Washington State Library News
Spokane voters have again proved they strongly support city libraries. Take notice, Olympia. The Washington State Library and the Washington State Archives have about filled up the space available for housing the state’s most important documents and artifacts. In 2007, the Legislature authorized construction of a Washington Heritage Center that would house the archives and library. With the state committed, private dollars might follow, and finally move the project forward. (The Spokesman Review [Spokane], 2.15.13) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/feb/15/editorial-restore-momentum-for-heritage-center/

Library News
More than 10,000 postcards have been sent to e-book publishers by library users who agree with Pierce County Library System that a blockade on e-books for libraries is unfair. The result: At least two publishers have agreed to start selling e-books to the libraries again. (South Pierce County Dispatch [Eatonville], 2.13.13)

Sno-Isle Libraries have a simple, streamlined option for checking out and reading eBooks, thanks to the 3M Cloud Library eBook Lending Service and the Polaris Integrated Library System. The service combines digital content, in-library hardware, and apps for borrowing and reading eBooks, all within the library’s own online catalog, creating an unrivaled patron experience. (The Whidbey Examiner [Coupeville], 2.14.13)

Tuesday City Hall announced county commissioners authorized the transfer of $12,375 to the City fund that supports Carpenter Memorial Library. City Administrator Matt Morton said the dollar amount the county contributed matches the amount stipulated in an agreement that has the county underwriting a fixed percentage of what the City commits toward library operations. (Northern Kittitas County Tribune [Cle Elum], 2.14.13)

Pierce County Library Board reports that county libraries’ e-books blockade campaign was a “strong success.” In November and December 2012, thousands of Pierce County residents participated in a campaign to urge major book publishers to sell e-books to libraries. (Tacoma Weekly, 2.15.13)

In November of 2012, city residents approved an annexation proposal to bring library services to Morton. While initial talks on the logistics of a physical branch in Morton have just begun, local residents have been signing up for library cards at other East Lewis County Timberland Regional Library branches. (Photo) (The East County Journal [Morton], 2.20.13)

Four finalists were being considered for the position of Whatcom County Library System Executive Director, with a preliminary decision made by library trustees at their regular meeting Tuesday, February 19th. Spokesperson Lizz Roberts said trustees had chosen a candidate to extend the contract to, but might not have a completed contract in hand until early next week. (Lynden Tribune, 2.20.13)

The Greater Connell Area Chamber of Commerce met on Tuesday, February 12th where those attending heard a presentation by Connell Library Manager, Helen Tobin on the latest technologies available through the Mid-Columbia Library System. Tobin highlighted Zinio, an interactive magazine site that the library has subscribed to. (Franklin County Graphic [Connell], 2.21.13)

Elections
The City of Port Townsend is looking at trimming a $6 million library bond proposal in the wake of other city needs vying for taxpayer dollars. “Move forward with the original plan and ask the voters this year to authorize the original bond amount ($3 million) with an understanding that if the additional funds are not obtained within a three year window, the city will revise the current plan for the library to be completed within the amounts authorized and in hand.” (The Leader [Port Townsend], 2.20.13) http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=33063&SectionID=36&SubSectionID=55&S=1

Buildings
The George Public Library hosted a grand opening open house on Saturday, February 9th. Over 90 people attended the open house. Included in the number were the North Central Regional Library’s director, assistant director, Grant County supervisor and several librarians from different branches in Grant County. (Photo) (Quincy Valley Post Register, 2.14.13) http://www.qvpr.com/articles/george-library-gives-open-house

The Key Center branch of the Pierce County Library System has been open since February 4th following 10 weeks of closure for renovations, but it officially celebrated Saturday with an open house to show off its new space. (Photos) (Peninsula Gateway [Gig Harbor], 2.20.13) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/02/16/2478323/open-house-showcases-key-center.html#storylink=misearch

The Spokane Valley City Council gave its consensus to move forward to spend $38,000 – it’s half of the expenditures – to hire a consultant to develop a site development plan to expand Balfour Park. The Spokane County Library District will pay for the rest of the $76,000 amount to Spokane architect Bernardo-Wills. (Valley News Herald [Spokane], 2.22.13)

Kittitas city officials are hopeful they’ll learn sometime in March if they’ve received up to $900,000 in federal funds to expand, remodel and renovate the Kittitas Community Hall and attached city library. The city applied for federal rural development and community development block grants. The library is too small for the use it gets and needs modernization and upgrading. (Photo) (Daily Record [Ellensburg], 2.28.13)

When voters approved money in 2006 for the new library in downtown Vancouver, they were told that a parking garage would follow with 200 public parking spaces for library patrons. But proponents of the project weren’t expecting a recession to hit in 2007. The recession and its aftermath now put the future of better library parking in jeopardy. (The Columbian [Vancouver], 3.12.13) http://www.columbian.com/news/2013/mar/11/bill-offers-library-square-time/

King County Library System plans to start building a 10,000 square foot replacement for the White Center Library next year. The project is expected to cost $7 million, and the library should open in mid-2015. The library system is seeking qualifications by April 10 from architecture and engineering firms to design the new library. (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 3.20.13)

The second of two Tacoma library branches shuttered in 2011 due to budget cuts has finally been sold – well below its $400,000 appraisal. But a seven member committee that recommended selling the Swan Creek branch on Portland Avenue for $91,000 viewed the buyer’s plans to turn it into a day care center as a way to create value beyond its low price tag. (The News Tribune [Tacoma], 3.22.13) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/03/22/2524945/library-sells-below-its-initial.html#storylink=misearch

Letters & Editorials
Whoever thought that if the expansion of our library is realized as planned it could kill off the Port Townsend Community Center? In their zeal to build the biggest and best library possible – a “community gathering place” – well-intentioned people fail to see the impact on other public meeting spaces. (The Leader [Port Townsend], 2.20.13) http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=33076&SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&S=1

I want to thank the community for supporting the Orcas Island Library in its current building for the past 20 years. In observance of this anniversary, we will be offering a series of lectures this spring and summer, culminating in a community picnic on July 20, followed by the Friends’ Library Fair on August 10th. (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 2.20.13) http://www.islandssounder.com/opinion/letters/191863381.html

Awards
The King County Library System is one of two Washington state finalists for the National Medal for Museum and Library Services. The award, presented by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is the highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community. The Pierce County Library system is the other state finalist. (Issaquah Press, 2.20.13) http://www.issaquahpress.com/2013/02/19/library-system-is-finalist-for-national-award/

Programs & Displays
The Orcas Island Library held an open house last week to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the grand opening of the public library building. Volunteers Marcia Spees, Leith Templin, and Carla Stanley and library staff member Kathy Lunde spent months creating a “walk down memory lane” complete with exhibits, archives and cake. (Photo) (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 2.13.13) http://www.islandssounder.com/community/191065101.html

Branches of the Timberland Regional Library (TRL) – including Shelton, Belfair and Hoodsport – will launch their annual Read-Aloud program, from March 2nd (Dr. Seuss’s birthday) through April 12th (Beverly Cleary’s birthday). (Photo) (Shelton-Mason County Journal/Belfair Herald, 2.21.13)

[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 Martha Shinners at 360.570.5567 or [email protected]]