Clippings, June 3, 2009

When all was said and done, the vision of Ferndale’s future came down to green and red dots.  Those dots made a swimming pool, downtown revitalization and a new Ferndale library (Whatcom County Library System) unofficial winner’s during the fourth annual community Coordinating Association meeting Thursday, May 7. (Bellingham Herald, 5.8.09) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/102/story/901958.html

This month, Pierce County Library System (PCLS) will hold 16 public meetings in Pierce County for residents to hear proposed improvements and give comments on recommendations for how PCLS can best meet future community needs. [Milton-Edgewood Signal [Tacoma], 5.7.09)

Library News from the Cathlamet Library, circulation increased by 75% in March when compared to March of 2008, Library volunteers continue work on labeling and sorting materials, a WHS English Composition class made a field trip to the library in March, Long-time library volunteer, Mary Watkins was honored.  (The Wahkiakum Co. Eagle [Cathlamet], 5.7.09)  

When Stimson Bullitt died in April, he was lauded for his many contributions, including his philanthropy. As it turned out, he arranged for additional donations after his death.  This included 20 percent of his estate to the Seattle Public Library Foundation. The contributions are unrestricted and can be used in any way. (Photo) (Puget Sound Business Journal [Seattle], 5.29.09)

Elections:

Fife voters will decide in November whether to increase their property taxes to pay for a library. The City Council voted unanimously last week to put a proposal to join the Pierce County Library System on the Nov. 3 ballot. (The News Tribune [Tacoma], 6.1.09) http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/government/story/762730.html

Buildings:

The Sunnyside Public Library (Yakima Valley Libraries) is now open on Sundays. By opening its doors to the public from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays, the local library is now open 68 hours each week. (Daily News [Sunnyside], 5.11.09)

Grandview may soon see two new, big construction projects. The city-college library will be a $4-million project, and most of the funding has been lined up. Bids for an architectural design for the new library were requested in April, and Yakima Valley Community College expects to select an architect sometime in May. (Grandview Herald, 5.6.09)

Letters and Editorials:

The “Friends of the Connell Library” are looking for folk to help with various projects that the library has going on during the year, most importantly to support programming for all ages.  Contact Melisa Gilbert at 719-275-4125 to get your name on the list of people that want to help. (Franklin County Graphic [Connell], 5.7.09)

Replacing the tiny library that served much of rural Clark County for 50 years was unquestionably overdue.  Doing it without incurring debt to the taxpayers was extraordinary.  Nearly half of the cost of this facility came from donations, grants, and a generous gift from the developer. (Columbian [Vancouver], 5.23.09) http://columbian.com/article/20090523/OPINION01/705239994/-1/OPINION

If Libraries were private living rooms, patrons could remove their shoes and shirts and doze off into blissful sleep.  But Seattle Public Libraries are public spaces with rules that must be clear and easier to enforce. Some argue libraries are picking on the homeless.  Not really. Street people are welcome as long as they follow the rules. (Seattle Times, 6.1.09) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorials/2009284198_edita01library.html

I want to thank the staff of the Timberland Regional Libraries for providing our community such excellent service. We can get books, magazines, music and videos for free.  All we need to do is return them within three weeks. (The Olympian, 5.19.09) http://www.theolympian.com/letters/story/855321-p2.html

People:

Patti Gatherer is the new manager of the Tekoa branch of the Whitman County Library. A resident of Tekoa for the past five years, she started work last Tuesday, April 28. (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 5.7.09)

Awards:

The City of Quincy was recently informed that it did not receive the $800,000 Community Development Block Grant for which it applied for the construction of a new library. The Quincy Valley Library Foundation was scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss how to best fundraise going forward. The group welcomes anyone interested in helping them to sign up at the library. (Quincy Valley Post Register, 5.7.09)

The Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation received a check for $2,500 from Altrusa International on April 13 to benefit the new Cascade Park Community Library. It was the first installment out of $10,000 that Altrusa pledged to the new library next to the Firstenburg Center. (Photo) (Columbian [Vancouver], 5.27.09) http://columbian.com/article/20090527/COMMUNITY03/705279980/-1/COMMUNITY

Programs and Displays:

Space Program presented at Chewelah Public Library by Joe Bruce, educator, lecturer and artists from Spokane. (The Independent [Chewelah], 5.7.09)

The White Salmon Valley Community Library (Fort Vancouver Regional Library District) is hosting award-winning young adult author Todd Strasser in the library’s Sprint/Baker Gallery. (The Enterprise [White Salmon], 5.7.09) http://www.whitesalmonenterprise.com/ArcStoryPage.asp?Database=Story&StoryID=10400

The Sno-Isle Libraries and Everett Public Library are hosting the following events during their community read program: Dashiell Hammett in the Northwest, Writing the Supernatural Mystery, Behind the Crime Scenes, Film noir series, Teen murder mystery, Book discussions and Geocaching. (The Daily Herald [Everett], 5.10.09) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090510/LIVING/705109976

Aberdeen Timberland Library will present “Talk Time” on Thursdays for adults.  English learners are invited to join the library staff and community volunteers to practice basic conversation skills. (The Daily World [Aberdeen], 5.12.09)

This month, the Mountlake Terrace Art Commission presents an exhibit of work by students of the Alderwood-Terrace Rotary Hispanic Center.  The show can be viewed in the gallery at the Mountlake Terrace Library, a part of the Sno-Isle Library System. (Photo) (Millcreek Enterprise [Lynnwood], 5.13.09) http://www.enterprisenewspapers.com/article/20090513/ETP18/705139946&template=ETPZoneMCart

Book Sales:

Friends of the Mill Creek Library’s spring book sale raised $2,013.16, thanks to community donations and lots of volunteer help Saturday, May 9 at the Mill Creek Library, a part of the Sno-Isle Library System. (Millcreek Enterprise [Lynnwood], 5.13.09)  http://www.enterprisenewspapers.com/article/20090513/ETP04/705139794&template=ETPZoneMCart

Economy/Hard Times:

The Sno-Isle library system is facing a projected $2.5 million budget deficit next year.  Placing a property levy increase on the November ballot is just one possible solution. (Photo) (The Daily Herald [Everett], 5.11.09) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090511/NEWS01/705119886

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[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 date shown.  For more information about any of these stories, contact Carolyn Petersen at (360) 570-5560 or [email protected]]