Washington State Library News
The Washington State Library is more than a building full of old, dusty books. The Library is responsible for the distribution of grant money to local libraries, scanning and digitizing historical items, and supporting early reading programs, among other things. The Library has lost 52 percent of its state funding and 57 percent of its workforce since 2002 and is struggling to provide the same level of service. A recent downturn in revenue from recording fees has caused the Library to reduce its public in-person service hours by half. Continued cuts hinder the Library’s ability to receive federal Library Services and Technology Act money which requires a match from the state. (Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, 05/28/14).

Library News

North Olympic Library System has teamed up with the Olympic National Park to get kids out and about in the wilderness. “Explore Olympic!” backpacks are available for check out from the library. The packs are filled with discovery tools for exploring the park including field and trail guides, binoculars and reading materials. Families that check out a backpack will get a seven day pass to the park through a donation by Washington’s National Park Fund. (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, 05/29/14).

A Tonasket High School librarian was arrested for sexual misconduct with a minor. The 37 year old librarian admitted to officials that she had been having an affair with an 18 year old student. Even though the student was over 18 and the affair took place off school property, the law is clear that such conduct by a school employee is illegal. (Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune, 05/29/14). http://www.gazette-tribune.com/news/school-librarian-arrested-for-sexual-misconduct/67852/

The Seattle Public Library is requesting proposals for “Library Brand Development”. They are soliciting proposals from qualified consultants to develop a branding strategy for library. (Daily Journal of Commerce, Seattle, 06/16/14).

The Spokane County Library District has received a $50,000 grant from the Harwood Institute to help the district redefine its mission. The Harwood Institute coaches organizations on how to build strong community partnerships. (Spokesman Review, Spokane, 05/29/14). http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/may/29/county-libraries-get-grant-for-innovation/

Buildings
Two proposals for the new Silverdale library location are being studied. The decision about where the library is to be put has been put on hold until the end of August. Kitsap Regional Library is requesting proposals include costs and site features for property that is either for sale or lease. (The Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, 05/31/14). http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2014/may/30/library-requests-information-about-two-potential/#axzz35rqhh9ln

Editorials/Letters
In a letter to the editor, a patron of the Mercer Island library voices a different view about the proposed remodel. In a recent article, opinions of the Concerned Citizens Committee, a committee made of mostly older people, were expressed without any countering opinions. The City Council Library Committee member that wrote this letter stated that in the article the Concerned Citizens Committee wanted to leave the library alone and that remodeling “would leave little room for the library’s primary function- quiet reading.”  (Mercer Island Reporter, 05/28/14). http://www.mi-reporter.com/opinion/letters/260806731.html

The Library committee, Concerned Citizens Committee (C3) is not made up of just “old people”. The C-3 group has invested hundreds of hours in talking with people of all ages regarding the remodel of the Mercer Island Library. (Mercer Island Reporter, Mercer Island, 06/04/14). http://www.mi-reporter.com/opinion/letters/261728551.html

Awards
The Vancouver Community Library has received an award for design from the judges in the 2014 SEGD Global Design Awards program. The award focused on “wayfinding” devices that help patrons find what they need at the library. In particular, the giant letters on the library’s exterior concrete stairway that shout out the way to the children’s collection, fiction, and non-fiction floors. The letters are vinyl and can be replaced easily should the need arise. The library staff continue to hear praise for the system three years after its opening. (The Columbian, Vancouver, 06/14/14). http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/jun/13/society-salutes-system-of-signs/

Programs/Displays

The library is the place families and caregivers go to find entertainment for children in the summer months. The summer reading program at Timberland Libraries ensures that children of all ages have plenty to do. New themes each summer prevent boredom and encourage discovery of new topics. There are contests as well, from designing a library in the MineCraft program to filming a book trailer. Various authors of children and teen books will visit and a variety of craft events are planned also. (The East County Journal, Morton, 05/28/14).

The Tacoma Public Library is hosting a walking tour of the Old City Hall Historic District in downtown Tacoma. (Tacoma Daily Index, Tacoma, 06/16/14). http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/blog/tacoma-public-library-offers-old-city-hall-historic-district-walking-tour/2417704/

The Timberland Library sponsored a special Villain Day during Villain week which occurs in the last week of May. It featured activities such as a story contest, scavenger hunt, games and prizes for the kids. The scavenger hunt sent them all around the library to find numbered pictures of past and current villains. The also made their own masks and had a picture taken in a mock city that they could destroy. (Willapa Harbor Herald, Raymond, 06/04/14).

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[This summary of library news represents a selection of current newspaper clippings about Washington libraries received from Washington newspapers. The summary is created by Leanna Hammond and Staci Phillips 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 Shirley Lewis at 360.570.5567
Or [email protected]]