Libraries are never so much fun as when the four legged patrons come to the library.  Not all prison libraries in Washington State have animals as part of their loyal patron base, but those that do find joy in getting a ‘pawshake’ and handing out a biscuit.  Airway Heights Corrections Library and Stafford Creek Corrections Library both share anecdotes of their “favorite” patrons.

George at AHCC Library

He is so cute. Shakes and gives High 5. He sits up tall and will stay up as long as he thinks he will get another treat. His trainer says he has stayed up over 2 minutes. -Joyce Hanna AHCC Library

It seems like there are more dogs with their toys than “boys” in the library right now.  Actually, probably not; but interesting…barking…playing…begging for their doggie treats.  “Winston”, a beautiful English setter, mostly white with brown spots here and there is lying at my feet I’m ignoring him, waiting forever for his treat.   – Jeannie Remillard SCCC Library

With the new arrival of dogs there is much excitement and fun in the air.  Tuesday the library was packed and we were very busy.  The dogs were visiting!!  Several of them were behind the counter with me getting their treats…. Tank – A big Black Lab weighing in at 87lbs was out in the reading room area, stretched out on the floor sleeping, all of a sudden I guess he realized that he wanted his puppy treat too.  He came bounding over the front counter and landed on the floor in front of my desk.  Everyone in the whole room was laughing. – Jeannie Remillard SCCC Library

Jeannie with puppy at SCCC Library

This will be my last blog post.  I am leaving Institutional Library Services for a new adventure in the academic world.  I plan to follow the blog and keep up with all the news, because I may be leaving prison, but it will always have my support.  I think that we all do good work and we should never be forgotten.  Times are changing and I have seen great things come out of the prison libraries here in Washington State and I hope to see many more things showcased on this blog.  Over the last 8 years we went to barely holding on and doing the basics, to a skeleton crew and doing book programs and offering re-entry information to the patrons of the library.  I know that should be the other way around, budget cuts should bring less to the library, but it seems to have motivated all of us to push a little harder, to prove to the non-believers that we are important and I think we have achieved it.  I will miss many people and I will miss the work that I have done, but it’s time for me to pursue a new adventure and see what else is out there for me.

Check out the latest issue of Dear Dewey from Kathleen Benoun at Western State Hospital!!!

Books became my friends when I was a child, sounds a little cliché I know, but it was true.  My family moved every year, sometimes more than once in a year.  I never went to the same school twice or lived in the same city or town, which made it hard to make and keep friends.  However, I always knew where the library was located.  Every time we moved, I didn’t want to unpack my boxes or play with my toys; I wanted to find the library.  I would bug my mom every day until she took me down to get my library card and books, lots of books.  The good ones where the ones that were in walking distance from the house, those I could go to all the time on my own.  The others I would have to wait for a ride.  It’s funny now, as I can drive myself, but I still like to live walking distance from the library, my current apartment is only ½ mile away.

Western State Hosptial

Kathleen Benoun at Western State Hospital Library has done it again.  Not only does she keep the patients and staff happy in the library— her love of history has drawn her to help create the historical museum on the grounds of Washington State Hospital.  Now that love of history and the library has combined to bring a great program to the hospital treatment centers.  This program is a great addition to the library services at Western State Hospital.  Check out the attached flyer to see how Kathleen showcases the hospital’s rich history.

Our shared memories about libraries will now be posted.  Sorry for the delay, the first one will be out today.  Enjoy reading about our memories of libraries and feel free to share some of yours in the comments.

Libraries are the setting for many good memories, and over the next few weeks, Washington State Library’s Institutional Library Services staff would like to share a few of their memories about libraries.  Some of them will date back to childhood, others will tell stories of their own children or grandchildren, but all of them show the impact libraries have had on our lives. I wish you happy reading as we bring you our memories.

Melisa Gilbert

It is with a sad and happy heart that I watch Melisa leave the Institutional Library Services team, but she has not gone far.  Melisa has accepted a new position with the reference staff at the Washington State Library in Tumwater.   Personally, I will miss her calm persona and wonderful attitude about serving the patrons in the prison libraries.  She is moving on to new experiences at the State Library where she will be an asset to the staff.   I know my co-workers join me is wishing Melisa the best, even as we dread seeing her leave.