Washington State Library News
On November 16th, Carolyn Petersen from the Washington State Library gave an eReader overview that included hands-on experience with eReader devices at the Dayton Memorial Library. This was sponsored by a grant from the Washington State Library, with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. (Dayton Chronicle, 11.7.12)

Library News
An unforeseen trouble with transitioning the Tacoma Public Library system’s 140,000 records into a new cataloging system prompted a few extra days of library closures to allow technicians to fix the computer bug. The new system adds several features that will make checking out, returning and searching for books and materials more user friendly. (Photos) (Tacoma Weekly, 11.2.12) http://www.tacomaweekly.com/news/view/libra ry-hits-glitch-but-system-now-upgraded/

The Stevenson Community Library, a part of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, has announced the winners of its juried art show, held every October with the exhibit on display at the library. Dennis Peterson of Stevenson judged the artwork and awarded first place to James M. Wilhelm. Marilyn Bolles earned second place, and Julie Olson of Washougal earned the top honor for the People’s Choice selection. (The Skamania County Pioneer [Stevenson], 11.7.12)

Genealogy research has gotten very sophisticated over the years as marriage, birth and death records are being digitized. The King County Library System also subscribes to a number of databases to help you on your quest to find ancestors. (Bellevue Reporter [Kent], 11.9.12)

Back in 1957 several folks within the Lake Stevens community knew that the town needed some sort of library. Since that time the Lake Stevens Library has seen many changes including becoming a part of the Sno-Isle Library System 50 years ago. On November 10, the Lake Stevens Library celebrated its golden anniversary with goodies and the filling of a time capsule. The time capsule will be closed the first week of January 2013. (Photo) (Lake Stevens Journal, 11.14.12)

At its meeting last week in Tacoma, Pierce County Library System’s Board of Trustees discussed the organization’s proposed budget for 2013, which is saddled with a $3 million deficit. Barriers to offering e-books to the public, the results of a library-sponsored summer reading program for children and other issues where all on the agenda. (South Pierce County Dispatch [Eatonville], 11.14.12)

Buildings
On Saturday, Oct. 27, members of the East Jefferson Rotary Club began construction on a bookmobile barn for the Jefferson County Library in Port Hadlock. Given the library’s service needs in the face of current economic pressures, after voters rejected a library construction bond in 2011, the library board became inventive about how to make the changes required to improve the existing facility. The club helped significantly, with a $30,000 cash and sweat-equity grant for the project. (Photo) (The Leader [Port Townsend], 11.7.12)

Thanks to a $5,000 pledge made Monday, Nov. 5, the Jefferson County Library has reached its fundraising goal and is prepared to move forward with its $700,000 renovation project. The project is open to bidders and so far 12 companies have requested construction specifications. Construction is anticipated to begin on Dec. 17 and could take up to six months. (The Leader [Port Townsend], 11.7.12) http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=32463&SectionID=36&SubSectionID=55&S=1

Letters & Editorials
Some people hunger for the written word, some are just hungry. Mid-Columbia Libraries’ Food for Fines program seems like a winning situation for both groups and the community at large. We’re grateful for libraries and for people who are generous with their bounties (however much or little that may be) – in November and at other times of the year. (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 11.8.12) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2012/11/08/2162635/despite-our-differences-in-many.html#storylink=misearch

To this day with a book as a dear friend, I begin and end the day. And I continue to hold almost a reverence in and for libraries where the thoughts and histories of so many lives are shared in written word and recordings. I say all this because I want to thank our friends and neighbors who have faithfully supported and used our Terrace Heights Library. (Yakima Herald-Republic, 11.9.12) http://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/letterstotheeditor/486820-14/tea-goes-with-learning

Awards
The Whatcom County Library System presented its Golden Apple Award to Kevin DeVere, principal of Everson Elementary School, according to a press release. The annual award goes to an outstanding Whatcom County educator who connects students to the public library. (Bellingham Herald, 11.12.12) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/11/12/2762446/bellingham-students-honored-in.html#storylink=misearch

Programs & Displays
Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors are available twice a month at the Camas Public Library to help Medicare clients choose the plans that are best for them. Volunteers are at the library on the second and fourth Tuesday, from 1 to 3 p.m. (Camas-Washougal Post-Record, 11.6.12)

A career in geology, hydrology and engineering shaped Larisa Aksenova into a painter of abstract art. Her work is being shown in Camas this month in a show titled “The World Through My Eyes,” at the Second Story Gallery at the Camas Public Library. Her work will be on display through November 30. (Photo) (Camas-Washougal Post-Record, 11.6.12)

The Ritzville Public Library Book Club is meeting on Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the library basement. This month’s book is “Shanghai Girls” by Lisa See. (Ritzville-Adams County Journal, 11.8.12)

Kids and teens can become critics of their favorite books and maybe win a bicycle for their efforts. As a way to encourage kids to read and write, the Sno-Isle Public Library in Monroe has started a “Bike for Books Contest.” Kids write a one-page review about their favorite or most recently read book and submit it to the library. (The Herald [Everett], 11.12.12) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20121112/NEWS01/711119922/0/SEARCH

[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]]