Washington Library News

How many books are checked out of local public libraries in one day? How many people visit? Whatcom County Library System and Bellingham Public Library joined libraries across Washington State during National Library Week to find out.  “Snapshot: One Day in the Life of Washington Libraries” was celebrated April 12 as part of National Library Week. (Photo) (Bellingham Herald, 4.25.11) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/04/25/1981385/snapshot-day-chronicles-services.html#storylink=misearch

Library News

With the widespread use of smart phones, e-books and iPads, you might think that public services like libraries are becoming outdated. But during the last few years, Mid-Columbia Libraries, the Richland Public Library and libraries across the country have made an effort to keep up with changes in technology and stay relevant in the digital age. Their efforts have made a difference. (Photo) (Tri-City Area Journal of Business [Kennewick], 4.2011) http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/2011/04/local-libraries-work-to-stay-relevant-with-modern-technology/

Having recently closed doors on two branches and reduced hours at the downtown branch for financial reasons, the Tacoma Public Library is opening up again for a pilot project: special events at the downtown main branch on Sunday afternoons. From 1-5 p.m. every Sunday from April through May, the downtown branch will be open and featuring events designed to get folk through the doors. (The News Tribune [Tacoma], 4.8.11) http://blog.thenewstribune.com/arts/2011/03/30/downtown-library-opening-sundays-for-special-events-including-me-april-3-through-may-22/

A transient faces a charge of second-degree burglary with sexual motivation for a break-in at the Mount Vernon Library last year. Nathanial Hinnant, a 31-year-old man allegedly linked to the crime in January by DNA evidence, is being held in Skagit County Jail.  (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 4.14.11)

The Langley Library may be closed for two or three weeks in August so new carpeting can be installed, library manager Vicky Welfare said Monday.  Welfare said the library was looking to close during the summer when it’s less busy.  Library officials will publicize the closure date after details of the project are finalized. (South Whidbey Record [Langley], 4.20.11)

Library checkouts once again hit a new high last year, despite budget cuts for the Bellingham Public Library that led to fewer staff, shorter hours and a reduction of new materials such as books, CDs and DVDs.  The number of items that library-goers checked out increased to a little over 1.6 million in 2010, according to an annual report that was released recently. (Photo) (Bellingham Herald, 4.20.11) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/04/20/1976254/bellingham-library-use-at-all.html#storylink=misearch

More than 500 new and used children’s books, along with an assortment of teaching aids, recently were donated to the Davenport Public Library by “Keep a Child in School” (KACS), a non-profit educational organization in Seattle. Aileen Lewis, founder and executive director of KACS, said her organization also is working on collecting some computers and more books for the local library. (Davenport Times, 4.21.11)

Owners of the Kindle e-reader from Amazon.com will be able to download e-books from North Olympic Peninsula public libraries later this year. Amazon.com Inc. said Wednesday that it’s working with OverDrive Inc., which runs e-book systems for some 11,000 public libraries nationwide – including the North Olympic Library System in Clallam County and the Jefferson County Library and Port Townsend Public Library – to make the system compatible with the Kindle. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 4.21.11) http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011304219992

Highlands resident Candie Davis doesn’t normally have time to go to the Longview Public Library. And when she heard that the Highlands Community Center was opening a little library of its own, Davis, 53, was skeptical that it would have anything she’d want to read. But following Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, Davis carried three books to the checkout desk. (Photo) (Daily News [Longview], 4.21.11) http://tdn.com/news/local/article_cb98be8c-6bc1-11e0-995e-001cc4c03286.html

Members of the Centralia Timberland Regional Library team celebrate Thursday night during the 20^th annual Lewis County Literacy Council Knowledge Bowl at Centralia College’s Corbet Theatre after winning the annual team trivia competition for the second time in three years. (Photo) (The Chronicle [Centralia], 4.22.11)

The budget director for Highline Public Schools has issued a “call to arms” to community members asking them to contact state legislators protesting proposed steep cuts in school funding. Board members also heard please from several district employees and two students to retain secondary school librarians and counselors. Evergreen librarian Joanne Glasgow said teacher-librarians are part of a “three-legged stool” along with classroom teachers and school counselors. (Highline Times/Des Moines News/SeaTac News [Burien], 4.22.11)

Kitsap Regional Library (KRL) officials were elated with Amazon’s announcement last week that owners of the Kindle device will soon have access to digital materials from more than 11,000 U.S. libraries, including KRL. (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 4.27.11) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/apr/26/txy-xy-xy-xxy-yx-yxy-xy-xy-xy-x/

The Seattle City Directory Collection is now available on the Seattle Public Library website, featuring directories from 1867 to 1928. The original city directories are on the 9^th and 10^th levels of the Central Library downtown. (Seattle Times, 5.8.11)

The Seattle Public Library board of trustees on Tuesday named Marcellus Turner as its choice to be the city’s new top librarian. Turner, executive director of the Jefferson Public Library in Lakewood, Colo., will oversee Seattle’s main library and 26 branch libraries. (Photo) (Seattle Times, 5.11.11) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015016073_librarian11m.html

Elections

Discussions during the most recent meeting of the Enumclaw City Council show the fate of the local library remains a hot-button issue. Citizens were to have voted Tuesday on a proposal to turn library operation over to the King County Library System. After voting to place the item on the ballot, councilmen reversed course and pulled the issue off the ballot, citing insufficient details. (Enumclaw Courier-Herald, 4.20.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ech/news/120236714.html

Buildings

The city wants the historic Carnegie Building to become a community center for outdoors, cultural and educational events. Last week, the Snohomish City Council approved a plan to achieve that ambition.  Now, the challenge is to get funds to make it real. “The Carnegie Library is coming back to life,” said Councilwoman Melody Clemans, who also is president of the Snohomish Carnegie Foundation which is taking on the job of raising the money. (The Herald [Everett], 4.11.11) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110411/NEWS01/704119880

Whitman County Library’s Board of Trustees visited the library’s future space in the La Crosse Market building Tuesday night. Board members were given a tour by members of the La Crosse Community Pride Group, which is spearheading efforts to turn the former grocery store into a multi-use grocery, library and community center. (Photo) (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 4.21.11)

Residents are banding together to show support for a proposal to keep the Yelm library, a part of Timberland Regional Library System, at its current location. Campaign leader Cindy Teixeira, who is also a member of the Friends of the Yelm Library, started a Facebook page, is handing out flyers and rounding people up to wave signs, write letters and more. She encourages residents to write to the board and express their opinions. (Photo) (Nisqually Valley News [Yelm], 4.22.11)

Two groups have submitted their qualifications to develop a large mixed-use project called Tukwila Village. Bellingham-based Trillium Corp. and the team of Puyallup-based Pacific Northern Construction and Senior Housing Assistance Group responded to the city of Tukwila’s request last week. The city wants a new King County Library branch, police resource center, retail and restaurants, public meeting space and an outdoor plaza. (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 5.3.11)

When the new Grandview library is finished this summer, it will incorporate a historic agreement between the city of Grandview and Yakima Valley Community College.  It will call for joint ownership and operation of the facility, and required an unusual business agreement between the two entities. The agreement had to be created from scratch rather than modified from a similar agreement used elsewhere. (The Grandview Herald, 5.11.11)

Letters & Editorials

As we celebrate National Library Week, I’d like to invite every Kitsap resident to get reacquainted with their library, which is no a longer stale, quiet institution. The typical household in Kitsap pays about $82 in library taxes each year. But you can’t get your money’s worth if you don’t use the library. (Bainbridge Island Review, 4.15.11)

As I sit here and read through the comments on the library expansion issue, it strikes me that there are two sides: one says we need it, so spend the money; the other side says we do not need it, so don’t spend the money. (The Leader [Port Townsend], 4.20.11) http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=29064&SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&S=1

America’s schools could be significantly improved if they emulated some of the best features and qualities of good public libraries like the Timberland Regional Libraries in Ocean Park and Ilwaco. Yes, libraries and library policies do provide a real clue about how we could reform American schools. (Chinook Observer [Long Beach], 4.20.11)

I want to publicly thank our Davenport librarian, Barbara Belala, for her nine years of service.  She has been so helpful and friendly, serving the many people who use our local library.  Job well done! I’ll miss you. (Davenport Times, 4.21.11)

Recently, our Liberty Lake Municipal Library Director, Pamela Mogen, received the prestigious award in Yakima from the Washington Library Association. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions for improving library services. Congratulations, Pamela, your recognition is well deserved! (Liberty Lake Splash, 4.21.11) http://www.libertylakesplash.com/news.asp?id=20672

The Friends of the Liberty Lake Library’s seventh annual fundraiser, “A Garden Party,” was enjoyed by all this past Saturday.  Attendees from the community joined together to enjoy wonderful food, conversation about their tea cups and the great speakers. Friends are very appreciative of the support by our community.  Thanks to all! (Liberty Lake Splash, 4.21.11) http://www.libertylakesplash.com/news.asp?id=20672

I was a bit surprised to see that the Timberland Regional Library director scheduled an interview last week with the Nisqually Valley News, and even more shocked that he would make the statements publicly that he did. I am not going to personally attack TRL or its director for the comments and positions they have taken. I will say, however, that their statements continue to be erratic, unfounded and often times extremely unprofessional. (Nisqually Valley News [Yelm], 4.22.11)

I am writing to you today about Yelm Timberland Regional Library.  I am very saddened at the prospect of not having a library in our community. There are not many other positive activity options for the children living in our area.  Please do everything you can to save the Yelm branch. (Nisqually Valley News [Yelm], 4.22.11)

No matter how big or how small, libraries are an absolute necessity in an intelligent society. And libraries should be open every day of the week, especially when schools are closed. Libraries are an invaluable aid to education for the young and old. Check out our Kitsap libraries some afternoon and spend a couple hours and explore the possibilities. You’ll be pleased. (Bremerton Patriot, 4.22.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/ckr/opinion/letters/120495584.html

I really appreciate the library here in Sunnyside and all they do for our community and for me. Thank you Sunnyside Library for making a difference in people’s lives even when you did not know it. Thank you for being so kind and helpful to me. (Daily News [Sunnyside], 4.27.11)

People

Christina Hilkey thought her former hometown library in Bellingham was dark and uncomfortable … Suzanne Ashworth felt the San Francisco library she frequented was impersonal.  They both found a home at the old, and the newly expanded, Coupeville branch of Sno-Isle Libraries. They both were recently honored for their volunteer service at the library with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. (Photo) (The Whidbey Examiner [Coupeville], 4.21.11) http://www.whidbeyexaminer.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=5778&SectionID=3&SubSectionID=3&S=1

They say that home is where the heart is.  It took several years and thousands of miles, but Nicole Thode is back where she belongs. Thode, who has managed the Yelm Timberland Library since November, previously worked two years at Shelton Timberland Library in teen services, and before that, spent three years managing a library branch in Waialua, Hawaii.  Those said her favorite thing, presumable like most librarians, is helping patrons. (Photos) (Nisqually Valley News [Yelm], 4.22.11)

For the past 22 years, reference librarian Rayna Holtz has been a fixture at Vashon’s library, patiently assisting Islanders as they hunt down books, work on projects and attend public programs at the bustling facility.  But on May 1, this long chapter in Holtz’s life will close, and another will open, as she officially retires from her job as librarian and moves on to explore new passions. (Photo) (The Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber, 4.27.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/vashon/vib/community/120723719.html

Programs and Displays

Eager children – each holding a mock weapon – stand against the wall watching two others bow and prepare to spar. Roughly 20 children and teens attended the Jefferson County Library’s first official Boffer Sword Club meeting on Friday, April 15. For many in attendance, such an activity is a real deviation from the usual regimen of afterschool video games, yet retains the allure of fantasy and strategic challenge. (Photo) (The Leader [Port Townsend], 4.20.11)

Students at Newport’s three schools can now see what other Newport students think about various library books, thanks to a software program the district has installed. The Destiny Quest program does all the things a card catalog does, such as listing the name of the book, the subject and author, but it also allows students to write short reviews of the book. (Photo) (Newport Miner, 4.20.11)

The Friends of the Liberty Lake Library held their seventh annual fundraiser, ‘A Garden Party,’ on Saturday at the Meadowwood Technology Campus. Barbara Hoisington created the artwork for the event, and her original painting was donated to for the silent auction.  Friends’ president Giff Marleau spoke to the attendees who gathered for food, conversation, a silent auction and presentation by gardening experts. (Photos) (Liberty Lake Splash, 4.21.11) http://www.libertylakesplash.com/news.asp?id=20689

The Kittitas County Genealogical Society, in partnership with the Ellensburg Public Library, is sponsoring a Family History Fair on Saturday, April 30. Admission is free and families and individuals are encouraged to come and learn about family history with help from experience researchers. There will be research stations, displays, information about Pioneer certificates, presentation, handouts, library tours and children’s activities. (Northern Kittitas County Tribune [Cle Elum], 4.21.11)

In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Lewis County Nation Alliance on Mental Illness is sponsoring “In Our Own Voice,” a presentation to promote public education about serious mental illnesses, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety orders. The presentation is Wednesday, May 4 at the Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library. (The Chronicle [Centralia], 4.26.11)

[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] ]