WA State Library News

The 8^th graders at Odessa Junior High recently completed two projects on the American Revolution for their history and English classes. This project was made possible by a Supporting Student Success grant that is supported with Library Services and Technology Act funding provided by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Washington State Library. (Odessa Record, 2.10.11)

Can you imagine life without commodities?  Pioneer Jim Crook did just that. His homesteader life will be celebrated at the San Juan Historical Museum this month with the opening of the exhibit “By Hook and by Crook”, February 26. His resourcefulness was demonstrated in the various pieces of equipment he built with ‘raw materials’ he found.  The pieces have even been photographed and digitally archived by the Washington State Library, (this was as a results of a LSTA funded grant: editor’s note) available at www.washingtonruralheritage.org/sanjuan. (Photo) (The Journal of the San Juan Island [Friday Harbor], 2.23.11)

Many Washingtonians know about legendary entertainer Bing Crosby … But far fewer people, especially younger generations, know that Crosby was born and raised in the Evergreen State.  And even fewer know about the Crosby family’s history in Tumwater, Tacoma and Spokane. A free event in Spokane will shine a spotlight on the history of Crosby and his family. The program is sponsored by Gonzaga University and the Washington State Heritage Center, part of the Office of the Secretary of State. (Northern Kittitas County Tribune [Cle Elum], 2.24.11)

Library News

The Tacoma Public Library system has suffered a difficult year with two branch closures and reduced hours. But, a recently announced grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation aims to breathe new life into the system. A $150,000 grant was awarded as part of the foundation’s new initiative focused on strengthening the role that libraries and librarians play in connecting people to information and ideas. (Tacoma Weekly, 2.18.11) http://www.tacomaweekly.com/news/city/library_awarded_grant/

Are Tacoma’s public libraries safe places for kids? The report this month of a man exposing himself and masturbating in front of a 4-year-old at the Wheelock Library in the Proctor District has some wondering.  Tacoma’s library director, Susan Odencrantz, says libraries are safe – with some qualifications. “We have very few staff.  There is no way we can protect any child in that library or any library if the parent is not nearby.” (Photos) (The News Tribune [Tacoma], 2.18.11) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/02/18/1549832/keeping-libraries-safe-a-challenge.html

Spokane County Library District users will face higher fines and fees on March 1. Overdue fines will quadruple from five to 20 cents a day, but the maximum fine will raise only $2 – to $7 per item.  Also, billing notices will be sent 15 days after a due date is missed instead of 22 and balances of $25 or more will be sent to a collection agency in 45 days instead of 60. (Spokesman Reviews [Spokane]. 2.19.11) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/feb/19/in-brief-county-library-to-raise-fees-fines/

It’s tax time again and Sno-Isle Libraries are ready to help.  The libraries are offering tax forms and instructions as well as free, one-on-one assistance with individual federal tax returns through the AARP Tax-Aide program.  AARP sessions are available by appointment only, and priority is given to those ages 60 and older. (The Herald [Everett], 2.22.11)

Since January, parents from Nuestra Casa’s ESL classes have joined their children and the La Escuelita teachers on a walk to the Sunnyside Public Library, where librarian Marcelina Ortega reads stories and sings songs with the families. This joint effort between Nuestra Casa and the public library is the result of a grant from the Foundation for Early Learning out of Seattle. (Photos) (Daily News [Sunnyside], 2.23.11) http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/Story.aspx/20539/nuestra-casas-library-visits-learning-opportunity-for-mothers-and-their-children

Whitman County Library seeks to offer regular art programming free of charge to the community.  To accomplish this goal, the library is seeking individuals interested in occasional volunteer opportunities. Classes might be one-time events or ongoing series. If volunteering in this capacity is of interest to you, contact Kristie Kirkpatrick at 509-397-4366 or 877-733-3375. (Daily News [Pullman], 2.24.11)

The Kingston High School library, with its quiet setting and access to technology, is a favorite stop for students during down time.  Librarian Ian Patrick is working to make it even more attractive by bringing in the latest gadgets to keep them interested in reading and using library services.  One way he has done this is through the recent purchase of Kindles for student use. (Photo) (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 2.24.11)

Publisher Harper Collins announced recently that it will limit libraries to 26 uses of an individual e-book license. After 26 uses, the library will have to renew the license for that copy to continue loaning it out. This worries officials at the King County Library System and Seattle Public Libraries, which have seen rising demand for e-book downloads from patrons. (Puget Sound Business Journal [Seattle], 3.4.11)

Police are following leads after the second break-in in a week at the Clinton library, a part of Sno-Isle Libraries. The latest break-in occurred during the night or morning of Wednesday February 23 and Thursday February 24.  Someone used a tool to remove a screen and break a side window. Nothing appeared to be missing from the library, and no internal damage was evident. (South Whidbey Record [Langley], 3.5.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/whidbey/swr/news/117361803.html

Two-year-old Hunter Harrell danced excitedly around his mother’s feet as she swiped her card and prepared to grab movies for the night. A machine spat them out in hard cases. Movie vending machines are new to the Pierce County Library System, which is testing two different styles at a few of its branches. MediaBanks are available at Lakewood and Bonney Lake. Movie Towers are in use at the Summit, Parkland and University Place branches. (Photo) (The News Tribune Online [Tacoma], 3.14.11) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/03/14/1583521/its-movie-time-at-county-libraries.html

Elections

Opposing sides are lining up as Enumclaw prepares for its great library debate. The decision to be made is relatively simple: should the city of Enumclaw, after operating its own library for decades, annex into the King County Library System? City voters will determine the fate of library operations during an April 26 special election. (Enumclaw Courier-Herald, 2.23.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ech/news/116626123.html

The Castle Rock City Council on Monday unanimously voted to put the annual library levy on the August 16 ballot. If approved, the levy would raise $56,000. That’s the same amount voters approved last August, said Librarian Vicki Selander. This levy replaces the current one, which expires at the end of the year. (The Daily News Online [Longview], 3.15.11) http://tdn.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_663d6300-4f3b-11e0-988f-001cc4c03286.html

Buildings

During his State of the City Address Tuesday, Yelm Mayor Ron Harding announced that plans are in the works to purchase the existing library space in a condo agreement. City officials and the property owner are in negotiations to purchase the top floor of the commercial building at Prairie Park.  Harding said purchasing the space is comparable to other options the city looked at. (Nisqually Valley News [Yelm], 2.11.11)

Chelan City Council members took comments during a public hearing regarding the expansion of the Chelan Library when Sara Zelaya, a proud Hispanic wife and mother of two, stepped up to the podium to explain the library’s roll in the community. Minutes later, City Administrator Jim Reinbold asked everyone who supported expansion of the library to stand up.  Every single person, including the council members, mayor and city employees, got to their feet. The council voted to apply for a $35,000 federal community development block grant to fund an assessment to discover what residents would like to see in their library. (Lake Chelan Mirror, 2.16.11)

The Ferndale Library is on track to move into its new temporary facility in the Pioneer Pavilion in March, according to the Whatcom County Library System.  The last day of operation at the present Main Street building will be Saturday, March 5.  The library will re-open on Wednesday, March 16, in Pioneer Pavilion. (Lynden Tribune, 2.16.11)

Recently, the Quincy Public Library received an unexpected boost to their new building project.  Dr. Wally Newkirk and his wife, Candace, donated $12,000.  Candance Newkirk, who is president of the library foundation, was moved to donate in honor of her mother, Alice Edwards, who was an avid reader. (Photo) (Quincy Valley Post Register, 2.17.11) http://qvpr.com/articles/newkirks-make-donation-library

The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District (FVRL) is poised for big things in 2011. Having welcomed roomy new branches in Battle Ground and east Vancouver the past two years, FVRL should open its flagship Vancouver Community Library by mid-July. The new facility is double the size of the current main branch, a few blocks east. (Photos) (Columbian [Vancouver], 2.27.11) http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/feb/27/library-books-changes-in-2011/

Renton and the King County Library System have selected two locations – one downtown and one in the Highlands – for two new libraries. The libraries will replace the downtown library and the one in the Highlands on Northeast 12th Street. City officials say construction of the new branches fulfills a promise made in the campaign to annex to KCLS to build modern and accessible facilities in the city. Renton annexed to KCLS in February 2010. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer Online, 3.9.11) http://www.seattlepi.com/sound/436819_sound117619603.html

Letters & Editorials

After four long years of cramped temporary quarters in a strip mall, wedged between a Laundromat and a pizza delivery shop, the University Place library is back.  And it’s well worth the wait. (The News Tribune [Tacoma], 2.15.11) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/02/15/1545325/a-new-library-and-a-first-for.html

I am an old resident and am not involved with local groups or politics.  But I want to say thank you to everyone in the community who built the new library. It is beautiful and is so important for the many kids in our community. Thank you. (Foothills Gazette [Maple Falls], 2.18.11)

On February 7 the Maple Valley City Council went out of their way to show disdain and downright contempt for two long-serving volunteers in our community. These two ladies have served for over 10 years on the Library Advisory Board….but were both given their walking papers. Our city deserves better of its elected City Council members.  Once again, I am saddened. (Covington-Maple Valley Reporter [Kent], 2.18.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/cmv/opinion/letters/116083904.html

Hats off to the Lake Stevens branch of the Sno-Isle Libraries.  Over the winter break they offered activities and crafts for children Monday through Thursday each of the weeks of the vacation period. My daughters and I looked forward to these fun activities… Thanks to the staff for all of their hard work on our behalf. (Lake Stevens Journal, 2.23.11)

Awards

A librarian at Mariner High School was named the winner of the Lighthouse Award for the first semester. Peggy Nystrom won the Lighthouse Award, which is presented twice each year, and is considered the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Mukilteo School District employee. (The Mukilteo Beacon, 2.16.11) http://www.mukilteobeacon.com/schools/features/article.exm/2011-02-16_mariner_librarian_wins_lighthouse_award

Programs & Displays

Adults are invited to learn and share crafts with six local craft artists at the Jefferson County Library on Wednesdays, February 16 through March 23. The sessions are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Each artist will demonstrate the craft, and talk about the tools that are used and where to buy supplies. All programs are free. (Photo) (The Leader [Port Townsend], 2.16.11) http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=28695&SectionID=101&SubSectionID=471&S=1

Teenagers throughout Pierce County may show their creative talents in Pierce County Library System’s Teen Writing and Art Contest, called “Our Own Expressions,” which runs through March 4. The system will publish all of the winning entries in books and distribute them throughout Pierce County libraries and to the winning students’ schools.  (Bonney Lake Sumner Courier-Herald [Kent], 2.16.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/pierce/bch/community/116191339.html

The Othello Community Library, a part of Mid-Columbia Libraries, was not such a quiet place last week, as children traipsed through a Block Party. Five stations set up throughout the library featured a new type of block and a new skill to be learned. The library saw more than 200 kids come through the facility and use the blocks. (Photo) (The Outlook [Othello], 2.17.11) http://othellooutlook.com/?p=17514

A friendly showing of watercolor painting featuring two friends, Patricia Munson and Phyllis Peterson is on display in the Art Space in the Quincy Library, a part of Mid-Columbia Libraries, through March 31. This exhibit is a lovely and diverse one for all to take pleasure in.  Paintings may be purchased. (Photo) (The Outlook [Othello], 2.17.11)

A raffle to raise funds for renovation to the Endicott Branch Library has been started by Friends of Whitman County Library. Revenue for the Endicott project has included $5,800 from the Endicott Community dinner and $4,200 from local donors. Estimated cost of the project is $120,000. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased at a dollar each from any branch of the library system. (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 2.17.11)

Approximately 30 local residents have signed up to become new students though Reaching Out to East 542, a program offering college courses through Bellingham Technical College (BTC) at area locations. The program has recently partnered with the Deming Library, a part of the Whatcom County Library System. In the spring, BTC will offer Computer Basics and Essential Writing at the library. (Foothills Gazette [Maple Falls], 2.18.11)

The Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest will accept submissions between March 1 and April 1.  Now in its sixth year, the contest is open to all Whatcom County residents. Two judges will choose 10 poems that will be displayed for a year on plaques outside of Bellingham Public Library. (Bellingham Herald, 2.21.11) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/02/18/1877948/boynton-contest-to-accept-poems.html#storylink=misearch

Make friends and meet other middle or high school students who share your interests at the Longview Public Library. Four new clubs, the Anime Club, the Book Club, the Game Club and the Craft Club, have formed for students in sixth through twelfth grades. All clubs are free and meet from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Lower Floor Small Meeting Room. (Daily News [Longview], 2.21.11) http://tdn.com/lifestyles/article_6770d166-3dd0-11e0-97bf-001cc4c002e0.html

With hectic lives filled with chores, errands, work and school, who has time to sit down and read a good book? Aware of the constant time crunch, the King County Library System developed a time coupon through its Take Time to Read program. “Chores can wait,” the coupon reads, “Take Time to Read.” (Issaquah Press, 2.23.11) http://www.issaquahpress.com/index.php?s=posters+encourage+residents+to+read

A lot of people think “Huh?” when they first hear about the Friends of the Roslyn Library’s biggest fundraiser of the year – Seussapalozza.  It’s hard to explain, even if you’ve attend the event every year. Yes, it is held around Dr. Seuss’s birthday.  Yes, it features entertainment. Yes, it is a fundraiser for the Roslyn Library. Created as a fundraiser by the Friends of the Roslyn Library, Seussapalozza has become a neighborhood event that people look forward to as winter is winding down. (Northern Kittitas County Tribune [Cle Elum], 2.24.11)

Here is an epicurean indulgence that is completely calorie-free.  It is Seattle writer Erica Bauermeister’s first novel about life, love and the magic of food, “The School of Essential Ingredient.” Bauermeister will read from her book at several island locations as part of the Sno-Isle Libraries “Whidbey Reads” program this month.  Whidbey Reads is an annual community reading program designed to bring Whidbey Island residents together to talk about books and to meet authors. (Photo) (South Whidbey Record [Langley], 3.5.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/whidbey/swr/entertainment/117433278.html

[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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