Library News
The King County Library System subscribes to an online database called Universal Class, which is dedicated to helping you learn something new or make a change for the better. Courses vary from bartending/mixology to behavioral sciences and algebra to chakra clearing. (Photo) (Bellevue Reporter, [Kent] 6.22.12) http://www.bellevuereporter.com/opinion/160028985.html?mobile=true

The Chehalis City Council agreed to eliminate the five-person Chehalis Timberland Library Board, which no longer serves a purpose after the city joined the Timberland Regional Library District in 1975. Library Manager Corine Aiken said the former members are encouraged to join the Friends of the Chehalis Timberland Library group to continue their work as advocates for the library. (The Chronicle, [Centralia] 6.26.12) http://www.chronline.com/news/article_4dce0b20-bf8e-11e1-858b-0019bb2963f4.html

The Vashon Library recently bought a new reader and printer for microfiche and microfilm and is the first library in the King County Library System to have a machine of this type. Called the Scan-Pro 2000, it sits next to and interfaces with library computers. (Photo) (The Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber, [Vashon] 6.27.12)

A new community-wide book program for bus riders, Books on the Bus, aims to make mass transit commuting more of a conversational experience. Each quarter the newly launched program, partially sponsored by the King County Library System, will highlight a book for participants to read on their bus rides. (Photo) (Kirkland Reporter, 6.29.12) http://www.kirklandreporter.com/entertainment/160589985.html

There was a time when the Clark County bookmobile had more than 160 stops on its schedule. That era is gone, and so is the Clark County bookmobile. The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District is ending Clark County bookmobile service after 71 years; however, the Skamania and Klickitat county bookmobiles will continue. (The Columbian, [Vancouver] 6.30.12) http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/jun/29/checking-out-clark-county-bookmobile-ends-service/

The Mid-Columbia Libraries (MCL) are considering reaching out to the Walla Walla Public Library and the Walla Walla County Rural Library District now that the two libraries have ended their relationship. MCL officials haven’t made a decision on whether they would support a relationship with either library, such as providing services or annexing the library area. (The News Tribune [Tacoma], 7.20.12) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/07/20/2220772/mid-columbia-libraries-look-at.html

Elections
Seattle library levy supporters say the $123 million, seven-year levy would restore service hours, rebuild collections and maintain buildings neglected over the past four years of city budget cuts. Opponents say the day-to-day operations of libraries are so important that they should be prioritized in the city budget and funded ahead of less important programs. (The Seattle Times, 7.24.12) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018762836_librarylevy25m.html

Buildings
Volunteers packed boxes into the newly constructed old city hall which is now home to the Roslyn City Library. The library reopened July 9 and a grand opening party is planned during the Roslyn Art Walk July 28 from 4 to 7 pm. (Photo) (Northern Kittitas County Tribune, [Cle Elum] 6.28.12)

The Port Orchard City Council unanimously approved a library roof replacement bid for an amount with a limit of $150,000. The city, which owns the building operated by Kitsap Regional Library, set aside $120,000 in real estate excise tax money last year to pay for the new roof. (Independent, [Port Orchard] 6.29.2012) http://www.portorchardindependent.com/news/160761445.html

The Pierce County Library in Sumner will close for more than a month starting July 30 for repairs and upgrades. The work will cost $363,500 and will include replacing the roof and heating and cooling system, improving ventilation in the restrooms and installing a central customer service desk. (The News Tribune, [Tacoma] 7.17.12) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/07/17/2217041/sumner-library-will-close-for.html

Letters & Editorials
I am a frequent visitor to the Bellevue Library and I frequently notice that more cars could be parked properly starting with the cars at each end of the block. On some days I find that if cars were parked properly in the block up to three additional cars could be accommodated. (Bellevue Reporter, 6.22.12)
http://www.bellevuereporter.com/opinion/letters/160030345.html

The news that the leadership of the Walla Walla Public Library and the board of directors of the Walla Walla County Rural Library District have failed to come up with a solution to our community’s library funding problems is deeply disappointing. (Union – Bulletin, [Walla Walla] 6.24.12)

The need for a library to serve the whole valley remains. Opting out leaves residents of the entire valley without the potential good services that $3 million could provide. The members of the County Rural Library Board are considering a building to rival, rather than cooperate with, the city library. (Union – Bulletin, [Walla Walla] 6.26.12)

Should tax dollars be used for titillation? In an editorial from The Olympian carried in The Chronicle on June 23, both newspapers supported the local Timberland library system purchasing 34 copies of “Fifty Shades of Grey,” a novel of sadomasochism and bondage. (The Chronicle, [Centralia] 6.28.2012) http://www.chronline.com/opinion/article_3fe558be-c147-11e1-9a9d-001a4bcf887a.html

On behalf of the Centralia and Chehalis Timberland libraries we are so pleased to hear that the Lewis County Rotary Foundation donated a wonderful gift to the kindergartners and first graders of Lewis County – the own subscription to National Geographic Young Explorer, classroom magazine for their age group. (The Chronicle, [Centralia] 6.28.12)

I’m writing in response to Diana Carr’s letter to the editor on June 22, objecting to new library fees. If Ms. Carr owns a home or property in Ocean Shores, she will not have to pay the fee for the privilege of checking out books from the Ocean Shores Library. However, if she does not own property here she will have to pay for that privilege. (Daily World, [Aberdeen] 7.3.12)

A core public service that we all treasure, libraries, should be fully funded in the regular budget. Seattle Proposition 1’s temporary funding from a new property tax would free the mayor and city council to begin diverting the libraries regular funding to other departments, never to return. Don’t let them do it. (The Seattle Times Online, 7.21.12) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2018736818_guest22chrisleman.html

Programs & Displays
19 pieces of art from the Larson Gallery Guild are on display in the Grandview Library, which is jointly operated with Yakima Valley Community College. The 19 pieces will be on display at the library for the next two to three years, and then will be replaced with other works. (Photo) (Grandview Herald, 6.27.2012)

Summer Reading
Mid-Columbia Libraries will give away hundreds of copies of two books in advance of visits in August by the authors as part of the library’s summer reading program. People can pick up a copy at any branch library while book clubs may request copies. Copies will be handed out as long as supplies last. (The News Tribune [Tacoma], 7.20.12) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/07/20/2221151/mid-columbia-libraries-to-give.html

[This summary of library news represents a selection of current newspaper clippings about Washington libraries received from Washington newspapers. The summary is created by Bobbie DeMiero and Leanna Hammond of the Washington State Library, Division of the Office of the Secretary of State. For further information about this summary or the clippings listed, contact Martha Shinners at 360.570.5567 or [email protected]]