Clippings, March 4, 2009

Elections:

Online poll results: What do you think about voters; rejection of the Timberland Regional Library and anticipated cuts to staffing, operating hours, and programs? Log on to www.yelmonline.com to answer this week’s online question. (Nisqually Valley News [Yelm],

2.13.09)

The failure of the Timberland Regional Library’s request to raise their limit to 50 cents per $1,000 valuation has forced the TRL to begin determining what cuts will need to be made by the system in order for it to operate under current economic conditions. (Tenino Independent [Tenino], 2.11.09)

The Timberland Regional Library System is looking past its failed levy and moving forward with tight planning and service cuts. (Nisqually Valley News [Yelm], 2.6.09)

Buildings:

On Sunday, the Appelo Archive Center opened the C.A. and Agnes Appelo Memorial Library in Naselle. The center owned by the Wahkiakum Community Foundation rents the space for the library. (The Wahkiakum Co. Eagle [Cathlamet], 2.5.09

The Town of Oakesdale (Whitman County Library) extensively remodeled an area of approximately 890 sf on the second floor of the library building as part of the town’s Incubator Project. The project involves replacing stairway treads, repairing walls, installing suspending ceilings, replacing cabinets and installing and finishing woodwork. (Daily Journal of Commerce [Seattle], 2.14/09)

Construction crews work to complete the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District’s $10.2 million Cascade Library at 700 NE 16^th Ave next door to the Firstenburg Community Center. The library is scheduled to open in late 2009 or early 2010 as a larger replacement of for the district’s Cascade Park branch on the Northeast Hearthwood Boulevard. (Columbian [Vancouver] 2.26.09

The Moses Lake (NCRL) Library Foundation is hiring a Seattle-based architecture firm to start designing an addition to the library. (Columbia Basin Herald [Moses Lake], 2.10.09)

The King County Library System expects to begin work within two years on an expansion of the 15,000-square-foot Auburn Library, providing more materials, computers, wireless access and space for children and teens. (Auburn Reporter [Kent], 2.13.09)

Closed for a 4,000-square-foot expansion of the Kirkland downtown branch, the King County Library System has re-opened in a unique arrangement with Parkplace Books and owners Mary Harris and Rebecca Willow. (Kirkland Courier [Kirkland], 2.11.09)

When Library Director Pamela Mogen stepped into the empty warehouse on Mission Avenue, she had trouble picturing the finished product lined with bookshelves. Months later, the city’s vision has transformed that industrial space with a cement floor into a welcoming, modern library in Liberty Lake. (Liberty Lake Splash [Liberty Lake], 2.12.09) http://www.libertylakesplash.com/news.asp?id=18246

Economy/Hard Times:

Washington’s hard-pressed public libraries are seeing more customer usage during the current economic recession, according to a recent study by the Washington State Library. (Sentinel [Goldendale], 2.12.09)

Letters and Editorials:

I was both appalled and amused by Julie McDonald’s Feb. 3 commentary, “Cast Ballots for Library Today – and Visit to Enjoy Benefits” (page Main 6), in which she lists all of the items folks can get “free” at their library. (The Chonicle [Centralia], 2.14.09)

I applaud the decision of Bill Stevenson and the Moses Lake Public Library Foundation to add on the existing Moses Lake library, rather than demolish and build a new one. (Columbia Basin Herald [Moses Lake], 2.12.09) http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2009/02/12/editorials/letters/doc499454d4d67b9707232767.txt

The author Samuel Johnson waxed that “no place affords a more striking conviction of the vanity of human hopes than a public library.” Judging by the response to the recent library levy, it seems that in the minds of almost three quarters of Lewis County voters such hope is vain indeed. (The Chronicle [Centralia], 2.12.09)

People:

A standing ovation greeted the Feb. 7 announcement that Don and Jane Higgins, who orchestrated funding for a new Battle Ground (FVRL) library building, were named Battle Ground Citizens of the Year for 2008. (The Reflector [Battle Ground], 2.11.09) http://www.thereflector.com/PAGES/STORIES/Old%20Stories/2009/02-11-09.html

Programs and Displays:

Ian Hash doesn’t always have time to get help with his homework. A senior at Gig Harbor High School, Hash is sure that – if he asked – his teachers or fellow classmates would find the time before and after school to answer his questions. He appreciates Kitsap Regional Libraries Homework Help (which may have to be lost to tight budgets for next year). (photo) (Peninsula Gateway [Gig Harbor] http://www.gateline.com/104/story/3473.html

Extra:

Activity at the Cathlamet Public Library was brisk in 2008. Adult and youth customers checked out an average of 945 books, audio books, magazines, DVDs and videos every month, for an annual total of over 11,100 items. (The Wahkiakum Co. Eagles [Cathlamet], 2.5.09)

Kindle me this, Batman – will libraries soon stock Amazon’s wireless reading device? (The Herald [Everett], 2.11.09) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090211/OPINION01/702119956

[I will be retiring from WSL at the end of May. Bobbie DeMiero and Leanna Hammond will be undertaking the clippings duties from now on. I’m glad our readers have found Clippings to be useful! Susan Barrett]

This summary of library news was created by Bobbie DeMiero and Leanna Hammond 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 Bobbie DeMiero at 360.570.5577 or [email protected]. ]