Clippings, May 15, 2009

Contract negotiations continue for Mid-Columbia Library and Othello Library.  (The Outlook [Othello], 4.16.09) http://othellooutlook.com/?p=1014

Sno-Isle Libraries and the Everett Public Library host the Big Read, a community reading of the “Maltese Falcon”.  For more information check www.sno-isle.org.  Nate Cushman, librarian at the Snohomish Library uses geocaching during the series of library events.  To learn more about the hobby of geocaching, go to the website www.geocaching.com.  (Photos)  (The Daily Herald [Everett], 4.21.09) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090421/LIVING/704219962

Buildings:

Whitman County is considering a $550,000 short-term loan application by the county library to help fund the Colfax branch (Whitman County Rural Library District).  Donations and fund drives for the project have raised more than $400,000.  The overall cost is estimated at more than a $1 million.  (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 4.16.09)

The Ephrata Public Library (North Central Regional Library) is back in business.  The facility was closed temporarily after city personnel discovered a faulty plumbing fixture had leaked water onto the floor and carpeting.  (Grant Co. Journal [Ephrata], 4.16.09)

The Richland Public Library reopened after being closed following a fire caused by transformer failure. Damage was confined to the building’s basement area.  (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 4.22.09) 

Letters & Editorials:

I am writing this letter to offer support for the Ellensburg Public Library.  The library is critical to the education in the community.  (Daily Record [Ellensburg], 4.14.09)

K2 co-developer Truman O’Brien claims the results of the recent Vashon Library (King County Library System) survey are “meaningless” because it targeted all registered voters on the island instead of a small random sampling. 70 percent of Islanders responding to the survey do not want the library relocated and want to keep the town core intact.  (Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber [Vashon], 4.15.09) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/vashon/vib/opinion/letters/42987147.html

People:

Bernadette Haddleton (70) and Gary Brown (59) share their stories about reading as a child.  Sally Chilson, youth services coordinator for Spokane Public Library shares that cathartic novels allow young people to experience strong emotions in a safe way.  In hero novels, young characters emerge as role models.  (Photos)  Spokesman Review, 4.19.09) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/apr/19/books-that-mentor/

Awards:

The Timberland Regional Library System was chosen as one of 13 grant recipients nationwide to participate in “Smart Investing @ your library,” a project to support local libraries in providing information on investing.  The project is designed to help people of all ages, economic circumstances and backgrounds learn how to make good financial decisions and plan for the future.  (The Vidette [Montesano], 4.16.09)

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $5 million to help libraries serve more people during the economic downturn, starting with communities in Iowa and Georgia.  (The Wenatchee World, 4.14.09) http://wenatcheeworld.com/article/20090414/NEWS03/704149874

Eileen Michaels, a volunteer who brings her dogs to participate in the Mid-Columbia Libraries’ Paws to Read Program, honored in Olympia with the Volunteer Service Award from Governor Chris Gregoire and the Washington Commission for National and Community Service.  (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 4.19.09) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/kennewick_pasco_richland/story/549943.html

Randi Potter recognized as the Creative Library Advocacy Award winner for the Whatcom County Library System.  The award celebrates persons in Whatcom County who value their local public libraries and advocate for them in their particular sphere of influence.  (Photo)  (The Northern Light [Blaine], 4.16.09)

Summer Reading:

Mid-Columbia Libraries start new Summer Reading Program.  This year’s theme is “Get Creative @ Your Library.”  The national program gives children an opportunity to win prizes and attend activities while reading during the summer.  (The Outlook [Othello], 4.16.09)

Economy/Hard Times:

Seattle Mayor Greg Nichols is putting employees of the Seattle Public Library system on an unpaid furlough that will close all 27 library branches for a week, likely at the end of August.  At a time when more jobless are turning to the library for internet and other services, library supporters told council members that a weeklong furlough is too much.  (Photo)  (Real Change [Seattle], 4.22.09) http://www.realchangenews.org/index.php/site/archives/2139/

[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 newspaper clippings packet from all Washington newspapers received on the date shown. For more information about any of these stories, contact Bobbie DeMiero at 360.570.5577 or [email protected]. ]