Clippings, October 10, 2008, Part 2

The Vashon Maury Island Community Council has voted to include a question about the location of the Vashon Island Library (King County Library System) on a ballot to be sent to all island residents. Whether the library should move from its current site, which is probably necessary if a larger building is desired, whether to move out-of-town to a commercial site for which the library would be the major tenant, and whether a local ballot could influence KCLS are all pending questions.(The Beachcomber [Vashon], 9-24-08)

Elections:

An article discusses the Timberland Regional Library’s plans for a levy lid lift vote in February and also the completion of construction of the Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library. (With photo) (The Chronicle [Centralia], 9-27-08)

Buildings:

The Quincy (North Central Regional Library) City Council has voted to pull out of an agreement to purchase the Vordahl’s store property, after an architect’s report cited potential costs of $1.1 million to turn the former department store into a public library. “’The city is still committed to pursuing a facility for a new library,’’ said the mayor. (Quincy Valley Post Register, 9-25-08)

The efforts of the city of Sammamish to create a new 240-acre town center, including a library (KCLS), are detailed. (With drawing) (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 10-06-08

Construction bid announcements: Sammamish Library Construction (King County Library System), estimate $10 million; Kirkland Library Addition and Renovation (KCLS), estimate $2 million; Sequim Library Renovation (North Olympic Library System), estimate $80,000-$90,000. (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 10-4-08)

Letters and Editorials:

An editorial about a “learning commons” at the Lower Columbia College Library in Longview says “Libraries aren’t what they used to be, and that’s a good thing.” (Daily News [Longview], 9-29-08) http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/09/29/editorial/doc48e071d72edf9335316324.txt

A letter writer comments about a recent mail-in survey in Fife asking whether residents want a library and want it to join with the Pierce County Library. “Regarding the library issue, 3880 forms were sent out to Fife residents; 281 were returned….I think this issue needs to be studied more. I really do not want my property taxes raised on the basis of a few residents!” (Fife Free Press [Tacoma], 9-25-08)

A columnist talks about libraries in general and about the efforts of the Friends of the Oroville Library (North Central Regional Library) and its fundraisers to help build a new Oroville Library. (Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune [Oroville], 9-25-08)

A letter writer discusses Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin and the library in Wasilla, AK. (Boomerang [Palouse], 9-18-08)

People:

“Mary Estes of Palouse was named Whitman County Library’s Supporter of the Month.” (With photo) (Boomerang [Palouse], 9-18-08)

Programs and Displays:

A color photo shows a young patron of the Othello Public Library (Mid-Columbia Libraries) and an owl visiting with the WSU Raptors Club, each in close examination of the other. (The Outlook [Othello], 9-25-08)

“Elma Timberland Library staff invite everyone to their second ‘Conversation Café’, an opportunity for folks to have their say on specific topics.” The topic for this evening was “What is the most important issue for you in this year’s presidential election?” (The Vidette [Montesano], 9-25-08) [Editor’s note—WLA this spring offered a very interesting program on holding a Conversation Café. See http://www.conversationcafe.org.]

The Kelso Public Library in October will resume its monthly book discussion group, with multiple copies of the current book available at the library beforehand. (Daily News [Longview], 9-27-08)

The Hoquiam Timberland Library hosted an emergency readiness workshop put on by county officials, including discussion of the Grays Harbor County Telephonic Warning System and NOAA Weather Radio. (The Daily World [Aberdeen], 9-24-08)

A long article, illustrated with book covers in color, describes the Letters About Literature nationwide contest being sponsored  by WSL/OSOS, the Center for the Book, Library of Congress, and Target stores. [Letters are due by Dec. 6, 2008. For more information, see www.secstate.wa.gov/library/lal.] (Northern Kittitas County Tribune [Cle Elum], 9-25-08)

[This summary of library news was created by Susan Barrett of the Washington State Library Division of the Office of the Secretary of State. It represents a newspaper clippings packet from all Washington newspapers received on the date shown. For more information about any of these stories, contact Susan at 360-570-5561 or [email protected].]