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Tag: Department of Corrections

Big wins for WA libraries in the 2019 legislative session

Big wins for WA libraries in the 2019 legislative session

The 2019 legislative session has ended, and thanks to the hard work of many people, libraries across Washington will benefit immensely. The Office of the Secretary of State, which oversees the Washington State Library, played a huge part in making that success a reality. There is so much good news to report! First, thanks to library advocates everywhere. Lawmakers included eleven rural libraries around the state in the capital budget. Each of these libraries will receive funds to improve their…

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A National Library Week look at institutional libraries

A National Library Week look at institutional libraries

This week, April 8-14, is National Library Week. Through a partnership between the Washington State Library and the state Department of Corrections, we operate nine institutional libraries for inmates and state hospital patients across the state. Institutional libraries are located inside Airway Heights Corrections Center, Clallam Bay Corrections Center, Coyote Ridge Corrections Center, Stafford Creek Corrections Center, Washington Corrections Center, Washington Corrections Center for Women, and Washington State Penitentiary. There are also libraries located in the Twin Rivers Unit and Washington State Reformatory at the Monroe Correctional Complex. Additionally, interlibrary loan services…

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State Library’s annual report showcases successes

State Library’s annual report showcases successes

Every year, the Washington State Library (WSL) reports on its use of Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding to the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). On December 21, 2017, the LSTA State Programs Report for use of the 2016 LSTA award was submitted to IMLS for their review, comment, and approval. The year’s report is 126 pages in length. Reporting is a team effort by all those who manage and support projects which use LSTA funding….

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State employees pledge over $5.3 million through Combined Fund Drive

State employees pledge over $5.3 million through Combined Fund Drive

Despite yet another tough year, state employees in Washington proved once again that they could come together and help their community. The volunteers and donors of the Combined Fund Drive raised more than $5.3 million in 2012 for local, national and global charities through payroll contribution and agency fundraising events, nearly matching the total they generated in 2011. Once again, the University of Washington topped all higher education institutions by bringing in more than $2.1 million in pledges, eclipsing the…

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Typical Year at WSP

Typical Year at WSP

It was a typical year for both of the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) Branch Libraries, the East-Complex (EC) and the West-Complex (WC). In January 2011, our newest Library Associate, Molly Mooney had been on the job for 4 months.  Her training was going well and she enthusiastically participated in special projects:  working with our ILS Wiki pages and Library-Snapshot day.  In March the WC was open full-time again for the first time since February of 2010 and everyone was happy. …

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High Hopes for 2012

High Hopes for 2012

  2011 saw many changes at the Airway Heights Corrections Center (AHCC). The institution changed to a closed movement facility and this has had a dramatic impact on library attendance. From what was a full library most movements has changed to about half our normal capacity.   We started the year out with a Library Snapshot Day. Everyone had a blast and the atmosphere here was full of excitement. In February DOC started to make changes to increase security and for…

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A fresh look at the prison library system

A fresh look at the prison library system

Today I have the pleasure of meeting a new employee for the prison library profession. Anna will begin her training today at Stafford Creek Corrections Center and over the next month and half get a look at the profession. After that time she will move on to the Department of Corrections training and then her own library at the Monroe Correctional Complex.   One of the first things I noticed about Anna is that she is not afraid to ask…

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