Library News
At the last regular school board meeting the Board addressed the issue of two books challenged by Rich Korb, an educator. The Prosser School Board reached an impasse in removing The Popularity Papers from school libraries, meaning the recommendation of the committee will keep the book in place. A Child Called It will remain on the library shelf until the Board can come to consensus and make a decision. (Photo) (Record-Bulletin [Prosser], 5.15.13)

Elections
Toledo is moving forward on the vision of establishing a new library in the city. The Toledo City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to allow the city to join the taxing district of the Timberland Regional Library System on the November ballot. (Photo) (The Chronicle [Centralia], 5.16.13)

Buildings
The North Olympic Library System Board of Directors said yes. During their meeting on May 9th, the board approved a $537,517 contract for Hoch Construction, Inc. of Port Angeles. That means the beloved Forks Library will be seriously spiffed up, with a nine-month renovation to begin soon. (Forks Forum, 5.16.13)

A new parking garage at the Vancouver Community Library, a part of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, looked more likely this week, when a bill to boost the Library Square project passed through the state’s House and Senate. The measure still requires Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature. (The Columbian [Vancouver], 6.29.13) http://www.columbian.com/news/2013/jun/29/library-square-a-step-closer-to-reality/

Awards
The North Central Regional Library has been awarded a $109,000 grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation to expand its literacy programs for young children. The grant will let the library double the impact of its early literacy programs and hire a new librarian to serve low-income, at-risk children. (The Wenatchee World Online, 7.10.13) http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/jul/10/library-receives-allen-family-foundation-grant/

Programs & Displays
Start signing up for the Summer Reading Program today! There are many activities at all of the Mid-Columbia Library branches this summer, and the program runs through August 31st. Kids and teens will receive a free book when the complete their reading, and are entered to win prizes. (Record-Bulletin [Prosser], 5.15.13)

[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]]