From Our Corner

The Tale of the Washington State Bird, Volume 2: Emma Otis the Bird Chairman, and the Garden Ladies

Image From the desk of Mary Paynton Schaff Read Volume 1 here From 1943 until 1951, the matter of designating an official Washington state bird languished. Legislators seemed reluctant to bring the matter to a vote and interested outside groups appear to have lost hope in forcing their lawmakers to… Read more

Legacy WA launches “Who are we?” exhibit Aug. 25

Image Our Legacy Washington program is getting set to launch its latest exhibit, “Who are we?” It features historic photos and compelling life stories about a diverse group of… Read more

From the Archives: Mount Rainier in summer!

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Mount Rainier from Plummer Peak. (Photos courtesy of Washington State Digital Archives)

As weather-watchers know, it’s supposed to get hot this weekend in Western Washington. As in the 90s. For people wanting to beat the heat, there usually are two options:… Read more

Olympic National Park - National Park Service - Celebrating 100 Years of Service

Image Washington is home to three National Parks (aren’t we lucky?) Each park has its own unique features and opportunities for exploration and discovery. As the state library we have a mission to collect, preserve, and make accessible to Washingtonians materials on the government, history, culture, and natural resources of the state. As the national parks are one of our state… Read more

Aug. 31 is deadline to nominate a WA company for state honor

Image Do you know a Washington corporation or business that does give back to your community? It could be donating money or supplies, providing volunteer help on projects, or something else that makes a difference. If such a company comes to mind, help give it the recognition it… Read more

Ancestry Day in Washington State

Image SAT, SEP 24 AT 8:00 AM, TACOMA, WA * Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center * Tickets $15 - $35 Image… Read more

WTBBL starts to record audio books in Spanish

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Francisco Díaz, WTBBL's first Spanish audio book narrator. (Photo courtesy of WTBBL)

The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library provides comprehensive services to Washington residents unable to read standard print materials. There are… Read more

Shannon Cortez joins WA Elections Division as deputy director

Image Secretary of State Kim Wyman has announced the appointment of Shannon Cortez as the new deputy director of elections. Cortez will take her new role on Monday after 18 years of experience in elections administration, both with Pierce County and King County,… Read more

WSL Updates for August 11, 2016

Volume 12, August 11, 2016 for the WSL Updates mailing list Please note, there will be no WSL Updates on August 18, 2016. WSL Updates will resume on August 25, 2016. Topics include: 1) ARSL 2016 CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 2) NEW WASHINGTON DIGITAL NEWSPAPERS WEBSITE 3) FREE WEBINARS FROM PNR NN/LM 4) EARLY LEARNING SYMPOSIUM COMING OCTOBER 2016 5) ONLINE LIBRARY COURSES BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK… Read more

Legacy WA profiles subject’s courage and resilience

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JoAnn Kauffman. (Photos courtesy of JoAnn Kauffman)

Our Legacy Washington program has a terrific new addition to its special series, “Who are we?” It’s the inspiring profile of JoAnn Kauffman, a… Read more

The Tale of the Washington State Bird, Volume 1: Meadowlarks, Goldfinches, and Mugwumps

Image From the desk of Mary Paynton Schaff Every school child knows that the willow goldfinch is the official State Bird of Washington. But less well known is the fact that the willow goldfinch had a long and controversial road to approval – 23 years of bickering and grandstanding, all of which culminated in a dramatic and highly amusing floor debate in the state’s House of… Read more

National Parks Service in Washington State (parks, reserves, historic sites, etc.)

[caption id="attachment_16808" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Liberty Mountain, North Cascades National Park. Photo by Jim Culp. Used by permission.[/caption]

Selected Resources

National Park Service

2016 marks the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service. "That’s 100 years of protecting America’s natural, historical and cultural treasures from all… Read more

Five minor party White House tickets cleared for WA ballot

Image (UPDATED, SHOWS GREEN PARTY VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE WILL BE CHANGED TO AJAMU BARAKA ) Five minor party tickets will appear on the ballot in Washington, alongside the Democratic and Republican candidates for president and vice president. They are: --Socialist Workers Party – Alyson… Read more

Top 2 Primary producing finalists for WA General Election

Image Washington voters began clearing the decks for the fall General Election by choosing their favorite candidates to advance, using a qualifying election called the Top 2 Primary. There were surprises… Read more

WSL Updates for August 4, 2016

Volume 12, August 4, 2016 for the WSL Updates mailing list Topics include: 1) DIGITIZATION GRANTS AWARDED FOR WASHINGTON RURAL HERITAGE 2016-2017 2) GRANTS AWARDED FOR WSL’S METADATA REMEDIATION AND ENHANCMENT PILOT PROJECT 2016-2017 3) ONLINE LIBRARY COURSES COMING SOON 4) EVALUATING EARLY LEARNING APPS 5) WALE 2016 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPEN 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK… Read more

I-1464 last of initiatives certified to ballot

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Checkers review I-1464 signatures earlier this week at the Elections Division.

Initiative 1464, which covers campaign finance reform, disclosure and enforcement, and creation of a public… Read more

National Park Service - One Hundred Years

[caption id="attachment_16903" align="alignleft" width="300"] Image Golden-mantled ground squirrel at Crater Lake NP. These little guys will steal your sunflower seeds and your heart. Photo by Tore.[/caption] From the desk of Rand Simmons This August 25th the National Parks Service (NPS) celebrates one hundred years of service to the nation and, indeed, to the world. The year was 1916, but national parks, designated by various federal agencies… Read more

I-1501 certified to fall ballot

Image Initiative 1501, a proposal dealing with “protection of seniors and vulnerable individuals from finance crimes and victimization,” will appear on the fall statewide ballot in Washington. Secretary of State… Read more

Countdown for WA Primary 2016!

Image Washington’s state Primary voting period is winding down, with Top 2 slots on the line for all nine statewide offices, U.S. Senate, Legislature, courts and assorted local races. Although voters have been super-engaged in the… Read more

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The Washington Office of the Secretary of State’s blog provides from-the-source information about important state news and public services.

This space acts as a bridge between the public and Secretary Steve Hobbs and his staff, and we invite you to contribute often to the conversation here.

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