Clippings, December 31, 2009
Clippings, December 31, 2009
Library News
Cascade Park Community Library, a part of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library System, held grand opening ceremonies December 15. The new library will offer senior-friendly features including: fully ADA accessible, including handicapped parking; lots of comfortable, lounge chairs including seating next to the fireplace; large print and audio books; two adult book discussion groups, programs that appeal to adults including genealogy; IRS/AARP free tax help (Feb. 1-April 15); and a world languages section including more titles in Russian, Chinese, and Spanish. (Photo) (Senior Messenger [Vancouver], 12.2009)
The Ocean Shores Library and Interpretive Center, which had been on the chopping block to help close a $1.3 million budget shortfall, will be saved – at least for the next three months. City officials were able to find additional savings of $132,035 in the 2010 general fund, and a portion of that money will be used to keep the Interpretive Center and library open on a temporary basis. (Photo) (The Daily World, [Aberdeen] 12.15.09)
A small increase to the fees charged to non-resident patrons at the Anacortes Public Library took effect Jan 1. The increase of $1 per quarter brings the cost of non-resident library cards to $20 for three months, $40 for six months and $80 for 12 months – about a 5 percent increase for a year. This fee covers the individual purchasing the card and family members in the household. (Anacortes American, 12.23.09) http://www.goskagit.com/home/article/library_non_resident_fees_to_increase_in_anacortes/
Business has simply boomed at Clark County’s new Cascade Park Community Library since the large facility opened with a celebratory bash last Tuesday. Total circulation (combined checkouts and renewals) jumped 195 percent from the same week in December 2008 at the new building, which is 10 times the size of its predecessor. Taking into account reduced hours of operation trimmed across all 13 Fort Vancouver Regional Library (FVRL) branches under budget reductions made earlier this year – Cascade Park’s per-hour circulation rate actually soared 275 percent. (Photos) (Columbian Print Edition Only [Vancouver], 12.23.09)
A recent fundraiser hosted by the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation sold out early this year and brought in close to $1 million to fund library programs. Their signature yearly fundraiser, the Authors and Illustrators Dinner and Silent Auction, featured children’s author and actor John Lithgow. (Photo) (The Reflector [Battle Ground], 12.23.09)
Elections
The Kitsap Regional Library System (KRL) is considering the possibility of sponsoring a levy lift in November 2010, asking voters to approve a property tax that would finance library operations for years to come. On December 15, the KRL board instructed staff to develop a proposal to prepare the levy for approval. If passed, the levy would include the restoration of operating hours, increased purchasing of library materials, technology enhancements and capital improvements. (Independent [Port Orchard], 12.25.09) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/poi/news/79679382.html
Buildings
It may be just inching along, but the new Duvall Library is on its way, maybe even in 2010. “It’s possible, but I don’t know how likely that is,” said Kay Johnson, associate director of Facilities Development for the King County Library System (KCLS). Because of the lengthy planning and permitting process, 2011 seems more likely. The $4.3 million library will be 8,000 square feet, or about double the existing library building. (Valley View, [Woodinville] 12.14.09)
The new Sammamish Library, a part of the King County Library System, opens Saturday, Jan. 9. (Issaquah-Sammamish Reporter, [Kent] 12.18.09) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/iss-s/community/79563817.html
Letters & Editorials
We know that the King County Library System is able to provide a lot of bells and whistles that Renton Library cannot, such as free printing and tons of research databases and a larger overall collection that’s great for filling hold requests, etc. But what Renton Library provides is a community service with familiar staff members who are able to directly address patrons’ requests and needs. Right now, Renton citizens have CHOICES! Annexation eliminates that choice. (Renton Reporter, [Kent] 12.18.09)
Many people have come to us recently with questions about the library operation and funding. The city simply does not have the budget for the Waitsburg Public Library, also known as the Weller Public Library, to be open full time. All books at the library are either donations, purchased with grant money or paid for by the Friends of the Library. (The Times, [Waitsburg] 12.17.09)
I am a student at Waitsburg High School. At a City Council meeting on Dec. 2, I spoke out about the need to make the library more accessible to students. The Waitsburg Public Library is only open when students are in school or at sports practice. Its 11 hours a week give us little opportunity to check out books or use the computers, which some of us don’t have at home. (The Times, [Waitsburg] 12.10.09)
Awards
Arlington Public Library staff won second- place in the first round of awards from the Arlington Arts Commission with a fish with CD scales. Most of the library staff participated in the project and decorated an 8-foot rockfish, librarian Kathy Bullene said. (Photo) (The Daily Herald [Everett], 12.18.09) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20091218/NEWS01/712189877
Two federal grants totaling $2.2 million will help a network of Spokane civic and nonprofit groups upgrade technology in public centers so that small businesses and individuals can get more value from online technology. Administering the two grants here is the Spokane nonprofit Tincan, or The Inland Northwest Community Access Network. The grants will help all of Spokane’s city libraries and its four city supported community centers upgrade their broadband connections. (Photo) (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 12.18.09) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/18/technology-grants-slated-for-spokane/
The Friends of the Dayton Memorial Library received a $3,000 grant from the Blue Mountain Community Foundation (BMCF) for the purchase of two public-use computers for the library. “The Library District is very pleased to now offer a total of six public-use computers thanks to the Friends of the Library and BMCF,” says Columbia County Rural Library District Director Janet Lyon. (Blue Mountain News, [Dayton] 1.2010) http://bluemtnnews.com/jan10/briefs.html#grant
Programs & Displays
On the third Tuesday of every month, after school in the Tolt Middle School library, students have the opportunity to share their passion for reading, make friends and enjoy delicious pizza through the Pizza and Pages program. Pizza and Pages is an after-school book enrichment program run by Kirsten Edwards of the King County Library System and Nancy Timson, librarian at the Tolt Middle School Library. (Valley View [Woodinville], 12.14.09)
The celebration of the Duvall Civic Club’s 80th anniversary celebration November 7 revealed some fun and surprising facts about the people and the history of Duvall. In the 30’s and 40’s Mr. Tucker, the State Librarian, reported that “we had the best collection of books, and the best building of any small town that he’d seen. Duvall had the best small library on the west coast,” Civic Club President Wendy Shimada said. The Civic Club built the library and furnished it with books from their own homes. (Photo) (Valley View [Woodinville], 12.14.09)
At the Tacoma Public Library’s main branch, in the Handforth Gallery, is a collection of art created by Zimbabwe artists for sale to benefit their communal village of Weya. The artworks – colorful painted tapestries, appliquéd quilt hangings and painted boards – are all priced to sell and would grace any home or office. The exhibit continues through January 9. (Photo) (Tacoma Weekly, 12.17.09) http://www.tacomaweekly.com/article/3857/
“Emotions Matter,” an exhibit designed to provide support to military families by sharing strategies for dealing with emotions in a playful way, is available at the Fort Lewis library system. The exhibit is based on Dr. John Gottman’s “5 steps of Emotional Coaching”. (Photo) (Northwest Guardian [Tacoma], 12.18.09) http://www.nwguardian.com/103/story/6674.html
The Edmonds Art Commission is pleased to present an exhibit entitled “Art and Healing” featuring work by Joanne Osband & Mary Ann Hall. The exhibit at Edmonds Library runs now through January 31, 2010. The exhibit explores the use of art in healing. Osband incorporates torn paper shapes (recycled former paintings) in her work and has recently added water-based oil paint to the collage painting to provide greater depth and deeper color. Hall’s artwork is spontaneous and playful with bright colors and ornamentation. (The Edmonds Beacon [Mukilteo], 12.22.09)
With co-sponsor Ellensburg Public Library, the non-profit Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN) is organizing the second annual e3 Winter Fair Greening in the New Year. The event is planned for Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hal Holmes Center. The Winter Fair offers opportunities for community members to discover resources and information about local educational opportunities, the environment and the economy. (Daily Record [Ellensburg], 12.22.09)
Battle Ground Community Library, a part of the Fort Vancouver Library System, has formed a stitchery program. The Stitch Wits meet Wednesday evenings for crafting sessions. Modeled after the Ridgefield Community Center weekly stitchery group (located in the same building as the Ridgefield Community Library), members can bring any kind of craft they choose. (Photo) (The Reflector [Battle Ground], 12.23.09)
Timberland Regional Library’s 13th annual Adult Winter Reading program runs from January 2 through March 15. For each five books or audio books you finish during the program period, fill out a form and turn it in at a Timberland library by March 15. When prizes are drawn the following week, you may be the winner of an overnight resort getaway or a book-and-beverage basket. Adult Winter Reading participants must be 18 or older and have a current Timberland library card. (South Beach Bulletin [Westport], 12.24.09)
[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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