Library News
Lawns at Pierce County Library System (PCLS) branches will be brown this summer as a money-saving measure. PCLS anticipates $8,300 in savings from not watering and, as a result of letting lawns die, less mowing. (South Pierce County Dispatch [Eatonville], 6.26.13) http://www.dispatchnews.com/?p=2706

The Anacortes Public Library recently redesigned its website and public catalog. Library director Cynthia Harrison said recent survey results told them searching the catalog is the top reason library patrons visit the website. The survey also revealed the catalog has been a source of frustration. (Anacortes American, 6.26.13) http://www.goanacortes.com/news/entry/library_launches_redesigned_website

Quilcene students are learning to navigate new technology thanks to a gift from the Port Ludlow Yacht Club Women’s Group. The group’s 49 women put together a beauty pageant fundraiser that netted $3,800, and in November 2012 Quilcene’s school librarian Kelly Ingalls received a surprise check. (Photos) (The Leader [Port Townsend], 6.26.13) http://www.ptleader.com/news/education/e-books-open-new-wave-of-learning-at-quilcene/article_3fdd3dbf-1a62-5dc8-b100-11c3450d584d.html

The Ellensburg School District bookmobile is geared to kindergarten through second-grade students from the Ellensburg district, with books catering to a wider learning window of kindergarten through third-grade. The intent is to reach kids who may not have summertime access to the learning they received during the school year. (Photos) (Daily Record [Ellensburg], 6.27.13) http://www.dailyrecordnews.com/free/news/bookmobile-hits-ellensburg-neighborhoods/article_214ddd8e-df4d-11e2-b38f-0019bb2963f4.html

The city is putting out a call for items for a time capsule at the new Ferndale Public Library, a part of the Whatcom County Library System, which will have its groundbreaking in September. (Bellingham Herald Online, 8.25.13) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/08/25/3163952/ferndale-accepting-items-for-time.html

Buildings
At the Jefferson County Rural Library District in Port Hadlock, patrons, staff and volunteers are praising the improved layout, seating arrangements, lighting and displays. Renovating the 11,170 square foot library did not change the facilities footprint, rather by reconfiguring rooms and services, about 400 feet of public space was added. (Photos) (The Leader [Port Townsend], 6.26.13)

The Island Library, a part of the Whatcom County Library System, closed for its $200,000 renovation as of Saturday, June 29th. The project, which is expected to take about four months, includes restructuring the roof, raising part of the floor to meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and expanding the library. (Bellingham Herald, 6.27.13) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/06/26/3069806/lummi-island-library-200000-remodel.html

North Olympic Library System staff hope to have construction on a new maintenance and storage building in Port Angeles underway by August 1st now that the library board has approved a construction contract. The library system’s board of trustees voted unanimously to approve a $114,654 contract with Port Angeles based Hoch Construction Inc. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 7.1.13) http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20130701/news/307019986/0/SEARCH

Phil Olbrechts, city of Renton hearing examiner, found that the library over the Cedar River has historical value, as a citizens group claimed, but that it doesn’t mean a proposed new library has to have its front door at the same bridge location to preserve the aesthetic experience. (Seattle Times, 8.23.13) http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2021669123_rentonhearingxml.html

Letters & Editorials
Chimacum, Port Hadlock and Irondale have no City Hall. What they have instead, as their primary civic gathering place, is the Jefferson County Library. That’s one reason why the facility and its staff hold such an important position in Tri-Area life. (The Leader [Port Townsend], 6.26.13)

Thanks to some very generous donations, the Entiat Public Library’s Summer Readers have the chance to earn and win some fantastic prizes. The Entiat Valley Chamber of Commerce recently donated $500 to the Friends of the Entiat Public Library in support of purchasing prizes for our readers. (Lake Chelan Mirror, 6.26.13)

Does a branch library make sense for Port Townsend? I don’t think so. The current project makes sense. It addresses space and design needs and will provide the foundation for continued library growth and change. I’m voting for the library bond issue and hope you will, too. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 6.28.13)

As an author and illustrator, I’ve visited scores of libraries across the country; I’ve observed firsthand the positive impact a dynamic library can have on communities. That’s why I’m urging all book-lovers to support the Port Townsend Library expansion bond. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 6.28.13)

It was reassuring to have everyday reality confirmed by a survey that shows teenagers and young adults “still use” libraries, read books and think librarians are important. We shouldn’t be surprised by this news, but it’s reported as such – a curious, unexpected finding. It’s time to get over it. People of all ages love books and libraries. (The Herald [Everett], 7.5.13) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20130705/OPINION01/707059993

People
Tamara Larson, who lives in Withrow, was recently selected as the new Waterville librarian and is looking forward to the ways that her new role will put her into the community, getting to know more people and working to instill a love of reading in people of all ages. The Waterville Community Library is part of the North Central Regional Library District. (Photo) (Douglas County Empire Press [East Wenatchee], 6.20.13)

Programs & Displays
Among the outreach programs Brewster Public Library, a part of the North Central Regional Library District, offers is weekly reading with seniors at the Harmony House Health Care Center. Every Wednesday morning, librarian Judy Johnston cracks open a novel and reads another chapter to a group of residents. (Photo) (The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle, 6.26.13)

Sno-Isle Libraries presents its next series in the Issues That Matter forums with three community discussion this month on the topic of bullying. (The Herald Online [Everett], 9.2.13) http://heraldnet.com/article/20130902/NEWS01/709029957/Front-Porch-Bullying-topic-of-Sno-Isle-Libraries-forums

[This summary of library news was created by 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]]