The Western State Hospital Library was toured by District #28 Senator Mike Carrell January 7. ILS staffers Laura Sherbo, Elizabeth Jahnke and Kathleen Benoun were on hand to greet the senator and tell him about the scope of services available to hospital patients and staff. District #28 includes Lakewood, Steilacoom, University Place, DuPont, Fircrest, Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base.

For his part, the senator shared with library staff his legislative priorities. He is a member of many standing and special committees, including the Joint Legislative Task Force on Offenders Programs. The topic of re-entry for inmates and patients is of vital concern. He advocates for an integrated approach to re-entry resources that include housing and vocational opportunities. He was pleased that ILS has made community resource sharing a top priority for our patrons.

He toured the library and briefly visited the hospital’s historical museum. Senator Carrell is a former math and science teacher and a library supporter. Senator Carrell has been a strong advocate of the historical preservation of the 1870s officers quarters on the hospital campus and the remaining barns located at the Fort Steilacoom Park (former hospital farm grounds).