WA State Library News

Washington State Librarian Jan Walsh announced she will retire August 31.  Prior to being appointed State Librarian in 2002, Walsh worked in the State Library as Assistant Director for Customer Service from 1997.  On Tuesday, August 17, a retirement celebration event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Legislative Building’s Columbia Room, located on the first floor.  (Photo)  (Tacoma Daily Index, 7.30.10) http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/searchd.cgi

“Smart phone” users can now install a new application 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.  More than 60 libraries and hundreds of librarians across Washington participate in Ask-WA, while an even larger, national cooperative of librarians provide backup and after-hours service.  (The 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

The Post-Register and the Quincy Rotary Club have teamed up to help raise money for our library in a unique way.  The Rotary Club has pledged to raise $40,000 to outfit the new Quincy Public Library’s conference and media room.  The Post-Register has agreed to help by donating a full-page advertisement to each of the first 25 donors who give at least $1,000 to the Rotary’s library project. (Quincy Valley Post Register, 7.22.10) http://qvpr.com/articles/rotary-p-r-team-library

Love them or hate them, the “Twilight” books are trendsetters.  They sparked a surge in interest in vampire and paranormal romance literature among youths and adults alike.  For lovers of vampire lore who’ve read all of Stephanie Meyer’s books and those seeking alternatives, local librarians and booksellers point to a number of options.  (Photos)  (Columbian [Vancouver], 7.30.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/jul/30/vampire-romance-novels-suck-in-readers/

The grand opening and dedication of the city’s Library Park was held on Wednesday, July 21. Park improvements were made at the time the Veterans Monument was constructed.  The Mill Creek library, a part of Sno-Isle Libraries, will host a series of children’s concerts on Wednesdays at Library Park beginning at noon.  (Photos)  (Millcreek View, 8.2010)

Patrons requested, and the Friends of the Everett Public Library responded, buying two step-up-and-wash stools, one for each library, and a larger bike rack for the main library. The stool at the main library will be in the family restroom, and the one at the Evergreen Branch will be in the women’s restroom. The new bicycle rack for the main branch will hold up to seven bikes, adding to the existing two bike rack.  (The Herald [Everett], 8.2.10) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100802/LIVING/708029975

Early in Ephrata’s history, town pioneers W. Gale and Alice Matthews had an extensive collection of books which they would lend to others in the community. The library “officially” opened in February 1934. In 1939 the Ephrata Women’s Club and the Junior Women’s Club meet and voted to turn the library over to the city administrators.  The library is now located on Alder Street. (Columbia Basin Herald [Moses Lake], 8.3.10)

Bothell police have charged an Everett man, 54, with voyeurism and criminal trespassing after he allegedly was caught using a mirror to peep under stalls in the women’s restroom of the Bothell Library,   a part of King County Library System.  (Bothell Reporter [Kent], 8.4.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/north_king/bkn/news/99799414.html

Elections

The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District (FVRL) is asking voters to approve a 12 cent increase to its current levy rate.  The proposed FVRL levy lid lift, included on the August 17 Primary Election ballot, would increase the levy rate to provide the library district with additional operating revenue to restore library hours lost in 2009, and purchase books and other items for the district collection.  (Camas-Washougal Post-Record, 7.27.10)

Ballots for the Ocean Shores Library Levy will be mailed on July 30, according to the Grays Harbor County Elections calendar. They must be mailed back by August 17, to be counted.  The “lid lift” vote is to raise property taxes by 22 cents per thousand of assessment; if passed, the $300,000 can be used only to fund the Ocean Shores Library.  (The North Coast News [Ocean Shores], 7.28.10)

If the index reads right, signs are pointing to the North Olympic Library System’s levy lift passing on August 17. Chambers of commerce, cities, county commissioners, real estate brokers, Olympic Medical Center commissioners and more than 400 individuals have endorsed the levy lift.  (Photos) (The Sequim Gazette, 7.28.10)  http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/article.exm/2010-07-28_little_opposition_to_library_levy

The City Council has voted, with unchecked enthusiasm, to back the August 17 levy proposal that library supporters have said would greatly benefit the North Sequim Avenue branch.  Sequim Mayor Ken Hays said Monday that the local library is an important part of the community.  (Photo) (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 7.28.10) http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010307289986

A new Silverdale Library would get the greatest share of money if a levy increase on the November ballot passes.  The Kitsap Regional Library Board of Trustees voted 5-0 Tuesday to put a $3.65 million per year levy increase on this year’s general election ballot to help expand operating hours and pay for construction project, such as a new library in Silverdale.  (Central Kitsap Reporter [Silverdale], 7.30.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/ckr/news/99657294.html

As a city planning commissioner, Bard Dalmasso tried to guide Sultan’s growth.  Now he believes Sultan is so badly broken that it should no longer be a town.  So he and others are collecting signatures to get a measure on the ballot to dis-incorporate the 105-year-old city of Sultan, making it instead a part of unincorporated Snohomish County. The library would not be affected, as it is run by the Sno-Isle Library District and no longer gets any funding from the city.  (Photos) (Monroe Monitor & Valley News, 8.3.10)

Buildings

Cosmos Development Company has completed phase one of the medical/dental and professional services center of the new Lake Hills Village mixed use development.  The King County Library Lake Hills Branch is a major anchor tenant to the project.  (Photo) (Bellevue Reporter [Kent], 7.23.10)

The Mukilteo Library, a part of Sno-Isle Libraries, will be closed August 22 through September 12 for re-carpeting.  The library will re-open at its regular time on September 13. During the closure, the Mukilteo Library book drop will be closed, but library materials can be returned to any other Sno-Isle Library. Holds that arrive will be sent to the Lynnwood Library for pick up there.  (Bremerton Patriot, 7.30.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/ckr/news/99657294.html

The King County Library System has found a temporary site to serve patrons when it closes the popular Auburn Library for a year of renovations in 2011.  But library users won’t have far to walk, because the temporary site will be just to the west of the library at the vacant United Rentals property.  (Auburn Reporter [Kent], 7.30.10)  http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/aub/news/99506944.html

The King County Library System is seeking bids for a new library in Duvall. The budget is $4.39 million, with construction expected to cost between $2.5 million and $3 million.  The 8,300-square-foot library, designed by Johnson Architects, will be a block south of the existing library.  (Photo) (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 8.3.10)

Graham’s Pierce County Library branch will be closed August 23 through August 29 while its heating and cooling system is being replaced.  The library is scheduled to re-open August 30 at 10 a.m.  During the facility’s six-day closure, its book drop will remain available to return items that were previously checked out. In addition, the meeting room will be open for people to pick up materials that they have reserved or placed on hold.  (South Pierce County Dispatch [Eatonville], 8.4.10)

Letters & Editorials

We moved here four years ago, and coming from a large city with a big library system, I feared we’d be disappointed in what Vancouver had to offer.  The Vancouver Mall Library was a delightful surprise.  The Fort Vancouver Regional Library System is a vital community resource and the upcoming levy will keep this vibrant institution available for everyone in Clark County.  (Columbian [Vancouver], 7.28.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/jul/28/letters-to-the-editor/

I’m a member of Citizens for Libraries and support the upcoming North Olympic Library System levy. Libraries are like fire district, hospitals and schools.  They contribute to the quality of life for all residents. Our libraries are struggling and need our help.  Ballots will be mailed today.  Please be sure to vote yes when you return yours. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 7.28.10)

Four letters to the editor supporting the North Olympic Library System levy lid lift.  “You will enrich your library and enrich your life when you check the yes box on your ballot for the library levy.”  (The  Sequim Gazette, 7.28.10) http://www.sequimgazette.com/letters/article.exm/2010-07-07_letters_to_the_editor

Seventeen! The length in years since the library district has asked for a raise.  Not an additional tax, but only up to what’s already been authorized – you’ve seen the figures; maybe $1.75 a month in a mid-priced house. Vote on the 17^th, for your library.  (Sentinel [Goldendale], 7.28.10) http://www.goldendalesentinel.com/letters/2010letters/07-28-10_letters.htm

Two letters to the editor supporting the Ocean Shores Library levy lid lift. “This election is about preserving our library while the economy recovers. Please take a minute to sort out the real issues here.  Please vote YES.”  (The North Coast News [Ocean Shores], 7.28.10)

According to a news story last week, print books may in fact be on the way out, and I have to confess that I have hardly realized the process.  A quick check of the North Central Regional Library website showed that those with library cards may immediately download a large number of titles of books of every sort.  I may still need a bit more convincing – an old habit like print reading dies hard.  (Douglas County Empire Press [East Wenatchee], 7.29.10)

During my teaching career I relied on public libraries for supplementary lesson plan materials.  Now I am retired and depend on the Kitsap Regional Library to support my reading habit.  Unfortunately, our Kingston Library space is cramped and limited in what services it can offer to the growing needs of local families, students and teachers.  (North Kitsap County Herald [Poulsbo], 7.30.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/nkh/opinion/letters/99584524.html

I am looking at this ongoing attempt to convince the taxpaying public that another of the “under-funded” portions of public services (library) must again get a tax increase, due in part, to increasing operating costs and inflation.  Does anyone doubt for a second that these same problems are not affecting the taxpayer also?  The only difference is that we don’t have funding source to pick up our increased costs.  (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 8.1.10)

Really, 50 percent more for the North Olympic Peninsula library levy?   Last year, without this tax increase, the library was able to operate with a surplus. If you are willing to vote for the 50 percent increase this year for the library, shouldn’t you also support similar 50 percent increases for our fire, police or schools, which really need the money a lot more than the library does?  (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 8.1.10)

As North Olympic Library System (NOLS) director, I see first-hand how the library impacts lives.  In the upcoming election, NOLS is asking voters to restore the library’s levy rate from the current 33 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation to 50 cents.  NOLS will not have to ask for another levy for at least 10 years, ensuring another decade of valuable library services for all of Clallam County.  (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 8.1.10)

Just as each of us individually cannot spend more money than we have in our household budget, so public institutions have to live within their budgets.  Economic times are hard, and many taxpayers have difficulties making ends meet.  This is the wrong time for a 50 percent property tax increase that goes way beyond just warding off cuts and layoffs.  (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 8.1.10)

Seventeen years.  That’s how long it’s been since Fort Vancouver Regional Library District last went to voters with a request to increase its operating levy rate.  It’s been that long because the district has been a careful, conservative steward of taxpayers’ money.  As The Columbian stated in a recent editorial, the library district is “one of the best-run government entities in the community.” (Columbian [Vancouver], 8.1.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/aug/01/library-levy-will-fill-major-need/

The July 20 editorial “‘No’ to Libraries” missed the mark.  Library use is up because times are hard. Our libraries are a vital force in the community and they deserve our support – and the tax impact is tiny.  We say “yes” to libraries.  (Columbian [Vancouver], 8.2.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/aug/02/letters-to-the-editor/

I applaud the Columbian for its July 20 editorial stance against an untimely request for a levy increase for library funding.  While support of our libraries is fundamental for community access to books and learning, their management of funds needs to reflect the current economic times that we live in. (Columbian [Vancouver], 8.2.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/aug/02/letters-to-the-editor/

As of Friday, July 23, 104 people have completed the 2010 Summer Community Survey.  Our goal, according to Library Director Phil Heikkinen, is to double that number by the end of the month.  The survey is located on the library’s home page and you can complete it online.  (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 8.4.10)  http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isj/opinion/letters/99248989.html

People

Sheryl Kindle Fullner was thrilled when she was asked to write a book about building and maintaining libraries with cheap and resourceful methods, since she had spent a dozen years doing just that.  When school starts this fall, the Everson resident will be in her 13^th year as a librarian and teacher at Nooksack Middle School.  She used her experience to write “The Shoestring Library,” which was recently published by Linworth Publishing, Inc.  (Photo)  (Bellingham Herald, 8.3.10) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/08/03/1553169/everson-resident-writes-book-on.html

Awards

Humanities Washington has awarded nearly $85,000 in grants to 13 Washington organizations working to nurture creativity, promote dialogue and spark critical thinking.  Orcas Island Public Library was one of them.  The library received a $7,500 grant to fund its Crossroads Lecture Series.  (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 8.4.10)

Programs & Displays

The Washougal Community Library, a part of Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, extended “Patron Appreciation Day” an extra 24 hours Wednesday after a performance time misunderstanding occurred with magician/Army Chief Warrant Officer William Scott Anderson.  Anderson’s performance has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 25, at the library.  (Photo)  (Camas-Washougal Post-Record, 7.27.10)

The Oregon Shadow Theatre presents two free shows of “Jack and the Dragon” at Jefferson County Library on Tuesday, August 3.  Colorful shadow puppets, live old-time American banjo and dulcimer music, and a barrel of laughs send “Jack and the Dragon” running down the hollow.  The Oregon Shadow Theatre is a Portland, Oregon based company that specializes in the art of shadow puppetry.  (Photo) (The Leader [Port Townsend], 7.28.10) http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=27421&SectionID=101&SubSectionID=471&S=1

Union’s own Sideways Reign plays its original rock music and a mix of blues, folk and some funk too, at the Shelton Timberland Regional Library’s concert series opener at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.  The free, all-ages, outdoor concert series, which runs Tuesdays through August 31, is sponsored by the Friends of the Shelton Timberland Regional Library.  Photo)  (Shelton-Mason County Journal, 7.29.10)

The North Olympic Library System’s annual summer reading program, “Make a Splash – READ!”, will conclude next week in Port Angeles and Sequim with marimba music for teens, a world-renowned puppet show for younger kids and a celebratory pool party in Port Angeles for all program participants. For safety reasons, enrollment is limited.  For more information contact the library.  (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 7.30.10)

A new summer reading initiative is giving Bellevue school kids a chance to check out books and decide for themselves whether to return them.  The Fabulous Fun Fridays program brings donated reading materials to local apartment complexes and allows children to grab as many as they like, for as long as they want – even if it means forever.  (Photo)  (Bellevue Reporter [Kent], 7.30.10)

Bellevue teens are invited to enter a poetry and fiction contest during the month of August.  The writer of the top poem and the top story will each receive a $50 gift card to University Bookstore plus publication or an excerpt of their work in the Bellevue Reporter in the September 24 issue.  The contest is sponsored by the King County Library System.  (Bellevue Reporter [Kent], 7.30.10)

A “Literary Shoot-Out” will be held on Sunday, August 1.  Two professional actors portray famed western authors Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour in this original literary debate over who was the best western writer.  The actors use biographical information, book titles and story lines to battle it out with each other over who is the best of the best.  The event is a fundraiser for the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation.  (Photos)  (Millcreek View, 8.2010)

Actress and storyteller Debbie Dimitre will portray former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt at a performance Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Raymond Timberland Regional Library.  The event is free and is being held in honor of Eleanor Roosevelt Day.  (Daily World [Aberdeen], 8.3.10)

Book Sales

The Friends of the La Center Library will be holding their annual book sale during the La Center Out Days Festival August 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Under the tent” will be a “Bucket Bag Bonanza” from 3-4 p.m. where a bag of books will be $1.  (The Reflector [Battle Ground], 7.28.10)

Boxes and boxes of bountiful books.  They’re gathering once again for the annual library fair and book sale, an island tradition filled with the scent of freshly cooked, homemade food, unique artwork and loads of affordable books.  No in its 55^th year, the fair will offer food vendors, craft booths, live music and storytelling, a quilt raffle, art auctions and more.  (Photos)  (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 8.4.10)

[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] ]