Clippings, July 11, 2008

Last December Tacoma Public Library (TPL) conducted 10 community conversations in which residents were asked a series of questions about living in Tacoma. Tacomans want their library branches to be open longer and offer the latest high-tech options. TPL is planning to update its services to meet the needs of patrons brought forth from the survey. (Tacoma Weekly, 6-26-08)

Elections:

Chehalis City Leaders applauded for pushing Library project. The Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library is about 60 percent complete, and is set to be finished by mid-October. Kudos to all involved. (The Chronicle [Centralia], 6-28-08)

Tardy candidates won’t be left out of Island County voter guide. This decision came after an in-house investigation confirmed that an auditor’s office employee had told Sno-Isle Regional Libraries that the organization would be allowed to submit information to be published in the guide after individual candidates who also had missed the deadline had been turned away. Sno-Isle hopes to pass two measures, the creation of a library capital district and a $2.3 million bond to enlarge the Coupeville branch. (The Whidbey Examiner [Coupeville], 6-27-08)

Timberland Regional Library, which operates libraries in five southwest Washington counties, is in a tough financial spot – a $1.9 million budget shortfall by year’s end. The library system, has two equally unappealing choices: raise taxes or cut staff, reduce hours of operations and scale back the book-buying budget. If library administrators and trustees opt for the ballot proposition to increase taxes, they must be prepared to convince voters that library services are a key aspect to the quality of life in South Sound. (The Olympian, 7-1-08)

Buildings:

The Friends of the Kettle Falls Public Library recently held a book and pie sale, as well as a fishing booth for children to enrich their Building Fund. Preliminary drawings for interior remodeling and an addition to the library building have been completed. Plans are available to view at the library. The Building Fund is established at the American-West Band for those wishing to make donations. (Statesman-Examiner [Colville], 6-25-08)

Johnston Architects has been selected by the King County Library System for the Bellevue Library Parking Expansion Project, which is part of the King County Library System Capital bond Program. (Bellevue Reporter [Kent], 6-28-08)

Approximately 250 people gathered June 20^th to celebrate the beginning of the new Cascade park Community Library building project adjacent to Firstenburg Community Center on Northeast 136^th Avenue. The approximately 25,000-square-foot building is slated to open to the public in fall 2009, replacing the current 2,500-square-foot library on Hearthwood Boulevard. During the event, Altrusa International donated $10,000 to the new library. (with color photo) (Columbian [Vancouver], 7-2-08)

Fort Vancouver Regional Library District officials said that about 40 members of the public reacted favorably to architectural plans for a new Vancouver Community Library at an unveiling Wednesday. The building is funded by the $43 million bond measure approved by voters in September 2006. Library construction should start by mid-2009 and be completed in the first half of 2011. (with color photo) (Columbian [Vancouver], 7-5-08)

Letters and Editorials:

Three letter writers support Coupeville Public Library expansion plans. “A strong and free nation requires an informed citizenry. Libraries are, have been, and will continue to be a pillar for keeping “We, The People” knowledgeable”. (All, The Whidbey Examiner [Coupeville], 6-27-08)

Trevor Bond, president of the Friends of the Neill Public Library, writes about contributions that funded a $5,000 proposal by Youth Services Librarian, Kathleen Ahern, to revitalize the juvenile nonfiction collection. He thanks the public for their contributions and encourages them to join the Friends of the Library. (Moscow-Pullman Daily News, 6-28-08)

People:

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Awards:

The Friends of the Sultan Library have recently awarded four $1,000 scholarships. The Friends of the Sultan Library earns the money given toward scholarships through their ongoing book sales and copy machine profits. (Monroe Monitor and Valley News, 6-24-08)

Programs and Displays:

With the help of a grant from the Washington State Library, the Kettle Falls Library is now offering computer classes. The Library Services and Technology Act was passed to establish an Online Literacy Center and facilitates the grant received by the Kettle Falls Library. The goal of the Library’s staff is to offer further classes in basic computer and basic internet in the fall, and ultimately host additional classes year-round. (with photo) (Statesman-Examiner [Colville], 6-25-08)

Freeland Library (Sno-Isle Library District) hosted Don Ehlen’s traveling collection of creepy-crawlies. Titled the “Insect Safari”, it will be traveling to South End libraries throughout the month. The visit was sponsored by the Friends of the Clinton, Freeland, and Langley libraries. (with large color photo) (South Whidbey Record [Langley], 6-28-08)

Local libraries want to know “What’s Camas Reading?” The Camas Public Library received a renewal grant through the Institute of Museum and Library Services through Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State for the “What’s Camas Reading?” program in 2009. Currently, library officials are accepting suggestions for the upcoming program. Key elements considered are the availability of the author to visit and availability of the book in paperback edition. (Camas-Washougal Post Record, 7-1-08)

Summer Reading:

Summer reading programs will begin this week in Royal City and Mattawa. This summer, Deborah McVay will urge you to get caught up in the joy of reading by taking you on a global tour. She will be using English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. (South County Sun [Royal City], 6-25-08)

Summer reading is in full swing at all the Libraries of Stevens County. All library events are free and open to the public. (Statesman-Examiner [Colville], 6-25-08)

A small crowd came out to enjoy the beautiful weather and listen to the Chehalis-based band Out of Order at the Longview Public Library’s summer reading program concert on the lawn. This event was part of the “Metamorphosis” theme for this summer. (with large color photo) (Daily News [Longview], 6-26-08)

A fierce insect infestation overtakes libraries across Clallam County this week. Free entertainment – with some science mixed in – is part of the “Catch the Reading Bug” summer reading program among the branches in Sequim, Port Angeles, Clallam Bay, and Forks (North Olympic Library System). The program includes games and prizes for young people who spend 15 to 30 minutes a day reading, with or without grown-ups. (with photo) (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 6-30-08)

Book Sales:

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[This summary of library news was created by Susan Barrett of the Washington State Library Division of the Office of the Secretary of State. It represents a newspaper clippings packet from all Washington newspapers received on the date shown. For more information about any of these stories, contact Susan at 360-570-5561 or [email protected].]