Clippings, December 5, 2008

“The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District Board of Trustees approved a 2009 operational budget of $17.9 million Nov. 10, that will require reduced library hours in several branches, layoffs, and other expense cutbacks.” (The Enterprise [White Salmon], 11-20-08)

“More than 8,000 people signed up for free Pierce County Library System cards in October during the second annual Card Drive.” (The Herald [Puyallup], 11-20-08)

The Pierce County Library is embarking on a long-range planning venture, to result in a plan-Pierce County Library 2030. The first phase is a community survey, taking place now at branches and online, next will be local focus groups, and staff members visiting other community meetings to discuss issues.” Also the library is introducing an online service to allow people to book a meeting room or register to attend a program. (Both, Peninsula Gateway [Gig Harbor], 11-19-08)

Buildings:

“Woodinville (King County Library System) Library’s recent makeover has resulted in a lighter, brighter, and more user-centered facility. And although no walls were torn down or extra rooms built on, the place feels more spacious.” While the Redmond Library is closed for a remodel, Woodinville is also serving those patrons. (With photos) (Woodinville Weekly, 11-24-08)

The Newport Public Library (Pend Oreille County Library District) held a re-opening party after its recent re-furbishing. The final cost was about $138,000, $12,000 less than anticipated. The 3,940 square-foot library building is owned by the city of Newport, which by contract receives no financial compensation for the use of the building. (Newport Miner, 11-19-08)

Letters and Editorials:

A column from the Blaine Library (Whatcom County Library) speaks about many of the library’s programs, including Whatcom Reads, about no increase in hours despite a 25 percent growth in items checked out, and generally about libraries in hard times. “Today, with books and movies more expensive than ever, and television entertainment in free fall to the lowest level of stupidity, free circulating books are an absolute necessity. They are quite simply another kind of food. We imagine, and then we live.” (The Northern Light [Blaine], 11-20-08)

People:

Laurie Monprode, librarian at Monroe High School, has been elected as president of Region VIII (a six-state area) of the American Association of High School Librarians. (With photo) (Monroe Monitor & Valley News, 11-19-08)

Lorrie Harrison, author of the new Lopez Island Library; Sixty Years of Memories, is interviewed. (With book photo) (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 11-19-08)

Awards:

“Whitman County Library has been named to receive an Opportunity Online grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The library will receive $15,600 worth of computers and equipment this year and $10,400 next year.” (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 11-20-08)

Programs and Displays:

A Twilight Party at the Longview Public Library is part of area interest in the film, which was partially filmed in Kalama. (With color photos) (Daily News [Longview], 11-20-08) http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/11/20/top_story/doc4924c9d5188d1833887258.txt

The Harstine Island Community Club heard a talk by Patty Ayala Smith, services manager of the William R. Reed (Timberland) Library in Shelton, regarding services available from the library, particularly those usable from home. The club also has a CD with local photographs available for sale. (Shelton-Mason County Journal, 11-20-08)

“The Longview Public Library has become a C.A.R.E.(Cancer Awareness-Resources and Education) site in partnership with St. John Medical Center. (Daily News [Longview], 11-20-08) http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/11/20/area_news/doc4924ce239786a157559400.txt

Photos show events from a senior story-time at Sunnyside Library (Yakima Valley Libraries) with a chapter read aloud and some live music. (Daily News [Yakima], 11-21-08)

Best-selling author Charles R. Cross, who published the Kurt Cobain biography, Heavier than Heaven, introduced his new book, a “visual biography” of Cobain called Cobain Unseen, at the Aberdeen Timberland Library. (The Daily World [Aberdeen], 11-18-08)

The Richland Public Library offers reviews of Still Waters, by Nigel McCrery, a “brilliantly creepy novel”, and of The House on First Street; My New Orleans Story, by Julia Reed. (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 11-23-08)

Story Hours, Summer Reading and Early Learning:

(Notice the senior story-time event at Sunnyside mentioned under Programs.)

Book Sales:

At the Rochester Community Library, a partnership between the Timberland Regional Library and community volunteers who completely staff the library. (The Chronicle [Centralia], 11-21-08)

The Colville Public Library Improvement Club (Libraries of Stevens County). (Statesman-Examiner [Colville], 11-19-08)

[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].]