Library News

A plan to protect and preserve deteriorating newspaper clipping files in the Tacoma Public Library’s Northwest Room is currently under way. The project, known as the Newspaper Clipping Preservation Project, targets clippings that have been regularly used by researchers for decades, and remain essential to current and future local history research. Using a $7,000 grant provided by the Pierce County Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission, the library purchased preservation materials. (Tacoma Daily Index, 11.3.09) http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/

Video from the Richland Public Library’s surveillance system helped clear up a “he said, she said” dispute about an alleged assault on an autistic boy, but some have questioned why it took so long to find visual evidence. No one – including police or the prosecutor – thought to check the library’s security video until Teverbaugh’s attorney, John Jensen, filed a public records request for it with the city of Richland. (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 11.6.09) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/yahoonews/story/782477.html

The Ferndale City Council has moved one step closer to a new police station and library.  The council on Monday, Nov. 16, approved a six-month deadline for an architect to prepare bid documents to renovate the city’s library to become a new police headquarters.  The council also agreed to seek b ids to renovate the former Boys & Girls Club building by Pioneer Park as a potential temporary home for Ferndale Library while the current library is remodeled into a police station. (Bellingham Herald Online, 11.19.09) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/102/story/1167121.html

Elections

If Tuesday night election results hold up, Sno-Isle Libraries won’t have to cut hours next year. Sno-Isle Libraries Prop. 1, which would increase the library district’s levy rate by 9 cents per $1,000 assessed property value, was narrowly leading the all-mail ballot. Tuesday’s count was 45,733 to 43,675, a 51 percent margin. It needs 50 percent plus one vote to pass and thousands of more ballots are yet to be counted. (The Daily Herald [Everett], 11.4.09) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20091104/NEWS01/711049742

Voters living in the Rural Library District have agreed to increase their property taxes to support the Whatcom County Library System. A proposed library tax levy was passing with 51.2 percent of the 32,220 ballots counted for the race as of Friday, Nov. 6. The proposition was well ahead, widening its lead to 806 votes.  (Bellingham Herald, 11.7.09) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/689/story/1148001.html

King County Library System (KCLS) Director Bill Ptacek spoke to the Duvall Library Board about the KCLS levy lid lift ballot measure, Proposition 1, slated for a February vote. The measure would increase the library’s property tax levy from 36 cents per $1,000 of a property’s assessed value to 50 cents per $1,000, or the same as in 2002.  The increase would be for one year, effective in 2011, and Ptacek said the impact would be an increase of $32 for a $400,000 home. KCLS is requesting the one-time increase to avoid future staff cuts.  (Valley View [Woodinville], 11.9.09)

Buildings

The park board is poised to sign off on a proposed lease between Vashon Park District and the King County Library System – a lease that would set the ball rolling on a long-anticipated expansion of the library in Ober Park. The progress represents what may be the final chapter in the debate over the library’s location, an issue that has stirred considerable interest and discussion on the Island. (The Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber, 11.4.09) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/vashon/vib/news/67764692.html

City residents who envision a library in Old Town Duvall now have real reason to be excited. The King County Library System (KCLS) and the Duvall Church have signed a joint statement of intent for the development of a new Duvall library. Although the joint agreement is not binding, KCLS can now proceed in good faith with surveying and other preparations for building the $4.3 million library that voters approved as part of a $172 million capital bond improvement ballot measure in 2004. There is no information on a possible timeline for the new library as of yet. (Valley View [Woodinville], 11.9.09)

The King County Library System is seeking a contractor to build tenant improvements in the new Lake Hills Library, located at 156^th Avenue Southeast and Lake Hills Boulevard in Bellevue. The single-story library is still under construction. The tenant improvement contract would build-out the library’s 9,800-square-foot shell with library space, staff areas and a meeting room. (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 11.9.09)

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received by the City Clerk at the City Hall, University Place, Washington, until 2:00 p.m., December 7, 2009, for the construction of the University Place Library Tenant Improvement project.  (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 11.10.09)

Notice was given for sealed bids to be received by Sno-Isle Libraries at the Service Center for provision of shelving for the Genre Shelving Project at the Darrington, Monroe, and Snohomish Libraries.  (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 11.11.09)

King County Library System, Newport Way Library, added a reading porch, children’s window seat, staff lounge and manager’s office. It includes enlarging the multi-purpose room, restrooms. Miller Hull Partnership is the architect. (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 11.16.09)

Letters & Editorials

Vote “Yes” on Whatcom County Library System Proposition No. 1. While I respectfully disagree with The Bellingham Herald editorial board’s decision to not endorse the tax increase, I am disturbed by the board’s pronouncement that library system officials are “irresponsible” for putting the levy lid lift request before the voters. Library system officials would be incredibly irresponsible if they did not ask the voters about the future of the library, because the library belongs to the public. The question is simple before the voters on Nov. 3: Vote “yes” to continue country library services at the present level or vote “no” to reduce the services. (Bellingham Herald, 11.1.09) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/letters/story/1135868.html

I would like to set the record straight about library fines paying for the Chehalis library building. The building was paid for by private funds, grants and a small amount of public money. You can call the library to find out more. (The Chronicle [Centralia], 11.4.09)

An overdue book penalty is not new in this area. When I was a little girl some 60 years ago I got my books from the Olympia library in the beautiful Carnegie Building. I could get four books at a time and if they were late being returned, there was a fine of one or 2 cents per day.  There was also a bookmobile that made stops in the county and families could meet it and exchange books the same way.  It was a good system even if not so large as the Timberland Regional Library System. (The Olympian [Olympia], 11.5.09) http://www.theolympian.com/letters/story/1025967.html

This letter is to, and regarding, the letter from Carmen Rigby, published on Oct. 21 on late fines, effective Oct. 1, imposed by the Timberland library (page Main 10, “In Difficult Times, Library Fines Unfair”). Fifteen cents a day is a minimal and understandable late fee.  If you act responsibly and return the books on time, or renew them timely, you will not be subject to any fines.  In the event, you are a couple of days late returning the book; the fine would be less than the postage to The Chronicle complaining about it. (The Chronicle [Centralia], 11.6.09)

It’s difficult to figure out who should be blamed in the messy matter involving accusations that a Hall of Fame coach hit an autistic child at the Richland Public Library. This much we now know is true: The incident didn’t happen the way the young boy’s caregiver claimed.  And Frank Teverbaugh’s name has been cleared after unnecessarily being tainted while the assault case against him progressed. All it took was a video. Somebody with the city – be it police, library staff or municipal attorney – should have asked the question about the video back in August when the alleged incident occurred. (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 11.9.09) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/opinions/story/785557.html

People

The county commissioners have appointed a former circulation manager from the Aberdeen Library to be Grays Harbor’s newest member of the Timberland Regional Library Board. Tom Schaeffer, 65, of Westport, was given the new role during a special meeting of the county commissioners last week. (The Daily World [Aberdeen], 11.3.09)

A mysterious, infamous relative first got Vicki Selander (Castle Rock librarian:editor’s note) interested in history, but it was a love of Castle Rock and its people that prompted her to write and compile her first book.  When Arcadia Publishing called City Hall last year looking for someone to put together a Castle Rock book, Selander waited to see if anyone else would bite. When no one did, Selander, 59, stepped forward and the result is the newly released “Images of America: Castle Rock” a historical picture book of the town and its people. (Photos) (Daily News [Longview], 11.6.09) http://www.tdn.com/articles/2009/11/05/area_news/doc4af3b1d8c144a056616400.txt

Known largely for driving the bookmobile, Marie Doak retired last week after 32 years of different job assignments with the Whitman County Library. Library staffers threw Doak a colorful party Nov. 3, with words of thanks from county commissioner Greg Partch and a letter from state librarian Jan Walsh. (Photo) (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 11.12.09)

Awards

Sno-Isle Libraries was one of 17 libraries to receive money through the Washington State Library portion of a grant, “Tools for Tough Times.” Sno-Isle has committed to purchasing 30 notebook computers, which will be dedicated for jobseekers by providing online resources for skill building and job search. (Millcreek View, 11.2009)

The Camas Public Library was recently awarded a grant aimed at assisting unemployed citizens as they hunt for knowledge and jobs. The Camas library will receive $24,800 to increase and enhance services available to local residents impacted by the economic downturn. The monies come to the city through a larger grant of $515,000 awarded to the Washington State Library by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is being combined with an additional $400,000 in federal Library Services and Technology Act funds. (Camas-Washougal Post-Record, 11.3.09)

Darrington Library is among the Sno-Isle Libraries to provide online job search resources. Sno-Isle recently received grant money to buy 30 notebook computers to be used by job seekers. The computers provide online resources for skills building and job searches and allows the library to waive the two-hour-a-day computer limit. Along with Darrington, the computers also are available at the Granite Falls, Marysville, Stanwood, Lynnwood, Oak Harbor and Sultan libraries. (The Daily Herald [Everett], 11.4.09) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20091104/NEWS01/711049851

The Oak Harbor Library, a member of the Sno-Isle Libraries, will receive an unspecified number of laptop computers thanks to a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, dubbed “Tools for Tough Times.”  “Based on our assessment, these communities are in greatest need for this additional resource, either because of high demand from the rest of the community, or distance from other employment resources,” said Mary Kelly, Sno-Isle Library spokeswoman.  (Whidbey News-Times [Oak Harbor], 11.4.09) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/whidbey/wnt/news/68967067.html

Ballots are in for the ‘People’s Choice’ awards for art shown at the 30^th annual Artists of the Gorge Exhibition at Stevenson Community Library, a member of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. First place goes to Deb Owens, whose realistically rendered pastel of a coyote, “Don’t Fence Me In,” was framed in barbed wire. Second has been awarded to Dennis Peterson’s moonlit view of the Columbia Gorge, “Glimmer.” Third place goes to “Ignition, Conflagration, Aftermath,” a stained glass piece by Loretta Sharpe depicting a forest fire. Fourth place is Andrew Pate’s portrait of a woman, “I Am Thou.” Many of the 94 entries received multiple votes, said librarian Chris Hughey. (The Skamania County Pioneer [Stevenson], 11.4.09)

Those looking for work will soon have a new resource: a jobs and career center at the Liberty Lake Municipal Library. The library recently announced that it has received a $20,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  Liberty Lake plans to purchase four desktop computers and six laptops. The meeting room also will be equipped with a movie screen and speaker system for classes and movies on relevant topics. The library plans to first purchase tutorial and resume-writing software and a career exploration database, which could be available by December.  Liberty Lake Municipal Library Director Pamela Mogen said she hopes to have the career center open by February, and the meeting room equipment by spring. (Liberty Lake Splash, 11.5.09) http://www.libertylakesplash.com/news.asp?id=18954

The Friends of the Dayton Memorial Library received a $3,000 grant from the Blue Mountain Community Foundation for the purchase of two public use computers for the Dayton Memorial Library. The use of the public computers is steadily increasing each month. The added computers will allow a total of six people to be on the computers at the same time.  They may help relieve the number of people who are waiting in line for computers.  (Dayton Chronicle, 11.11.09)

Programs & Displays

The Mill Creek Library, a member of Sno-Isle Libraries, held an evening ribbon-cutting open house for its new “Teen Zone” on Friday, Nov. 6. The evening was high-lighted with refreshments and a magic-comedy act by Jackson High School Vice Principal Dave Peters. The remodeled section of the library was made possible through a $16,500 Fred Meyer Grant.  (Photos) (Millcreek View, 11.2009)

Create a beautiful holiday centerpiece at Stevenson Community Library, a member of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, on Saturday Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. All ages are invited to create a centerpiece, a great family activity designed to kick off the winter holidays. All materials are provided.  Snacks are courtesy of the Friends of the Library. (The Skamania County Pioneer [Stevenson], 11.4.09)

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and The Summer Youth Photography Program in conjunction with the “Young Eyes Walk With Image Catcher” are presenting the Student Photography Exhibit Series 2009 through Dec. 3 at the Muckleshoot Library, a member of the King County Library System.  Bob Carlo oversees the program, which is in its fourth year and fifth exhibit. (Enumclaw Courier-Herald, 11.4.09) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ech/entertainment/68734947.html

The Friends of the North Folk Community Library will hold their annual meeting open to the public, on Thursday, Nov. 12, with Maple Falls resident Laura Jacoby as the guest speaker. Jacoby will present a slide show using an antique Magic Lantern projector that she inherited from her late grandfather Galen Biery (1910-1994). In addition to Jacoby’s presentation, architect Kerry Garrett of Kga Architecture, of Bellingham, will present plans and drawings of the new library planned to be constructed next to the fire station in Kendall.  Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2010. (Foothills Gazette [Maple Falls], 11.6.09)

Kids and adults played everything from board games to video games Saturday afternoon at the Tacoma Public Library branches in celebration of National Game Day. “The purpose of the event is to get families and kids together to do something that is not television – something that is interactive,” said Sara Paschal, the teen services librarian and organizer of game day. “It fits with the mission of libraries,” Paschal said.  “They really are social centers.” (The News Tribune [Tacoma], 11.15.09) http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/955357.html

Spend an evening with author and local resident Jim Lynch, who will read from and discuss his new novel, “Border Songs,” at the Olympia Timberland Library from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Dec. 4. Lynch also will talk about what he describes as “the madness of novel writing and the glory of novel reading.” Books will be available for purchase and signing. (The Olympian Online, 11.24.09) http://www.theolympian.com/living/story/1047341.html

Economy/Hard Times

If the Issaquah Library feels a bit more crowded than it used to, that’s because it is. The Issaquah Library’s usage has grown by 59 percent in the past year, said Marsha Iverson, a spokeswoman for the King County Library System. The system’s Sammamish, Snoqualmie and North Bend libraries also experienced growth similar to Issaquah. People began turning to the library more because it’s a free source of information and here in King County, Iverson said, librarians took that to heart and launched a program last spring called Look to Your Library. The program kept libraries open extra hours, provided special seminars about re-education, job searching, resume building and how to financially plan for tough times. (Issaquah Press, 11.11.09) http://www.issaquahpress.com/2009/11/10/library%e2%80%99s-use-grows-with-recession/

The entire North Olympic Library System, with branches in Sequim, Port Angeles, Forks and Clallam Bay, will shut down for a week in spring and another week in fall, because of furloughs of all 51 library employees.  That’s one result of the public library system Board of Trustees’ unanimous adoption of the 2010 budget Thursday night. The board also unanimously adopted a property tax increase of 1 percent.  (Peninsula Daily News Online, 11.20.09) http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20091120/news/311209983

[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] ]