Washington State Library News
Talking books aren’t just for people who are legally blind, they also are for people who are visually impaired, have a physical disability, or even a reading disability. Danielle Miller, program manager for the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library, told the Jefferson County Council of the Blind on September 28 that she wishes more people knew about the free state program that offers books on tape, large-print books and books in Braille. (Photo) (The Leader [Port Angeles], 10.3.12)

Denny Ashby Library in Pomeroy has been named a recipient of a Washington Rural Heritage grant that will be used to document activity of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 20th century in Garfield County. Washington Rural Heritage is an initiative of the Washington State Library that supports small and rural libraries in the development of digital projects that aim to preserve historically unique items and collections online. (East Washingtonian [Pomeroy], 10.24.12)

There are only 100 or so images in the state’s new digital collection of foodways photos from North Central Washington, but the photographs contain countless details for agriculture historians and culinary scholars. The creation of the Foodways & Byways of North Central Washington Collection was funded with state and federal money administered by the Washington Rural Heritage initiative. (Photo) (Seattle Weekly Blog Online, 10.30.12) http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/voracious/2012/10/state_releases_new_online_arch.php

Library News
Port Townsend school libraries have joined hands with the wider county and city library system. Theresa Rini Percy, Port Townsend Public Library director, said the school district’s libraries are now part of a cooperative network that includes the city library, the Jefferson County Library and the school libraries of Quilcene and Brinnon. This is such a good thing, increasing the capacity,” Percy said. (Photo) (The Leader [Port Townsend], 10.10.12) http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=32254&SectionID=36&SubSectionID=55&S=1

Tacoma City Leaders announced that the looming $63 million projected deficit would require more cuts to programs and layoffs of hundreds of city workers. Library officials already know their fate. Cuts of about $3 million during the next two years will mean more than a dozen fewer workers as well as cut six-day operations down to five days at the downtown branch. (Photos) (Tacoma Weekly, 10.12.12) http://www.tacomaweekly.com/news/view/few-are-whistling-while-they-work-these-days/

The Cathlamet Town Council took first steps on its 2013 budgets when it met last month. Members of the Cathlamet Library Board were on hand to ask the council to support the library as much as possible in the budget. Mayor George Wehrfritz announced that only one contractor had bid on the contract to remodel the town hall and library. (Photo) (The Wahkiakum County Eagle [Cathlamet], 10.18.12)

Jennifer Hackett, owner of Manastash Mapping, proposed creating interactive recreational maps to the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce because she was frustrated with the lack of an all-encompassing recreational map. Hackett delivered hard copies of her maps to the Ellensburg Public Library, along with several shades of highlighters. People are encouraged to highlight their favorite trails and trails that are not currently on the map. (Photo) (Daily Record [Ellensburg], 10.19.12)

Despite a smaller public turnout, the general consensus from the Renton libraries meeting is that dialogue among the City of Renton, the King County Library System and the public seems to be improving. The open house was held to update community members on renovation plans for the downtown and Highland branch libraries. (Photo) (Renton Reporter, 10.19.12) http://www.rentonreporter.com/news/174669451.html?mobile=true

Earlier in October, the digital archive Bob Nelson, a 75-year-old retired Everett carpenter, worked on for years was launched on the University of Washington’s University Libraries website. Titled “Bob Nelson Collection of Folk Music,” it is a treasure. On the site are 141 music tracks from the Seattle folk scene of the 1950s and ‘60s. (Photo) (The Herald [Everett], 10.21.12) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20121021/NEWS01/710219931/0/SEARCH

The North Olympic Library System is in the process of unloading some of its excess property. Its board of trustees voted to sell a rental property near the Port Angeles Library and a vacant lot adjacent to the Forks Library. Tentatively, the money from the property would help replace an existing storage building and go into capital reserves for future projects. (The Sequim Gazette, 10.24.12) http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/article.exm/2012-10-24_libraries_intend_to_sell_2_small_properties

Project READ at the Longview Public Library needs tutors for adults who want to learn literacy skills. Tutors work one-on-one in the library two times a week for an hour at a time for at least six months. The next training session will be held from 2:30 to 5 p.m. November 13-16 in the auditorium at the library. (Daily News [Longview], 10.26.12)

Nine Seattle librarians are doing something tough, unprecedented and very risky. They’re fact-checking politics. It’s happening on livingvotersguide.com, the impressively thoughtful forum where Washington residents are helping each other decide how they’re going to vote on this year’s ballot issues. (The Seattle Times, 10.28.12) http://blogs.seattletimes.com/monica-guzman/2012/10/27/seattle-library-fact-check-experiment-risky-but-valuable/

On October 22, Sno-Isle Libraries and the Assistance League of Everett’s Kitty Young Auxiliary donated 400 books to the Index School District. Margaret Bright, Pam Herzog and Brenda Carter delivered the books to be used by the 25 students, preschool through eighth grade, and their four teachers at the Index School. (Photo) (The Herald [Everett], 10.30.12) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20121030/NEWS01/710309934/0/SEARCH

A group of 10 members of the Terrace Heights Friendship Tea Group demonstrated against the dictum that, after some 30 years, they could no longer gather weekly at the Terrace Heights Library. Kim Hixson, Yakima Valley Libraries director, confirmed that staff concluded that the Friendship Tea group didn’t constitute a regular library program. (Photo) (Yakima-Herald Republic, 10.30.12) http://www.yakimaherald.com/search/452780-8/friendship-tea-group-protests-losing-terrace-heights-gathering

The North Olympic Library System Board of Trustees held a public hearing on the library’s draft 2013 operating budget at its regular meeting in October. The library’s 2012 budget is $3,943,644 and the proposed 2013 budget is $3,574,061. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 10.30.12)

The Seattle Public Library is slowly starting to digitize its collection of historic menus. A library intern who this summer expressed interest in making the menus more accessible was given the go-ahead to put a small sampling of the menu collection online. (Photo) (Seattle Weekly Blog Online, 11.5.12) http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/voracious/2012/11/seattle_public_library_puts_me.php

Buildings
King County Library System submitted a permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to add 13 additional parking stalls at the Pacific branch library, which includes permanently filling in 1,400 square feet of wetland. (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 10.11.12)

The King County Library System invites qualified vendors to submit an RFP for Courier Service. KCLS has pick-ups and deliveries throughout King County that must be done in a timely manner. RFPs must be received by 2:00 p.m. on November 28. (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 10.17.12)

It’s time to stop talking about wanting a new library in Silverdale and get to work to see that dream realized. That’s the shared opinion of Kitsap Regional Library Executive Director Jill Jean and members of the Central Kitsap Community Council after Jean met with the council last month. The board is expected to make a decision by March. (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 10.19.12) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2012/oct/18/community-support-needed-for-new-silverdale/

The King County Library System requests the submittal of statement of qualifications for either or both the following projects: Mercer Island Library renovation of the interior of the existing library; Kingsgate Library renovation of the interior of the existing library. (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 10.22.12)

When the island’s library opened about 20 years ago in a converted house, it did so with no computers, no DVDs and no CDs. Now the Island Library, a part of the Whatcom County Library System, needs more room. The building will get that space, thanks to the members of the Friends of the Island Library, which is raising about $200,000 to renovate and expand the library. (Bellingham Herald, 10.27.12) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/10/26/2744098/library-supporters-raising-200000.html#storylink=misearch

The Jefferson County Library is preparing for a scheduled renovation that will result in its operating out of a temporary location for several months. The aim is to make the library a more welcoming and modern facility. The library is scheduled to close December 2 and to reopen after about two weeks at its temporary location, 51 Coldwell Road. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 10.29.12) http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20121029/news/310299999/0/SEARCH

The City of Tacoma has hired a local real estate broker to bolster its effort to find the right buyer for the former Swan Creek Library building on the city’s east side. The building has been on the market for most of this year. The City has issued two requests for proposals, held two open houses, and even lowered the asking price. (Photo) (Tacoma Daily Index, 10.29.12)

Letters & Editorials
People choose to live in cities because of the availability of services. The cost of services is shared. Schools exist because we want to educate our children. Libraries exist because we want to get and keep information, and make it available to all, and to keep our adults both informed and inspired. (The North Coast News [Ocean Shores], 10.10.12)

In regard to the proposed rural partial-county library district: Vote “yes” to support the Sedro-Woolley library. Having a library in our community is a great asset. The library is a great place for children to use their imaginations. (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 10.21.12) http://www.goskagit.com/all_access/letter-yes-for-s-w-library/article_91dc1aab-5bc0-52aa-840c-eb04f921c4ee.html

I was left momentarily speechless after reading the letter against Proposition 1, or the expansion of the Sedro-Woolley Public Library. Libraries represent freedom of speech and are a crucial resource for communities. I love my library and all public libraries and ask all who are able to vote “yes.” (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 10.21.12) http://www.goskagit.com/all_access/letter-the-original-social-network/article_1aa61ecf-6912-5058-a9b2-2ba4944cd590.html

This upcoming election is the opportunity for citizens in the unincorporated county to vote for the establishment of the Rural Partial-County Library District. Libraries provide a stable environment for everyone, regardless of age, social or economic status. I urge you to vote “yes” for Proposition No. 1. (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 10.21.12) http://www.goskagit.com/all_access/letter-support-your-library-by-voting-yes/article_a12f6fa1-80d4-51e8-ad47-a316363a7a1f.html

The Yakima Public Library Board has decided that it no longer wants the Terrace Heights Library to allow people to congregate in the library. Since the 1950s, the Terrace Heights League of Women has held a tea meeting at the library. The library contributed nothing but the location. So why does the board want to exclude people from using the library instead of inviting more people in? (Yakima Herald-Republic, 10.21.12)

I’m so grateful to the mayor, city council and the Enumclaw citizens who voted to annex our library to the King County Library System. Our excellent library staff is still with us and … This will be a wonderful community resource for years to come. (Enumclaw Courier-Herald, 10.24.12) http://www.courierherald.com/opinion/letters/175665291.html

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) urges a YES vote for annexation of “Area Y” to Burien (Proposition 1 at the end of your ballot). A Burien annexation will ensure that the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries will not be moved out of the communities they currently serve. (Highline Times/Des Moines Times/SeaTac News [Burien], 10.26.12) http://www.highlinetimes.com/2012/10/22/letters-editor/letter-editor-vote-yes-burien-annexatio

As a teen librarian, one of the things I’ve tried hard to battle is the authority of friends and peers as fact sources. Librarians are the original fact checkers. Remember to stop in for reference questions or help for census data, government policy or government documents. We provide free, open and equal access to ideas and information to all members of the community. (Bellevue Reporter [Kent], 10.26.12) http://www.bellevuereporter.com/opinion/174981371.html?mobile=true

Vote YES to annex to Burien. Right now we are less than 1 percent of the population of King County. We have no voice. When we join our neighbors who annexed to Burien in 2010, we will be more than 50 percent of its population. We will finally have a voice and the power to impact our future. (Highline Times/Des Moines Times/SeaTac News [Burien], 11.2.12) http://www.westseattleherald.com/2012/10/29/opinion/opinion-pros-and-cons-annexation

Annexation should improve White Center and increase our property values. Burien annexation will do neither. The NHUAC claimed that our libraries will be closed it we do not annex to Burien. The King County Library System responded, “At no time has the King County Libraries stated that libraries would close as a result of annexation.” (Highline Times/Des Moines Times/SeaTac News [Burien], 11.2.12) http://www.westseattleherald.com/2012/10/29/opinion/opinion-pros-and-cons-annexation

People
Jaime Forsyth of Bremerton has been named the new Executive Director of the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation. The foundation raises money to support the facilities, programs and services of the Kitsap Regional Library, a system with nine branches. (Photo) (Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal [Port Orchard], 10.2012) http://kpbj.com/people/promotions_and_recognition/2012-10-04/library_foundation_hires_new_executive_director

The Friends of the Battle Ground Library, a part of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, announced they have a new president, Sara Striker. (Photo) (Reflector [Battle Ground], 10.3.12)

Stephanie Chase will join Seattle Public Library as director of library programs and services. She has worked at Multnomah County Library in Portland since 2010, most recently as administrator of system-wide and virtual information services. (Photo) (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 10.12.12)

Retired accounting manager and avid reader Carol Schulz is the new librarian at the Soap Lake Public Library, a part of the North Central Regional Library, but she will be a familiar face to many library patrons. Schulz has been subbing at the Soap Lake and Moses Lake libraries for more than two years. (Photo) (Grant Co. Journal [Ephrata], 10.25.12)

Awards
Lynden Public Library has received the 2012 Estela and Raul Mora Award for exemplary efforts promoting El dia de los ninos, El dia de los libros/Children Day, Book Day, according to a press release from the Whatcom County Library System. The library will receive $1,000 and a plaque commemorating their efforts. (Photos) (Bellingham Herald, 10.29.12) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/10/29/2744202/lynden-library-honored-for-service.html#storylink=misearch

Programs & Displays
Chewelah library, a part of the Libraries of Stevens County, is currently hosting an exhibition of landscape photography by local artists David Murray. The exhibition will run through mid-December and can be viewed during the Chewelah library normal open hours. (The Independent [Chewelah], 10.11.12)

Lauren Kucera, Quincy High School art teacher, is the featured artist currently showing in the art gallery at the Quincy Library, a part of North Central Regional Library. The exhibit includes photographs and abstract paintings. The exhibit will be up through late December. (Photo) (Quincy Valley Post Register, 10.11.12) http://www.qvpr.com/articles/local-art-teacher-displays-paintings-library

With a twang-like sound reverberating throughout Yelm Timberland Library, about 50 beginners learned how to play the ukulele in one sitting. The crowd of all ages – some of whom sat outside of the room due to space constrictions – learned from the “Ukalaliens,” Kate Power and Steven Einhorn. (Photo) (Nisqually Valley News [Yelm], 10.19.12)

Inspired by growing up near the Hanford Nuclear Site and her own everyday life events, Kathleen Flenniken became not just any poet but a poet devoted to expanding the understanding of poetry throughout the state. This Washington State Poet Laureate shared her passion for poetry with Whidbey Island last month. (Whidbey News-Times [Oak Harbor], 10.20.12) http://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/entertainment/175009501.html?mobile=true

Living big in a small space is often an accurate description of life in Walla Walla. The Walla Walla Public Library will live this in the coming months as we welcome a new program, Big Idea Talks. The program is modeled after TED online talks. The first talk was held November 1. (Union-Bulletin [Walla Walla], 10.23.12)

Shannon Moller, a graduate student at the University of Washington, who is helping sort the Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum’s burgeoning photo collection, will share her work at a talk, “From the Record: Photos Tell a Story,” at the Historical Society’s annual meeting, 2 p.m., Sunday, November 18 at the North Bend Library, a part of the King County Library System. (Snoqualmie Valley Record, 10.24.12) http://www.valleyrecord.com/community/176282791.html

Library patrons can now find more downloadable audiobooks at the North Olympic Library System. Through a contract with OnClickDigital, a division of Recorded Books, the library provides a wide variety of audiobooks that can be downloaded via computer and imported to an iPod or other listening device. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 10.26.12)

If you think you might have the “write stuff,” the month of November is the perfect time to prove it. On November 1, Timberland Regional Library System invited people to join 300,000 others from around the world who will be writing their novels, from start to finish, in one month. November is National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo. (Nisqually Valley News [Yelm], 10.26.12)

A special Teen Book Brunch, sponsored by the Mill Creek Library, a part of Sno-Isle Libraries, will be held on Saturday, November 17 at the University Book Store in Mill Creek Town Center and will feature an author panel at 11 a.m. Teens and their families can enjoy Top Pot donuts and hear about great reads. (Millcreek View, 11.2012)

The Great Receipts Thanksgiving is the major fundraiser for November for the Point Roberts Library Building Fund, but we also have a Miniature Art Auction and Party, scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m., November 17. All proceeds go to the Point Roberts Library, a part of the Whatcom County Library System. (Photos) (All Point Bulletin [Point Roberts], 11.2012) http://www.allpointbulletin.com/library

[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]]