Clippings, May 20, 2009

Buildings:

Construction plans for a new Kenmore Library (King County Library System) are  still on hold, stuck in neutral until the local branch of the U.S. Post Office vacates the building library leaders want to demolish to make way for a new facility.  (Bothell Reporter, Kenmore Reporter [Kent], 4.22.09) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/north_king/bkn/news/43351512.html

Letters & Editorials:

The Vashon Island Library (King County Library System) that we now have is, a silk purse, and we’re being offered a remodeled pig’s ear.  And the numbers don’t add up.  (Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber [Vashon], 4.22.09) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/vashon/vib/opinion/43378247.html

Islanders want the Vashon Island Library (King County Library System) at Ober Park.  (Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber [Vashon] 4.22.09) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/vashon/vib/opinion/43377777.html

When faced with pushy decisions of a benevolent dictator (King County Library System Executive Bill Ptacek), a group of dedicated individuals took time out of their lives to draft and mail an excellently balanced and open survey to everyone on this Island!  (Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber [Vashon], 4.22.09) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/vashon/vib/opinion/43377777.html

Programs & Displays:

The Pierce County Library System is encouraging patrons to try a new way of listening to audio-books – on their MP3 player or mobile device.  Library users can download books from the Pierce County Library System website.  (The News Tribune [Tacoma], 5.17.09) http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/744721.html

The Camano Island Library (Sno-Isle Libraries) celebrates National Poetry Month.  For poems by wonderful writers, stop by the library.  (Stanwood Camano News [Stanwood], 4.21.09)

The Aberdeen Timberland Library will present “Toddler Story Time” for 2 year olds accompanied by an adult from 10:30-10:55 a.m. Monday.  (The Daily World [Aberdeen], 4.25.09)

Bainbridge Public Library (Kitsap Regional Library) made a leap, becoming one of just two libraries in the nation to launch a Living Library.  In a Living Library, an exchange conceived by Danish antiviolence activist Ronni Abergel, “books” represent groups or individuals who have been the target of stereotyping or misunderstanding, or who might hold a controversial or little-known viewpoint.  Participants are invited to check out these books, in a manner of speaking, by holding a conversation with them.  (Photo)  (Bainbridge Island Review [Bainbridge], 4.17.09) http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/744721.html

Book Sales:

Used book sale is scheduled from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. every Monday, 1 to 3 p.m. each Wednesday, 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the Aberdeen Timberland Library.  (The Daily World [Aberdeen], 4.26.09)

Economy/Hard Times:

Whatcom County Library System is considering asking voters for an increase in its property tax rate this fall.  The increase is necessary to maintain current levels of library service.  (Lynden Tribune, 4.22.09)

The Timberland Regional Library board reduces hours of operation to save about $300,000 for the rest of 2009.  (Photo)  (The Chronicle [Centralia], 4.24.09)

Timberland Regional Library officials are considering overdue fines for books and materials that come in late, may start charging computer users to print materials, and will likely reduce hours across the district’s 27 libraries, including those in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.  (The Daily World [Aberdeen], 4.20.09)

Amanda Park and Oakville libraries (Timberland Regional Library) hours will remain the same while other Timberland Regional Library hours changed effective June 1.  (The Daily World [Aberdeen], 4.27.09)

[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]. ]