Clippings, December 19, 2008

Elections:

“The Castle Rock Library will slash its hours and lay off all but one employee—and it still may have to close within four months. Monday night the City Council accepted a recommendation from the library board to reduce hours from 156 to 79 hours a month until taxes and donations from 2008 run out. Money meant for 2009 operations won’t materialize because last month’s $42,000 library levy failed to reach the required 60 percent supermajority by a handful of votes.” (Daily News [Longview], 12-09-08) http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/12/09/area_news/doc493e1b0051e50473789250.txt

“Anyone interested in keeping the public library operating is invited to a meeting. Save the Shelton Library will meet at 6 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 16, in the William G. Reed Public Library. This is the first organizational meeting of a group hoping to campaign in favor or the annexation of the City of Shelton into the Timberland Regional Library District. “ (Shelton-Mason County Journal, 12-11-08)

Buildings:

The new Battle Ground Library (Fort Vancouver Regional Library) is slated to open May 15, 2009, with an opening ceremony on May 31. FVRL is now acting as its own general contractor to finish the interior of the building. Budget issues will reduce staffing and the new Battle Ground Library will be open one less day a week than the present one. There will be no new money for books. Lessened taxes from new construction and lessened timber taxes have contributed to the budget crunch for FVRL. (With a color photo and chart of FVRL library card holders by zip code.) (The Reflector [Battle Ground], 12-10-08) http://www.thereflector.com/PAGES/STORIES/Old%20Stories/2008/12-10-08.html (3rd story)

A color photo shows a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sammamish Library (King County Library System). (The Sammamish Review, 12-10-08)

People:

George Shannon, children’s book author, and winner of a 2008 Washington State author’s award for Rabbit’s Gift, will lead a writer’s workshop at the Bainbridge Library (Kitsap Regional Library). (With color photos) (Bainbridge Island Review, 12-10-08)

The Orcas Island Library is seeking applicants for the position of Library Trustee, a five-year term. (The Island Sounder [Eastsound], 12-10-08)

Programs and Displays:

A first-time venture of a calendar of The Barns of Whitman County has nearly sold out, and another is planned for next year. The proceeds, $500 so far, are being donated to the Whitman County Library, for the library renovation and Hayden’s Corner fund. (With photo) (Whitman County Gazette [Colfax], 12-11-08)

Photos and interviews from the past show the history of Seattle’s Delridge neighborhood, funded by a grant from the Washington State Library to the South Seattle Community College and the Southwest Seattle Historical Society/Log House Museum. (With photo) (West Seattle Herald/White Center News, 12-10-08) http://www.westseattleherald.com/articles/2008/12/08/news/local_news/news06.txt

“First Mike”, husband of Governor Chris Gregoire, visited Naselle Elementary School and the Naselle Timberland Library to read a story, answer questions, and talk about the value of reading. “This was First Mike’s 108^th reading of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (by Jon Scieszka) in all of Washington’s 39 counties.” (With photo) Chinook Observer [Long Beach], 12-10-08)

The Friends of the Issaquah Library (King County Library System) have been funding a Book Shelf Program of English and Spanish-language books to be given away to children visiting the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank. However, after this year, the KCLS seed money will have to move on to new projects and project organizers are uncertain about the future. (With photo) (Issaquah-Sammamish Reporter, 12-05-08)

The Port Townsend Public Library presented a program by Paul Bannick, author of The Owl and the Woodpecker: Encounters with North America’s Most Iconic Birds. (Port Townsend Leader, 12-10-08)

New books available at the Roslyn Public Library are listed. (Northern Kittitas County Tribune [Cle Elum], 12-11-08)

A color photo of holiday craft activities at the Richland Public Library highlights a story on “free, festive fun” for families. “With the way the economy is looking, even Santa Claus is tightening his belt. And families across the Mid-Columbia are searching for budget-friendly, festive activities. “ (Tri-City Herald [Kennewick], 12-13-08) And a book review from Richland offers a tempting mystery. (Same, 12-14-08)
Book Sales:

A photo shows the Friends of the Kettle Falls Library (Libraries of Stevens County) book sale, raising funds for library programs and for the library remodel project. (Statesman-Examiner [Colville], 12-10-08)

[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] .