Washington State Library News

Editions of the Colfax Gazette from 1900 – 1912 are now accessible online at chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.  The web site is free and can be word-searched.  Sections of eight other Washington state papers have also been uploaded, said Laura Robinson, manager of the Washington State Library program.  Washington State Library is among 15 state organizations joining the “Chronicling America” project which is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and directed by the national Library of Congress.  (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 2.11.10)

In a guest editorial Sam Reed, Washington Secretary of State stated that lawmakers in Olympia have a rare opportunity this session to give a green light to the Washington State Heritage Center, creating much-needed jobs, generating sales tax revenue, and providing our citizens with a priceless resource that will serve as a legacy for future generations.  It brings together the State Archives, State Library, educational experiences, public gathering spaces, and a history display under one roof.  (Columbia Basin Herald [Moses Lake], 2.11.10) http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2010/02/11/editorials/doc4b7496dc79920533879216.txt

 

 

 

Library News

Library shows versatility – the White Salmon Valley Community Library’s meeting gallery was transformed into a makeshift medical lab for about four hours last Thursday.  With regional blood supplies in short supply, staff from the Vancouver-based Southwest Washington Blood Program came to White Salmon for a blood drive.  (Photo)  (The Enterprise [White Salmon], 2.4.10)

Mount Vernon Library City Library Director Brian Soneda wants Mount Vernon residents to know they deserve a great library.  He plans to suggest to the Mount Vernon City Council  a library foundation be formed to begin fundraising for a new library here and to inspire community support for the project.  (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 2.9.10)

Officials from Pasco and Mid-Columbia Libraries say they should be able to negotiate a library services contract by the end of June.  (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 2.13.10)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2010/02/13/900122/library-district-pasco-expect.html

Many Seattle Public Library branches are operating on a reduced schedule as of Feb. 3.  The reduction in operating hours is part of a $1.7 million cut to the Library’s 2010 budget to help address a city revenue shortfall.  (North Seattle Herald-Outlook, 2.17.10)  http://northseattleherald-outlook.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=28137&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&S=1

The stereotypical librarian often tells people to quiet down, but the Seattle Public Library wants people to speak up.  The library system is holding a “citywide conversation” in March to get feedback on what it should be doing in the future.  City Librarian Susan Heldreth wants to hear from Seattleites about how the library can best meet their needs, from practical matters like help with taxes to in depth research or pleasure reading.  For a list of dates and times for conversations, visit www.spl.org and select “Strategic Planning” from the Quick Links section.  (Seattle Post-Intelligencer Online, 2.21.10) http://www.seattlepi.com/local/415668_library22.html

The Nile library will remain closed for now, but library officials said Tuesday that they will try to communicate better with residents about the branch’s future.  Nine Nile residents attended Tuesday’s meeting of the Yakima Valley Libraries board of directors to express their concern about the closure of the Nile branch after an October landslide buried State Route 410. (Yakima Herald Online, 2.23.10) http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2010/02/23/nile-library-board-meets-with-residents-about-closure

Elections

The King County Library System’s ballot proposition to raise property taxes and avoid budget cutbacks has pulled ahead slightly from its narrow lead on election night.  After Wednesday’s ballots were counted, the library system’s proposition was leading by 51.1 percent of the votes counted.  (Seattle Times Online, 2.10.10) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011038985_libraryfolo11m.html

The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District is poised to ask voters in its four-county territory to approve a levy lid increase on property taxes, targeting the August 17 primary election.  FVRL seeks up to $3 million more each year that officials say would restore days and hours of library branch operation to pre-2009 levels, rebuild thinning book collections and offset falling revenue caused by slumping property values and other economic woes.  (Columbian [Vancouver], 2.11.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/feb/11/bucks-for-books-library-district-may-seek-tax/

 

Votes counted in support of the library annexation continued to lead through the week, although the gap shrunk to a hair.  The difference between those voting for and against annexing the Renton library to the King County Library System was only 46 votes Thursday.  The gap has varied little from the mid-40s range for most of the week.  (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 2.19.10)

http://www.seattlepi.com/sound/415623_sound84745737.html

Buildings

Construction is well underway on the $38 million Fort Vancouver Regional Library on the southeast corner of Evergreen and C streets in downtown Vancouver.  The project stems from a $43 million ballot measure approved by voters in 2006.  The downtown library will eventually share the site with a mixed-use development called Library Square.  The $170 million private project will feature retail, office and residential components designed around the library building.  (Photo)  (Columbian [Vancouver], 2.9.10)

Lake Stevens Library building celebrates 25 years on Main Street in the center of downtown.  (Photos)  (Lake Stevens Journal, 2.10.10) http://www.lakestevensjournal.com/news/article.exm/2010-02-08_library_building_celebrating_25_years

The Friends of the Oroville Library is looking into getting a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant to fund construction of a new library.  Rural Development officials asked the Friends group to submit an application.  City officials agreed to work with the Friends to try and determine how much work will be involved to get a USDA grant, which would use stimulus funds.  (Photo)  (The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle, 2.10.10)

At the February 3 Sammamish City Council meeting, Deputy City Manager Pete Butkus told the council that adding a parking lot west of the Sammamish Public Library is possible, though it could cost as much as $30,000.  The city will proceed with exploring parking lot designs with cost estimates attached.  (Photo)  (The Sammamish Review [Issaquah], 2.10.10) http://sammamishreview.com/index.php?s=city+considers+extra+parking+near+library

SHKS Architects of Seattle, WA has been awarded design of the Ferndale Public Library.

(Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 2.18.10)

The Oakesdale library branch is soon to have some overdue touchups at the hands of six 4H girls.  The need to find their annual community service project led the Saddle Pals to the library’s aging paint job, carpet and windows.  With $150 from the city of Oakesdale, the girls will repaint the interior and clean the carpet and windows in early March.  (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 2.18.10)

Letters & Editorials

Seattle Public Libraries are cutting costs by cutting hours at most of its libraries, while adding hours at other key library locations.  The King County Library System should do the same.  (SnoValley Star [Issaquah], 2.4.10) http://snovalleystar.com/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/snovalleystar020410.pdf

I’ve been satisfied with my experiences at KCLS, so why am I voting to keep Renton library?  I’m tired of outsourcing everything.  (Renton Reporter [Kent], 2.5.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/opinion/letters/83571302.html

I’ve lived in Renton since 1990.  Back then I went to a Renton Library Board meeting and requested Renton joins the KCLS because I couldn’t find much of the material I wanted in our Renton Library.  Here it is 20 years later, things haven’t changed and we’re just getting around to putting joining the KCLS on the ballot.  (Renton Reporter [Kent], 2.5.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/opinion/letters/83571287.html

Even though I’m sick of reading about the library debate, I decided if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.  So here is my position.  It’s time out for holding on to small-town ideas.  The only way libraries in Renton will expand and become state-of-the-art facilities is by annexing with KCLS.  (Renton Reporter [Kent], 2.5.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/opinion/letters/83571262.html

At the heart of the pro-annexation side is the charge that joining KCLS would be six to 9 percent cheaper than the city-owned alternative.  They arrive at this conclusion with an unfair side-by-side comparison.  (Renton Reporter [Kent], 2.5.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/opinion/letters/83571267.html

I just cannot understand why our library system is canvassing for library managers, since both Colville and Chewelah libraries have staff deserving of those positions.  (Statesman-Examiner [Colville], 2.10.10)

I’m a frequent visitor to the Bellevue library and I’ve always found it hard to believe once inside the library, that there were as many people inside the building as there were vehicles parked outside it.  What is clear here is that inadequate parking is not necessarily holding back use of the building, but rather, it is unmonitored and unenforced parking that is doing so. (Bellevue Reporter [Kent], 2.10.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel/opinion/letters/83486892.html

As I write this, it’s still unclear whether the City of Renton will annex to the King County Library System.  The results after two days of counting remain close, although initially those opposed to annexation felt disheartened.  If annexation happens, the board will hold KCLS’s feet to the fire.  Everyone else should do the same.  If it loses, then the city has a lot of work to do on its library system.  (Renton Reporter [Kent], 2.12.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/opinion/84163367.htm

So the county wants to raise the sales tax by 3 cents on a $10 purchase and says this amounts to about $60 per household.  We all know that once a tax is in place, it’s there forever and the only changes would be to increase it.  I have a far better idea and one that would almost immediately solve the county shortfall:  Just bill each household the $60 they say the tax would cost the average family.

(Seattle Times, 2.17.10) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/northwestvoices/2011060236_taxtalkliftingorcappingthelid.html

I live within the Seattle city limits and was surprised that I was asked to vote on the property tax increase to fund King County rural libraries.  As my property taxes are already very high, I voted no.

(Seattle Times, 2.17.10) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/northwestvoices/2011060236_taxtalkliftingorcappingthelid.html

People

Edmonds resident Chris Loos is the new president of the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation Board.  (The Edmonds Beacon [Mukilteo], 2.4.10) http://www.edmondsbeacon.com/community-features/article.exm/2010-02-12_edmonds_resident_new_president_of_sno_isle_libraries_foundation_board

The Kitsap Regional Library Foundations has added six new board members.  The new board members are former Port Orchard Mayor Kim Abel; part time writer, photographer and advertising consultant Verda Averill; retired Kitsap County Superior Court Judge Leonard Costello; former university professor and administrator Carolyn Dankers; Bremerton community volunteer Susan Larsen and Olalla author Gregg Olsen.  (Central Kitsap Reporter [Silverdale], 2.12.10)

Davis McShea has been named board president of the Seattle Public Library Foundation.  (Photo)  (Puget Sound Business Journal [Seattle], 2.12.10)

Regan Robinson was honored at an afternoon reception for her time as manager of the Lynden Library.  Regan has taken an administrative job with the Whatcom County Library System.  (Photo)  (Lynden Tribune, 2.17.10)

Awards

Anacortes Public Library Foundation received a $250 literacy grant in January from Barbara Hoenselaar and Patti Pattee of Watermark Book Co. in Anacortes.  (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 2.7.10)

Programs & Displays

North Central Regional Library’s first-ever “celebrity story time” was held Tuesday, Jan. 19.  Local celebrities will read every third Tuesday.  Ben Hughes of the Wenatchee Wild (hockey team: editor’s note)was the first celebrity guest.  Hughes was joined by Kyle Brodie, also of the Wild.  (Photos)  (Wenatchee World, 1.20.10)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2010/jan/20/library-launches-celebrity-storytime/

 

Edmonds Library features an exhibit of paintings by John Vandebrooke.  The Edmonds Arts Commission presents the exhibit of encaustic art.  Encaustic art involves a technique in which pigment is mixed with melted wax, generally beeswax.  (Photo)  (The Edmonds Beacon [Mukilteo], 2.4.10) http://www.edmondsbeacon.com/stepping-out/article.exm/2010-02-04_library_features_artwork_by_john_vandebrooke

On March 5, Eugene Nordstrom will hold a book-signing on his third book “Reflections in Gold.”  The book-signing will be part of the “Arts and Letters” event in Camas and will benefit the nonprofit Friends of the Camas Library. (Photo)  (Columbian [Vancouver], 2.8.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/feb/08/2010-off-to-good-start-for-musician/

Using local resources can assist your pursuit of healthy living.  The Timberland Regional Library offers resources that will assist in improving or maintaining health and level of physical activity. (The Daily World [Aberdeen], 2.11.10)

The Whatcom County Library System is celebrating National Library Week, April 11-18, by collecting fun library stories online at wclschuckles.weebly.com.  The library plans to publish the best original stories in a pocket-sized booklet.  To be considered for publication, entries must be received by March 23.

(Bellingham Herald [Bellingham], 2.14.10) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/02/15/1288221/county-collecting-humorous-library.html

A portrait of the first U.S. president is coming to the Lynden Public Library, making the library the first in the nation to participate in the George Washington Portrait Program.  The program’s goal is to return Washington’s portrait to a place of prominence in public schools, but a special request by the Lynden Masonic Lodge won approval for the library.  (Bellingham Herald, 2.15.10) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/02/15/1288037/portrait-of-george-washington.html

The Libraries of Stevens County are hosting a Stargazers Northern Constellations program in Colville on February 25, 2010.  Stargazers is an inflatable traveling planetarium owned by Mr. Robert Moheit of Spokane Valley.  (The Independent [Chewelah], 2.18.10)

It’s an overcast day – rainy and cold – and the Wenatchee Public Library is full of people, buzzing in its quiet way.  Framed fused-glass panels, an art installation by Liz Mapelli called “Anything and Everything,” stand out against wintry gray skies. If you haven’t already, get thee to a library (apologies to Bard).  Bring your library card, stay as long as you want.  If you can’t make it to the library, it can come to you, too.  Visit ncrl.org for information about having books sent to your home through the mail-order program.  (Photos) (Wenatchee World, 2.21.10) http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2010/jan/21/head-to-library-for-peaceful-reprieve/

[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] ]