From the desk of Rand Simmons

Every so often I get to travel to libraries around the state. Last week was such a week when I got to travel for business which was very pleasurable.

For the past three years the Washington State Library (WSL) has partnered with the Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) to bring broadband connectivity to Washington public and tribal libraries. A broadband celebration was held at the Mid-Columbia Libraries Kennewick branch with Governor Chris Gregoire as guest speaker. The event was hosted by Executive Director, Kyle Cox, on Thursday, July 26 (see the article in the Tri-City Herald, http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2012/07/27/2034861/gregoire-hails-expansion-of-broadband.html).

Kyle, who made his remarks before Governor Gregoire spoke, took several minutes to laud the work of the Washington State Library in securing broadband stimulus funding for Washington libraries. The Governor turned around, we made eye  contact and later she shook my hand and thanked me for our work. It was a proud moment.

Prior to the event Jeff Martin, WSL’s Program Manager for Library Development, and I had a chance to interact with Mid-Columbia’s branch managers at a staff meeting. Following the broadband event Kyle, Jeff, and I talked about issues of local concern.

We then moved on to the Richland Public Library where Jeff and I met with Director Ann Roseberry and Lisa Adams. Again, the comment turned to local issues. We also took the opportunity to ask what the State Library was doing that was important to them, what we could discontinue, and what we could do better.

The interaction we had with directors and staff from both branches helped us understand where we can improve. These trips are important to the State Library’s vitality. And, I always feel enriched when I return home.