Clippings, July 10, 2009

Library News

All Tri-City branches of the Mid-Columbia Library have computer filters to intercept internet porn and other materials unsuitable for children, and complaints are rare says a library spokesman.  “We are completely in compliance with the laws, “said the library administrative services director.  (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 6.20.09) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/kennewick_pasco_richland/story/621904.html

The Mid-Columbia Library System is seeking alliances with county commissioners, cities and public utility districts to support an application for federal stimulus money to get fiber-optic broadband Internet access to “underserved” library branches in Benton and Franklin counties.   According to the American Library Association website, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has allotted $7.2 billion for broadband programs, including $4.5 billion designated for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.  (Photo)  (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick}, 6.23.09) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/kennewick_pasco_richland/story/622954.html

A proposed pilot program to allow library card holders in good standing in Anacortes, Burlington and La Conner to check out materials from other municipalities appears to have the support of the Anacortes City Council.  The Council will notify the community that they will be voting on the measure.  (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 6.23.09) http://www.goskagit.com/home/article/council_appears_to_support_library_proposal/

Buildings

The Quincy City Council approved a contract for a new 9,700 square-foot Quincy Community Library, a part of the North Central Regional Library.  (Photo)  (Columbia Basin Herald [Moses Lake], 6.19.09) http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2009/06/19/news/doc4a3c04f55d676280304882.txt

Fort Vancouver Regional Library has sold its former Battle Ground Library for $140,000.  (Columbian [Vancouver], 6.27.09) http://www.columbian.com/article/20090627/BIZ01/706279976/0/FRONTPAGE

Letters & Editorials

Why a museum and not a library?  The new Art and Children’s Museum is opening soon.  Meanwhile, less than a block away, our local library is bulging at the seams in a 50-year-old building.  (Bellingham Herald, 6.21.09) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/letters/story/957658.html

Awards

A $10,000 grant from the Qwest Foundation will create 1,000 “Hello, Baby!” book bags for new parents and caregivers in Southwest Washington.  The donation goes to the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District Foundation which helps deliver 3,000 book bags annually.  (Columbian [Vancouver], 6.27.09) http://columbian.com/article/20090627/NEWS02/706279964/-1/ARCHIVES

Programs & Displays

Early Learning

Ten young toddlers celebrated their very first “graduation” – they were the first cohort to complete a new early literacy class at the Roslyn Public Library.  Class highlights included a special visit from new, baby chicks and children received a free “Ready to Read in Roslyn” book bag with their own alphabet book, toy, and information for their parents about early literacy and programs in the area for young children.  (Photo)  (Daily Record [Ellensburg], 6.18.09)

Friends of the Manchester Library Fundraiser

Friends of the Manchester Library, a part of the Kitsap Regional Library, host an annual Father’s Day Salmon Bake.  Proceeds from the Salmon Bake cover about a third of the $24,000 it costs to keep the library building maintained, functioning and insured each year.  (Photo)  (Independent [Port Orchard], 6.19.09) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/poi/lifestyle/48540617.html

Online Book Club

Not sure what to read next?   The Richland Public Library started an online book club and will e-mail samples of books to participants.  Anyone in the Tri-Cities – or the world, for that matter – can sign up for it.  (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 6.23.09)

Art Display

The Edmonds Arts Commission hosts and exhibit of pastel artists Ann Davenport, Corinne Goulet, and Dawn Westmoreland at the Edmonds Library, a part of the Sno-Isle Libraries, through July 30.  (Photo)  (Edmonds Enterprise [Lynnwood], 6.24.09) http://www.enterprisenewspapers.com/article/20090624/ETP15/706249903&template=ETPart

Summer Reading

Readers who join the Arlington Library, a part of the Sno-Isle Regional Libraries, summer reading program will get a buck, or more.  For signing up and for every book young readers read, they’ll get a Book Buck that can be used to purchase books in the library’s ongoing book sale, a project of the Friends of the Arlington Library.  Steve Stav, Arlington Library’s ‘Donor of the Year’ is featured on the Book Buck being distributed.  (Photo)  (Arlington Times [Marysville], 6.24.09) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/north_sound/arl/community/48892822.html

[This summary of library news was created by Bobbie DeMiero and Leanna Hammond of the Washington State Library Division of the Office of the Secretary of State.  It represents a selection of newspaper clippings about Washington libraries from all Washington newspapers received in the packets on the dates shown. For more information about any of these stories, contact Carolyn Petersen at 360.570.5560 or [email protected] ]