Clippings, November 6, 2008

Buildings:

“A remodeling project at the Pasco branch of the Mid-Columbia Library System is on hold while the library district reviews an agreement with the city….’Apparently there’s some reluctance now on the part of the district to move forward because of the discussion the council had last week(about the future expiration of the Pasco-MCRL contract)’,” said the City Manager. The city, which owns the building, remains willing to do the remodeling. Discussions will continue. (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 10-21-08)

Bid listings, with prime bidders, for Sammamish Library Construction and Kirkland Library Addition and Renovation (both King County Library System) and for Sequim Library Renovation (North Olympic Library System), and a bid offering for Carpeting for the Tacoma Public Library Wheelock Branch. (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 10-25-08 & 11-01-08)

An interest in the possible growth of a new YMCA in the Sumner-Bonney Lake area by the Tacoma-Pierce County YMCA may join with possible interest in capital facilities planning from the Pierce County Library District. “’We’re always looking for partnerships, and this might be a really good one,’” said PCL director Neel Parikh. (The Herald [Puyallup], 10-16-08)

Letters and Editorials:

An editorial celebrates the opening of the Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library. Orin Smith, former CEO of Starbucks, gave $1 million to kick-start the campaign for the new library, which is named in honor of his mother. “The Timberland library system sometimes gets criticized for the use of tax dollars needed to support its operations. We point out that equal opportunity for learning, whether it is our free library systems or public education, makes it possible for the poorest in our midst to rise to great heights. It is likely that this February Timberland trustees will ask voters to approve a levy lid lift…If that vote does come before you, consider the value of a vibrant library such as the new jewel in Chehalis.” Columnist Bill Moeller adds “The library has to be experienced from both inside and outside the building to be really believable. (Both, The Chronicle [Centralia], 10-22-08)

A letter writer speaks of enjoyable experiences she has had at the Castle Rock Library, and says ‘we must, please pull together once again by voting to keep our library going.” (Daily News [Longview], 10-22-08)

A columnist reminds those about to vote on three Seattle public works initiatives how successfully the Libraries for All campaign has rebuilt the city’s libraries. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 10-31-08) http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/385754_hubert31.html

A letter from the co-chairman of the Friends of the Battle Ground (Fort Vancouver Regional Library) Library building committee thanks Dennis Pavlina, the developer of Battle Ground Village, for maintaining the original 2005 prices for the land and building shell for the new library. The remainder of the costs will come from Fort Vancouver Regional Library reserves. The planned opening for the new library is May 2009. (The Reflector [Battle Ground],

Awards:

The Camas Public Library has again received a $7,000 IMLS/LSTA grant, via WSL, which will enable another year of “What’s Camas Reading?”. The book title to be read is still being decided. Suggestions from the public are welcomed. (Camas-Washougal Post Record, 10-21-08)

Programs and Displays:

“Whitman County Library Foundation will host its first dinner and auction to raise money for the library renovation project and Hayden’s Corner. ‘We thought it would be a great time to hold a fund raising auction,’ said Kristie Kirkpatrick, library director. The 88 seats for the event have already sold out after an extra table was added due to the high level of interest. ‘We were just shocked at the response,’ Kirkpatrick said….Seven of the auction packages were sponsored or donated by relatives of Hayden Klaveano. The children’s corner will be named in his honor after the library renovation.” (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 10-23-08)

The Liberty Lake Municipal Library will hold its annual pumpkin-carving contest and Halloween Party. “Come in costume and play games.” (Liberty Lake Splash, 10-23-08)

Local artist Amarant Ibarra-Sandys helped patrons at the Peninsula Library (Pierce County Library) decorate sugar skulls for Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos celebrations. The Mexican holiday on Nov. 1 teaches that “death is not something to be feared; it’s something that family and friends should honor” while they remember their loved ones. (With photo)(Peninsula Gateway [Gig Harbor], 10-22-08)

“The Port Angeles Library (North Olympic Library System) and the Port Angeles High School are sponsoring Picture This Paragraph, a student project involving the larger community. Through Dec. 31, people are invited to submit favorite paragraphs from literature to the library. These will be shared with high school art students to inspire their projects.” At the end of the project, people can obtain a small print of the artwork created from their paragraph. (Peninsula Daily News [Port Angeles], 10-22-08)

An article encourages use of NCRL’s books-by-mail system. “The North Central Regional Library system offers unique options to people living in rural areas of Ferry County….For those who live across the lake (Lake Roosevelt) in Ferry County, this is an option in addition to the Stevens County Library District.” (Statesman-Examiner [Colville], 10-22-08)

“The Orcas Island Library will be celebrating Banned Books Week according to its tradition, with a display of the books that have made this year’s list along with previous year’s lists, all available for check-out. The always–popular Banned Book Brownies will be served.” (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 10-15-08)

A photo shows a Clallam Bay Branch Library (North Olympic Library System) book discussion group talking about Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the county One Book title. (Forks Forum, 10-22-08)

Several community events are part of Yakima Valley Libraries’ The Big Read, focusing on To Kill a Mockingbird, including a panel discussion on African American history in the Yakima Valley. (Yakima Herald-Republic, 10-18-08)

The authors of The Alaska Pen: An Illustrated History of Unga will speak at the Lunch for Your Brains program at the W.H. Abel Memorial Timberland Library in Montesano, about life in a remote Alaskan village, “from the 1930’s until its demise after World War II.” (The Vidette [Montesano], 10-16-08)

Many activities at Whitman County Libraries are described, including free yoga classes, and preparation for an Everybody Reads community reading celebration focusing on Decade of the Wolf, by Gary Ferguson, who will be speaking in November at Colfax High School. (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 10-23-08)

Book Sales:

Friends of the Othello Library (Mid-Columbia Library System). (Othello Independent. 10-22-08 )

A photo shows a browser at the annual Friends book sale supporting the Medical Lake Library (Spokane County Library District). (Cheney Free Press, 10-16-08)

[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].]