WA State Library News

The 2010 Washington Rural Heritage project to digitize fragile, historically significant objects/information will take place at the Odessa Public Library with the help of its partners.  The original grant applied for was denied by the Washington State Library, citing a lack of funding.  However, the application was re-evaluated and found to have some interesting possibilities. (Odessa Record, 8.12.10)

Nineteen librarians across Washington have been selected as Fellows in a new program that aims to serve middle-age patrons, the Washington State Library announced.  The program, called Transforming Life After 50, is funded by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.  (Republic News Miner, 8.12.10)

Library News

Effective September 1, Mid-Columbia Libraries will stop sending printed hold and overdue library notices to about 2,000 customers who receive them.  Customer accounts receiving mailed paper notices will be switched to automated phone notices.  The switch to paperless hold and overdue notices will streamline operations and reduce operating expenses, saving Mid-Columbia Libraries more than $5,200 in annual printing, postage and staff time costs.  (The Outlook [Othello], 8.12.10) http://othellooutlook.com/?p=13299

Local libraries are banding together to allow residents who have a library card at any of the Whatcom County Library System or Bellingham Public branch libraries to borrow library materials from local academic libraries.  The service, called the “Library One Card” program because residents will only need one card to access all the libraries, is free.  (Foothills Gazette [Maple Falls], 8.13.10)

If you can’t get to the library, then the library will come to you.  That’s the mantra of the new King County Library System (KCLS) bookmobiles, called Library2Go!  The official debut of the bookmobiles happened recently in the Renton Library parking lot.  Also introduced was another vehicle, the Digital Discovery Zone (DDZ), which is a computer lab.  (Photo) (Renton Reporter [Kent], 8.13.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/news/99326709.html

The Ferndale Public Library Teens, with a lot of help from Susie and Michael Burnett from Friends of the Ferndale Library and from library youth focus staff Dianne Smith, created a float for the Old Settlers parade.  The float took second place in the Junior Parade and won the Old Settlers Grand Prize Trustees Sweepstakes award for the Grand Parade.  (Photo) (Bellingham Herald, 8.15.10) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/08/15/1568131/ferndale-library-teens-build-float.html

Public library card holders can borrow materials from Western Washington University for free as part of a new cooperative agreement among libraries in Whatcom County – and they don’t even have to get another card to do it.  Another provision of the new program, called Library One Card, allows borrowers to return materials to any library or drop-off site overseen in the agreement, regardless of where they checked them out.  (Bellingham Herald, 8.16.10) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/08/16/1569979/whatcom-county-library-users-now.html

Customers at the Borders Bookstore at Cascade Mall are supporting the Burlington Public Library by donating books from the library’s wish list.  So far, the children’s book drive has been a success.  The drive began in early July, and by the end of the month bookstore patrons had donated more than $1,700 in books to the library.  (Skagit Argus (Burlington), 8.17.10)

Posted for only a week, an entry-level opening for a librarian’s assistant drew 309 job seekers to a crowded meeting hall Monday in South Tacoma, all vying to land a coveted city job with benefits during a difficult economy.  The applicant pool was so big, the city pulled the job announcement after just one week – typically they’re left up for two or three weeks.  (Photo) (The News Tribune [Tacoma], 8.24.10) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/08/23/1312001/cast-of-hundreds-for-city-library.html

Elections

The Kitsap Regional Library Board of Trustees has approved a levy measure for the November 2 general election ballot that is intended to secure the library’s financial status for a decade, and would allow the expansion of library hours, the purchase of more books and the improvement of library technology, according to a press release.  (Bremerton Patriot, 8.6.10)

Washougal voters have one more week to get their ballots, regarding emergency medical and library services, turned in. The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District is hoping voters will approve a 12 cent increase to its current levy rate of 38 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation.  (Camas-Washougal Post-Record, 8.10.10)

The Port Orchard City Council voted 4-3 on Tuesday night to endorse Proposition 1, which would annex the city into the Kitsap Regional Library District.  Notably, even those who voted against the resolution supported the ballot measure itself.  (Independent [Port Orchard], 8.13.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/poi/news/100541194.html

The last time the Kitsap Regional Library got a levy increase it snowed in the Sahara Desert.  In November, Kitsap residents will decide whether to increase the levy lid by 13.5 cents starting next year, to a total of 48 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, which for the typical homeowner in Silverdale would amount to about a $30 annual increase, according to the library district.  (Bremerton Patriot, 8.13.10)

The Castle Rock Library has gained some ground as more primary election ballots are counted, but it was still failing with the latest tally on Thursday.  With a vote of 197 yes and 140 no, the measure had a 58.46 percent passage rate Thursday, up slightly from early returns Tuesday but still shy of the 60 percent supermajority needed to pass.  The levy is the library’s only source of tax revenue.  (The Daily News [Longview], 8.19.10) http://tdn.com/news/local/article_d264b27c-ac20-11df-bf5b-001cc4c03286.html

Buildings

The Newcastle Library is continuing to work its way through the permitting process with the city, and is concurrently under-going its site plan, site design and building permit approvals.  After the permit process is complete, the King County Library System will need to go through the bidding process for the project.  (The Newcastle News [Issaquah], 8.6.10) http://www.newcastle-news.com/index.php?s=library+undergoing+approval+process

Columbia County Rural Library District will be redecorating the main part of the library over the next couple of months.  The Library District is trying to stay open through most of the changes.  The public will be informed when they plan to close early or for the entire day.  (Dayton Chronicle, 8.11.10)

Five minutes before opening, staff of the newly remodeled Whitman County Colfax library were wiping down windows, rigging up sign with their new hours and putting the final touches on bookshelves.  The town has been without their library building for the nine months of construction.  (Photos) (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 8.12.10)

The new North Folk Community Library currently under construction in Kendall is progressing faster than anyone had hoped.  Friends of the North Fork Community Library started building on April 2.  The Friends are continuing their efforts to raise the funding needed to complete the building work.  (Photo) (Foothills Gazette [Maple Falls], 8.13.10)

Letters and Editorials

As the Mayor of Battle Ground, I believe not only in Battle Ground but in the entire North Clark County community.  And I believe in our libraries, which are the heart of our communities.  The library district has slashed budgets, staff and hours.  I urge you to vote “yes” on the library levy measure.  (Photo) (The Reflector [Battle Ground], 8.4.10)

Until recently, I have been a huge property-tax increase “Grinch.”  But I urge you to join me in supporting our North Olympic Library System levy increase.  This is one service that provides solutions and assistance for all ages of the community from 2 months old to 102 years, with something special for everyone.  (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles}, 8.8.10)

Two letters to the Editor against the North Olympic Library System levy increase. “I give all the time to the food bank, the homeless and more.  I can’t afford more library taxes.  Help your neighbors instead.” (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles}, 8.8.10)

We are firm believers in our libraries. The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District is one of the institutions that greatly enriches our community in so many ways.  For us personally, being retired and on a limited income.we are dependent on and appreciative of our library.  Join us in voting “yes” for our libraries.  (Columbian [Vancouver], 8.10.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/aug/10/letters-to-the-editor/

The Goldendale Library is a haven for many children.  It provides a safe environment while searching for books, reading, attending classes and using computers.   The library is one of the most valuable assets for our community and East County. Please vote yes for our Goldendale Library. (Sentinel [Goldendale], 8.11.10)  http://www.goldendalesentinel.com/letters/2010letters/08-11-10_letters.htm

As an active supporter of public libraries for many years, I believe that the Columbian Editorial Board acted appropriately in recommending a “No” vote on the proposed 20 percent increase in library property taxes.  Citizens can love and support their libraries and at the same time make intelligent decisions about what public services to grow in these tough times. (The Reflector [Battle Ground], 8.11.10)

Our library system here in Southwestern Washington reports that our libraries are seeing even more visitors and books checked out in spite of their reduced hours.  The August 17 ballot includes a levy measure that would restore lost open hours.  Please join me in voting for our library.  (The Skamania County Pioneer [Stevenson], 8.11.10)

Three letters to the Editor supporting the North Olympic Library System’s levy increase. ” Everyone who uses our libraries need to vote to return the funding for NOLS to the same level that it was in 1978. Don’t forget to vote.”  (The Sequim Gazette, 8.11.10) http://www.sequimgazette.com/letters/article.exm/2010-08-11_letters_to_the_editor

I’m glad we have our library, and I know it serves as a community center and study hall with computer access and more.  But the problem I have with the proposed “rate increase” is the gross amount they are asking for.  I can’t believe they need that kind of money to just maintain.  (The Enterprise [White Salmon], 8.12.10)

A big thumbs up the Child Care Action Council for hosting Raising A Reader Family Literacy Nights at Timberland Regional Library branches in Olympia, Lacey, Yelm and Shelton.  Reading should be a year-round habit, and introducing children to the joys of reading at a young age makes perfect sense.  Well done.  (The Olympian, 8.14.10)  http://www.theolympian.com/2010/08/14/1335872/library-does-commendable-job-of.html

Three letters to the Editor supporting the North Olympic Library System’s levy increase.  “I realize that we’re all feeling under siege financially just now and maybe a bit impatient with some of our institutions.   But failing to pass this modest tax increase would be truly shortsighted.” (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 8.15.10)

America’s public libraries, fast turning themselves into “one-stop shops” for digital job searches, appear to be staging one of their great historic transformations.  Responding to a rush of recession-time visitors, 88 percent of our libraries now offer access to job databases.  As for access to free wireless services, 82 percent of libraries now provide it – up from just 27 percent four years ago.   (The Seattle Times, 8.22.10) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2012682058_peirce22.html

People

“I adore books that give me a sense of being in another place and time,” says former Seattle Librarian Nancy Pearl.  In 2004, she left her position as the executive director of the Washington Center for the Book at the Seattle Public Library to teach other librarians, and to speak at libraries and bookstores around the country and abroad.  Next up for Pearl?  A book tour, during which she will share Book Lust To Go with readers in 15 cities across the US.  (Photo)  (Alaska Airlines Magazine [Seattle], 8.2010) http://alaskaairlines.journalgraphicsdigital.com/Aug10/

Suzanne Jones has spent three decades helping Little Boston grow up.  Jones retires from her post with Kitsap Regional Library on August 19.  Tomi Whalen, who manages youth services at Regional Library branches in Little Boston, Kingston and Silverdale, will take over as branch manager.  (Photo) (North Kitsap County Herald [Poulsbo], 8.13.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/nkh/community/100579154.html

Marshall Shapiro, a circulation supervisor at the Stevenson and North Bonneville community libraries, is one of 19 librarian across Washington selected as fellows in a new program serving middle-aged patrons.  Shapiro has worked from the Fort Vancouver Regional Library system for three years, and worked for Spokane public library nearly 20 years.  (Photo)  (The Skamania County Pioneer [Stevenson], 8.11.10)

Even though Ann Anderson is retired, she enjoys volunteering at the Shelton Timberland Library through the Friends of the Library group.  Last year, Anderson became the treasurer, responsible for collecting money that is donated for different items at the library.  Anderson said that she is one of around 20 volunteers, most of which are retired.  (Photo)  (Shelton-Mason County-Journal, 8.12.10)

Programs and Displays

Restaurant owners and others in the food industry take note: certification in food handling can now be done at the Lopez Island Library.  San Juan County Public Health have installed a special station for completing the food handling certification text online.  (Island’s Weekly Newspaper [Lopez Island], 8.10.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isw/community/100163324.html

Everett Public Library has produced a podcast walking tour of the Everett Central Business District.  Narrated by historian David Dilgard, the podcast tour looks at 66 sites of historical significance along a 2.5-mile route.  The podcast may be downloaded at no cost from the library’s website.  (Everett News Tribune [Snohomish], 8.11.10)

The concert at Othello Community Library August 3 featured Recess Monkey, a band from Seattle. Almost all their songs included some sort of dance or jumping for the kids to do and were very participation driven.  The group performed earlier August 3 at the Kennewick Public Library for an estimated 520 people.  (Photo)  (The Outlook [Othello], 8.12.10)  http://othellooutlook.com/?p=13315

Soldiers and Airmen looking to brush up on their military occupational specialties have a place to do so thanks to the Army Continuing Education System. Personnel from ACES celebrated the grand opening of an MOS Library August 2, at Stone Education Center on Join Base Lewis-McChord Lewis-Main.  (Photos) (Northwest Guardian [Tacoma], 8.13.10) http://www.nwguardian.com/2010/08/13/8307/library-to-boost-soldier-learning.html

The Friends of the Langley Library have joined with their Clinton, Freeland, Coupeville and Oak Harbor counterparts to extend the reach of what each group does to foster an island-wide love of books and libraries.  What the Friends do is organize a number of programs independent of those funded by the Sno-Isle Libraries system.  (Photo) (South Whidbey Record [Langley], 8.14.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/whidbey/swr/community/100659644.html

[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] ]