can maintain it. This next phase will plant more seeds for our library to grow and meet the needs of the citizens of Washoe County.

Previous Strategic Plans

Annual Reports

Other Plans & Reports

Print

The Wall Street Journal

Full access to the most recent issues of the Journal

Libby

Our digital collection features thousands of titles you can access with Libby

The New York Times

Complimentary digital access to The New York Times

Reading Challenges

Participate in all our reading challenges with the Beanstack app

TechBoomers

Learn popular technology, apps, and websites with a senior focus

Small Engine Repair Reference Center

Detailed, user-friendly repair guides for all manner of small engines

NoveList Plus

Reading recommendations, series information, and more tools for readers

Mango Languages

Easy access to language learning . More than 72 languages offered.

LinkedIn Learning

Creative, business, and technology courses for in-depth learning

Computer Skills Center

Video courses to learn popular software and computer basics

1,000 Miles Project

The first-hand account of a 1914 prospecting trip across Nevada provides an engaging way to study history

WorldBook Online

With activities and a suite of research tools, it's more than an encyclopedia

TumbleBook Library

A collection of talking, animated picture books and ebooks for kids

Libby

Our digital collection features thousands of titles you can access with Libby

1,000 Miles Project

The first-hand account of a 1914 prospecting trip across Nevada provides an engaging way to study history

WorldBook Online

With activities and a suite of research tools, it's more than an encyclopedia

Brainfuse HelpNow

Live homework help, writing lab, test prep, and other student resources

Explora

Research resources and tools for students and teachers

STEAM

Science, technology, engineering, and art resources

Family Engagement and Literacy

Cultural and educational resources for kids of all ages

Get a Card

Sign up for an instant digital card to get access to all our online resources.

Apps and Tools

Many of our most popular resources have apps for easy use on mobile devices.

TumbleBiblioteca

Disfrute de más de 50 libros, libros de dibujos, y libros con audio para niños de todas las edades.

Referencia Latina

Texto completo cubre una amplia gama de temas dentro y fuera de la academia.

OverDrive

Colección de libros electrónicos y audiolibros descargables en inglés o español y revistas.

The New York Times

Acceso gratuito en línea al New York Times, tanto de forma remota como en la biblioteca.

HelpNow

Tutoría en vivo en español o inglés está disponible con Brainfuse HelpNow