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Tag: History

The Public Library as an Institution

The Public Library as an Institution

 “The library, like other institutions, is not an isolated and independent structure. It is organically related to the rest of society and, therefore, it is influenced by many social forces, including the distribution of the population, wealth, economic trends, taxation methods, trading areas, improved communication and transportation, the increased mechanization and the resulting leisure, and the trend toward regionalism. The development of the library as an institution appears meaningful only when its development is related to the impact of these…

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Looking for Pacific Northwest Native Resources?

Looking for Pacific Northwest Native Resources?

From the desk of Sean Lanksbury. PNW & Special Collections Librarian Washington State Library Pacific Northwest and Special Collections compiled a selection of resources on the language, culture and intercultural connections of the first peoples of the Pacific Northwest, as part of the Washington State Heritage Center’s exhibit “We’re Still Here: The Survival of Washington Indians.”  In honor of the federally recognized Native American Heritage Month 2012, the State Library is highlighting this list in hopes that it will stoke your interest in the diversity of…

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Beriah Brown and the Puget Sound Dispatch

Beriah Brown and the Puget Sound Dispatch

From the desk of Judy Pitchford The Puget Sound Dispatch, published in Seattle from 1871 to 1880, has been added to the Washington State Library’s Historic Washington Newspapers Online. Published Weekly from 1871 to 1880, the newspaper was launched by Beriah Brown and Charles H. Larrabee in December 1871. Brown, who also served for one term as mayor of Seattle in 1878, was known to be a strongly opinionated editorialist. So much so, that it is sometimes hard to distinguish…

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Western State Hospital Library takes a look at history

Western State Hospital Library takes a look at history

Kathleen Benoun at Western State Hospital Library has done it again.  Not only does she keep the patients and staff happy in the library— her love of history has drawn her to help create the historical museum on the grounds of Washington State Hospital.  Now that love of history and the library has combined to bring a great program to the hospital treatment centers.  This program is a great addition to the library services at Western State Hospital.  Check out the attached flyer to…

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Don’t forget to take care of your Legislative Building!

Don’t forget to take care of your Legislative Building!

From the desk of Sean Lanksbury. PNW & Special Collections Librarian Otherwise, you might end up with the sight you have before you: rotting timber, broken windows, and a sagging foundation.  Egads!  Long-time library volunteer Gordon Russ recently uncovered this undated image of Washington’s Territorial Legislative Building in disrepair while processing a portion of the State Library Special Collections. The original capitol building was built for $5,000 appropriated by U.S. Congress as described in Section 13 of the Organic Act of…

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WSL Updates for August 4, 2011

WSL Updates for August 4, 2011

Volume 7, August 4, 2011 for the WSL Updates mailing list Topics include: 1) NEW LEGACY PROJECT FEATURE “MAKES HISTORY” 2) LAST CHANCE TO HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE 3) CONNECT THE DOTS PRESENTATIONS ONLINE 4) DIGITAL PRESERVATION – WHAT’S NOW, WHAT’S NEXT? 5) DOES YOUR LIBRARY USE TWITTER OR FACEBOOK? 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK