From Our Corner

Gadget Menagerie Takes Off

Less than a month into a whirlwind tour of over 40 libraries around the state and the Gadget Menagerie is officially a big hit in libraries. January kicked off the Gadget Menagerie with visits to Skagit and Lincoln Counties as well as the Ritzville Library and Mid-Columbia Libraries. Now, we are preparing for a super-busy February with visits to Gonzaga University, Richland Public Library, Timberland Regional Library, Washington State Library, Spokane County Library District, Sno-Isle… Read more

SecState honors farm-labor pioneer Tomas Villanueva

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Assistant Secretary of State Ken Raske speaks before a large gathering honoring Tomas Villanueva as the guest of honor (in wheelchair) and his son, Gabriel, listen. (Photos courtesy of Laura Mott)

Surrounded by family, friends… Read more

Cathy McMorris Rodgers gives GOP response to SOTU

Image A familiar face in Olympia a decade ago is now familiar face across America after appearing on national TV Tuesday night. U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who represents… Read more

Giffords, gun advocates headline hearing on rival gun initiatives

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With her husband, Mark Kelly, by her side, gunshot survivor and former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords testifies before the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of Legislative Support… Read more

Supporting Teacher-Librarians

Upon recommendation of Washington State Librarian Rand Simmons, the Office of the Secretary of State supported Senate Bill No. (SB) 6105 at a recent hearing. The bill addresses teacher-librarians and the provision of resources and materials for the operation of school library information and technology programs. It changes the name of "school-library media programs" to the "school library information and technology programs" thus updating the criteria for school library programs bringing… Read more

From the Archives: When Olympia was incorporated

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Part of the Territorial Legislature's act incorporating Olympia. (Image courtesy of Washington State Archives)

When you consider that Olympia was founded in 1850 and selected by Territorial Gov. Isaac Stevens in 1853 to be the capital of Washington… Read more

2014 Proposed Legislation Affecting Libraries 01/24/2014

Courtesy of the Legislative Planning Committee, Washington Library Association Library Related Legislation. The Washington Library Association (WLA) tracks state legislative activity that will potentially affect Washington Libraries. Their tracker is posted weekly on this blog. For information on the legislative process or becoming involved, see the WLA site referenced above.

Bill Title Sponsor Status Date Latest Cmte Mtg Info Companion Bills… Read more

February special election is under way

Image Voters have begun casting their ballots for the February special election in Washington. Registered voters have until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, to return their ballots at voting centers, drop boxes or by mail. All mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election… Read more

Declaring support for libraries

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Librarians staff a table inside the Legislative Building where people signed the Declaration for the Right to Libraries. (Photo courtesy of Gracelin Moore)

Unlike the Founding Fathers in 1776, the people signing this declaration aren’t wearing wigs.… Read more

Several topics covered at legislative forum

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Secretary of State Kim Wyman moderates the forum. (Photos courtesy of Gracelin Moore)

During a fast-paced one-hour forum on legislative openness and citizen participation in Washington’s Legislature, voter turnout, youth… Read more

WSL Updates for January 23, 2014

Volume 10, January 23, 2014 for the WSL Updates mailing list Topics include: 1) 2014 LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2) EZRA JACK KEATS MINIGRANTS 3) REGISTER YOUR 2014 NATIONAL DÍA PROGRAM TODAY 4) SPECTRUM SCHOLARSHIPS – ENCOURAGING DIVERSITY 5) ALSC SCHOLARSHIPS 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) 2014 LEGISLATIVE SESSION As we have in previous years, the Washington State… Read more

Wyman certifies I-594; I-591 check starting soon

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Secretary of State Wyman certifies the results of Initiative 594 in her office. (Photo courtesy of Laura Mott)

One down, one to go. Soon after our Elections Division’s signature checkers finished reviewing a small sample of Initiative 594… Read more

The Drifter by Susan Wiggs

Image The Drifter. By Susan Wiggs (Don Mills, Ont. : Mira, 2003?. 376 pp. Reprint Ed.) Recommendation by: Carolyn Petersen, Assistant Program Manager, Library Development, Tumwater, WA. The town of Coupeville on Whidbey Island in 1894 is the setting for this historical romance. Coupeville residents have reluctantly accepted… Read more

Teen video contest underway

Image Know any teenagers who love making videos? Do you have a son or daughter who aspires to be the next Steven Spielberg or Kathryn Bigelow? There’s a contest happening right now that’s perfect for them. It’s the… Read more

2014 Proposed Legislation Affecting Libraries 01/17/2014

Courtesy of the Legislative Planning Committee, Washington Library Association Library Related Legislation. The Washington Library Association (WLA) tracks state legislative activity that will potentially affect Washington Libraries. Their tracker is posted weekly on this blog. For information on the legislative process or becoming involved, see the WLA site referenced above.

Bill Title Sponsor Status Date Latest Cmte Mtg Info Companion… Read more

Secretary Wyman named to Aspen Institute fellowship

Image Secretary of State Kim Wyman is a new member of the Rodel Fellowship Program at the nonpartisan nonprofit Aspen Institute. Wyman is one of 24… Read more

I-594 signature check begins

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A checker counts some of the signatures submitted for I-594. (Photo courtesy Lindsay Pryor)

Initiative I-594, one of two rival initiatives to the 2014 Legislature dealing with gun control, is now undergoing a signature check.… Read more

WSL Updates for January 16, 2014

Volume 10, January 16, 2014 for the WSL Updates mailing list Topics include: 1) 2014 TEEN VIDEO CHALLENGE 2) YOUTH PROGRAM AWARD 3) HUMANITIES WASHINGTON PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES 4) JOHN COTTON DANA AWARD 5) RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO SPECIAL POPULATIONS 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) 2014 TEEN VIDEO CHALLENGE Washington State will participate in the 2014… Read more

Student Voter Registration Day Thursday

Image In observance of Temperance and Good Citizenship Day, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Office of… Read more

Statewide officials show support for libraries

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Secretary of State Wyman signs the Declaration for the Right to Libraries in the Governor's Conference Room.

Secretary of State Kim Wyman joined Gov. Jay Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn… Read more