From Our Corner

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Contest: Guess date when Digital Archives reaches 200 million records

If you’re into genealogy or just like contests, you’ll want to take part in this new one run by our State Archives. The State Digital Archives has nearly 196 million records, and it will reach the 200 million mark in the near future. With the record milestone approaching, the State Archives has started a contest in which the first person to guess the correct, exact date when Digital Archives… Read more

Newly Received Federal Publications April - June 2017

The following publications were received during April - June 2017. The titles included in this document represent the many valuable publications produced by the Government Publishing Office (GPO) and distributed to federal depository libraries through the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). The Washington State Library is the Regional Federal Depository Library for the states of Washington and Alaska. History [caption id="attachment_17660" align="alignleft" width="300"]… Read more
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Check out 1950 Washington highway map

Most Washingtonians probably can’t even remember life before Interstate 5, I-90 and I-405 were built in our state. But a 1950 state highway map found on our Legacy Washington webpage shows the routes drivers traveled before the arrival of our interstate freeways.

  • You can make some interesting observations by closely examining the map, which was published by the… Read more

The National Book Festival and a book to represent Washington State

Image In September of 2001 the first National Book Festival was held in Washington D.C. Laura Bush, a retired librarian, then First Lady of the United States, worked with the Librarian of Congress to launch this new event to encourage a lifelong love of reading. James Billington, then Librarian of Congress, said, "We must all try, in every way we can, to send the message that reading is critical to our… Read more
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From the Archives: Classic photo of Rosario Beach

While a drive to Deception Pass State Park spanning Whidbey and Fidalgo islands in northwestern Washington is scenic any time of the year, it’s especially gorgeous on sunny summer days. Need proof? Check out this 1936 photo of Rosario Beach, just north… Read more

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From the Archives: Seafair hydros and Bob Hope

If you mention “Torchlight Parade,” “Blue Angels” and “hydro races” anywhere near Seattle, people know that you’re talking about Seafair. This year's Torchlight Parade has come and gone, but the planes and hydroplanes are coming up this Seafair Weekend. [caption id="attachment_23500" align="alignnone" width="720"]… Read more

WSL Updates for August 3, 2017

Volume 13, August 3, 2017 for the WSL Updates mailing list Topics include: 1) FREE BOOKS 2) LJ DESIGN INSTITUTE COMES TO WASHINGTON 3) MEDIA MARKET CONFERENCE NEARBY 4) COMMUNITY WEB ARCHIVES 5) WHO HAS YOUR BACK? 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------… Read more

2017 Eclipse Across America

[caption id="attachment_17893" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Image Hinode Observes Annular Solar Eclipse - Courtesy of NASA[/caption] If you didn’t already know, there will be a total eclipse rolling through the United States on Monday, August 21, 2017, and we are happy to announce that in collaboration with STARnet, the Washington State Library (WSL) has distributed… Read more

Stimulating Summers

From the desk of Carolyn Petersen [caption id="attachment_17838" align="alignright" width="282"] Image Kids visiting the Mobius Science Center[/caption] The city libraries of Reardan, Harrington and the Ritzville District Library have banded together to tackle a common problem: summer enrichment activities for children which would slow the summer learning slide. Their solution: a day camp for grade school children with the libraries providing… Read more
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WTBBL hosts event to help voters with disabilities

In conjunction with Get out the Disability Vote Week, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library hosted an event to help members of the disability community take part in this summer’s Primary. Accessible voting units were… Read more

Book Bingo, it's never too late!

Image By now we hope you’ve heard about the new partnership between the Seattle Public Library (SPL) and the Washington State Library. Yes, we are talking about the Washington Center for the Book. As with all new endeavors, it can take a while for the behind the scenes work to emerge but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Lots of ideas and projects are being cooked up, and we hope to announce things soon. Meanwhile, if you don’t have your own… Read more
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Is Capitol Campus sundial disappearing?

Capitol staffers and visitors might soon notice that the sundial between the John L. O’Brien and John A. Cherberg buildings and just south of the Legislative Building has gone missing. Is the sundial going away for good? No. The Department of Enterprise Services has announced that the popular sundial is being removed this week for repairs… Read more

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Digital Archives’ classic fair photos

For many people throughout Washington, a summer highlight is attending the local fair. In fact, many folks in the Olympia area have attended Capital Lakefair, which wraps up this weekend. The main fair season is coming up. The Seafair Torchlight Night is July 29 and Seafair Weekend is Aug. 4-6. And the Washington State Fair in Puyallup is Sept. 1-24. Go… Read more

WSL Updates for July 13, 2017

Volume 13, July 13, 2017 for the WSL Updates mailing list Topics include: 1) HIGH SCHOOL 21+ 2) COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 3) INTRO TO PROPOSAL WRITING 4) HELP EVERY STUDENT SUCCEED 5) PROJECT OUTCOME UPDATES 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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From the Archives: Classic mountain photos!

Mountains are among the physical marvels that draw visitors throughout the world to our state and make Washingtonians proud to call this place home. Our mountains serve as grand and inspiring, yet dangerous, playgrounds for climbers, scramblers, backpackers, dayhikers and others wanting to get close to nature. Several of Washington’s most notable peaks are dormant volcanoes, including one (Mount St. Helens) that has been active more than once in recent decades. You can find many classic… Read more

WSL Updates for July 6, 2017

Volume 13, July 6, 2017 for the WSL Updates mailing list Topics include: 1) FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR LIBRARIANS 2) GOOD, GREAT, OR UNFRIENDLY 3) COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 4) VIETNAM PROGRAMMING 5) PNR PARTNERS 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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The Washington Office of the Secretary of State’s blog provides from-the-source information about important state news and public services.

This space acts as a bridge between the public and Secretary Steve Hobbs and his staff, and we invite you to contribute often to the conversation here.

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