Jason Driver

The Kitsap Regional Library, with head offices in Bremerton, is a vibrant and essential community resource, consisting of nine branches and a mobile services unit located throughout Kitsap County. Library Director Jason Driver assumed his role in February 2022 and has since helped steer a successful team of approximately 190 employees to adopt a common goal — to foster a love for curiosity, reading and lifelong learning.

The library was established as a regional library system in 1955, although many of its locations existed as individual libraries well before then. In fact, the first documented library service in Kitsap County dates back to 1863 on Bainbridge Island. Key services include access to a wide range of physical and digital collections, including books, ebooks, audiobooks and multimedia resources. The libraries also offer a variety of programs, such as early literacy initiatives, educational workshops, technology classes and community events that promote engagement and learning for all ages.

Last year alone, the Kitsap Regional Library served over 750,000 visitors across its nine locations, and county residents borrowed over 2.5 million items. The mobile services unit made 2,000 home visits and the digital library experienced over 700,000 downloads of ebooks, audiobooks and other materials.

A native of Chicago, Driver was named librarian of the year in 2014 at the Chicago Public Library. In addition, he served on the task force for the planning and development of a Chicago Public Library branch on the Obama Presidential Library Campus, assisted in the implementation of one of the first library Human Centered Design development teams, directed systemwide early literacy initiatives for 81 libraries and assisted in the development of systemwide onboarding development of new staff.

Among the new initiatives Driver has spearheaded in his current position is Thrive Ahead, launched earlier this year. This bold vision for the future seeks to make the library a more sustainable organization centering on three key strategies: fostering welcoming and belonging, building collective impact and thriving ahead. He is committed to fostering a love for reading and lifelong learning, and states, “I’m excited about the future of the Kitsap Regional Library system as we continue to grow and adapt to serve our community better.”

Driver received his master’s in information and library science degree from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and his bachelor’s of science in psychology from Illinois State University. He is married with five children, two of whom have moved to Kitsap with him and his wife, Annie, to attend area schools. It’s been a remarkable transition, and besides marrying his wife, Driver counts his decision to move to Kitsap as the second-best decision he’s ever made.

“Jason leads with a fundamental belief that libraries are an integral part of their communities,” says Stephanie George, trustee on the KRL Board of Directors. “He has led our course to be more accessible, collaborative and sustainable to each of the communities we serve and to the region overall.”

Why Kitsap Regional Library

I was drawn to the Kitsap Regional Library because of its strong commitment to community engagement and lifelong learning. The library’s mission to provide resources and programs that enhance the quality of life in our community resonated with my passion for accessible education and cultural enrichment. Additionally, the opportunity to lead a team dedicated to fostering inclusivity and supporting diverse needs was incredibly appealing.

The importance of the work

The library plays a critical role in providing equitable access to information, resources and educational opportunities. In a world where knowledge is power, the library serves as a gateway for all members of the community — regardless of background or socioeconomic status. Whether it’s helping children develop literacy skills, offering adults pathways to career growth or creating a space for cultural connection, the work we do directly strengthens the fabric of our community.

Best part of the job

The most rewarding part of leading Kitsap Regional Library is seeing the impact of our work in real time. Every day, I witness how our services and programs transform lives — whether it’s a child discovering the joy of reading, a senior finding a community through our events or a small-business owner accessing the tools they need to succeed. Being at the forefront of this positive change while empowering our talented staff to bring our mission to life is incredibly fulfilling.

Biggest challenge

The biggest challenge to achieving anything, especially my goals, is time. There aren’t enough hours in the day for the amount of work that I have to do. Having said that, balance is important, so spending time with my family needs to be prioritized as well. I would say that the next biggest challenge is constantly adapting to the evolving needs of our community. Staying responsive to those needs while continuing to innovate and improve our services requires flexibility and dedication.

Best compliment

The biggest compliment someone can ever give me about my work is that they enjoy working for the library. Ultimately, a person’s job satisfaction is a reflection of the culture of an organization, and I believe our library has a fantastic culture. I work hard to cultivate an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity and a shared commitment to our mission. When I hear staff express their enthusiasm for being part of this organization, it truly validates our efforts and inspires me to continue improving our workplace.

Things I can’t live without

Personally, I can’t live without my family, good books and nature. My loved ones provide support and joy, books fuel my imagination and knowledge, and being in natural surroundings rejuvenates me. A close second would be my beloved Chicago Bears!

Best way to relax

I am generally most relaxed when I’m in my kitchen listening to NPR while whipping up some new cuisine to try out on my family. Cooking allows me to unwind and express my creativity while also giving me the chance to bond with my family over a shared meal.

Hobbies outside of work

I enjoy cooking, listening to jazz, playing chess and generally relaxing outdoors. I am a water person, so any time spent outdoors near a body of water is nourishment for my soul. Whether it’s going for a swim, taking a leisurely walk by the shore or simply soaking in the scenery, being near water always brings me peace.