Library News

The Everett Public Library has raised more than $3,500 through its adult Spell Down for the main branch’s new teen section that is coming next June. The library surpassed its goal of $3,000.  The extra money will go toward supplies for the children’s early learning center, furniture, a sign and extra books for the teen center. (Photo) (Everett News Tribune [Snohomish], 10.13.10)

An envelope containing a small amount of cash was all that was taken when an intruder broke into the Mount Vernon City Library sometime Tuesday night.  Library Director Brian Soneda said employees noticed about 7:45 a.m. that the window of the emergency exit door on the east side of the building had been broken. (Photo) (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 10.14.10) http://www.goskagit.com/home/article/break_in_at_libary_leaves_two_broken_windows/

Several Island children will have the chance to explore the wonders of the public library this week without ever stepping foot into the brick building at Ober Park.  Called a Library2Go!, the new traveling library is a bright red Dodge Sprinter van that the King County Library System is sending to communities to serve the needs of those who might not ordinarily go to the library.  (The Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber, 10.20.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/vashon/vib/news/105275053.html

Recognizing the countless hours local volunteers tirelessly contribute to Whidbey Island’s libraries, the Island County Commissioners recently proclaimed this ‘Friends of the Library Week’.  Coupeville Library Manager Leslie Franzen agrees the Coupeville Friends group plays a big part in making so many of the library’s programs and services happen. (Photo) (The Whidbey Examiner [Coupeville], 10.20.10) http://www.whidbeyexaminer.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=4596&SectionID=3&SubSectionID=3&S=1

Seattle World Affairs Council Strategic Advisor Elaine Change once again escorted another foreign delegation to Roslyn and Cle Elum, this time for rounds of discussions with local librarians. Friday, October 15, four Uzbekistani librarians arrived at noon in Roslyn, welcomed by Roslyn Librarian Erin Krake and Cle Elum Librarian Jane Agar. (Photo) (Northern Kittitas County Tribune [Cle Elum], 10.21.10)

Officials in Endicott and with the Whitman County Library District are now teaming up to take on a remodeling of the library building. They will receive a special helping of aid from the Endicott Community Club, which has pledged to donate proceeds from its November 7 German Dinner and silent auction.  (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 10.21.10)

Changes are in store at Seattle Public Library beginning November 1.  Fines will rise from 15 cents to 25 cents a day, the cost of printing off a library computer will rise from 10 cents to 15 cents and overdue fines on children’s books can be sent to collection agencies.  People who owe more than $25 in fines can expect to hear from the library and possibly from a collection agency. (Seattle Times, 10.28.10) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013277223_library28.html

Elections

Voters throughout Snohomish County have eight new options for dropping off ballots for the general election. A $35,600 federal grant through the Help America Vote Act paid for the ballot boxes.  The county expects to spend about $5,000 to staff them. You can find them at Sno-Isle Libraries in Arlington, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Marysville, Monroe, Mukilteo and Snohomish. (The Herald [Everett], 10.14.10)

Branch closures and further cuts in hours could be considered in coming years if the library levy increase on the November ballot doesn’t pass, Kitsap Regional Library officials say. And if the levy should fail – the district hasn’t had a levy approved by voters since 1979 – officials said they don’t have a plan of action in place for after 2011. (Bremerton Patriot, 10.15.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/ckr/news/105075219.html

Buildings

To celebrate the start of construction for the 11,000 square-foot Newcastle Library, a groundbreaking event will be held at 3:45 p.m. October 20, at the site of the new library. With gold shovels in hand, local dignitaries will join King County Library System Director Bill Ptacek in breaking ground. With small shovels of their own, children wearing miniature hard hats will also take part in the ceremony. (Bellevue Reporter [Kent], 10.15.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel/community/104791369.html

After years of planning and fundraising, work will begin Friday on a new $4 million library jointly owned and operated by Yakima Valley Community College and the city of Grandview. The 12,000 square-foot facility is scheduled to open for both students and Lower Valley residents next September.  College and city authorities are not yet sure how much library cards will cost, but there will be only one rate. (Photo) (Yakima-Herald Republic, 10.19.10) http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2010/10/18/library-collaboration-project-gets-started-friday-in-grandview

Unforeseen issues mean the Omak Library remodeling project, part of North Central Regional Library District, has been extended until the end of the year, with reopening expected in mid-November.  Public Works Director Jim Miller said the library will open by November 12, a delay brought about by faulty beams in the library’s support system. (The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle, 10.20.10)

The Bellingham Public Development Authority’s Army Street right-of-way property in the Old Town district is a possible contender for a new public library. Library trustees discussed the small vacant parcel on West Holly Street on Tuesday October 19, after hearing earlier presentation about it from Jim Long, development authority director. (Bellingham Herald, 10.21.10) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/10/21/1679118/old-town-site-a-contender-for.html

Letters & Editorials

The Friends of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library are celebrating by hosting a Friend-ly Book Sale on Saturday, October 23.  There’s no better way to support your local library and celebrate National Friends of the Library Week than by helping your library’s best friends. (Liberty Lake Splash, 10.14.10) http://www.libertylakesplash.com/news.asp?id=20073

I strongly support the Kitsap Regional Library levy in the November 2 elections for the following reasons. 1. The levy will restore needed hours to the library system. 2. More than 75 percent of Kitsap County residents currently have library cards. 3. More people than ever are using the library. For the good of the community, please pass the library levy this November. (Independent [Port Orchard], 10.15.10)

Kitsap Regional Library, the property tax-funded library district serving Kitsap County, wants taxpayers to trust them.  It hasn’t had much success recently, and has admitted its failed levy lift proposal in 2007 overreached and the district hadn’t done enough housecleaning. But as a story this week indicates, the district has poured its efforts into trying to get itself out of a financial hole without planning for what might happen if the measure fails. (Central Kitsap Reporter [Silverdale], 10.15.10)

Two letters to the editor not supporting the Libraries of Stevens County levy increase: “I think that for now, the District should keep on doing more with more (as they have been doing all these years) and forget about asking for a lot more, just now.” (Statesman-Examiner [Colville], 10.20.10)

Three letters to the editor supporting the Libraries of Stevens County levy increase: “People say they don’t use the library and I ask “why not.” Why would they pass up using this valuable resource? Please vote “yes” for the Libraries of Stevens County on November 2. “(Statesman-Examiner [Colville], 10.20.10)

Thank you, North Bend library patrons, for donating used books throughout the year for our annual Friends of the Library book sale.  Our book sale was a big success and the money raised remains in the North Bend Library and helps fund library enhancements, as well as programs for all ages. (Snoqualmie Valley Record, 10.20.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/svr/opinion/letters/105292703.html

The library is one governmental service that has value for everyone.  The increase in taxes the district is requesting is about $22 per year for the average household in Stevens County.  Please vote “yes” on the levy for the Stevens County Rural Library District. (Deer Park Tribune, 10.20.10)

It’s time to support the Chewelah Public Library by voting to restore the levy.  Besides books, it has computers, movies, storytelling, auto repair databases and so much more. The voters have already approved this levy rate 15 years ago: please vote to restore that rate. (The independent [Chewelah], 10.21.10)

People

Bellingham Public Library has a new head of Children’s Services.  Bethany Hoglund has been selected to fill the spot held by Scott Blume, who retired at the end of 2009, according to a news release from the library. The new children’s librarian has a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Washington. (The Bellingham Herald Online, 11.1.10) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/11/01/1693539/bellingham-public-library-selects.html

Letter to the editor from Karin Schulhauser: I would like to thank the community of Blaine for a fantastic three and a half years as the branch director of the Boys & Girls Club.  I recently accepted the position of Sumas branch manager with the Whatcom County Library System.  (The Northern Light [Blaine], 10.21.10) http://www.thenorthernlight.com/letters/article.exm/2010-10-21_letters_to_the_editor___october_21_27__2010

Programs & Displays

A free workshop that will cover the basics of starting a new business will be held Thursday, October 28 at the Camas Public Library.  The class will be taught by members of the Fort Vancouver chapter of S.C.O.R.E., a nonprofit organization dedicated to education entrepreneurs.  (Camas-Washougal Post-Record, 10.12.10)

The Camas High School Library is sponsoring a “Funds 4 Books” drive through Friday, November 5.  For every $15 donated, a new book will be purchased for the library.  According to organizers, 100 percent of every donation goes to purchase materials.  (Camas-Washougal Post-Record, 10.12.10)

Downloadable e-books and audio books, and new item lists that connect directly to the library catalog, are just a few of the features available from Port Townsend Public Library’s new website.  Library director Theresa Percy was able to achieve this with a Washington State Library Renew Washington Communication Grant. (The Leader [Port Townsend], 10.13.10) [Editor’s note:  The grant was awarded using federal, LSTA funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and funds from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.] http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=27933&SectionID=36&SubSectionID=55&S=1

Why are romance novels so popular? Mukilteo librarians plan to ask a panel of romantic-fiction authors that very question.  The Mukilteo Library, a part of Sno-Isle Libraries, is hosting “Books with Heartbeat: Meet the Authors,” a panel of four local writers of romantic fiction for adults and teens from 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, October 16. All of the authors are from the Pacific Northwest. (Photo) (The Mukilteo Beacon, 10.13.10) http://www.mukilteobeacon.com/community/article.exm/2010-10-13_authors_to_discuss_romance_on_library_s_panel

The Gig Harbor/Peninsula branch of the Pierce County Library System showcased Delaney Harmand’s remarkable fused glass jewelry last fall.  This month, the artist’s colorful creations are back, but this time she’s bringing along some friends. While the library will showcase Harmand’s jewelry throughout October along with copies of her book, “The Rag Picker,” two other authors will join her for autograph signing sessions on October 14, 22 and 23. (Photo) (Peninsula Gateway [Gig Harbor], 10.13.10) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/10/12/1379348/trio-of-authors-will-visit-gig.html

On the last Wednesday of every month a group gathers at Waterville Library, a part of North Central Regional Library District, to knit, socialize, troubleshoot new projects and browse through new library books on knitting. Library Sandy Bareither, who is also a knitter, said the group provides a forum for people to ask questions of other knitters and encourage each other. (Photo) (Douglas County Empire Press [East Wenatchee], 10.14.10)

The wild Pacific Northwest can pull at any artist’s imagination, whether that artist is a painter, writer, photographer or unsuspecting hiker. North Bend art historian Susan Olds will present “Northwest Noir: Mysteries, Legends and Landscapes” on October 24 at the North Bend Library, a part of King County Library System. Those with library cards can check out books and movies librarians will set out on tables during the free presentation. (Photo) (SnoValley Star [Issaquah], 10.14.10) http://snovalleystar.com/2010/10/13/learn-about-northwest-noir-at-the-library

Donations of nonperishable food are accepted at the Washougal Community Library, a part of Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. Food donations, which can be placed in bags at the library, will be given to the East County Family Center and the Inter-Faith Treasure House, both of Washougal. (Camas-Washougal Post-Record, 10.19.10)

Economy/Hard Times

Besides reviewing a $4.5 million current expense fund budget proposed for 2011, the Grandview City Council last week also heard budget proposals from some of the city’s department heads. Bleyhl Community Library Director Geraldine de Rooy said the total library services budget for 2011 is proposed to be $193,550, down about $9,000 from last year. (Daily News [Sunnyside], 10.19.10) http://www.sunnyside.net/ARCHIVES/Story.aspx/19583/fire-library-clerk-unveil-proposed-budgets-for-2011

Proposed layoffs in the Police Department, a cut in library hours and the closure of the Pioneer Park Aviary were three of the most contested issues at a public meeting in Walla Walla Tuesday night to discuss how the city will make up for a near $2 million budget shortfall next year.  Cuts to the library since the library received the single largest proportional hit at 25 percent of its budget. (Union-Bulletin [Walla Walla], 10.20.10)

[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] ]