Library News
Two Waitsburg-area residents have thrown their hat in the ring for the city’s library manager’s position. The applicants for the job vacated by Su Alexander last month are Heather Hay-Baker and Rosie Warehime. The Board of the Weller Public Library is expected to meet later this month to go over the applications. (The Times [Waitsburg], 7.7.11)

A new program to help teachers become technology oriented school librarians is all but certain to arrive in the Tri-Cities this fall. Graduate-level courses toward a master’s degree in education with library media will be offered through collaboration between Columbia Basin College and Antioch University Seattle, pending final approvals by education agencies. (Union-Bulletin [Walla Walla], 7.11.11)

Would you like to leaf through the latest issues of hundreds of publications at home, for free? Or maybe you would prefer to browse 450,000 biographies or hundreds of small business reference books, also at no charge. If you hold a library card at the Anacortes Public Library all of this can be at your fingertips, thanks to new EbscoHost Research Database accessed through the library’s website. (Anacortes American, 7.13.11) http://www.goanacortes.com/news/news_article/access_magazines_and_more_through_library_databases

The Queen Anne Movie Guild, which has been screening free documentary films on every second Saturday for the local community for the past five years, has announced that it is closing down. The guild is giving its DVD collection to either the Seattle Public Library or to the DVD loan library of Wallingford Meaningful Movies. (Queen Anne News [Seattle], 7.13.11) http://www.queenannenews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=31740&SectionID=3&SubSectionID=3&S=1

Library Journal recently named Sammamish Library, a part of the King County Library System, a “Landmark Library” for its use of location and sustainable features. The library was completed in January of 2010 by design firm Perkins + Will. Senior Associate at the firm and Project Designer Ryan Bussard said he and his colleagues are very proud to have received the award. (The Sammamish Review [Issaquah], 7.20.11) http://sammamishreview.com/2011/07/19/sammamish-library-named-a-%E2%80%98landmark-library%E2%80%99

On Tuesday, the Mid-Columbia Library District Board approved a social media policy that will see the library set up a Facebook account by August 1. The library district has more than 90,000 card-carrying patrons, and each has a chance to win an iPad 2. Sign up for the Mid-Columbia Libraries’ Facebook page during the month of August, then follow contest instructions. (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 7.21.11) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/07/21/1574674/get-set-to-friend-libraries-on.html#storylink=misearch

The Prosser School Board is pondering whether to strip its schools of their five full-time librarians, putting three into classroom 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 Online [Kennewick], 7.26.11) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/07/26/1579979/prosser-school-board-considers.html

Buildings
It was a long time coming, and the celebration was well attended. A throng of eager bibliophiles – over 200 book lovers of all ages – and local dignitaries were on hand as the city of Kenmore opened the doors to its new library, a part of the King County Library System, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday. The 10,000-square-foot facility is more than four times larger than the previous library which was housed in a triple-wide trailer. (Photo) (North Lake News & Woodinville Weekly, 7.11.11) http://www.nwnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4693:kenmore-opens-new-library-doors&catid=34:news&Itemid=72

The community of Grandview will celebrate the opening of its new library Saturday, September 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. Activities, refreshments and entertainment are planned for the event. The party is a celebration of three years of hard work between the city of Grandview and Yakima Valley Community College. (Photo) (Daily News [Sunnyside], 7.15.11) http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/Story.aspx/21674/library-grand-opening-party-set-for-sept-17

King County Library System administrative staff, plus two representatives of Seattle’s SGR architecture firm, updated Federal Way community members Tuesday on the progress of the new Federal Way 320th Library. SGR’s Rick Zieve said the building is seven to eight months away from initial construction, which is expected to last one year. (Federal Way Mirror, 7.16.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/125648158.html

An estimated 5,000 people flowed through the spacious and elegant Vancouver Community Library, a part of Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, on Sunday, lavishing praise on the five-story building that will become a destination spot in downtown. (Photos) (Columbian [Vancouver], 7.18.11) http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/jul/18/thousands-tour-new-vancouver-library/

Letters and Editorials
The amazing dedication and hard work of our Friends of the Blaine Library is something that can never be celebrated enough. The latest Fourth of July book sale was an example of how these people donate their time and energy into unpacking, sorting, selling and repacking thousands of items, with the result this time of over $1,200 being raised for the library. (The Northern Light [Blaine], 7.14.11) http://www.thenorthernlight.com/letters/article.exm/2011-07-14_letters_to_the_editor__july_14___july_20

The new Vancouver Community Library officially opened July 17. If voters managed to pass a $38 million bond for this project, the next step must be for education. If that $38 million were used for the local public schools, the benefit would far exceed the opening of a new downtown library. (Columbian [Vancouver], 7.20.11) http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/jul/20/letter-money-better-spent-schools/

I’m writing to recognize Kathy Lunde’s 20 years of working at the Orcas Island Public Library, and to invite community members to add comments to a book that we will have on hand this month for the occasion. When you next visit the library, please join me in thanking Kathy for her contributions. (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 7.20.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isj/opinion/letters/125850593.html

I was among thousands who visited the new Vancouver Community Library on July 17 for its grand opening. As a lifetime resident, I was proud to be part of the festivities and community spirit. I salute everyone involved with the project … and it belongs to us all. Well done. (Columbian [Vancouver], 7.21.11) http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/jul/21/letter-new-library-boosts-civic-spirit/

People
Pamela Mogen received a Merit Award for Advances in Library Service from the Washington Library Association. Mogen is the director of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library. (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 6.26.11) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jun/26/business-beat/

Long-time Woodinville residents Ed and Karen Forys were avid readers who loved the library. It was their wish to make a significant donation to the King County Library System Foundation to support library programs and activities at the Woodinville Library. In their honor, the Library will dedicate the “Forys meeting Room” and the “Forys Atrium,” ensuring their memory will live on in the library they loved. (Photo) (North Lake News & Woodinville Weekly, 7.11.11) http://www.nwnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4657:library-memorial-gift-honors-karen-and-ed-forys&catid=34:news&Itemid=72

This month, a colorful exhibit on puppetry at the Woodinville Library, a part of the King County Library System, is sure to catch your eye. All are from the collection of longtime Woodinville resident Cheryl Hadley. The local woman, who once worked at the Woodinville Library as a children’s librarian (and still subs there on occasion), has been enamored with puppets for many years. (North Lake News & Woodinville Weekly, 7.11.11) http://www.nwnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4677:puppets-make-a-splash-at-woodinville-library&catid=34:news&Itemid=72

Agave Restaurant and Tequila Bar has opened in Eastsound inside the building that used to house Ecotopian. In addition to launching a new business, this year also marks owner Kathy Lunde’s 20th year at the Orcas Island Library, where she is the adult public services librarian. (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 7.13.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isj/business/125185758.html

When the Bleyhl Community Library closes August 12 to relocate to the new facility on the YVCC campus, it won’t be the first time new library director Elizabeth Jahnke has been through a major shift at this library. “I was part of the first expansion of the Bleyhl Library in the 70s,” Jahnke said in an interview last week. (Photo) (Grandview Herald, 7.20.11)

Programs and Displays
“Get Medieval at the Library” is a program at the Spokane County Library District for students to learn about the Code of Chivalry and try on suits of armor. They also can listen to traditional Scottish music with a live bagpiper and drummer; learn about tessellations, or patterns combining art and math; or hear the story of “Peach Boy: A Kamishibai Tale,” which includes authentic Japanese costumes. (Photos) (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 7.7.11) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jul/07/lively-times-at-libraries/

On Monday, the Spokane Public Library will offer a legal way for you to download music for free. It’s called Freegal, and the library will be offering the entire Sony music catalog, which features a half-million tracks. Spokane Public Library card holders can download three songs a week for free, in mp3 format. The songs are yours to keep. (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 7.10.11) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jul/10/library-offers-free-music-downloads/

YouthBuild Snohomish County, a grant-funded program by Workforce Development Council of Snohomish County, Housing Hope, and Everett and Edmonds Community Colleges, is hosting upcoming information sessions for potential members, including two to be held in Spanish at the Monroe Library, a part of Sno-Isle Libraries. (Monroe Monitor & Valley News, 7.12.11)

Kitsap Regional Library and Kitsap Mall will work together to present a series of free programs for residents this fall. The mall will open a storefront next to Barnes & Noble so the library can host weekly events Saturday afternoons in September and October. This series marks the third event held in partnership between the library and mall. (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 7.13.11) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jul/12/library-will-offer-programs-saturdays-this-fall/

Through Reach Out and Read, physicians in all 50 states are putting 6.4 million books a year into the hands of 3.9 million children. Soon, some of those hands will belong to Anacortes children, who will receive a developmentally appropriate book during every wellness check-up at Fidalgo Medical Associates. The program will be implemented thanks to a group of champions at the clinic, the Anacortes Public Library, the Anacortes School District, Island Hospital and the Anacortes Noon Kiwanis Club. (Photo) (Anacortes American, 7.13.11)

Deming resident Heather Saulsbury exhibits her “Happy Thoughts” artwork through August 14th at the Deming Library, a part of the Whatcom County Library System. The work will be for sale and half of the proceeds from the sale will go to the Friends of the Deming Library. (Photo) (Bellingham Herald, 7.14.11) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/07/13/2089801/deming-woman-puts-happy-thoughts.html#storylink=misearch

Quincy Valley children are invited to take part in two special storytime events at the Quincy Public Library on Wednesday, July 20 and Tuesday, August 16. Wayne Hersel, an instructor with the North Central Education Service District, has selected a handful of Quincy Junior High School students who will read to the children. The storytime is part of a leadership training program for the junior high school students. (Quincy Valley Post Register, 7.14.11) http://www.qvpr.com/articles/youths-conduct-special-storytime-library

Anyone age 17 or younger can “read away” their overdue Longview Public Library book fines with Summer Squirrel Scrip during the library’s Summer Reading Program taking place through August 6. For every 15 minutes read, participants can have $1 forgiven in overdue fines. (Daily News [Longview], 7.15.11)

StoryCorps, National Public Radio’s oral history organization, will visit the Tri-Cities for three weeks to record the stories of Columbia Basin residents. From August 4-21, StoryCorps’ MobileBooth will be at the Pasco branch of the Mid-Columbia Libraries. A donation of $25 per interview is requested, but those who say they cannot afford it may participate for free. (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 7.19.11) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/07/19/1571754/record-your-story-with-storycorps.html#storylink=misearch

[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] ]