Library News

As budget troubles again threaten Spokane’s smaller library branches, the Spokane Library Board of Trustees has a new member with a finance background. The Spokane City Council voted unanimously to appoint Cindy Weiser, finance director of the Spokane Housing Authority, to the board. (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 4.13.11) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/apr/13/library-board-appointee-has-finance-expertise/

The Burlington Public Library is getting serious about getting its books back. The library board voted recently to begin turning patrons who don’t return their library materials over to a collection agency. The library will use the large collection agency, Unique Management Services, which has a special library collection division. (Photo) (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 4.15.11)

The Forks Library will celebrate El Dia de Los Ninos on Saturday.  The festivities will begin at noon with a bilingual storytime, followed by music and crafting. The celebration emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 4.24.11)

Knitters who work at the Everett Public Library have been toiling as feverishly as the designer putting the last minute touches on Catherine Middleton’s gown must be.  The library workers, about a half-dozen of them, have finished the task outlined in a kooky book called, “Knit Your Own Royal Wedding.” Kim Payne, library staffer, read about a Midwest newspaper calling for knitters to create the royals, and she decided to enlist the library’s knitters. (Photo) (The Herald [Everett], 4.24.11) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110424/NEWS01/704249913

Saturday is Children’s Book Day (El Dia de Los Ninos).  Bilingual Readings will feature high school students whose first language is Spanish. Enjoy free activities from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Longview Public Library. All are welcome; no library card necessary. (Daily News [Longview], 4.26.11) http://tdn.com/lifestyles/article_a95db880-6fa5-11e0-875b-001cc4c002e0.html

Rosalia Garden Club observed Arbor Day by planting a lilac at the Malden Library, a part of the Whitman County Rural Library District, April 15. Garden club members chose the Malden Library, a public place where others may enjoy the beauty of Syringa vulgaris Spokane, a double pink mid-season blooming lilac. (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 4.28.11)

The Odessa Public Library has completed the next step in becoming a valuable resource for job seekers in the community.  Librarian Julie Jantz, along with library board members Candy Starr and Lise Ott, participated in a training session with Bill Kinyon of the Colville branch of WorkSource Washington, a cooperative agency that provides services to both job seekers and potential employers. (Odessa Record, 4.28.11)

Children, books, being together as a family.  That’s what Mid-Columbia Libraries wants to celebrate from noon to 4 p.m. today with a diverse group of area families in Memorial Park in Pasco at its Dia de Los Ninos festival.  Dia de Los Ninos is a holiday April 30 in Mexico to celebrate children. U.S. Libraries have combined the day with a celebration of reading and a push for early literacy. (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 4.30.11) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/04/30/1471604/mid-columbia-libraries-celebrate.html#storylink=misearch

The state Auditor’s Office has recommended that the Upper Skagit Library District improve its management of fines, cash drawers, receipts and funds.  A state audit released Monday said the library did not have a policy for addressing fines for damaged goods or replacement cards, did not use a cash register or receipts for all transactions, and was not ensuring that all money received was deposited in a bank within 24 hours as required by state law. (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 5.4.11)

The Friends of the Ferndale Library hosts a quilt raffle to benefit the new Ferndale Library project. The quilts will be on display Sunday, May 8 through July 30 at the library’s temporary facility at the Pioneer Park Pavilion. The raffle will take place at 4 p.m. July 30 at the pavilion, but one need not be present to win. (Bellingham Herald, 5.5.11)

Buildings

The North Olympic Library System Board of Trustees is expected to award a design contract for renovation of the Forks Public Library on Thursday. Public comment will be taken on this and other items. The proposed contract would not exceed about $30,000, said Paula Barnes, library director. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 4.27.11) http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011304279990

The drawing for the Endicott Library Renovation will be Tuesday, May 3. The project aims to help fund the renovation for the library to provide windows and natural light, a new air filtration system, improved computer access and an ADA accessible restroom.  The library building has suffered a lot of damage over the years from a leaking roof.  Cost of the project is estimated at $120,000. (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 4.28.11)

Facing complaints about moving the downtown library from over the Cedar River to near the Renton Transit Center, the City Council will get a briefing on the library Monday night. The public won’t get a chance to comment at the council’s Committee of the Whole meeting, which is a work session starting at 5 p.m. However, the public can comment during the council’s regular meeting that follows at 7 p.m.  (Renton Reporter [Kent], 4.29.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/news/121002079.html

To mark the grand opening of the newly renovated Newport Way Library, a part of the King County Library System, a community ribbon cutting celebration will be held.  Community leaders, library staff, builders and residents are expected to be at the ceremony. The $2.5 million project expanded the Newport Way Library by 790 square feet.  (Bellevue Reporter [Kent], 4.29.11)

Funding challenges have cut the size of a planned Kingston library building in half.  The failure of the last year’s library levy substantially diminished Kitsap Regional Library’s ability to fund the building’s construction.  KRL will rely on the newly established Kingston park district and the nonprofit Village Green Foundation to pay for the library’s construction. (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 4.30.11) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/apr/29/planned-kingston-library-gets-cut-in-half/

Ruth Watson, director of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District from 1967 to 1987, recently got a peek at the new main library on C Street.  With current library executive director Bruce Ziegman, Watson toured the building, which will open to the public in July. (Photo) (Columbian [Vancouver], 5.11.11)

Letters & Editorials

At Orcas Public Library we have a collection of 125 periodicals, including both magazines and newspapers. We strive to have the best collection for local interest that space and financial constraints will allow. The library staff discusses in a July staff meeting what the next year’s periodicals should be. You can be a part of this process by submitting suggestions for any magazine you feel would be of general interest to our community. (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 4.20.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isj/opinion/letters/119799694.html

I am a student at Woodward Middle School, and a couple of days ago my mother told me that the Bainbridge School Board was considering cutting the position of Patti Schlosser, our librarian, to make up in part for the Washington State Education budget deficit. Mrs. Schlosser is a strong example to students at all learning levels and abilities, and Woodward is a better place for learning because of the work she does to preserve that standard.  I can’t imagine what Woodward would be like without her invaluable contribution. (Bainbridge Island Review, 4.29.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/bir/opinion/letters/120913129.html

Our community library within the City of Yelm is in grave danger of either being closed down, or, at a minimum, relocated by December 31, due to political, corporate and private financial responsibilities between the city and Timberland Regional Library. There are several ways for someone such as me to assist in preventing a tragic event such as this from occurring. One of the simplest ways would be to call or write TRL Director Mike Crose or Yelm Mayor Ron Harding. (Nisqually Valley News [Yelm], 4.29.11)

No matter how big or how small, libraries are an absolute necessity in an intelligent society. Libraries are an invaluable aid to education for the young and old.  If there are persons who are retired or about to retire, check out our Kitsap libraries some afternoon and spend a couple hours and explore the possibilities. You’ll be pleased. (Independent [Port Orchard], 4.29.11)

By the time this is printed, the TRL Board will have heard Yelm Mayor Ron Harding’s proposal to split the cost of the current library space. Hopefully, they will not have voted “no.” Our kids need this place. Our seniors need this place. We ALL need it. Keeping the library at Prairie Park is the best use of the library system and Yelm city taxpayer dollars in this situation. (Nisqually Valley News [Yelm], 4.29.11)

The Vashon Library staff thanks the Vashon merchants, Friends of the Vashon Library, and all the volunteer citizens who are helping us put on our LateNight @ the Library programs for another year. This series would not have been possible without all the help contributed by folks and merchants in the Vashon community.  On behalf of our teens, we thank all of you very much! (The Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber [Vashon], 5.4.11)

Consider something as simple as the written word. Until very recently books and magazines, printed on paper produced from trees, delivered the objective of communicating information.  But another reading option is now available through the digital age with the advent of e-readers. Somehow, curling up in front of a fire and reading a digital device will never be as enjoyable as holding a book in my lap, feeling its weight and touching its paper pages.  (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 5.4.11) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/may/03/pam-dzama-e-books-i-prefer-145real-books-thanks/

Reading her April 28 letters, “Too much noise in libraries,” I totally agree with Debbie S. Simonds’ position in regards to too much noise in the libraries. How could it possibly be a violation of civil rights to ask someone to please quiet it down? The now-generation has taken over and authorities are afraid to speak up.  Violation of civil rights – let me laugh. (Columbian [Vancouver], 5.6.11) http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/may/06/speak-up-for-silence/

Programs and Displays

Families let their imaginations and whisks run wild for an edible book contest at the Lynden Public Library. The nearly 20 edible entries recreated book covers and titles in food form, running the gamut from sweet and frosted to savory and cheesy. “For the first year to have so many entries, I’m so happy,” said branch manager Sarah Foster. “It just takes the book to another dimension,” (Photo) (Bellingham Herald, 4.17.11) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/04/16/1971622/edible-books-make-tasty-competition.html#storylink=misearch

It’s not every day Pierce County residents are afforded the opportunity to attend a free talk and book signing by a Pulitzer Prize winner.  But on Saturday, April 30, Seattle resident Timothy Egan, author of Pierce County Reads book, “The Big Burn,” will deliver a presentation, followed by a book signing in Lakewood to conclude the 2011 Pierce County Reads program. (The Herald [Puyallup], 4.27.11) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/04/27/1641019/pulitzer-prize-winner-visits-county.html#storylink=misearch

Local author Colleen Slater will appear at the Key Center branch of the Pierce County Library System on Saturday to sign copies of her new book, “Blue Deer – Four Generations of Poetry.” Slater is a columnist, editor and author. “Blue Deer” is especially close to her heart; it’s a compilation of poetry written by her family. The Slater family, originally from Ireland, has been in Scotland for several generations. (Photo) (Peninsula Gateway [Gig Harbor], 4.27.11) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/04/27/1642907/local-author-to-sign-new-book.html#storylink=misearch

Norm Hollingshead, a retired middle school teacher has been giving opera previews locally for nearly 35 years, and he’s converted many a skeptic. The Mercer Island Library, a part of the King County Library System, hosted nearly 40 people February 25 as Hollingshead made one of his final stops during a series in the Seattle-area library system. He delivered the 12^th of 14 scheduled lectures in preparation for the Seattle Opera’s upcoming performance of Jules Massenet’s “Don Quixote.” (Photo) (Issaquah Press, 4.27.11) http://www.issaquahpress.com/index.php?s=norm+hollingshead

April 30 through May 14 is National Music Week, and what better place to hear local musicians perform than the library? Bellingham Public Library staff member Fay Fenske has coordinated free concerts every day of the celebratory week, open to all ages, at the downtown library. (Bellingham Herald, 4.28.11) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/04/25/1979791/whaam-seeks-passionate-members.html#storylink=misearch

Showing now and into the summer in the Mary Kazda Art Space at the Quincy Library, is a mother-daughter duo, Kay Judge and her eldest daughter, Colleen Judge Robisch, of Spokane. It was Kay who thought of the idea of having a place to show local artistic talent.  She also wanted to do this to honor Mary Kazda, who was the leader of a book club, when she passed away in September 1993.  Thus, works of art have been shown since 1994 in Quincy’s library. This is the first time Kay Judge has shown her own paintings. (Quincy Valley Post Register, 4.28.11) http://www.qvpr.com/articles/mother-daughter-art-show-library

The history of the effort to protect public lands is the subject of Kitsap Regional Library’s latest “One Book, One Community,” an effort to turn reading – typically a solo activity – into a community project. Last month KRL announced “The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America” by Seattle-based author Timothy Egan as the year’s choice. The event will run from mid-September to mid-November.  (Photo) (Central Kitsap Reporter [Silverdale], 4.29.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/ckr/news/120994744.html

Original works created by area high school art students are currently hanging in the gallery of Grays Harbor College’s Spellman Library. Seven high schools participated in this year’s show, submitting 287 entries, a record number. The works of art will be on display at the GHC Library through mid-May. (Photo) (Daily World [Aberdeen], 4.30.11)

The Liberty Lake Municipal Library is holding a LegoMania contest for high school students and adults. Participants must bring their original creations to the library by 3:30 p.m. Saturday in order to be eligible.  The public is invited to vote on favorites, and winners will be announced at 1 p.m. May 21 at the library. (Liberty Lake Splash, 5.5.11) http://www.libertylakesplash.com/news.asp?id=20740

The Northwest Bookfest, the local literary festival that has had several incarnations since its beginning in 1995, is back in town – and this time, the town is Kirkland. Deborah Schneider, public programming coordinator for the King County Library System, confirmed last week that there will be a Bookfest this fall, co-sponsored by KCLS and the city of Kirkland. The dates are October 1 and 2 – the place will be the Kirkland Performance Center and other area venues. (Seattle Times, 5.16.11) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2015068248_litlife16.html

[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] ]