Browsed by
Category: Articles

The Washington State Library is a depository for state publications

The Washington State Library is a depository for state publications

Are you aware that the Washington State Library is not only a Federal Depository Library but also a Washington State Depository?  This means that we collect, preserve and provide access to all publications created by Washington State Agencies. In 1963 the State Legislature created Washington State Depository Program and RCW Chapter 40.06 to ensure that our citizens have economical, convenient and permanent access to state publications. We have publications dating back to 1853, when Washington became a territory, which can be found in our…

Read More Read More

Black History Month 2016

Black History Month 2016

 Federal Publications United States. Congress. House. Committee on House Administration. United States. Congress. House. Office of History and Preservation. (2008). Black Americans in Congress, 1870-2007. Washington: U.S. G.P.O. The most comprehensive history available on the 121 African Americans who have served in Congress.Citation: United States., & United States. (2008). Black Americans in Congress, 1870-2007. Washington: U.S. G.P.O. Available at WSL! (Call ahead) Y 1.1/2:SERIAL 14904; Online http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS106070 African American history. Library of Congress. National Digital Library Program, compiler. (1990). Available at WSL! Sudoc…

Read More Read More

Rand’s new position – Federal Collection Executive Manager

Rand’s new position – Federal Collection Executive Manager

You have no doubt heard that Rand Simmons has moved to a new position in the State Library.  His new role is “Federal Collection Executive Manager” a job title certainly, but not really a job description.  So this intrepid reporter decided to dig a little deeper and learn just what exciting things are unfolding with this new State Library initiative.   Wow, Rand has his work cut out. A little background.  The Washington State Library (WSL) is the Federal Regional Depository…

Read More Read More

The Arbuckle Scandal in the Seattle Star

The Arbuckle Scandal in the Seattle Star

From the desk of Marlys Rudeen – Former Deputy State Librarian The scandal surrounding Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle and the death of Virginia Rappe played into many of the anxieties of the general public in the early 1920’s.  Changing morals, the role of alcohol in American life, the growth of the movie industry and its effect on modern youth were all hot buttons that were pushed in the various inquiries and trials engendered by Miss Rappe’s death.  A movie actor beloved…

Read More Read More

Martin Luther King Day 2016

Martin Luther King Day 2016

A great place to start learning more about Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is at the Corporation for National & Community Service website. This organization oversees AmeriCorp and SeniorCorp. You will find many resources at their MLK Day site including videos, lesson plans and photos. Did you know that in addition to the focus on Dr. King there is also a focus on a day of service? For resources for kids and teens see kids.gov, a safe place for kids to…

Read More Read More

New books for Washington School Libraries

New books for Washington School Libraries

Did you know the average publication year of STEM books in many Washington school libraries is 1997?  While it’s true that “Trees haven’t changed much in the last 20 years.” formatting and the visual appeal of books have.  If we want to attract children to our collections it’s important that the material we provide is current and appealing. With this thought in mind, last summer Youth Services Coordinator Carolyn Petersen solicited ideas from her Teacher Librarians advisory group. Out of this meeting…

Read More Read More

Malheur Wildlife Refuge

Malheur Wildlife Refuge

From the desk of Rand Simmons The conflict between the Bureau of Land Management and protesters and ranchers has received widespread attention from the media. The site of the protest is the Malheur Nation Wildlife Reserve located in rural Oregon near the small town of Burns. What do you know about this beautiful but remote area of Oregon? Want to know more? That’s where a library comes in handy. The Washington State Library is a great place to begin. Because…

Read More Read More

Most Popular Federal Publications

Most Popular Federal Publications

What are you Reading in 2016? Consider adding federal publications to your reading pallet. According to GPO Book Talk here are the  most popular topics of people seeking to purchase GPO publications. May we help you find a state or federal publication? Contact Us by phone, email, chat or visit us. Details at http://www.sos.wa.gov/library/ask.aspx  Washington State Library/Washington Secretary of State Washington State Library — Your Source for State and Federal Publications  

A Century of Stewardship — the Nesset Family Farm Collection

A Century of Stewardship — the Nesset Family Farm Collection

From the desk of Evan Robb The Washington Rural Heritage Program is pleased to announce a new digital collection from the Deming Library (Whatcom County Library System). The Nesset Family Farm Collection tells the story of a Norwegian immigrant homesteaders who settled on the South Fork Nooksack River in 1902, and for decades worked tirelessly to coax a living from the land, raise five children, and run a small dairy. In the meantime, they documented the many pleasures of settler…

Read More Read More

Random news – a little “judicious hanging” for the “dastardly scape-graces”

Random news – a little “judicious hanging” for the “dastardly scape-graces”

From the desk of Steve Willis, Central Library Services Program Manager of the Washington State Library: When the following Walla Walla story appeared in the Washington Statesman August 23, 1862, the town was newly incorporated and, with a population inching toward 1000, the largest city in Washington Territory. If there was ever any doubt that Washington was part of the Old West, this article will put that to rest. When a newspaper actually promotes a little “judicious hanging” you know you…

Read More Read More