Library News

Fines for overdue books and materials from the four public libraries in Clallam County will increase from 10 cents per day to 20 cents per day, effective Thursday, July 1, but a $5 limit on fines per item will not change. The fine increase was approved at a recent meeting of the board of North Olympic Library System, which oversees public libraries in Sequim, Port Angeles, Forks and Clallam Bay. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 6.18.10) http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010306189984

Langley is exploring the possibility of annexing the city to the Sno-Isle Libraries District. The switch wouldn’t affect library services, only the way they’re funded. Instead of coming from the city’s general fund, money for the library would be provided by a property tax levy paid by city residents. (South Whidbey Record [Langley], 6.19.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/whidbey/swr/news/96692444.html

After more than two years of work, a group of local business and community leaders, The West Olympia Community Visioning Group, have announced plans to purchase 27 acres on Olympia’s west side to be used as a community gathering place. At the outset, the new public plaza should be anchored by a new branch of the Timberland Regional Library System.  But given the financial condition of the city, plans for a second library on the west side have been put on hold. (The Olympian [Olympia], 6.22.10) http://www.theolympian.com/2010/06/22/1280247/groups-vision-for-plaza-a-good.html

An informal study shows consolidation of the Spokane and Spokane County library systems would face big financial, logistical and political obstacles. That may explain why no one so far is proposing a merger. Directors of the two systems emphasize that consolidation is not under active consideration.  Rather, they wanted to be able to answer questions if asked. (Photo) (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 6.22.10) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/jun/22/consolidation-of-libraries-studied/

The Carnation Library needs dedicated volunteers to reach computer skills to patrons.  The King County Library System provides training, teaching materials and computers for the classes in exchange for a flexible six month commitment. (Snoqualmie Valley Record, 6.23.10)

Trustees voted Wednesday night to offer a job leading the five-county Timberland Regional Library to the library director in Riverside, Calif.  Leonard Hernandez was the top choice among the four executive director finalists. If Hernandez takes the job, he will move from managing seven libraries and an $8 million operating budget to leading a district with 27 libraries and a $19 million budget. (The Olympian [Olympia], 6.25.10) http://www.theolympian.com/2010/06/25/1284395/offer-made-for-top-library-job.html

The library director in Riverside, Calif., had declined an offer to become the executive director of the five-county Timberland Regional Library District. Leonard Hernandez  said “there was nothing more that (the district) could have done,” and his decision was based mostly on timing and his family situation. The district’s board of trustees will hold a meeting soon to discuss its next steps. (The Olympian [Olympia], 6.26.10) http://www.theolympian.com/2010/06/26/1285543/librarys-job-offer-rejected.html

City Utility customers will receive a survey with their next bill that asks them to estimate their income levels in order to help qualify the Port Townsend Library for a grant from the federal department of Housing and Urban Development. The library can qualify for a $1 million community development block grant if 51 percent of Port Townsend’s population falls into the lower-middle income bracket. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 6.27.10) http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010306279983

Five new King County Library System outreach vehicles will hit the streets this summer, starting in August. The vehicles expand services provided by KCLS’s other outreach vehicles, the Traveling Library Center and ABC Express. Four of the five vehicles, called Library2Go!, are outfitted as mini-bookmobiles.  The fifth van, the Digital Discovery Zone, has computers and software to create computer graphics, games and animations. (Photo) (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 6.28.10)

Elections

Perched in a corner of Mike Wirt’s office in the administrative wing of the Spokane County Library District is a bright orange and white sign that reads, “Vote Yes – Spokane County Libraries.” Over the years, it’s an adage that has enjoyed support among local residents… This August, the district will again vie for a simple majority – any margin over 50 percent of the vote – to implement a boost that would restore the tax to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. (Valley News Herald [Spokane], 6.25.10) http://www.spokanevalleyonline.com/articles_svnews/2010/062510_library_august_ballor.html

Buildings

Pieces of blue tape spot the walls, carpets and doors inside the remodeled Whitman library, each marking a small ding in need of a final touch-up.  This is the state of the $1 million remodeling project on the Whitman County Library building in Colfax, one week from completion. The library will open to the public August 9. (Photo) (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 6.17.10)

Letters & Editorials

Last week Seattle Public Library board member Michael Parham unexpectedly announced that he would not seek reappointment. I think it’s time to draft Nancy Pearl to the library board: she has the experience, and she’s a passionate advocate for SPL.  If she refuses, it needs to be someone who’s willing to listen to everyone, from janitors to patrons, volunteers and librarians – and keep the public in the conversation as well. (The Stranger [Seattle], 6.17.10) http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/constant-reader/Content?oid=4277614

The spring 2010 Jefferson County Library newsletter states, “The library is moving forward on a plan to renovate and expand its Port Hadlock facility.The expansion would double the size of the existing library and cost about $6 million.” Intelligent, inclusive, futuristic county development plans for a $6 million library bond would be best invested in the Quilcene community, the last vestige of wide-open space ripe for population growth in our area. (The Leader [Port Townsend], 6.23.10)

I have read with marked interest of the middle school librarians who are being moved into classrooms in Stanwood.  This is also happening in the Lakewood School District to all three elementary schools and middle school – much to the chagrin of teachers and parents alike!  There will only be a part time certified librarian in all four schools. Certificated librarians need to stay in the libraries! (The Herald [Everett], 6.25.10) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100625/OPINION02/706259939

The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District is facing a critical time in providing essential services to the community.  The August 17 library levy measure will add about 8 cents per $1,000 to property taxes, about the price of one hardbound book per year for a $300,000 home.  This investment is one of the wisest actions that can be taken to help the region. (Columbian [Vancouver], 6.26.10) http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/jun/26/letters-to-the-editor/

We wish to thank the new owners of the newly remodeled Gitche Gumee, Frank and Bo Kahn, for their donation of furniture and hotel accessories that was sold by the Ocean Shores Friends of the Library and the Interpretive Center with all proceeds to be split. (Daily World [Aberdeen], 6.27.10)

Last Wednesday the five-member Timberland Regional Library Board of Trustees voted to hire a new executive director, despite two of the board members voting no as they believed the offer of pay was too high. We believe in today’s economy, a highly competent leader for the library system can be found at a much lower pay scale. (The Chronicle [Centralia], 6.28.10)

People

The Mid-Columbia Libraries has chosen Kyle Cox, director of administrative services, to be interim director.  Former executive director Danielle Krol was fired in May.  He had been named the person in charge of the libraries immediately after Krol’s dismissal. (Photo) (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 6.22.10) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2010/06/22/1064321/mid-columbia-libraries-names-interim.html

On July 14, Laura Tretter will step down as director of San Juan Island Library.  Tretter announced June 16 that she has accepted a position with Bayfield Public Library, located near Durango, Colorado.  The library will host a farewell reception for Tretter on July 14, her final day on the job, from 5-6 p.m.  The event is open to the public. (The Journal of the San Juan Islands [Friday Harbor], 6.23.10) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/jsj/community/96613094.html

Awards

Maggie Weber of Colton High School and Nyna VanHarn of Garfield-Palouse High School are winners of Whitman County Library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB) $200 scholarships.  Proceeds from the WCL and 4H teen dance and donations from the Friends of the Whitman County Library help support the program. (Photos) (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 6.17.10)

Programs & Displays

Bestselling author Lynne Hinton, currently residing in Chewelah, will be visiting the Chewelah and Colville public libraries to introduce her newest novel, Wedding Cake.  Hinton said she will be talking a little bit about herself and her books, and then do a reading from Wedding Cake. She said she will also be answering audience questions and signing copies of her book. (Photo) (The Independent [Chewelah], 6.17.10)

The Edmonds Arts Commission is pleased to present an exhibit featuring paintings by Viki Horat. The exhibits at the Edmonds Library, a part of Sno-Isle Libraries, runs June 14-July 30. Horat has been drawing and painting in all mediums since early childhood. (The Edmonds Beacon [Mukilteo], 6.17.10)

Jennings School Library is participating in a new online fundraising program called Funds4Books, and sponsored by Mackin Educational Resources, a school vendor.  District Librarian Jan Varnes said the company created the fundraising program in response to nationwide school budget cuts and the struggling economy. (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 6.17.10)

Photos of the Palouse past are now being preserved for the future.  With approximately $30,000 in public money, Whitman County Library put together 30 poster images and 1,300 digitized photos for the state’s Rural Heritage project. Aim of the project is to preserve old, historical photographs by updating them into digital photos. (Photo) (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 6.17.10)

“How does a writer turn a stack of paper into a novel?” That’s a question Frances Potts of Sunnyside will attempt to answer June 24 at a 10:30 a.m. program at the Bleyhl Community Library. Potts is the author of a new novel, The Diary, which his set in Walla Walla during the turbulent 1930s during The Great Depression. (Photo) (Grandview Herald, 6.23.10)

Students entering grades 6 through 9 are invited to Brunch Bunch, a book club with discussion, activities and food held at the Mukilteo Library, a part of Sno-Isle Libraries. Brunch Bunch meets on Wednesday mornings in July from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Copies of the first book are available now at the libraries Information Desk.  (The Mukilteo Beacon, 6.23.10)

Hundreds of children had a grand time on June 19 as they embarked on a reading adventure.  Tacoma Public Library (TPL) kicked off its summer reading program with special events at several branches.  One World Taiko, a Japanese drumming group, drew standing room only crowds.  Garry Golightly, AKA Bubbleman, entertained the crowd with his props, humor and lots of bubbles. (Photo) (Tacoma Weekly, 6.24.10) http://www.tacomaweekly.com/article/4542

Seattle’s Book-It Repertory Theatre began a five day tour of North Central Regional Libraries with a visit to Waterville Library June 21.  Actors presented a theatrical rendition of Steven Kellogg’s tale entitled “Johnny Appleseed.” Following the presentation, children were given the chance to take part in a workshop in which they learned how to use their voices and bodies to convey meaning theatrically. (Photo) (Douglas County Empire Press [East Wenatchee], 6.24.10)

Visitors to the Othello Library, a part of Mid-Columbia Libraries, will get an opportunity to hold onto something a lot different than the average book as Scott Petersen, aka Reptile Man, along with his ensemble of unusual creatures, will be making an appearance June 30.  “We bring about 12 reptiles,” he said.  “I take each one out and talk about it.  It is exciting and educational.” (The Outlook [Othello], 6.24.10) http://othellooutlook.com/?p=12118

Everett Public Library’s summer reading program encourages teens and other kids to read by giving prizes such as swim passes, tacos and even a bike.  There’s also a chance to meet with Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson. Summer Reading Program 2010 will run through August 28. (The Herald [Everett], 6.27.10) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100627/NEWS01/706279920

[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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