2011 saw many changes at the Airway Heights Corrections Center (AHCC). The institution changed to a closed movement facility and this has had a dramatic impact on library attendance. From what was a full library most movements has changed to about half our normal capacity. We started the year out with a Library Snapshot Day. Everyone had a blast and the atmosphere here was full of excitement. In February DOC started to make changes to increase security and for…
The two biggest highlights of 2011 for Clallam Bay Corrections Center were the ILS Library Snapshot Day and the donation of $1,000 to buy library materials. The ILS Library Snapshot day was a huge hit at the CBCC branch library. The turnout for each unit was great and many were disappointed when they could not attend due to lack of room. Stacks of “What library services mean to me” forms were filled out with heartfelt statements, even by those who didn’t…
When I first came to the Washington Corrections Center Library in 2010 I went through a little bit of a culture shock. I had worked in other facilities, but nothing like WCC. This library serves a small population of inmates who are housed here on a long term basis, but the institution has the unique aspect of being the receiving center for all male inmates in the state of Washington. In 2011 I asked if the library could provide service to…
To re-new interest in the WSH Library, we began the year by participating in ILS Snapshot Day 1-11-11 and all branches shared stories and pictures on the State Library website. A month later, a WSH Library newsletter was introduced on campus to highlight the collection’s offerings. Starting mid-year, classes at the hospital treatment centers were entertained with a weekly show-n-tell—poetry—storytelling format library programming. District #28 Rep. Troy Kelley accepted an invitation to visit the library and WSH history museum. The…
The idea that men around here will run to a library never fails to amaze me. They arrive, wheezing our names while holding up a hand, signaling us to wait a moment while they catch their breath in order to ask some burning question. The sound of books being dumped into the drop box outside the library initiates a vague sense of anxiety in my chest, as those who did not run fast enough are turned away. The officer’s voice…
The last few years have been difficult for all due to the state of the economy. In spite of shrinking budgets and the uncertainty of the future, the staff in Institutional Library Services have lived up to their mission by continuing to serve their customers “with spirit and fortitude”. Over the next few weeks ILS will be sharing what they have been thankful for in the year 2011 and how they look forward to 2012. Please check out the upcoming posts from the library…