Washington State Library News

Denny Ashby Library’s Pomeroy Heritage digital collection has 288 new items documenting local history, including the 1909 photo on Page 1 of teacher Joe Bankson and students in front of the Peola Schoolhouse. The creation of this collection was made possible through a $6,000 grant from the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Washington Rural Heritage Program, an initiative of the Washington State Library. (East Washingtonian [Pomeroy], 12.8.10)

Library News

The King County Law Library has formed an Advisory Committee to develop a strategic plan for the future of the public law library. The Law Library is a public library that provides legal information to both attorneys and the public. In these difficult economic times, the Law Library is a free resource for legal information for the residents of King County. (King County Bar Bulletin [Seattle], 11.2010)

Fort Vancouver Regional Library District has made book-borrowing a little bit more convenient for residents in and around the town of Klickitat.  On November 9, the library district installed a new book-return drop box at Klickitat Community Center. (The Enterprise [White Salmon], 11.25.10)

Malden Librarian Shannon Roe urges residents to fill out the survey enclosed with the water bill this month and return it to the library or town hall by December 31.  She hopes the survey will help her find ways to provide better service.  The Malden Library is part of the Whitman County Library System. (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 12.2.10)

A new Ferndale city library easily will be owned by the entire community after nearly $100,000 in donations came in from the public in a two-week period.  City officials agreed to match public contributions, plus give another $100,000.  Although the full amount the city agreed to match didn’t come in, council members decided to give it all, anyway. (Bellingham Herald, 12.2.10) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/12/02/1749306/ferndale-community-raises-nearly.html

The Friends of the Chelan Library group wants to make more room at the library so more friends (patrons: editor’s note) can use it.  On November 23, they asked the Chelan City Council to provide $10,000 to hire a grant writer, set aside $200,000 a year starting in 2011, and complete the sidewalk between Morgan Owings Elementary School and the library.  The council approved the $10,000 request.  (Photos) (Lake Chelan Mirror [Chelan], 12.8.10) http://www.lakechelanmirror.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=3202&SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&S=1

A Native American parent, Sarah Sense-Wilson, wanted the book “Brave New World” removed from the Seattle School District’s reading list. Several board members apologized to Sense-Wilson, saying the book was taught insensitively in her daughter’s class.  But they said the solution is better instruction, not removing the book from the curriculum district-wide.  The vote was unanimous. (Seattle Times, 12.9.10) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013631328_bravenewworld09.html

The Chewelah City Council passed Ordinance 831 to adopt the 2011 city budget at the December 1 meeting. Library book fines will no longer be collected starting January 2011 as Libraries of Stevens County have decided to stop charging for late books. (The Independent [Chewelah], 12.9.10)

The library benefitted, Trailhead Gold Course did not, as Liberty Lake City Council budget discussions Tuesday turned to how to allocate extra revenue that wasn’t part of the original 2011 budget proposal. Speaking for the finance committee, Mayor Pro Tem David Crump recommended to the council that $25,000 of the new revenues go toward the library budget. (Liberty Lake Splash, 12.9.10) http://www.libertylakesplash.com/news.asp?id=20232

When an anonymous donor pledged to give the Seattle Public Library Foundation $500,000 if the pledge could be matched, other donors gave, and then some. The foundation has raised more than $675,600 in its “Help Us Make $1 Million for the Library” campaign, according to foundation executive director Jonna Ward. (Seattle Times, 12.10.10) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013641260_library10m.html

Starting January 1, the Walla Walla Public Library will change the way it charges overdue fines. Fines will be 25 cents per day for each adult book and 10 cents per day for each children’s books, with an $8 cap for both. Audio books and CDs will follow the new fining system.  DVDs will remain the same, with a $1 fine per day and a $5 cap. (Union-Bulletin [Walla Walla], 12.12.10)

Former First Lady and longtime reading and education advocate Laura Bush got an early understanding of the role of public libraries.  She was the featured speaker at the 2010 Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation’s “Authors & Illustrators” dinner and silent auction, the top fundraiser for the literacy-minded group. (Photo) (The Columbian [Vancouver], 12.14.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/dec/14/former-first-lady-visits-vancouver-laura-bush-cham/

The Seattle Library Board on Wednesday was to consider a request from Librarian Susan Hildreth that three of her top aides be promoted and receive raises. But late Wednesday morning the library said raises would not be part of the restructuring. (Seattle-Post Intelligencer Online, 12.15.10) http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/archives/231863.asp

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) by a voice vote on December 14. “The [American Library Association (ALA)] is relieved by [the] action in the House-both in that the reauthorization process was wrapped up before the end of the year and that [Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA)] funds maintained current authorization levels and were not cut by a Congress that is increasingly looking for ways to save a dollar-even at the cost of invaluable programs, such as library services,” Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the ALA Washington Office, said in a press release. (Library Journal Online, 12.15.10) http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/home/888501-264/museum_and_library_services_act.html.csp

Elections

Top administrators at Kitsap Regional Library don’t favor asking voters for a levy rate hike again in 2011.  Although KRL’s board of directors could choose to override them, the consensus among staffers is a new levy measure would fail, just as voters rejected a proposed levy rate increase in November, said spokesman Jeff Brody. (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 12.3.10) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/dec/02/kitsap-regional-library-not-likely-to-seek-levy/

When the results came back after last month’s general election, the outcome was not what the Libraries of Stevens County was hoping for. The proposed library services levy lift was rejected by voters in the November 2 general election. District Director Amanda McKeraghan prepared two budgets this fall for, one in case the levy passed and the other if it failed. “The cuts that are made will be felt across the county,” McKeraghan said. (Deer Park Tribune, 12.8.10)

Buildings

Nearly 50 Spokane students got a lesson in local government Monday as they arrived at City Hall to share their disapproval of the proposed closure of the East Side Branch Library, a part of the Spokane Public Library. Library officials have said one reason they’ve chosen the East Side branch for closure is because it’s closer to the downtown branch.  But students said kids who use East Side can’t easily get to other branches. (Photo) (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 11.30.10) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/nov/30/schoolchildren-join-ranks-of-library-branch/

The Manchester Library, a part of Kitsap Regional Library System, will be closed for one to two months to repair damage sustained when a pipe burst after the November 22 storm. Staff members from the Manchester branch have been temporarily reassigned to other duties. Patrons who normally use the Manchester branch are being served at the Port Orchard branch instead. (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 12.3.10) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/dec/02/manchester-library-closed-for-up-to-two-months/

Work continues on the new North Fork Community Library in Kendall.  The Friends of the North Fork Community Library report they need approximately $25,000 to complete the building. Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Friends of the North Fork Community Library. (Photo) (Foothills Gazette [Maple Falls], 12.3.10)

The Timberland Regional Library District is working with various community groups in Oakville on plans to build a new library on a parcel of school district-owned land, according to Timberland communications manager Jeff Kleingartner.  He added funding will likely come from various grants and private donations. (The Chronicle [Centralia], 12.10.10)

In an emotional but unanimous decision, the Tacoma Public Library Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to shutter two small branch libraries and cut service hours from the city’s Main Library downtown beginning next year. The trustees’ reluctant move will close the Swan Creek branch and the Martin Luther King Jr. branch as of January 31. It also reduces the number of city librarians from 10 to eight. (The News Tribune [Tacoma], 12.16.10) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/12/16/1467131/2-small-tacoma-libraries-to-close.html

Letters & Editorials

Don’t close a library in a high poverty neighborhood.  Many people who live in the East Central Community are already marginalized and powerless.  If knowledge is power and education is the key to success, then we need to keep resources that allow individuals to escape poverty. If the East Side branch has the lowest circulation numbers, don’t close it- promote it! (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 11.26.10) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/nov/26/library-vital-to-neighborhood/

The “Worth of a library weighed” (Nov. 19) article was beautifully written, and the author’s view was especially true.  However, the statement regarding usage of the East Side is misleading: “…identified East Side for possible closure because it has the lowest usage of any branch.” Please note: It only has lower usage because it has fewer open hours. (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 11.28.10) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/nov/28/library-hours-differ/

Elger Bay Elementary School would like to thank the Friends of the Camano Island Library for supporting literacy in our community and schools.  Many studies show that collaboration between public libraries and schools promote student success. Our staff, parents and students all appreciate the friends’ involvement with our school. (Stanwood Camano News, 11.30.10)

Sarah Sense-Wilson just wants to do what is right for kids like her daughter.  That’s why she’s petitioning Seattle Public Schools to ban the book “Brave New World” from its approved reading list. I understand her concern… But there is no word in the English language, no matter how offensive that we should refuse to expose ourselves to in any context because doing so would undermine our collective responsibility to our history as a country. (Real Change [Seattle], 12.1.10) http://www.realchangenews.org/index.php/site/archives/4992/

Centralia librarian Selina Gomez-Beloz is between a rock of dissatisfied and inconvenienced library patrons and a hard place somewhere in City Hall.  With some 900 people coming and going in the course of a day, a lot of heat will indeed be lost, whether through one door or two.  Is very questionable “heat saving” and “carpet preservation” really a good tradeoff for decent accessibility? (The Chronicle [Centralia], 12.1.10)

Are libraries really needed anymore? If so, why aren’t people who use them willing to pay for that service? I pay enough now for a service I never use.  In fact, I’m tapped out and will not support any tax increases for government or public services of any type. (Independent [Port Orchard], 12.3.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/poi/opinion/letters/111223274.html

I recently attended the town of Endicott’s German dinner to benefit the renovation of their town’s library.  While the library is extremely busy, the building is run-down, inaccessible and in need of serious repair.  The outpouring of goodwill and community pride exhibited at the dinner was simply overwhelming. (Daily News [Pullman], 12.4.10)

As the year draws to a close, the Whatcom County Library Foundation Board wants to thank our generous donors for helping us award grants to these efforts: new and innovative teen programs, the North Fork Community Library building project, the Raise a Reader program, and the wonderful Whatcom READS! Program. Thank you! (Lynden Tribune, 12.8.10)

It seems to be the common mood of the country these days to not want to “support any tax increases for government public services of any type” as stated by Rob Daugherty in his My Turn letter to the editor on Wednesday.  It is our job as American citizens to help pay for these important services whether we use them or not. It is our duty to provide for the common welfare as stated in the preamble of our Constitution. (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 12.9.10) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/dec/09/my-turn-libraries-are-a-treasure-worth/

Are you trying to find the one perfect Christmas gift for your family? Mary and I live in College Place, and we have a suggestion for other College Place residents. Last year for Christmas we purchased a Walla Walla Public Library card.  It was one of the best gifts we have ever given each other. (Union-Bulletin [Walla Walla], 12.12.10)

People

The Whatcom County Library System is pleased to announce that Karin Schulhauser is the new manager of Sumas Public Library, according to Lizz Roberts, the library’s community relations coordinator. Karin takes over after the retirement of Penny Leenders, who served more than 40 years in the role. (Bellingham Herald, 12.5.10) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/12/05/1752782/auction-raises-money-for-mentoring.html

Awards

Port Townsend Public Library has received a $7,500 grant from Humanities Washington in support of the 2011 Community Read.  Next year’s Community Read features Susan Vreeland’s The Forest Lover, a novel exploring the life of Canadian painter Emily Carr. (The Leader [Port Townsend], 11.24.10)

John Aune of Colfax was awarded Library Supporter of the Month during the November meeting of the Library Board of Trustees in the St. John Branch of the Whitman County Library System. At the conclusion of his second term next year, Aune will have served on the board for 14 years, three of those as Board chairman. (Photo) (Daily News [Pullman], 12.2.10)

Programs & Displays

The winter reading challenge at the Othello Community Library is kicking off December 13 and runs through January 15. The program is aimed at people of all ages to read as much as they can.  Readers will be able to log their time online and the totals will be calculated based on teams of kids versus adults. A kick-off concert will take place at 2 p.m. December 18 at the library. (Photo) (The Outlook [Othello], 11.25.10) http://othellooutlook.com/?p=15651

The Roslyn Library Book Club will meet to discuss “The Winter of our Discontent” by John Steinbeck and to pick up copies of December’s read, “On the Divinity of Second Chances” by local author Kaya McLaren at 6 p.m. Thursday. McLaren will appear after the next book discussion, on January 6, at a Meet the Author event to read excerpts selected by the audience and to sign copies of her book. (Daily Record [Ellensburg], 12.1.10)

Fourteen Anacortes School District teachers who live outside the library district got library cards this year thanks to the Friends of the Library and the Anacortes Schools Foundation. The two groups teamed up to offer the nine-month cards so teachers would have access to books for student learning and help them refer kids to what is available at the Anacortes Public Library. (Anacortes American, 12.8.10)

While the understood rule to visiting libraries is to read silently and speak with a soft voice, the Puyallup Public Library is going outside the norm this holiday season. On Saturday, December 11 and 18, the Friends of the Puyallup Library will transform the library into a Christmas concert hall for its 2010 winter music series. (Photos) (The Herald [Puyallup], 12.8.10) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/12/08/1455787/festive-music-at-the-library.html

Book Sales

A lifeline for the Sequim Library has been the Friends of the Sequim Library, a volunteer group of 145 people that helps with community and library needs in a variety of ways.  Kate Adams, Friends’ board of directors’ president, said they bring in about $3,000 a month from sales held behind the Sequim Library in the Friends’ book sale building. (Photos) (The Sequim Gazette, 12.1.10) http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/article.exm/2010-12-02_befriending_books__supporting_opportunities

An associate of Twilight author Stephenie Meyer donated a large supply of Twilight books to the Friends of the Forks Library.  The books and other Twilight items provided to the organization were on sale at the organizations book sale held Saturday, December 4.  Funds raised go to help add to the library’s collection and to improve the library’s facilities. (Photo) (Forks Forum, 12.9.10)

Economy/Hard Times

With the deadline for finalizing the city’s 2011 financial roadmap fast approaching, community members can expect budget discussion to dominate the next Liberty Lake City Council meeting Tuesday. Library Board Chairman John Loucks presented an alternative budget for the library that would keep the current library director and circulation staff at full-time.  The entire library staff agreed to take a 10 percent wage cut to prevent job loss, and operating hours were cut from the current 46 down to 40. (Liberty Lake Splash, 12.2.10) http://www.libertylakesplash.com/news.asp?id=20219

The budget gap that Pierce County Library System has bridged for 2011 could widen in the next five years if the system’s near-single source of revenue keeps dropping as expected. The system’s Board of Trustees is scheduled to hold a second and final public hearing Wednesday on the $28 million-plus budget.  (South Pierce County Dispatch [Eatonville], 12.8.10)

[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] ]