Library News
What appeared to be a homemade bomb comprised of fireworks was detonated by a bomb squad at 2:12 p.m. Wednesday outside the downtown Renton library on Mill Avenue. Renton police had evacuated the downtown library about 1 p.m. Wednesday after Parks Department employees found an unidentified “device” in a bag 50 feet away from the library in the bushes. (Photos) (Renton Reporter [Kent], 6.24.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/news/124376624.html

As expected, a recently released report on library funding confirmed the city’s library is grossly underfunded, but what was also revealed by an independent consultant is that the Walla Walla County Rural Library District may have been justified in its assertion that it was paying an unfair amount to the city to serve its clients. (Union-Bulletin [Walla Walla], 6.30.11)

A life-long reader’s collection of silver will be used to supply the city library with an endowment to purchase new books. Long-time Mount Vernon resident and library patron Frank Bichler has bequeathed at least $300,000 to the library, which will be used to create an endowment netting the library more than $15,000 a year for new materials. (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 7.1.11)

Whether attending the Pierce County Library System or the Puyallup Public Library, residents of East Pierce County are exposed to a generous amount of programming and services for all ages. Most funds that support programming are raised by the sale of donated books. Michael Dawn Peters, South Hill branch friends member, gives much of the credit to one individual. “Our ongoing book sale is kept in order by our very dedicated volunteer, Florence Davis,” Peters said. (The Herald [Puyallup], 7.6.11) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/07/07/1736339/donation-of-books-benefits-the.html#storylink=misearch

Elections
Hoquiam officials presented a draft proposal Monday to consider allowing the city’s library to be annexed into the Timberland Regional Library District to save money as they look to cut costs from the budget. Any annexation would have to be approved by the City Council and then put before voters as a ballot issue. The Timberland board of trustees would also have to approve the change. (Daily World [Aberdeen], 6.28.11)

Better cooperation is key to solving the region’s library woes, especially if city and county officials decide to follow a consultant’s recent recommendation to annex into one regional library taxing district. Earlier this year, library consultant Ruth Metz was hired by WALNET – a consortium of the city library, the Walla Walla County Rural Library District and the Walla Walla Community College Library – to find possible ways to improve funding for the region’s libraries. (Union-Bulletin [Walla Walla], 6.30.11)

The King County Library System (KCLS) board voted June 28 to delay a decision on consolidating the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries. Both are located within Burien’s city limits. There was no announcement on how long they will delay their decision, or when they will reconsider it. Local lawmakers have asked the board to wait until the issue of White Center annexation becomes clearer. (Highline Times/Des Moines News/Sea Tac News [Burien], 7.8.11) http://www.highlinetimes.com/2011/06/06/news/board-delays-decision-2-burien-libraries

Buildings
Initial plans have been developed for a new Oakville Timberland Library and community center at the site of the Oakville School District elementary school building, according to a Timberland Regional Library press release. Timberland hired architect Larry Smith, manager of Todd & Associates f Olympia. Funding for the project is anticipated to come from grants and donations. (Photo) (The Vidette [Montesano], 6.23.11)

The Renton City Council Monday night voted to build two new Renton libraries, one near the Renton Transit Center and the other in the Highlands. Also in a 4-3 vote the council decided to move forward with issuing the sale of $18 million in bonds to pay for the libraries. (Renton Reporter [Kent], 6.24.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/news/124318653.html

The King County Library System (KCLS) is moving forward on plans to renovate and expand the Vashon Library as it enters the permitting phase of the construction process. Meanwhile, the library system is still working to select a temporary location for the Vashon Library during construction next year. (The Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber, 6.29.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/vashon/vib/news/124667044.html

Kitsap Regional Library will increase Saturday hours at five of its branches beginning July 23. There will be no net increase or decrease in hours, and no change in costs. Branches with increased Saturday hours will see corresponding reduction in weekday hours. (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 7.1.11) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jun/30/kitsap-regional-library-adjusts-branch-hours/

Wednesday, June 29, the Friends of the Buena Library, a part of Yakima Valley Libraries, group held a ground breaking ceremony for the new library scheduled for construction. For the last six years the group has been working on the funds to build a new library. (Photo) (Review Independent [Toppenish & Wapato], 7.6.11)

Bleyhl Community Library will have modified hours of operation for July, as the staff packs up to move to the new library building on the Grandview campus of Yakima Valley Community College. The Bleyhl Community Library location will close permanently at the end of the day August 12. (Grandview Herald, 7.6.11)

The Lacey Timberland Regional Library will reopen a week sooner than expected, though some services won’t be available during the final week of the remodel. Library patrons can access pickups and place holds during construction, but those services won’t be available after 5 p.m. Saturday. They’ll resume when the library open at 10 a.m. July 18. (The Olympian [Olympia], 7.9.11) http://www.theolympian.com/2011/07/09/1718149/lacey-revamped-library-to-reopen.html#storylink=misearch

Crowds around a crib usually start thinning out along about the second week after a baby is born. That’s why we’re thinking this week might be a good time to visit the spectacular new Vancouver Community Library at Evergreen Boulevard and C Street downtown. We’re not saying the new has worn off. No, sir. We’re just saying that, by now, the ribbons have been cut, the pontificating politicians have left the library to speechify elsewhere, and any first-week wrinkles have been ironed out. (The Columbian Online [Vancouver], 7.25.11) http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/jul/25/in-our-view-visit-the-crib/

Letters and Editorials
To the Mead Schools’ administrators and school board: Shame on you! When my children attended your district, it was considered one of the best in the state. Now to eliminate all library positions. You will set your district back 50 years! At the very least you could retain one at senior high, one at junior high and two at elementary to protect your investment in children and books. (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 6.19.11) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jun/19/library-losses-shameful/

Two of Renton’s institutions, libraries and Valley Medical Center, are undergoing monumental change that while emotional and controversial will in the end bring better services to residents of the city. No one can deny that the loss of Renton’s iconic library over the Cedar River is gut-wrenching … but we look forward to a new modern library rising in downtown Renton. (Renton Reporter [Kent], 6.24.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/opinion/124443374.html

I use both the Highlands and main Renton Library extensively and I support Sally Scott’s well-reasoned suggestion to preserve the library in its present location. In effectively managing KCLS director Bill Ptacek states that “planning is done by collaboration between labor and management.” I want to see our council support the inclusion of Renton Library patrons in that formula … after all, it is our tax dollar. (Renton Reporter [Kent], 6.24.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/opinion/letters/124443299.html

It wouldn’t be surprising to look up public servant in the dictionary (or in a Google search) to find a picture of Washington’s Secretary of State Sam Reed. After all, Reed – a Republican now in his third term in office – has made a career of putting citizens first. And, perhaps most importantly, Reed has overseen the Secretary of State’s Office in an independent, nonpartisan way. (Union-Bulletin [Walla Walla], 6.30.11)

The recent articles, letters and opinions about the 9-1-1 call center and library funding illustrate that good background on issues is often lacking. This must be addressed by the Walla Walla City Council and the U-B. It is next to impossible to come to a reasonable understanding of the current library problem and its potential solution without giving the background as to the current arrangement. To be good citizens, we must be well informed. (Union-Bulletin [Walla Walla], 7.1.11)

One of my sources for obtaining information regarding Renton has been the Renton Reporter. I have resided at the same residence within the city limits since 1970, yet I never recall being polled or asked my opinion about anything other than school levies. I am concerned about financing new libraries in our current economic climate. Even more distressing is the opinion that a new location would be beneficial. (Renton Reporter [Kent], 7.1.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/opinion/letters/124790529.html

I celebrate the recent City Council decision approving renovation of the Pink House. The remodel represents the first step in expanding the library campus and will provide an immediate improvement in library service. This advances the library’s goal of providing more space for library functions, and supplies momentum for the improvements yet to come. (The Leader [Port Townsend], 7.6.11) http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=29564&SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&S=1

People
New Grandview librarian Elizabeth Jahnke, tours the new Grandview Library with interim librarian Ruth Dirk July 1, on the campus of Yakima Valley Community College, her first official day on the job. Jahnke is a 1974 graduate of Grandview High School and has a master’s degree in library information services. (Photo) (Grandview Herald, 7.6.11)

Jody Glaubman, teen librarian at the Port Townsend Public Library, has had an article published in School Library Journal online, a professional journal of children and young adult book reviews. The article details the 2011 Teen Community Read with Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why and the $25,000 grant from the Paul G. Allen Foundation that allowed her to create the program. (The Leader [Port Townsend], 7.6.11)

Following a nation-wide search, Sno-Isle Libraries has tapped Kenneth Harvey as its new communications director. Harvey will oversee Sno-Isle Libraries internal and external communication, marketing and graphics and relationships with community partners such as the Friends of the Library groups. (The Weekly Herald [Lynnwood], 7.6.11) http://www.weeklyherald.com/article/20110706/TWH01/707069917

Sharon Grant has been named the Kitsap Regional Library’s first digital branch manager and will start work August 1. She has been a librarian with the Corvallis/Benton County, Ore., Public Library for the past 10 years. She will be responsible for increasing the interactivity of the library system’s website and enhancing the experience of library users. (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 7.11.11)

She grew up in Grandview and graduated from Grandview High School in 1974. Grandview’s new library director, Elizabeth (Robison) Jahnke, said taking the position is a coming home for her. She said the joint library between the city and the college is something she is eager to be a part of because it offers her “the best of both the academic world and working with the general public.” (Daily Sun News Online [Sunnyside], 7.15.11) http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/21675/heading-up-grandview-library-a-coming-home-for-jahnke

Programs and Displays
North Central Regional Library continues to meet the needs of all its library patrons by launching an Online Sumer Reading Program option. The Online Summer Reading Program option called “You Are Here” will allow kids to share book reviews, keep track of books they read, link their information to their Facebook page, and are placed in a raffle for cool prizes. (The Star [Grand Coulee], 6.29.11)

The Public Law Library hosts several clinics in our Seattle library that provide legal assistance to the public. We have hosted the Neighborhood Legal Clinic for several years. Since October 2010, the Housing Justice Project has temporarily resided in the Law Library. We are proud to announce a new clinic located in our library, the Debt Collection Defense Clinic. (King County Bar Bulletin [Seattle], 7.2011) https://www.kcba.org/newsevents/barbulletin/BView.aspx?Month=07&Year=2011&AID=lawlib.htm

A free online resource offered by the Burlington Public Library has been shown to increase reading skills as much as 23 percent. TumbleBooks is a computer program that narrates animated stories while children read. It can be accessed at the library or through the library’s website. (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 7.3.11)

During the month of July the Second Story Gallery at the Camas Public Library is hosting the second annual Camas Public Library photo contest exhibit. This year’s theme was “Camas Looks @ the Gorge.” It was chosen o coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Act. (Photos) (Camas-Washougal Post-Record, 7.5.11)

Second Story Gallery in Camas is seeking artists interested in displaying their work during monthly shows being scheduled for 2012. The non-profit gallery is upstairs in the Camas Public Library, and is known for introducing local artists who are relatively undiscovered. (Camas-Washougal Post-Record, 7.5.11)

The South Hill Pierce County Library will be one of two library branches participating in a series of free presentations hitting on valuable information for small business owners. The two-part series will conclude with a presentation on business marketing from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, August 30th. (The Herald [Puyallup], 7.6.11)

The Edmonds Arts Commission presents an exhibit of paintings by Tracy Fraker and Lynn Scott. Their exhibit runs now through July 30 at the Edmonds Library, a part of Sno-Ilse Libraries. (Photo) (The Weekly Herald [Lynnwood], 7.6.11) http://www.weeklyherald.com/article/20110706/TWH05/707069901

The Mountlake Terrace Arts Advisory Commission presents the Roger L. Jones Exhbit at the Mountlake Terrace Library, a part of Sno-Ilse Libraries. The show runs now through July 31st. (The Weekly Herald [Lynnwood], 7.6.11) http://www.weeklyherald.com/article/20110706/TWH05/707069901

The community is invited to attend the 55th annual summer library fair on Saturday, August 13th on the Village Green, hosted by the Friends of the Orcas Island Library. The fair includes an art auction and quilt raffle … both quilt and art offerings are now on display in the library. (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 7.6.11)

Readers of all ages traveled the globe during the Bleyhl community Library’s summer reading program, which concluded June 22nd. The summer program was abbreviated this year, because the library will close soon to begin packing books to make the move to the new library on the Grandview YVCC campus. (Photo) (Grandview Herald, 7.6.11)

The Othello Community Library, a part of Mid-Columbia Libraries, was far from quiet July 1st. Instead, it was filled with the rich, sonorous tones of drums of India, played by guest Ragi S. Rao. Rao was in the library as part of the summer reading program. (Photos) (The Outlook [Othello], 7.7.11) http://www.othellooutlook.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=20118&SectionID=16&SubSectionID=115&S=1

Two styles of music and dance are to be explored in a free event for teens and adults at – of all places – the Port Angeles Library, a part of the North Olympic Library System, this Friday. In an evening whose theme is “Art in Motion,” ballroom dance coach Carol Hathaway will give a work shop for teenagers starting at 5:30 p.m. The evening’s finale comes with a performance and class by Shula Azhar, Port Angeles’ regionally known belly dancing troupe. (Photo) (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 7.7.11)

[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] ]