WA State Library News

“Smart phone” users can now install a new app featuring the Washington State Library’s Ask-WA virtual reference service. Ask-WA provides access to a live librarian, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Ask-WA app, the first one offered by the State Library, is available for both Android and iDevice users. (North Lake News & Woodinville Weekly, 8.9.10) http://www.nwnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1762:state-librarys-ask-wa-app-now-available-&catid=34:news&Itemid=72

Library News

It’s not your typical library.  Not a place to stop by to find the latest best-seller by John Grisham or catch up on the “Twilight” series. But the library at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU), although physically small, is a big part of the medical training that goes on there.  The PNWU library is a member of the National Networks of Libraries of Medicine. (Photo) (Yakima Valley Business Times, 7.30.10)

The Lakewood Branch of the Pierce County Library System is home to the FRIENDS (yes, the word is all in caps) Gallery. It is the only art gallery in the County System and is part of the library’s colorful history. The important aspect to keep in mind about this history is the fact that the library has always been oriented toward the community it serves. Having the Gallery is one example of that. (Photos) (Senior Scene [Tacoma], 8.2010)

The Anacortes Public Library celebrates 100 years of service to the Anacortes community in 2011. You are invited to participate in the centennial celebration by sharing your memories and stories of the library to help piece together the history and personality of this institution as it evolved over the last century. (Anacortes American, 8.4.10)

Thanks to Pacific Power, Denny Ashby Library’s Arlington St. parking lot and the walkway to the building are safer and more secure. The utility company donated a 20 ft. light pole and Pacific Power lineman Marc Jenkins of Pomeroy installed the fixture two weeks ago. (Photo) (East Washingtonian [Pomeroy], 8.4.10)

For years, our online lives have been encroaching on our jobs. Fort Vancouver Regional Library employees, already accustomed to gentle reminders that work time should be spent on work activities will also get an official social media policy within the next few months. (Columbia [Vancouver], 8.8.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/aug/08/web-use-at-work-puts-job-on-line/

A controversial anti-drug mural that was created by local art students and teens in recovery from addiction – but then painted over last summer by a downtown business that didn’t like its strong language and disturbing imagery – is getting the public’s attention in a different way. It’s now a bookmark. Look for the bookmarks at several Vancouver locations including all 13 local Fort Vancouver Regional Library branches. (Columbian [Vancouver], 8.9.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/aug/09/anti-drug-mural-turns-page-as-bookmark/

Elections

The August 17 primary election is coming soon.  The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District (FVRLD) will be asking voters to support a levy that would cost property owners 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. That levy, which would be in effect for the three-county region the library district covers, would pull in an estimated $3 million in 2011 if voters give it the OK. (The Enterprise [White Salmon], 7.29.10) http://www.whitesalmonenterprise.com/ARCHIVES/Story.aspx/11661/library-district-seeks-levy-support

Ocean Shores residents are being asked whether they are willing to increase their property taxes by 22 cents for every $1,000 of their assessed property value.If the levy passes, it would generate about $300,000 per year, which would be enough to keep the library open and restore its staffing levels to full capacity without any assistance from the city’s general fund. (Photo) (Daily World [Aberdeen], 8.4.10)

The proposed North Olympic Library System levy lid lift would directly benefit the Forks Public Library, said a member of the Friends of Forks Library board at a forum earlier this week. The library system measure on the August 17 ballot would restore the district’s 2010 regular property tax levy rate from 33 cents to 50 cents per $1,000 assessed property value for collection in 2011. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 8.6.10)

Buildings

The Hoodsport Timberland Regional Library, including the meeting room, will be closed for a sidewalk resurfacing project from August 10 through August 12.  The library will re-open at 11 a.m. on August 14. Patrons returning library materials will be able to use the book drop in the corner of the parking lot. (Shelton-Mason County Journal, 8.5.10)

Due to an 87.7 percent increase in circulation of library items during the past ten years and an infrastructure that is thirty years out of date, it is clear that the city needs to expand and modernize our historic library building. The Moses Lake Public Library, a part of North Central Regional Library System, Foundation is presenting its case for a remodeled and expanded library to the Moses Lake City Council. (Columbia Basin Herald [Moses Lake], 8.5.10) http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/opinion/article_c23d61bc-a0dd-11df-adc9-001cc4c002e0.html

Doors of the Whitman County Library building in Colfax will open Monday after a nine-month million dollar remodeling project.  The dedication ceremony will be next Wednesday, August 11, at 7 p.m.  A new elevator, skylight, handicap accessible doors and windows, children’s reading area and other changes are the features of the remodeled building. (Photo) (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 8.5.10)

Barb’s Pies and Pastries is celebrating its grand opening with a party at it new location in the Carnation Building on Ferndale’s Main Street. It also will be a benefit for the Friends of the Ferndale Public Library, a part of the Whatcom County Library System. All proceeds will benefit the new library building project. (Bellingham Herald, 8.10.10) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/08/09/1563554/barbs-pies-and-pastries-to-have.html

Letters & Editorials

Don’t let it happen here. On May 18, voters in Hood River County turned down a proposal to create a new library district. The result is that all library facilities in Hood River County closed as of July 1, and the county no longer has library services. We urge voters in the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District to vote “Yes” on the library levy measure on the August 17 primary election ballot.  (The Enterprise [White Salmon], 7.29.10) http://www.whitesalmonenterprise.com/ARCHIVES/Story.aspx/11657/support-the-library

The Kitsap Regional Library System is again set on “spending and then taxing us.” They again want to build new libraries in Silverdale and Kingston. It has to stop somewhere voters and the up-coming elections and issues on the ballot is the time to say “good-bye” to elected officials and “no” to ballot issues that have funds attached to them.  (Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal [Port Orchard], 8.2010) http://kpbj.com/opinions/letters_to_the_editor/2010-08-05/library

I know saying no to a library levy is not a popular stance, but I think it’s time to take a balanced approach on public funding. If the library system is as valuable as they say, perhaps it’s time to implement modest user fees to offset their budget shortage instead of mining the pockets of those who choose not to participate. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 8.2.10)

The North Olympic Peninsula Library System has been up-front concerning the financial status of the library system. I will not repeat those facts and figures.  Like me, you may not use the library as much as you once did, but I do believe we should support it in order for the many who need and use those services.  Please join me in voting for the library levy. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 8.2.10)

We have to pass the small library levy on August 17.  Our hope is that Ocean Shores can eventually join the Timberland Library system.  But that is slow process.  We also need the meeting room – many meetings a week are held there.  Let’s keep the library open. (Daily World [Aberdeen], 8.3.10)

This is addressed to those who may not be aware of the great resource and service that is available at our peninsula libraries.  The library has a large collection of books on the shelves and, if not, they will order what you wish from most any other library system.  I urge you to vote for the necessary funding at the upcoming election. (The Sequim Gazette, 8.4.10) http://www.sequimgazette.com/letters/article.exm/2010-08-04_letters_to_the_editor

Our family has been a regular patron of the Goldendale Community Library for over 22 years. In all that time we’ve seen the library keep pace with the increasing importance of personal computers, and the Internet. Now the library is asking for a modest levy to restore hours, staff and services that were recently curtailed due to a budget crunch. Please vote for the levy on August 17. (Sentinel [Goldendale], 8.4.10) http://www.goldendalesentinel.com/letters/2010letters/08-04-10_letters.htm

The Friends of the Westport Timberland Library and the Westport Timberland Library would like to thank all of the supporters who patiently waited for the bricks in memory of a loved one to be put at the foot of the flag in front of the building. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding. (South Beach Bulletin [Westport], 8.5.10)

The Liberty Lake Municipal Library would like to formerly thank the Friends of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library for its service to our community. Without the Friends, many of the library programs and furniture would not be possible. We are so grateful for this group’s existence.  (Liberty Lake Splash, 8.5.10) http://www.libertylakesplash.com/news.asp?id=19858

As a card-carrying member of the North Olympic Library System, I regret finding myself voting no on Proposition 1. A 50 percent increase at this time, in this economy, is asking a lot of the average voter, much as they would like to support a cause as laudable as the Sequim library system.  (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 8.5.10)

The Columbian’s July 20 editorial, “‘No’ to libraries,” opposing the upcoming Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, overlooks a few facts. This election would simply restore the levy to 50 cents per thousand dollars, which is the standard rate statewide to support libraries. Vote “yes!” (Columbian [Vancouver], 8.5.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/aug/05/Our-readers-views/

For a few years now, the Vancouver library system has been suffering from a shortage of funds. However, there is one fairly easy way for the library to make some much-needed revenue that is chronically overlooked – overdue fees.  Overdue fees draw funds from the people who actually use the library. Better yet, the people who pay the most are the ones who abuse the generous library system. (Columbian [Vancouver], 8.8.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/aug/08/letters-to-the-editor/

People

Magnolia Library’s Zane Goldmanis, who worked in children’s services, died July 22 at age 67. Pictures and her favorite books are displayed in memory of Goldmanis at the Magnolia Library, a part of The Seattle Public Library System, and a memory book is set out for the public to sign or jot down reflections on how she touched their lives. (Photos) (Magnolia News [Seattle], 8.4.10) http://www.queenannenews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=30558&SectionID=26&SubSectionID=248&S=1

Awards

Rosauers and manager Shawn McAdams were recognized for their support of Whitman County Library. Rosauers supports Summer Reading each year by carrying the annual theme on their grocery bags. They were presented the Library Supporter of the Month award. (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 8.5.10)

The Washington State Library has selected Sedro-Woolley Public Library Director Debra Petersen as one of 19 Washington librarians for a new program that aims to serve patrons over 50.  The program selected 93 library professionals in 11 states and is funded by the U.S. Institute for Museum and Library Services.  (Courier Times [Sedro Woolley], 8.10.10)

Programs & Displays

The White Salmon Valley Community Library, a part of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library System, will be featuring works by students of “LIFE in the Gorge Home School Co-op” in the library’s Sprint/Baker Gallery from July 28 through August 31. The show will be on view during library hours. (Photo) (The Enterprise [White Salmon], 7.29.10) http://www.whitesalmonenterprise.com/ARCHIVES/Story.aspx/11658/picturing-america-through-artwork

Local artists will have their art on display in the new meeting room at the Deming Library, a part of the Whatcom County Library System, during summer and fall.  In the spring 2010, the Friends of the Deming Library, a 500-member support group, formed a sub-committee called Foothills Arts and Crafts Exhibit, FACE, with the purpose to organize these art shows. (Photos) (Foothills Gazette [Maple Falls], 7.30.10)

Skepticism was rampant as a group of youngsters worked with librarian Josh Westbrook to construct a geodesic dome from rolled-up newspaper and masking tape. The project is one of a number of crafts and activities in the Prescott Library Summer Reading. The program received a $4,000 grant from the Blue Mountain Community Foundation.  (Photos) (Walla Walla Union Bulletin, 8.2.10)

Splashes of purple, gray and green dot the native plant garden at the Moses Lake Public Library, which blossomed this summer for the first time. Library visitors see the array of flowers and shrubs as they walk the library path.  If you see someone tending the plants, feel free to stop and ask questions. (Photos) (Columbia Basin Herald [Moses Lake], 8.2.10) http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/community/basin_life/article_093680ba-9e83-11df-a309-001cc4c002e0.html

Volcanologist Cynthia Gardner will give a special presentation at the Vancouver Community Library, a part of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library System, on Saturday to talk about what’s been learned since the eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980.  (Columbian [Vancouver], 8.3.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/aug/03/library-will-host-talk-what-volcano-taught-us/

The walls at the Sequim Library have never looked so great. Art in the Library – a program developed by Sequim artist and community activist Randy Radock – took hold last June after two years of planning. Each of the four branches in the North Olympic Library System is participating and installs a new exhibit every two months, with a different artist being featured at each venue. (Photo) (The Sequim Gazette, 8.4.10) http://www.sequimgazette.com/entertainment/article.exm/2010-08-04_art_in_the_library_program_enters_third_month_with_success,_support

I don’t know of another event that has so much old-fashioned hospitality than the Goldendale Library’s (a part of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library System) Annual Ice Cream Social. All the old-fashioned treats, entertainment, and refreshments alike are free of charge, as a special “thank you” to the Goldendale community for its support of the Library and Friends. Everyone is invited to attend.  (Sentinel [Goldendale], 8.4.10)

The Blanche Bradley Memorial Library Foundation is having a fundraiser for the Cathlamet City Library on August 28. The “Literary Fete” will be held at the Stockhouse Farm on Puget Island. Area authors giving talks on their publications are Suzanne Martinson.Jolan Durrah..and Nick Nikkila. Acoustic Guitar Society will provide the music. (The Wahkiakum Co. Eagle [Cathlamet], 8.5.10) http://www.waheagle.com/community-news/article.exm/2010-08-05_library_literary_event_to__showcase_local_authors

The ocean came a little closer to Waterville July 26 with a Pacific Science Center program. A large group of children and adults gathered at the library to learn about the varieties of sea life and how they are related to each other in a food web.  (Photos) (Douglas County Empire Press [East Wenatchee], 8.5.10)

The Edmonds Art Commission is pleased to present an exhibit featuring Pastels and Mixed Media artwork by Randena Walsh. The exhibit at the Edmonds Library, a part of Sno-Isle LIbaries, runs now through September 15.  (Photo) (The Edmonds Beacon [Mukilteo], 8.5.10) http://www.edmondsbeacon.com/stepping-out/article.exm/2010-08-05_library_features_artwork_by_randena_walsh

The Libraries of Stevens County will be hosting a “Science Magic” show at eight out of nine district libraries on next week. This will be a finale for Summer Reading 2010 as Jeff Evans, a professional magician based out of Olympia, brings this educational and interactive program to the community for three days.  (The Independent [Chewelah], 8.5.10)

Singer Nancy Stewart performed original songs to both entertain and educate children at the Othello Community Library, a part of Mid-Columbia Libraries, July 27. Stewart’s songs and presentations revolve around the theme of the summer at the libraries where she is performing. (Photo) (The Outlook [Othello], 8.5.10)

On July 30, the Ballard Library, a part of The Seattle Public Library, looked more like the battle deck of a sci-fi spaceship. The Robot Challenge was underway.  This summer, the Pacific Science Center’s Science on Wheels program has partnered with Seattle Public Library’s Summer Reading Program to put on a number of free Robot Challenge events at different library branches. (Photos) (Ballard News Tribune [Seattle], 8.6.10) http://www.ballardnewstribune.com/2010/08/02/features/robots-invade-ballard-library

Those who would like to know how much electricity their appliances use need only visit the Lake Stevens Library, a part of Sno-Isle Libraries, this month. The Snohomish County PUD partnered with the Lake Stevens Library to provide free electricity watt meters for checkout as part of Go Green Month at the library. The library has 20 meters for customers to check out for one week intervals. (The Herald [Everett], 8.8.10) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100809/NEWS01/708099953

Balloons filled with gooey liquids. That’s what Mill Creek children’s librarian Mickey Gallagher has coming his way.  The library will rent a dunk-tank-like machine loaded with those balloons plus a bull’s-eye for throwers to hit, to rain liquids – perhaps chocolate milk, spaghetti sauce or plain water – onto Gallagher’s head from 1 to 4 p.m. August 20 outside Mill Creek Library, a part of Sno-Isle LIbaries. (The Herald [Everett], 8.8.10) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100809/LIVING/708099973

If you have two friends or colleagues at work who are splendiferous spellers (and, of course, if you yourself know your way around a dictionary), form a team and sign up for the first ever Everett Public Library Spelldown. Teams of three adults pay a $100 registration fee, all going to support projects for the kids. The Spelldown is set for 7 p.m., October 8, at the Everett Performing Arts Center. (The Herald [Everett], 8.10.10) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100810/LIVING/708109807

Hard Times/Economy

Seattle Public Library’s (SPL) Communications Director Andra Addison, who has been with SPL for 15 years, said the library’s budget has had both increases and cuts over the last 10 years. However, in recent years, there have been more cuts.  But one thing SPL has not done during these tough times is close or consolidate any of its branches. One new branch is the International District (ID)/Chinatown branch.  (Photo) (Northwest Asian Weekly [Seattle], 8.7.10) http://www.nwasianweekly.com/2010/08/will-our-libraries-make-it-through-the-recession/

[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] ]