WA State Library News

Since 2002, Jan Walsh has led the Washington State Library (WSL) through a turbulent period of budget and staff reductions while witnessing increased usage by the public, especially online.  Her days as State Librarian and director of WSL are coming to an end soon.  Walsh recently announced her retirement.  Her last day on the job is August 31. (Secretary of State Online, 7.28.10) http://www.sos.wa.gov/office/osos_news.aspx?i=p5YOSY7Ri11gnDUQnvOrHQ%3d%3d

Library News

“Calling all artists, art collectors and spring cleaners! The Library Art Show and Silent Auction is coming soon and we need your generous contributions,” organizers say. Organizers are requesting donations of both two and three dimensional art.  100 percent of proceeds benefit Orcas Island Library. (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 7.14.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isj/community/98136839.html

The Orcas Island Library is open every Sunday from noon until 3 p.m., in addition to regular hours. Thanks to sponsors, Bob Lundeen, Bob Henigson and the Friends of the Orcas Island Library, they have been able to offer Sunday hours through the end of the year. (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 7.14.10)

Attempts to find a suitable candidate for the open Pend Oreille County Library District director have been futile, so the district’s board of directors split the position in two.  Board chairman Mark Cauchy said the board re-evaluated the position and is in the process of reorganizing the district.  (Newport Miner, 7.14.10)

To those who have left for vacation only to have the book or movie they’ve been waiting for finally become available for pickup, the Bellingham Public Library wants to remind you to suspend your holds while you are away. Library holds are kept for eight days after arrival before being given to the next person in line and 50 cents is charged for each item not picked up in time. (Bellingham Herald, 7.16.10) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/07/15/1527071/suspend-library-holds-while-on.html

North Kitsap School District administrators rolled out their proposed 2010-11 budget last week, identifying substantial cuts but keeping counselor and librarian position intact. In maintaining the library and counselor positions, district administrators have recommended alternative cuts.  (North Kitsap County Herald [Poulsbo], 7.16.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/nkh/news/98557839.html

Today’s Bellevue Regional Library is the eighth building to serve that purpose. When it opened in 1925, the first Bellevue Library occupied one room in a grocery store on Main Street. It had only 300 books, discards from the Seattle Library. In the 1930s the library found a more permanent home in the Bellevue Clubhouse.  In 1966 the city of Bellevue constructed a new building next to City Hall. The current location opened in 1993. (Photo) (Bellevue Reporter [Kent], 7.16.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel/community/98118479.html

The Seattle Public Library might increase fines and fees later this year, a move that could bring in an extra $650,000 annually for the cash-strapped agency. The issue will be talked about at a committee meeting of the Library’s board of trustees Friday.  No vote or public-comment period is planned.  (Seattle Post-Intelligencer Online, 7.21.10) http://www.seattlepi.com/local/423773_library.html

It’s a brilliantly sunny, rare gem of a day in the South Sound, but that’s not enough to keep some three-dozen teens from heading inside the downtown Tacoma Public Library. As librarians like to say, the library has become their “third place” – behind the first two places where people spend the most time: home and work or school.  Libraries increasingly are the place where people of all ages gather to learn and create, have fun and connect with others. (The News Tribune Online [Tacoma], 7.25.10) http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2010/07/25/4918716.htm

Elections

The Langley City Council has decided to ask voters in November to annex the city into the Sno-Isle Library District. If the measure is approved by voters – a simple majority is needed – Langley property owners would pay the current property tax levy that is assessed by the library district. Only two cities in the two-county library district have not annexed:  Langley and Stanwood. (South Whidbey Record [Langley], 7.10.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/whidbey/swr/news/98144489.html

About 20 people attended a campaign kickoff event Wednesday, July 7, at McComb Gardens for the proposed lift to the North Olympic Library System levy.  Kate Adams, the campaign team leader, said radio interviews are scheduled at local stations and a Web site and Facebook page have been established for the campaign.  The need for public outreach is great, she said. (Photo) (The Sequim Gazette, 7.14.10) http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/article.exm/2010-07-14_library_levy_campaign_begins

Throughout Clallam County, voters will be asked to lift the North Olympic Library System’s levy lid. This year, the North Olympic Library System is collecting 33 cents per $1,000 assessed property valuation, although voters approved a rate of 50 cents 32 years ago.  NOLS is asking for restoration of that same 50-cents rate.  Presently, NOLS is using reserve funds to maintain the library operations at reduced levels.  (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 7.16.10) http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010307169984

Buildings

The city Hearing Examiner reviewed and approved designs for the new Duvall Library on June 22, giving the King County Library System (KCLS) the go-ahead for construction of the new 8,000 square-foot library on Main Street.  Kay Johnson, associate director of facilities, anticipates a late August bid opening, and was hopeful that the winning contractor would break ground in the early fall. (Valley View [Woodinville], 7.12.10)

Carnation Elementary School librarian Ellen Irion faced a monumental task.  Irion had to pack up the contents of the school library to prepare for a major renovation project in her wing of the school, starting this summer. The renovation will provide more efficient heat, electricity and lighting, new shelving and equipment for the library. (Photo) (Snoqualmie Valley Record, 7.14.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/svr/news/98357884.html

The Oroville Public Library, a part of North Central Regional Library System, is getting a new roof because the old one has been leaking in heavy rains. The troublesome roof has been having problems for the last couple of years and the city was waiting to see if the Friends of the Library could make good on their plans to find funding for a new library before spending money on a new roof. However, the problem has become too bad to ignore and the repairs were ordered by the council. (Photo) (Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune [Oroville], 7.15.10)

The city of Roslyn is seeking a firm to do the first phase of rehabilitation on the 1904 Roslyn Library, which was badly damaged in the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. The Friends of the Roslyn Library’s website says this is the community’s most important building. The building anchors the Roslyn National Register Historic District. (Photo) (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 7.19.10)

The King County Library System is seeking qualification statements from architects and engineers interested in building new libraries in Federal Way and Tukwila. The statements are due August 12, according to the notice in the July 14 DJC. The Federal Way Library will be 15,000 square-feet, and the one in Tukwila will be 10,000 square-feet. (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 7.21.10)

Letters & Editorials

On August 17, our library district will be seeking a yes vote on a levy.  This levy will restore library hours to 2008 levels, and increase book budgets.  I ask you to vote “yes” for our libraries – one of the last places you can go and not be asked for an admission charge. (Columbian [Vancouver], 7.13.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/jul/13/showcase-local-musicians/

People value libraries. There is always debate about value of libraries compared to other public investments – police, fire, etc. – but when a library’s survival or cherished program is called into question, people respond. There are numerous instances when people step up when government funding falls short. The latest is the volunteer support for the summer reading programs at the libraries in the county. (Daily Record [Ellensburg], 7.13.10)

Recently, I had the privilege of riding along with our Goldendale Community Library Bookmobile to Wishram and Dallesport. Our library is even more important now than in times of plenty, and despite recent cuts, we are relying on it more. This is a hard time to speak of tax increases, but I entreat you to vote yes on the levy lid lift in August. (Sentinel [Goldendale], 7.14.10) http://www.goldendalesentinel.com/letters/2010letters/07-14-10_letters.htm

I am writing in support of the library levy to be raised this year. Intellectual stimulation, whether it comes in light-hearted or serious forms, is a must for any community.  Do support the levy increase.  It is really very little for so very much in return. (The Sequim Gazette, 7.14.10) http://www.sequimgazette.com/letters/article.exm/2010-07-14_letters_to_the_editor

I have loved libraries all of my long life.  When I was very small, my father taught me to read and to love and respect books as much as he did. Not everyone is as enamored of books as I, but libraries have a lot more to offer than when I was a child. But not my beloved Sequim Library, which was built with community help, is in trouble. Please vote “yes” for our community. (The Sequim Gazette, 7.14.10) http://www.sequimgazette.com/letters/article.exm/2010-07-14_letters_to_the_editor

As a result of belonging to the Fort Vancouver Regional Library System we can access just about any book we might want to read, as well as books on tape, on disk or in play away format. The “Vote for Libraries” signs you are seeing around town refer to this upcoming levy scheduled for August 17. I urge a yes vote. (The Enterprise [White Salmon], 7.15.10)

People of Clallam County! Your best bargain of summer 2010 has arrived: a .44 cent stamp placed on your Library Levy mail-in ballot! Your ballot will arrive at your postal address July 28 and must be returned by August 17, 2010. (Forks Forum, 7.15.10)

The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District will ask voters August 17 to restore the library levy to 50 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation in 2011. The last time the district asked voters for an increase in their tax levy rate was 1993 – 17 years ago. It seems a shame to now not support their proper operation.  Please vote “yes” for your community and “yes” for your libraries. (Columbian [Vancouver], 7.16.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/jul/16/letters-to-the-editor/

The Timberland Regional Library board of trustees has been playing fast and loose lately with the state Open Public Meetings Act. The troubles stem from their deliberations over a new executive director to lead the five-county library system. The library district is a public agency that needs to do a better job engaging the public in its decision making.  (The Olympian [Olympia], 7.18.10) http://www.theolympian.com/2010/07/18/1307953/transparency-lacking-in-library.html

Signs are starting to go up around town saying “Your Libraries – YES!” I hope that these signs will inspire all the readers in Clallam County to vote to restore the levy rate to its previous rate of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.  This translates to an increase of about $2.82 per month for a home with a $200,000 assessed value – far less than one fancy coffee.  (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 7.18.10)

I write in favor of the August 17 levy election to fund the North Olympic Library System. The library last asked the voters of Clallam County for a tax levy of 50 cents per $1,000 assessed property value in 1978. The tax rate has now dwindled from 50 cents per $1,000 to 33 cents. If the voters don’t restore the 1978 rate of 50 cents, our library will have to make cuts. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 7.18.10)

On April 29, 2010, the Monroe Library celebrated “Dia de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros, Children’s Day/Book Day,” an event that combines the traditional Mexican celebration of Dia de los Ninos with an emphasis on books, literacy and diversity.  Much to our surprise and delight, local businesses donated approximately $1,200 worth of goods and gift certificates for the event!  (Monroe Monitor, 7.20.10)

The Clallam County commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday, July 13, in support of the library levy lift. The library has cut back two weeks of service this year through furloughs and will cut more next year if the levy doesn’t pass, library trustee Don Zanon said at the meeting. (The Sequim Gazette, 7.21.10) http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/article.exm/2010-07-21_commissioners_support_library_levy

Thousands of people use the North Olympic Library System if not every day, then for sure every week. The problem at hand is clear. How do we keep the libraries in our community accessible, with current information and technology, and available to and for the entire community?  Pass the levy.  (The Sequim Gazette, 7.21.10) http://www.sequimgazette.com/guest-opinion/article.exm/2010-07-21_libraries:_great_value_for_our_money

People

Crystal King knows the importance of libraries – after all, she’s a graduate student. On Tuesday, July 6, the City Council appointed King, as well as applicants Kelly Penny and Mandy Ingram, to the five-person board. (Photos) (Arlington Times [Marysville], 7.14.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/north_sound/arl/news/98518794.html

Danielle Krol, former executive director of the Mid-Columbia Libraries, was fired after using the library district’s attorney to draw up a more lucrative contract for herself, public records show. Instead of getting a 4.5 percent raise, and a package of perks and job security, Krol was fired on the spot. And the library district board docked $2,052 from her final paycheck to cover unauthorized legal expenses for preparing the contract. (Photo) (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 7.17.10) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2010/07/17/1095611/library-chief-fired-after-contract.html

Programs & Displays

On July 17 Moroccan-born author and educator Laila Lalami will speak at the fundraiser for Lopez Island Family Resource Center. The topic of the “meet the author” session, at the Lopez Library, will be Lalami’s latest novel, “Secret Son.” (Photo) (Island’s Weekly Newspaper [Lopez Island], 7.13.10)

The Smithsonian exhibit coming to Orcas in a few days is anything but dry history. The exhibit which will be at the Orcas Historical Museum from July 17 through August 29 has seven modules. The Orcas Library is also partnering with the museum.  Its summer reading program is using materials provided by the Smithsonian, and kids will be treated to a special tour of the exhibit. (Photos) (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 7.14.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isj/lifestyle/98366469.html

As part of the Adult Summer Reading Program supported by First Federal and Undertow Coffee and Wine Bar, Cris Wilson, adult services librarian for the Port Townsend Library says, you can earn a “Literary Latte” coupon for an espresso drink of your choice from Undertow. (The Leader [Port Townsend], 7.14.10) http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=27348&SectionID=36&SubSectionID=55&S=1

Summer fun soared to new heights July 12 when the WSU Raptor Club visited the Othello Public Library, a part of Mid-Columbia Libraries. The club brought a variety of falcons, hawks and owls to show young readers. The birds have visited twice before and librarian Corinne Field said children of most ages like the visits. (Photos) (The Outlook [Othello], 7.15.10) http://othellooutlook.com/?p=12714

A highlight of the annual Summer Reading Program operated by the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District is a visit by the Knights of Veritas performers, who demonstrate historically accurate swordplay. On Thursday, Knights director Eric Slyter of Moses Lake and partner Brandyn Bettis of Roslym captivated their young audience and parents with a show of medieval martial arts.  (Photos) (Columbian [Vancouver], 7.16.10) http://www.columbian.com/photos/2010/jul/16/8553/

Visit a Pierce County Library (PCLS) this August through September to learn everything you need to know about computers. The classes are part of PCLS’s services to help people find and get jobs, as well as start and retain small businesses during the economic downturn. Register for classes at a Pierce County Library. {Editor’s note: Pierce County Library received a Renew Washington grant to assist its patrons help and find jobs as well} (South Pierce County Dispatch [Eatonville], 7.21.10)

[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] ]