Washington State Library News
Just 2 ½ months after taking office, Republic Secretary of State Kim Wyman is following the footsteps of her predecessor, Sam Reed, in fighting against a proposed fund reduction for the library’s operations. (The Olympian [Olympia], 4.7.13) http://www.theolympian.com/2013/04/07/2495373/wyman-picks-up-torch-to-save-wash.html#storylink=misearch

Library News
The state Public Disclosure Commission has informed Renton residents that staff won’t take any action on complaints residents filed against the King County Library System and Renton Mayor Denis Law concerning the Aug. 7 election. (Renton Reporter, 3.1.13) http://www.rentonreporter.com/news/192318631.html

Kitsap Regional Library patrons will now have unlimited access to more than 100 digital magazine titles, cover to cover with no waiting. Popular titles such as Newsweek, Consumer Reports, National Geographic and Popular Photography are being provided through KRL’s subscription to Zinio. (The Kitsap Sun, [Bremerton] 3.3.13) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2013/mar/02/krl-now-offering-unlimited-access-to-digital/#axzz2Q5xociQ0

The Lopez Island Library announces the acquisition of the Early Literacy Station, a complete, turnkey educational solution loaded with over 55 educational software titles for kids age two to eight. “The Early Literacy Station is an invaluable resource for our toddlers to fifth grade students, says Library Director Lou Pray. (Island’s Weekly Newspaper, [Lopez Island] 3.5.13) http://www.islandsweekly.com/news/195056551.html

Elections
The Port Townsend City Council is moving forward on talks with the Port Townsend Library Foundation on the library’s proposed capital expansion. If an agreement is reached, a bond measure for $5.5 million to complete the library expansion as it is currently designed could be on the August 2013 ballot. (The Leader, [Port Townsend] 3.6.13)

Buildings
Kyle Cox’s vision of what a library should be is starting to take root at the 6,000-square-foot west Pasco branch of the Mid-Columbia Libraries. “A library is not a warehouse of books,” said Cox, executive director of the district. “Libraries are a place that is magical. You can learn what you want. It’s a temple of knowledge.” (Photo) (Tri-City Herald, [Kennewick] 3.14.13) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/03/13/2312298/decorator-creates-magical-scene.html#storylink=misearch

Letters & Editorials
What reception was the city and King County Library System (KCLS) expecting, other than what they got from the majority of those in the audience and will get from library supporters at large? I believe what I am reading and experiencing is a wholly inappropriate, arrogant, and revengeful attitude from those who believe a city library is part of the heart and soul of a vibrant community. (Renton Reporter, 3.1.13) http://www.rentonreporter.com/opinion/letters/193140631.html

The notion of a library as a space to build community was recently endorsed by the American Library Association, which teamed up with a nonprofit called the Harwood Institute to provide a format for community dialogue. So here’s my pitch: If there’s a need for this type of community connection, let’s get together at the library. I’m inspired to aspire for a more perfect union in Redmond – are you? (Redmond Reporter, 3.1.13) http://www.redmond-reporter.com/opinion/193160061.html

I believe that the City Council should place a measure on the August ballot that fully funds the library expansion project. In short, the Library expansion plan as currently articulated needs a rework before I can cheerlead for it. (The Leader, [Port Townsend] 3.6.13) http://ptleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=33141&SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&S=1

Awards
The Mukilteo Library recently hosted a Mission Good Grades program that introduced students and their parents to some of the resources the library has to offer. As part of the program, the library held drawings for a Kindle eReader and a $250 check to go to one of the school libraries in the Mukilteo School District. The Friends of the Mukilteo Library presented a $250 check to Gail Anderson, librarian of Kamiak High School. (Photo) (The Mukilteo Beacon, 3.6.13)

In honor of National Poetry Month, the Seattle Public Library sponsored a haiku contest. The theme: Write a haiku that celebrates the library in your life. There were 40 winners chosen from 402 entries. For a list of all of the winners, go to spl.org and click on Haiku Hullabaloo. (Photos) (The Seattle Times, 4.8.13) http://seattletimes.com/html/books/2020720518_litlife08xml.html

Programs & Displays
Senior Adam Harris is taking R.A. Long High Schools’ Library Science class. In Library Science, students learn skills such as organizing, interacting with customers, alphabetizing, and learning to do project on their own. Being a leader is a big part of the class. (Photo) (Daily News, [Longview] 3.25.13) http://tdn.com/lifestyles/young-journalists-class-introduces-students-to-art-of-the-librarian/article_6bed5e06-934d-11e2-bfbc-0019bb2963f4.html

R.J. Palacio didn’t set out to write a book that would change the way children relate to each other. Now, the story of a severely disfigured fifth-grader is a New York Times best seller and the selection for this year’s Tacoma Reads Together. “Wonder” follows Auggie, a boy born with birth defects that have left his face so disfigured it elicits gasps from strangers. (Photo) (The News Tribune, [Tacoma] 4.5.13) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/04/04/2543850/tacoma-reads-welcomes-author-of.html#storylink=misearch

[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]]