WA Secretary of State Blogs

Kim Wyman visits Airway Heights Corrections Center Library

June 4th, 2013 jhanna Posted in Articles, Institutional Library Services Comments Off on Kim Wyman visits Airway Heights Corrections Center Library

Ken Raskey, Joyce Hanna, and Kim Wyman in the AHCC Library

Ken Raske, Joyce Hanna, and Kim Wyman in the AHCC Library

On Friday, May 31st the Airway Heights Corrections Center Branch of the Washington State Library had two special visitors: Secretary of State Kim Wyman and Assistant Secretary of State Ken Raske. The visit lasted around an hour and a half. AHCC Associate Superintendent Ron Haynes was also in attendance. On the way into the library, they got to see the inmates working with the dogs and Ron Haynes explained the program to them. The visit was very comfortable. Both Kim Wyman and Ken Raske were very interested in the library and what we are doing here. They asked lots of questions and toured the library. They were interested in our Re-entry Resources and our Library Reads Program. Both asked questions about our collection. I showed them the workroom, which is full of gift materials and explained how we go about deciding which items to add and which items to offer to other branch libraries. Then I explained that what is left over we offer to a list of other places. They were both very concerned about our safety and security and Ron Haynes explained the security side of the institution.  On the way out we stopped by the Law Library, which is run by DOC. They both showed an interest in what legal resources were available to the inmates. I introduced them to Rachael Shook who runs the Law Library here. Kim Wyman and Ken Raske are very personable people and I felt at ease with them. I was very impressed with both of them and I think Kim is going to make a fantastic Secretary of State and I am personally glad to have her in charge of the office. 

Ken Raskey and Kim Wyman in front of AHCC

Ken Raske and Kim Wyman in front of AHCC

 

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Celebrating ILS Supervisor Laura Sherbo’s 60th Birthday

May 7th, 2013 Sharon Brewer Posted in Articles, Institutional Library Services 1 Comment »

Laura 60th with goat-resizedThe staff of ILS wanted to give our supervisor Laura a special “60th” surprise birthday party at Palisades.  We wanted Laura to know that we really do appreciate all she does for us and give her a very special birthday to remember.  Jeannie and I had been talking, and since Laura has a “Goat collection” we decided we should come up with a live goat for her party.  Since I have friends who own goats I thought I could get one for the party.  We also thought it would be a great idea to invite Michael and Rachel, Laura’s children, to come to the party as a surprise.   Rachel came and was presented to Laura along with the goat, Daisy.  I think Laura was very surprised and very happy. She loved the goat, but I think Rachel was her favorite surprise!  Jeannie also thought Laura should have a rocking chair and Joyce Hanna made her a beautiful quilt, which we all signed.  Laura knew we were up to something but had no idea what we were really planning.  I think this is a birthday she will long remember!

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SNAPSHOT: A Day in the Life of the Washington State Library

April 23rd, 2013 Evan Posted in Articles, For Libraries, For the Public, Institutional Library Services, Washington Talking Book and Braille Library Comments Off on SNAPSHOT: A Day in the Life of the Washington State Library

Local author Kevin O'Brien spoke at Washington Talking Book and Braille Library.

Local author Kevin O’Brien spoke at the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library for Library Snapshot Day.

On Thursday, April 18, 2013 the Washington State Library participated in Washington Library Snapshot Day–a statewide effort to promote the important work libraries do every day. We collected usage statistics, customer comments, and photographs depicting everyday activities at the Washington State Library, its 17 branches, and the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library.

On Library Snapshot Day, the Washington State Library, including its branches throughout the state:

  • Was open for business for a total of 77.5 hours.
  • Answered 509 reference questions.
  • Was visited by 841 patrons (in-person).
  • Received 1,151 unique visitors to its website.
  • Circulated 3,453 items.
  • Provided 72 individual sessions to persons needing to use computers or access the Internet.
  • Mailed out 77 items for interlibrary loan.
WSL Special Collections Librarian Sean Lanksbury, shows a new collection of Washington fruit box labels to Assistant Secretary of State, Ken Raske.

WSL Special Collections Librarian Sean Lanksbury shows a new collection of Washington fruit box labels to Assistant Secretary of State, Ken Raske.

A few more numbers:

All in a day’s work!

For more great snapshots of life at the Washington State Library, click here.

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Washington State Library Institutional Libraries celebrate National Library Week

April 19th, 2013 Matthew Roach Posted in Articles, For the Public, Institutional Library Services Comments Off on Washington State Library Institutional Libraries celebrate National Library Week

WCC 2Washington State Library Institutional Libraries celebrate National Library Week. The Institutional Library Service (ILS) is a program of the Washington State Library, It consists of nine adult correctional facility libraries and two adult psychiatric hospital libraries. Our dedicated libraries embrace their mission:

“With spirit and fortitude, ILS branch staff enhances the quality of life for unique populations by providing a welcoming, neutral and secure place where informational, educational, and recreational needs are met.”

 Did you know?

 Libraries make prisons & psychiatric hospitals safer places to work and live

12,000 are incarcerated and hospitalized in Washington—8,520 are registered ILS patrons

ILS has more registered patrons per capita than the public library sector

ILS branch libraries employ prisoners and patients as clerks

ILS branch libraries maintain up-to-date re-entry resources

ILS branch libraries support and enhance basic adult education

Here’s what our Patrons have to say about ILS

“I’m just a regular guy and I actually don’t even read much…I’ve been getting some books on how to be a better father and that info is priceless…so it not only makes a difference in my life but it will make a difference in my child’s life too”. Airway Heights Corrections Center, Airway Heights, WA

 “Library is more important than gym, yard or any other recreational activity.  Reading is quiet, peaceful—a reading convict is not a problem source.  Reading causes new thought patterns to replace old negative patterns.”  Clallam Bay Corrections Center, Clallam Bay, WA

 “…Years ago when I knew nothing about schizophrenia, the library was the first place to go for information.  I am very greatfull to them for my knowledge that I share in groups, to my family, and to my support team. I am a better person for that.” Eastern State Hospital, Medical Lake, WA

To read more about our DOC and DSHS branches visit us at http://www.sos.wa.gov/library/InstitutionalLibraryServices.aspx. There are some great resources there, too.

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Patricia Briggs visits Coyote Ridge Corrections Center Library

April 11th, 2013 lsherbo Posted in Articles, Institutional Library Services, Uncategorized Comments Off on Patricia Briggs visits Coyote Ridge Corrections Center Library

CRCC Program (2)23On April 9th, 2013, at the invitation of Library Associate Gayle Shonkwiler, Patricia  Briggs, author of the Mercy Thompson shapeshifter series, visited the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center. The presentation was very well received and liked by the 30 inmates in attendance. Patricia read from her newest best seller “Frost Burned” which was just released in March.  After the reading she answered questions about everything from her books, how to write, how to get published and character development. Patricia thoroughly enjoyed her visit and donated the seven book series to the CRCC Branch Library.

Patricia Briggs website gives her perspective of her visit, so check it out.  Spoiler alert, she had a good time.

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March Issue of Western State Hospital Library Newsletter Salutes Kim Wyman

March 13th, 2013 kbenoun Posted in Articles, Institutional Library Services, Uncategorized Comments Off on March Issue of Western State Hospital Library Newsletter Salutes Kim Wyman

Kim WymanAmerican Libraries celebrate Women’s History Month!

We salute the new Secretary of State Kim Wyman—the second woman to hold that position in Washington State.  Kim served as Thurston County Auditor for 12 years prior to her election.

Dear Dewey-WSH Newsletter March 2013

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Dear Dewey from WSH February 2013

January 22nd, 2013 kbenoun Posted in Articles, Institutional Library Services, Uncategorized Comments Off on Dear Dewey from WSH February 2013

Dear Dewey

Latest isssue now available, check it out here.   Dear Dewey February 2013

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Dear Dewey from Western State Hospital

January 2nd, 2013 kbenoun Posted in Articles, Institutional Library Services Comments Off on Dear Dewey from Western State Hospital

dear dewey screen shot 1-13Dear Dewey January 2013 from Western State Hospital has arrived.

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Book Drive to Benefit Coyote Ridge Corrections Center

December 21st, 2012 Gayle Shonkwiler Posted in Articles, Institutional Library Services Comments Off on Book Drive to Benefit Coyote Ridge Corrections Center

Gayle Shonkwiler and Jerry McGuire

Gayle Shonkwiler and Jerry McGuire

8ft bed of the truck was full.

8ft bed of the truck was full

Jerry McGuire of the Richland Rotary Club held a book drive for The Washington State Library at Coyote Ridge Correction Center in Connell Wa.  We received 100’s of books, all in great condition.  We want to Thank them for the efforts they took to help out libraries.

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6th and largest Library Reads Program at Airway Heights Corrections Center

December 19th, 2012 jhanna Posted in Articles, Institutional Library Services Comments Off on 6th and largest Library Reads Program at Airway Heights Corrections Center

AHCC pic for blog     Airway Heights Correction Center Library is starting its 6th Library Reads Program. We started this program one year ago with John Steinbeck’s “Cannery Row”. After that we read “Sky Fisherman” by Craig Lesley, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “Little Bee” by Chris Cleave and “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford.

     This program has been very exciting and I am amazed at the way the guys get into the books, whether they like it or not. Every discussion has been exhilarating for the entire group. No matter how the inmates feel about a given book, the author has accomplished his or her goal. The books have them thinking about what is written and how it is written, not just if they like it or not.

     As we go into 2013 we are changing modes a little and our book in January will be “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. This book is really pumping up the group. I may have to increase the number of discussion groups to accommodate the interest in this program or try to find a different place to hold it. I do not want to limit who can be involved in the discussions because this program is so positive. It is good for the inmates here at Airway Heights, and for me, and good for the communities the inmates will release into.

     This program is so much more than a reading group. The inmates are having a positive experience and learning social behavior skills as well. I love to read and I love sharing my interest in reading. I see inmates discussing books at the tables in the library now and helping each other pick out books to read. “The Hunger Games” is bringing in faces I have not had in the group before and increasing the interest in reading. I am very excited to see so many people reading for the pure joy of reading.

 

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