Library News
Library Journal Magazine, the oldest library periodical in the U.S., and Gale Publishing have named the King County Library System the Library of the Year. The nationwide honor has folks in the KCLS Valley branches, the easternmost in the system, every bit as thrilled as their coworkers to the west. (Sno Valley Star [Issaquah], 7.21.11) http://snovalleystar.com/2011/07/20/county-library-system-wins-nationwide-award

The Prosser School Board is pondering whether to strip its schools of their five full-time librarians, putting three into classrooms teaching jobs and saving $250,000. Superintendent Ray Tolcacher says the proposal, which has not been approved by the board but will be a part of the budget package that must be voted on by August 31, will keep the district from dipping deeper into its reserves. (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 7.26.11) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/07/26/1579979/prosser-school-board-considers.html#storylink=misearch

The Prosser School Board on Tuesday narrowly approved the district’s annual budget for the coming school year. Nearly one-third of the budget shortfall – $410,000 – will be countered by not filling the position of the departing librarian … reassigning the librarians to classroom teaching positions … and turning the Housel Middle School librarian into a district librarian, who will rotate through all schools. (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 8.3.11) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/08/03/1591165/prosser-school-district-to-drop.html#storylink=misearch

Columbia County Rural Library District received free art books from Art Resources Transfer, Inc. through the Distribution to Underserved Communities (DUC) Library Program of Art Resources Transfer. Thirteen contemporary art books were received and are available to be checked out. (Dayton Chronicle, 7.27.11)

More than 400 people visited Starvation Heights in Olalla on July 16 and raised almost $30,000 for the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation. The event, called the “Last Gasp Tour,” marked the centennial of the murder committed by Dr. Linda Burfield Hazzard at her fasting sanitarium. (Peninsula Gateway [Gig Harbor], 7.27.11) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/07/27/1761056/hundreds-see-starvation-heights.html#storylink=misearch

Bruce Ziegman, 63, says he will retire October 31 as executive director of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Ziegman was promoted to the top job in January 2001 after serving as assistant director of the library district for more than 11 years. (Columbian [Vancouver], 8.6.11) http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/aug/06/bruce-ziegman-retire-fort-vancouver-regional-libra/

Erik Moe reads books on the Civil War, watches movies and listen to music CDs – all borrowed from the City of Mount Vernon Library. On one of his many forays into the library earlier this year, Moe noticed the trim on the outside of the building … and with a practiced eye of one 14 years in the painting trade he knew it needed some attention. Moe, 32, sent a letter to Mayor Bud Norris and said he would be pleased to paint the library free of charge. (Photo) (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 8.3.11)

Elections
A split Hoquiam City Council voted Monday night to let voters decide whether to annex the city’s library into the Timberland Regional Library District as officials try to cope with expected budget cuts. Supporters said annexation would protect the library while freeing up city funds. Opponents argued the city is giving up control of the library over temporary budget concerns. (Daily World [Aberdeen], 7.26.11)

The Board of Trustees for the Libraries of Stevens County is once again seeking a levy rate increase since its first proposal failed n the November 2010 general election. The new levy lid lift request is part of the August 16, 2011 primary election and asks Stevens County residents to raise the current library levy rate from 39 to 50 cents per $1,000 assessed property value. (The Independent [Chewelah], 7.28.11)

It’s billed as a “special” meeting, but whether the August 17 meeting of the San Juan Island Library Board of Trustees turns out to be special or marked by disappointment remains to be seen. By then, results of the August 17 primary election will have been calculated and board members should know where they and the library stand. (Photo) (The Journal of the San Juan Islands [Friday Harbor], 8.3.11)

The Castle Rock Library levy is turning into another cliffhanger — but Librarian Vicki Selander is still holding out for a happy ending. The $56,000 levy received 55 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s preliminary election results — short of the 60 percent supermajority required for adoption. In years past, the library’s numbers have improved as more ballots are counted. Selander deemed the initial results “pretty typical” and said she’d wait until the final results are posted Aug. 31. (The Daily News Online [Longview], 8.16.11) http://tdn.com/news/local/article_4e0a178c-c89a-11e0-b06f-001cc4c002e0.html

Buildings
Langley Library, a part of Sno-Isle Libraries, Manager Vicky Welfare said the remodeling of the library may not happen next month as previously hoped. The library was expected to be closed for two to three weeks for the installation of new carpeting, painting and other work. It’s not likely that the makeover will happen in September. (South Whidbey Record [Langley], 7.23.11)

The Odegaard Undergraduate Library, a 39-year-old landmark on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus, is due for a renovation. Many of the library’s major building systems are nearing the end of their useful life and could require at least partial replacements, according to UW. Plans may include a partial seismic upgrade, too. (Photo) (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 7.29.11)

Occupying the space formerly taken by a little-used patio area, the Lopez Island Library’s new reading room is quiet, spacious, open, airy and full of light – and comfortable seating areas. All characteristics were requested by patrons in the latest customer survey on library building use. (Photo) (Island’s Weekly Newspaper [Lopez Island], 8.2.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isw/news/126775533.html

Now that the Silverdale Haselwood Family YMCA is open, Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown has his sights set on the next phase of the Central Kitsap Community Campus. That includes demolition of the existing Silverdale Community Center, the construction of a new Silverdale branch of the Kitsap Regional Library and a performing arts center. (Photos) (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 8.2.11) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/aug/01/leaders-consider-fundraising-campaign-to-build/

The city of Chelan received a $24,000 federal grant to help develop a plan for the expansion, relocation or a completely new library. The city council voted unanimously to award the plan development contract to Manson-based Hibbard Architecture Planning who will collect information from residents regarding what features they want in their library and what options are available to the city. (Lake Chelan Mirror, 8.3.11) http://lakechelanmirror.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=4603&SectionID=59&SubSectionID=178&S=1

The new 15,000-square-foot Ferndale Public Library, a part of the Whatcom County Library System, will have views of Mount Baker and Schell Marsh, and plenty of natural lighting. Those were among the details revealed Tuesday, August 2, during a presentation of the preliminary design for the library, which will be built on city-owned land next to City Hall. (Photo) (Bellingham Herald, 8.4.11) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/08/04/2127969/ferndale-library-meeting.html#storylink=misearch

Letters & Editorials
Once again, the Library District is asking for a levy increase. Considering these difficult economic times, I believe it is inappropriate for the Library District, which already has built-in budget increases, to ask for a larger increase! Please join me in voting no again to the Rural Library District’s requested levy increase. (Statesman-Examiner [Colville], 7.27.11)

San Juan Islanders received a mailer from the San Juan Island Library this week. The mailer is supposedly giving the electorate the facts relating the Levy Lid Lift Ballot for the August 16, 2011 primary election. The SJ mailer you received only gave you part of the story regarding tax rates; the rest of the story about how much revenue the tax rates will generate is just as important for voter information. (The Journal of the San Juan Islands [Friday Harbor], 7.27.11)

The recent completion of the $38 million downtown library is something the city can be proud of; it will help promote library use in the younger generation, and promote green living. The project is a great step forward for the Vancouver community. The new library makes me a proud citizen of Vancouver. (Columbian [Vancouver], 7.29.11) http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/jul/29/letter-new-library-source-pride/

We’re encouraged by the leadership being shown by Josh Brown in seeking a new branch of the Kitsap Regional Library in Silverdale. Brown’s public support will hopefully be recognized soon by other community leaders who recognize the value to be found in a library suited in Silverdale. (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 8.4.11) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/aug/03/our-view-building-support-build-library/

I am over the moon about the new Downtown Vancouver Community Library. The most impressive part of the library is the Early Learning Center – 4,000 square feet of captivating child-centered art and learning stations that engage the senses. I have never seen anything like it, and I don’t expect to. I guess what I am trying to say is: THANK YOU, Vancouver Community Library. You made my year. (Business Journal [Vancouver], 8.5.11)

We so looked forward to the new library. But sadly, we won’t be using it much … because the designers/planners left out consideration for the elderly or disabled. We must walk the full length of the building from the parking lot and the come back to the middle of the building, where the elevators are located. Then, there are five floors of steps and only two elevators. How can such a monumental oversight as this occur? (Columbian [Vancouver], 8.8.11) http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/aug/08/letter-distance-access-problematic/

Bruce Ziegman has earned a happy and rewarding retirement. Many people throughout Southwest Washington — particularly library patrons — have seen Ziegman’s glass-half-full smile even during tough times. On the broader plain, however, it will be difficult to replace the man who has led the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District for more than a decade, after serving as assistant director for more than 11 years. Enjoy your retirement, Bruce. (Columbian Online [Vancouver], 8.15.11) http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/aug/15/in-our-view-ultimate-librarian/

People
Former Bleyhl Community Library Director Linda Dunham, and newly-appointed director Elizabeth Jahnke show off the quilt to be raffled to benefit the Friends of the Library. The date of the quilt-raffle drawing has been reset to Monday, September 12. The proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will be used for library projects, in particular, the entrance to the children’s section of the new library on the Grandview YVCC campus. (Photo) (Grandview Herald, 7.27.11)

Annie Kelly has worked for the North Olympic Library System for the past 10 years. Kelly, who lives in Port Angeles, started out in Clallam Bay but has worked in “every branch.” These days she’s full-time at the Sequim Library. (Photo) (The Sequim Gazette, 7.27.11) http://www.sequimgazette.com/editorial/article.exm/2011-07-27_verbatim_annie_kelly

Programs & Displays

Jefferson county Library features handmade books by artist Karen Page through the month of August. Page is showing a number of new pieces created with a variety of techniques, such as silkscreen printing, collage, polymer clay and handmade paper. In addition to books, she makes boxes, one-of-a-kind dolls, art quilts and weaves. (Photo) (The Leader [Port Townsend], 7.20.11)

Besides books and DVDs and other materials on the library shelves, you can find subscription online databases and other library resources online, 24-7. One such database that is new to the North Olympic Library System is the Mitchell 1 Auto Repair database. This comprehensive database provides up-to-date auto repair information. To use the database all you need is a NOLS card, which is free to all residents of Clallam County. (The Sequim Gazette, 7.27.11)

The Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging will host a Medical Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) on August 24 in Centralia. The seminar will provide information for area seniors and their families to access a variety of medical benefits. A variety of speakers will b eon-hand to discuss programs … including the Timberland Regional Library. (The East County Journal [Morton], 7.27.11)

One of civilization’s oldest art forms is storytelling. It preserves tradition, honors ancestors and ignites peoples’ imaginations. The 4th annual Orcas Storyfest is August 2 through 5. Events take place at the Orcas Senior Center, Orcas Island Library and Odd Fellows Hall. The festival is sponsored by a grant from the Friends of the Library. (Photo) (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 7.27.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isj/entertainment/126404543.html

The regular summertime visit by Reptile Man Scott Petersen is a family favorite at Yelm Timberland Library. The attendance numbers from his recent visit Thursday prove it. “Last year we had 200,” said Mike MCGowan, library associate. “From the tickets I gave out, about 275 to 300 I’d say we had here.” (Photos) (Nisqually Valley News [Yelm], 7.29.11)

A pony, lots of rabbits and countless other animal cuties – plus a molting snake – helped make a Twin Cities tradition the best-attended ever on Tuesday. The annual Twin Cities Pet Show has about 300 attendees and about 100 pets entered, according to Senila Gomez-Beloz, manager of the Centralia Timberland Library. The event went on despite a power outage that shut down the library for the entire day. (Photos) (The Chronicle [Centralia], 8.3.11)

[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] ]