Library News
The King County Law Library Board of Trustees has announced that it is changing its name to Public Law Library of King County and that it has appointed Rita Dermody as director, effective May 1. As director, Dermody will oversee operations and direct all activities of the library. The Board of Trustees chose the new name based on a recommendation from its Advisory Committee. (King County Bar Bulletin [Seattle], 6.2011)

The Camas Burgerville will donate 10 percent of all proceeds from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday to the Camas Public Library. The library offers several programs for children, teens and adults. (Camas-Washougal Post-Record, 6.7.11)

If the big “no loitering” sign and the speaker pumping classical music didn’t deter trouble from the porch of the North Bend Library, there were always the cameras. Two low-resolution cameras eyed the parking lot and entrance of the library until last week, when the King County Library System dismantled its surveillance system, reasoning that the devices weren’t in keeping with its broader philosophy against snooping. (Snoqualmie Valley Record, 6.8.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/svr/news/123389303.html

It was a day of celebration for the 24 non-profits who collectively received $100,248 through the Orcas Island Community Foundation’s 2011 grant disbursements. Orcas Island Library received $2,500 to support its 2011-2012 “Big Read” program. (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 6.8.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isj/news/123165083.html

What are North Kitsap school district patrons willing to give up? That’s the question North Kitsap School Board members weigh as they look at budget-cutting suggestions that could end middle school athletics, cut librarians and delay the purchase of a new math curriculum. One proposal to save money includes cutting two librarian positions in the elementary schools. (The Kitsap Sun [Bremerton], 6.11.11) http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jun/10/north-kitsap-school-board-eyeing-cuts-to/

Mead School District officials decided shifting its 12 librarians out of the library and into a traditional classroom was the best way to help solve its $1 million budget deficit. Trish Henry, a librarian at Prairie View Elementary School in the Mead School District, explained the duties of her current job and what might be missing if trained librarians are no longer there. (Spokesman Review [Spokane], 6.13.11) http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jun/13/face-time-mead-school-district-librarian-trish/

Looking to boost your resume with knowledge of a second language or make travel to a foreign country more enjoyable? The Walla Walla Public Library offers just the ticket – an online language program called Mango. The learning program teaches practical conversation as well as cultural awareness. (Union-Bulletin [Walla Walla], 6.14.11)

A flash mob, a happy hour and countless tweets were all part of a day of charitable giving Thursday that raised more than $3.5 million for King County charities. The day of charitable giving, dubbed GiveBig, was sponsored by the Seattle Foundation to help raise money for some 900 charities. “Oh, score,” said Jonna Ward, executive director of the Seattle Public Library Foundation. The foundation brought in $75,000. (Seattle Times, 6.25.11) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015420461_givebig25m.html

If you’re looking for great books to read, the Seattle Public Library will send you a personalized list. The library is sponsoring its “Next 5 Books” reading list, where a librarian will send a recommended reading list to your email. To get your list, go to spl.org/yournext5. Fill out a brief form on what you like to read, including favorite genres, preferred format and book that you haven’t liked. (Seattle Times, 6.30.11) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015465890_readinglists30.html

A Wahkiakum Community Network grant of $1500 has prompted an infusion of youthful energy into the Blanche Bradley Public Library. Under the grant, Keisha Harris, sophomore Paris Cothren and junior Brittaney Martin interned at the library, handed out 31 new library cards, visited other libraries for youth-friendly ideas and best practices, queried their peers, and came up with a list of books they’d like to see in the library. (The Wahkiakum County Eagle Online, 6.30.11) http://www.waheagle.com/news/article.exm/2011-06-30_bringing_teens_into_the_library#.ThODKSt-bQw.email

Finding out about family history and genealogy at Sumner’s Heritage Quest Research Library just got a whole lot more convenient. On Friday, June 10, the member-run non-profit organization had its grand opening/ribbon cutting in a new 2,500-square-foot site with prime front street exposure at 1007 Main Street in downtown Sumner. (Photos) (The Herald [Puyallup], 6.15.11) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/06/15/1705759/family-history.html#storylink=misearch

Buildings
Green River Community College honored armed service members with the Day of Dedication and the unveiling of the “Freedom Eagle” sculpture on campus last week. The metal sculpture of an eagle in flight honors the courage and sacrifice of those who have served and those who are servings in the military today. The sculpture, which stands proudly outside the Holman Library, also bears a plaque. (Photo) (Auburn Reporter [Kent], 6.10.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/aub/news/123508249.html

While the popular Auburn Library undergoes a yearlong renovation, a temporary downsized home has been established next door to serve patrons. Local library staff officially completed the move last Friday, opening the doors to the interim spot, the former Herr Cabinets building, across the parking lot from the main library. The temporary library will continue to offer basic services. (Auburn Reporter [Kent], 6.10.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/aub/news/123508164.html

To mark the grand opening of the new Kenmore Library, a ribbon-cutting celebration and open house will be help Saturday, July 9, at 9:30 a.m. at the site of the new library. The new 10,000-square-foot library is more than four times larger than the previous building. The project architects, Weinstein A/U, designed the building around the concept of transparency. (North Lake News & Woodinville Weekly, 6.13.11) http://nwnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4526:kenmore-library-opening-celebration&catid=37:events&Itemid=83

Letters and Editorials
I had a few pangs of conscience writing this week’s story on surveillance cameras at the North Bend library. Pang one: I’m probably one of that library’s biggest customers. Pang two: I am a big supporter of libraries in general. So it wasn’t as some axe-grinding critic that I took on the task of weighing the pros and cons of King County Library System’s decision to remove the surveillance cameras from North Bend. (Snoqualmie Valley Record, 6.8.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/svr/opinion/123388143.html

They have closed the original Auburn library in order to greatly enlarge it, improve it and update it with more shelf space and computer terminals. This is when I became depressed. The people of Enumclaw will enjoy the benefits only by driving to Auburn. (Enumclaw Courier-Herald, 6.15.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ech/opinion/letters/123860489.html

People
After a nationwide search, Sno-Isle Libraries has a new communications director right in their own backyard. Snohomish County’s Kenneth Harvey began on June 6. As the communications director, Harvey will oversee Sno-Isle Libraries’ internal and external communications, marketing and graphics and relationships with community partners. He will also lead continuing work on Sno-Isle’s 2008-2013 Strategic Plan. (Millcreek View, 6.2011)

Patricia Brunjes, from Clinton, Wash., has been elected to the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation Board of Directors. The Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation welcomes Brunjes; her years of experience in education, libraries and leadership make her a valuable addition to the board. (Lake Stevens Journal, 6.8.11)

Lynden Library branch manager Sarah Foster and teen librarian Aubri Keleman recently accepted a Community Leadership Award from the Washington Association of School Administrators Regional 108 on behalf of the library. The award is presented to community members or groups in recognition of their contributions toward education. (Lynden Tribune, 6.15.11)

The city of Grandview hired one of its own to serve as the new librarian. During the Grandview City Council meeting last night, it was announced that Grandview native and 1974 Grandview High School graduate Elizabeth Jahnke was hired to serve as the librarian for the new library operated by the city of Grandview and YVCC. (Daily News [Sunnyside], 6.15.11)

Programs and Displays
During the month of June, the White Salmon Valley Community Library’s, a part of Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, Sprint/Baker Gallery will feature works by local artists Mellissa Stevens. The title of the show is “Paper Castles,” and includes acrylic paintings, pastels, collage, paper mache and origami architecture. (The Enterprise [White Salmon], 6.2.11) http://www.whitesalmonenterprise.com/archives/Story.aspx/12499/paper-castles-on-exhibit-at-library

Promoting literacy isn’t simply about enjoying reading. For advocates of literacy, it is about building a healthy society. The King County Library System’s branches in North Bend and Snoqualmie have literacy programs on most weekdays. Beginning last year, KCLS took its literacy campaign on the road with its Library2Go! bookmobile. (Sno Valley Star [Issaquah], 6.2.11) http://snovalleystar.com/2011/06/01/valley-organizations-promote-literacy

It’s a book club, a close association unlike any other growing teenagers. At West Auburn High School, the club’s profound purpose bridges the pages of realistic, problem-identifying novels to everyday experiences for kids. “We have a very tight-knit group here. Anything that we talk about stays within the group,” said Rachel McDonald, a teen librarian for the King County Library System and one of the primary leaders of the book club. (Auburn Reporter [Kent], 6.3.11) http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/aub/community/122983783.html

For the third consecutive year, the King County Library System is holding the Read.Flip.Win. Video Book Review Contest, open to middle and high school students. Library staff members invite teenagers to shot a short video about a book they have read. All videos must be three minutes or less. The deadline for the contest is July 31. (Issaquah Press, 6.8.11) http://www.issaquahpress.com/2011/06/07/library-offers-prizes-for-teens-to-film-book-reviews/

The Jefferson County Library’s selection of e-books and downloadable audio books is growing. The collection now offers more than 1,700 e-books and more than 2,100 downloadable audio books. To help make it easier for people to try reading books in these formats, the library has several Sony e-book readers for loan and an audio-book download station for use at the library. (The Leader [Port Townsend], 6.8.11) http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=29460&SectionID=36&SubSectionID=55&S=1

To promote their annual summer reading program, the folks at the Bellingham Public Library are planning a magical event. Harry and The Potters, a punk band that performs songs based on characters and themes from the wildly popular J.K. Rowling series, will be performing a free all-ages concert on June 22. (Photo) (Bellingham Herald, 6.9.11) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/06/08/2049078/magical-kickoff-for-summer-reading.html#storylink=misearch

A free reading from Tidepools 2011, a compilation of works by North Olympic Peninsula residents, is planned Saturday. The reading will be in the Raymond Carver Room of the Port Angeles Library. It is the second of three free public readings scheduled to celebrate the publication of this year’s magazine, which went on sale this week. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 6.10.11) http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011306109997

Magazines, scissors and imagination filled Yelm Timberland Library for its first-ever “Zines for Teens” event last week. About six teens designed zines for about two hours Thursday. Kelsie Raddas, library associate and event coordinator, said it went well with more zine events to come this summer. (Photo) (Nisqually Valley News [Yelm], 6.10.11)

In the summer months, the city’s public parks are a place for children to enjoy a free recreational program, grab a free lunch, and now also enjoy weekly visits from the Walla Walla Public Library. Monday kicked off the city’s UPlay summer program, hosted at four city parks. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., children ages 7 to 12 can register to pass the day in coordinated activities and free play. (Photos) (Union-Bulletin [Walla Walla], 6.14.11)

They say everyone has a book in them. Are you interested in writing your personal or family history, or do you just have a great true story to tell? “First Pages: Start Your Memoir,” a workshop for writers 50 and older, will be held June 18, at Stevenson Community Library, a part of Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. (The Skamania County Pioneer [Stevenson], 6.15.11)

[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]

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.