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Category: Federal and State Publications

The Tale of the Washington State Bird, Volume 1: Meadowlarks, Goldfinches, and Mugwumps

The Tale of the Washington State Bird, Volume 1: Meadowlarks, Goldfinches, and Mugwumps

From the desk of Mary Paynton Schaff Every school child knows that the willow goldfinch is the official State Bird of Washington.  But less well known is the fact that the willow goldfinch had a long and controversial road to approval – 23 years of bickering and grandstanding, all of which culminated in a dramatic and highly amusing floor debate in the state’s House of Representatives. But first, let’s go back to 1928 when Washington’s school children were given the…

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National Parks Service in Washington State (parks, reserves, historic sites, etc.)

National Parks Service in Washington State (parks, reserves, historic sites, etc.)

Selected Resources National Park Service 2016 marks the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service. “That’s 100 years of protecting America’s natural, historical and cultural treasures from all over the United States. These more than 400 beautiful, historic and exquisite sites cover over 80 million acres consisting of approximately 18,000 miles of trails, more than 75,000 archaeological sites and at least 247 species of threatened or endangered plants and animals.” (Text from http://bit.ly/2allmnJ.) Interior Department National Park System. National Park System…

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National Park Service – One Hundred Years

National Park Service – One Hundred Years

From the desk of Rand Simmons This August 25th the National Parks Service (NPS) celebrates one hundred years of service to the nation and, indeed, to the world. The year was 1916, but national parks, designated by various federal agencies, have existed far longer than the NPS.  The first was the District of Columbia, authorized on July 16, 1790. It included the National Capital Parks, National Mall and the White House. My personal relationship with National Parks was shaped by where I was born…

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On the Battle ground: Rosalia Wash. – Washington State Library Electronic Publications

On the Battle ground: Rosalia Wash. – Washington State Library Electronic Publications

From the desk of Jeff Martin Do your ancestors come from this area? While not always politically correct by 21st century standards, this publication is full of pictures and information about the early days of Rosalia. Author: Charles Thompson The Inland Press, of Inland Printing Co., Spokane, Washington Publication date: 1905 PEOPLE “Natives of almost every state people Rosalia and vicinity. It has profited from this circumstance just as the emigration from all nations has made the United States a…

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When the Akimotos Went to War

When the Akimotos Went to War

From the desk of Rand Simmons May is Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and before time slips away here is a post about a Japanese-American family’s experience during World War II. The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) and author Matthew Elms retell the saga of three brothers who nobly fought alongside one another in World War II. (Thanks to the Government Publishing Office for the text of this post: Government Book Talk, Family, Patriotism & Sacrifice, Trudy Hawkins, May 4,…

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Newly Received Federal Publications — January – March 2016

Newly Received Federal Publications — January – March 2016

A selected list of resources received at the Washington State Library through the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). The State Library is the Regional Depository Library for the states of Washington and Alaska and has a comprehensive collection of FDLP publications. Did you know? Each year thousands of federal electronic publications are added to the Washington State Library’s comprehensive federal publications collection? During the first 3 months of 2016 2,136 electronic publications were listed in our online catalog and are…

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History lovers take note: Washington State Library Electronic State Publications

History lovers take note: Washington State Library Electronic State Publications

The latest state document discovery from Jeff Martin The Fourteenth Session: A brief history of the men who represented the million and a half people of the state of Washington in the legislature of 1915 Prepared by Alfred T. Renfro Beaux Arts Village, Washington Publication date: 1915 A brief history of the men who represented the million and a half people of the State of Washington in the Legislature of 1915. It is not the purpose or object of this book…

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Women’s History: Selected Resources at the Washington State Library

Women’s History: Selected Resources at the Washington State Library

Women’s History: a sampling of resources at the Washington State Library Federal Publications : National Scope Alfonso, K. L. M., & Air University (U.S.). (2009). Femme fatale: An examination of the role of women in combat and the policy implications for future American military operations. Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala: Air University Press. Archive of Folk Song (U.S.). (1969). Sources for songs of the womans’ suffrage movement: With Library of Congress call numbers. Washington, DC: The Archive. Available at WSL! …

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President Obama’s 2017 Budget available

President Obama’s 2017 Budget available

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released President Barack Obama’s Budget of the U.S. Government, FY 2017, on February 9, 2016. It is available through the Washington State Library’s Federal Documents collection, PREX 2.8:2017, PREX 2.8/5:2017 and PREX 2.8:2017/APP. If you decide to read it in print be sure to eat your Wheaties. It is a hefty lift. The Budget is a collection of documents that contains the budget message of the President, information…

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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…

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