Library News
Friends of the Port Townsend Public Library received a grant from Humanities Washington (HW) during the inaugural round of HW’s new Spark Grants program. The grant supports the Port Townsend Community Reads program. (The Leader [Port Townsend], 1.23.13)

They love books and libraries. They also love each other. Friday morning, in a place that’s sacred to them, Barbara Morrow and David Kurland exchanged vows. Librarian Theresa Gemmer officiated the wedding in the Everett Public Library’s Northwest History Room. (Photo) (The Herald Online [Everett], 2.2.13) http://heraldnet.com/article/20130202/NEWS01/702029957#Happily-ever-after

Elections
Spokane voters on Tuesday easily approved a City Charter amendment giving the police ombudsman more authority and a tax to ensure that branch libraries won’t close. Tuesday’s ballot contained the first library-only tax for the Spokane Public Library since voters approved construction of the city’s branches in 1990. (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 2.12.13) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/feb/12/spokane-voters-approve-library-tax/

Buildings
Library development in Renton may soon be getting some traction, as city officials have identified the permits necessary to begin work on the Highlands and downtown Renton library projects, both a part of the King County Library System. One hurdle the city may not have to face is triggering federal permits and the approval of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for work to renovate the library over the Cedar River. (Renton Reporter, 1.18.13) http://www.rentonreporter.com/news/187352971.html

The La Conner Regional Library Board continues to move forward with development plans for a new library. They invited Ruth Baleiko of architectural firm Miller Hull to attend the public meeting held Thursday, January 31st. Community residents were encouraged to provide input regarding what they would like to see in the new library. (Skagit Valley Herald [Mount Vernon], 1.20.13) http://www.goskagit.com/community/community_news/la-conner-library-opens-thrift-store-seeks-input-for-new/article_877f23e4-cdd8-5596-81df-6560cd07d887.html

Letters & Editorials
City of Spokane libraries have been running on reserves the last few years. With that money expended, and the pressure on city finances for public safety purposes unabated, the City Council has agreed to let voters decide whether to impose a new levy that will not only maintain library operations as they are today, but also expand hours at some of the neighborhood branches. We urge voters to support the measure when ballots go out next week. (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 1.18.13) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/jan/18/editorial-spokane-library-levy-thoughtful/

The future is uncertain for libraries, as it is for a lot of things. Music. Movies. Media. Technology has shaken them all. But libraries are ours. They’re here to serve us, and while they’re still figuring out what that means, they’re fighting for the right. (Seattle Times Blog, 2.2.13) http://blogs.seattletimes.com/monica-guzman/2013/02/02/libraries-seek-frame-of-digital-reference/

People
Audrey Barbakoff of the Bainbridge Public Library has been chosen as one of the Library Journal’s “Movers & Shakers.” Twelve years ago, Library Journal began spotlighting librarians and others in the library world who were doing extraordinary work to serve their patrons and to move libraries of all types forward. Barbakoff is one of Kitsap Regional Library’s (KRL) adult librarians, and the first staff member at KRL to earn the honor. (Bainbridge Island Review, 1.18.13) http://www.bainbridgereview.com/community/187588611.html

Programs & Displays
Pierce County Library System’s Teen Writing and Art contest is seeking teenagers throughout Pierce County to show their creative talents. Students in seventh through 12th grades, who live in or attend school in Pierce County, can enter the contest, individually or as a team, in one or all four categories. The contest deadline is February 24. (The News Tribune [Tacoma], 2.4.13) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/02/04/2461177/pierce-county-library-system-promotes.html#storylink=misearch

[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]]