Clippings, July 3, 2009

Library News

The Puyallup Public Library began using a procedure known as “Code Adam” to help locate children who are lost or abducted in the library.  This procedure allows parents of a lost child to contact any library staff member who will then make an announcement over the library’s intercom system describing the child. From there, library staff are sent to pre-established positions inside and outside the building.  If the child cannot be found within 10 minutes, the police are contacted. (The Herald [Puyallup], 6.17.09) http://www.puyallupherald.com/108/story/4055.html

Elections

The Whatcom County Library System Board of Trustees voted 4-0 on Tuesday, June 16, in their meeting at the Sumas Library to request a levy lift on the November ballot to raise additional revenue for library operations and services. (Foothills Gazette [Maple Falls], 6.19.09)

Buildings

In a brief dedication ceremony at the beginning of the Wednesday Council meeting, Mayor Chris Jacobson officially implemented a council action taken in December 2007 renaming the Ephrata Library, a part of the North Central Regional Library System, after early Ephrata and Grant County pioneer W. Gale Matthews. (Photo) (Grant Co. Journal [Ephrata], 6.18.09)

Letters & Editorials

Yes, we are short of money, but the Library is not the place to cut again.  The City cut one position from the Library in December 2008 and now are back to cut another position.  Since there are only four positions within the Ocean Shores Library that is a 50% cut in personnel in six months. If we don’t say something now, the assumption will be that we don’t care and pretty soon, there may be no Library to worry about.  (The North Coast News [Ocean Shores], 6.17.09)

I write to ask that we express our concern to the Walla Walla School District about the need to move school libraries to a higher priority. The district has not yet had its final vote on the budget. If you have concerns about school librarians, now is the time to make your voice heard. (Walla Walla Union Bulletin, 6.19.09)

Awards

Cathlamet Library is the recipient of a Washington Rural Heritage Grant.  As part of this $5500 award, the Library will partner with Wahkiakum County Historical Society and other collectors to digitize 500 noteworthy old Wahkiakum County photographs and items of local historic significance. (The Wahkiakum Co. Eagle [Cathlamet], 6.18.09)

Community libraries across Washington are receiving state grants to help them preserve and celebrate their rural heritage and history. Denny Ashby Library was awarded $6,000, Ellensburg Public Library was awarded $9,756,  Fort Vancouver Regional Library District was awarded $6,477, Mid-Columbia Libraries was awarded $7,160, Pend Oreille County Library District was awarded $3,500 and the Whitman County Library was awarded $8,500. (Photo) (Tacoma Daily Index, 6.29.09) http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/searchd.cgi

Programs & Displays

Yakima Valley Libraries’ Mabton Branch Library is partnering with the Allied Arts of Yakima Valley to sponsor an event at Mabton’s Feezell Park that encourages youngsters to explore their creative sides by making mobiles.  (Photo) (Daily News [Sunnyside], 6.16.09) http://www.sunnyside.net/ArcStoryPage.asp?Database=Story&StoryID=16185

The Anacortes Public Library Children’s Librarian Doug Woods has developed a community partnership with the Anacortes School District.  The Library will start offering a new Toddler Time Early Learning Group every Wednesday and Friday to help kids get ready to start kindergarten.  Woods has also been applying for grants that would be used to create about three dozen activity boxes for preschoolers. (Anacortes American, 6.17.09)

On the launch of the Walla Walla Public Library’s “Terrific Tuesdays” summer session, area children got to spend an hour learning about classical instruments and music from musicians with the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival. (Photo) (Walla Walla Union Bulletin, 6.17.09) http://union-bulletin.com/articles/2009/06/17/local_news/090617local01terrifictuesday.txt

[This summary of library news was created by Bobbie DeMiero and Leanna Hammond of the Washington State Library Division of the Office of the Secretary of State.  It represents a selection of newspaper clippings about Washington libraries from all Washington newspapers received in the packets on the dates shown. For more information about any of these stories, contact Carolyn Petersen at 360.570.5560 or [email protected] ]

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