Clippings, July 17, 2009

Library News

The Pend Oreille County Library District has had to cut its budget once already this cycle.  Now the district is facing more cuts because timber tax revenue is less than expected.  It is the goal of the library director and board of trustees not to change any core services such as hours at the district’s four branches (Newport, Calispel Valley, Ione and Metalines) or the materials they offer.  (Newport Miner, 6.24.09)

The Sno-Isle Libraries Board of Trustees decided to go for a compromise – ask for a 9-cent levy increase and make some cuts.  The 9-cent increase will allow the library to meet the demand for essential services.  (Stanwood Camano News [Stanwood], 6.30.09) http://www.scnews.com/news/2009/0630/front_page/005.html

Grandview City Council members approved a commitment to fund up to $750,000 toward a joint library between the city and Yakima Valley Community College’s Grandview campus.  (Daily News [Sunnyside], 6.30.09) http://www.sunnyside.net/ArcStoryPage.asp?Database=Story&StoryID=16269

The City Council of Anacortes approved a $101,000 radio frequency identification system for the Anacortes Public Library.  (Anacortes American, 7.1.09)

Economy/Hard Times

Finances were terrible for Skagit Counties Cities last year, worse by the time 2009 began, and now, as bright spots emerge elsewhere in the economy, some cities are looking back on their worst months yet.  During the first half of 2009, Skagit County’s four largest cities – Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley – all took in less sales tax than they did last year.  As a result, the Sedro-Woolley Library will have to do with $21,000 less after an April budget cut.  (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 7.4.09)

Letters & Editorials

Recently a friend of mine drove me around the back streets of the business and neighborhood districts of Burien for a relaxing after dinner drive.  Curious about the new library, we drove into its parking lot for a closer look.  What an astonishment to find a building so unforgiving, so unimaginative and stark in its design.  (Highline Times/Des Moines News/SeaTac News [Burien], 7.1.09)

I would like to thank Nandell Palmer for his June 13 article on the 320^th branch library (Federal Way Libraries, King County Library System).  He hit on some salient points that struck a chord with my recent experiences.  (Federal Way Mirror, 7.1.09) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/opinion/letters/49522402.html

Like everyone else, businesses and governments, Sno-Isle Libraries, too are having a crunch.  They could cut back on expenses by opening later, closing certain days or cutting back employee hours. (Lynnwood/Mountlake Terrace Enterprise, 7.1.09) http://www.enterprisenewspapers.com/article/20090701/ETP21/707019822&template=ETPart

Through a campaign to raise $5,000, the Grand Coulee Friends of the Library are seeking to improve library facilities, including providing more books and resources.  They are also working with other partners to improve literacy and computer proficiency for adults and youth.  (The Star [Grand Coulee], 7.1.09)

Proponents of the Washington state Heritage Center are understandably getting nervous. State lawmakers have put construction of the $141 million center on hold for at least a year or two.  On a project of this size, momentum is critical.  Once lost, even briefly, getting the ball rolling forward again can be difficult.  The concern is that a one – or two – year delay could be the Heritage Center’s undoing.

(Daily News [Longview], 7.7.09) http://www.tdn.com/articles/2009/07/07/editorial/doc4a52762b32d2a410922694.txt

People

Longtime Yelm librarian Kristin Black will be leaving her management position at Yelm Timberland Library for a part-time position at Lacey Timberland Library.  (Nisqually Valley News [Yelm], 6.26.09)

Programs & Displays

The Biggest Read

Coming this February, the Spokane County Library District will sponsor a mock trial centered on Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird – including, quite possibly, an appearance by one of the actors who appeared in the 1962 movie.  The program is part of the NEA nationwide book club the Big Read.  (The Pacific Northwest Inlander [Spokane], 7.2.09)

[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 selection of newspaper clippings about Washington libraries from all Washington newspapers received in the packets on the dates shown. For more information about any of these stories, contact Carolyn Petersen at 360.570.5560 or [email protected] ]