Library Clippings for the week of September 11, 2015 (published September 18, 2015)

Library News

Centralia College leads effort toward statewide college library system (The Chronicle, Centralia, 8/6/15)

Valley library plan appears to have fallen short again
Spokane Valley voters again appear to have rejected a bond issue to build or refurbish libraries in their portion of the county. The $22 million proposal needed a 60 percent super-majority but was falling short of that mark in the election night tally. (Spokesman Review, Spokane, 8/5/15)

Library supporters take stock after bond defeat (Spokesman Review, Spokane, 8/6/15)

Riyan’s box of books grand opening (Forks Forum, Forks, 8/6/15)

Foundation gives over $260,000 to nonprofits
The First Federal Community Foundation awarded a $100,000 challenge grant to the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation for purchase of land for the new Central Kitsap library facility in Silverdale. (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, 8/9/15)

Not so little free library (Daily Record, Ellensburg, 8/12/15)

La Conner Rotary donates to library, foundation
The Rotary Club of La Conner recently donated $6,726 to benefit the La Conner Regional Library and the La Conner Library Foundation. Two grants totaling $1,726 will fund three homework help databases for school students and other library patrons. $5,000 was donated to benefit the fund for a new library building. (Skagit Valley Herald, Mount Vernon, 8/23/15)

Buildings

Nail by nail
Construction continues on the Curlew Library. The library will be the 30th branch of the North Central Regional Library System. The building is slated to be completed in late August or early September. (The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle, Omak, 8/12/15)

Library remodel plans in progress (Mercer Island Reporter, Mercer Island, 8/12/15)

Sno-Isle Libraries to start update on facilities (Stanwood/Camano News, Stanwood, 8/18/15)

Letters & Editorials

Support for new library
This letter to the editor from Sally Rochelle of Renton takes issue with a previously written letter to the editor criticizing the design and décor of the new Renton Library. Ms. Rochelle states that she’s looking forward to the grand opening on August 22. (Renton Reporter, Renton, 8/7/15)

People

Austin brings varied past to Kendall library
The county library system announces David Austin as new library manager at the North Fork Community Library. Austin found his career path in libraries after moving to Seattle and working at a small university library. (Foothills Gazette, Maple Falls, 8/13/15)

New director sets goals for Burlington Public Library (Skagit Valley Herald, Mount Vernon, 8/22/15)

Programs & Displays

Whitman County libraries receive digital upgrade
Their press release states, “Whitman County Library announces new technology devices and services available to local residents thanks to grant funding from the Gates Foundation through the Washington State Library. All 14 county library branches are now equipped with a computer tablet and assorted technologies to be used within the library as well as library staff who are trained to assist patrons in understanding the new technologies.” (Whitman County Gazette, Colfax, 8/13/15)

************************************************************************************
[This summary of library news represents a selection of current newspaper clippings about Washington libraries received from Washington newspapers. The summary is created by Marilyn Lindholm of the Washington State Library, a 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].]