From Our Corner

Time to vote for favorite “Archives Treasure”

Over the past week, we’ve blogged about our three Archives Treasures for February: 1) Photos from the 1969 Black Panther protests at the Capitol; 2) 1976… Read more

Secretary Wyman unveils 2016 Presidential Primary plan

Image Secretary of State Kim Wyman is urging lawmakers to authorize a 2016 Presidential Primary and ensure that voters have a strong voice in the nominating process for the highest office in the land. Wyman, the state’s chief elections… Read more

Archives Treasure #3: Stevens’ 1860 Colt Army model

Image The third Archives Treasure for February is the Colt Army Model handgun owned by Hazard Stevens, the son of Isaac Stevens, the first governor of Washington Territory. The younger Stevens enrolled in… Read more

Got CDs?

[caption id="attachment_14617" align="alignright" width="444"] Image photo by Eelke de Blouw https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/[/caption] CDs… do people still use CDs or is all music “consumed” digitally these days?… Read more

2015 Proposed Legislation Affecting Libraries 2/13/2015

Courtesy of the Legislative Planning Committee, Washington Library Association Library Related Legislation. The Washington Library Association (WLA) tracks state legislative activity that will potentially affect Washington Libraries. Their tracker is posted weekly on this blog. For information on the legislative process or becoming involved, see the WLA site referenced above.… Read more

Clippings - vol. 2 February 13, 2015

[caption id="attachment_4996" align="alignright" width="227"] Image Image courtesy North Pend Oreille Heritage collection[/caption] Library Clippings vol. 2 for the week of February 13, 2015 Library News City Council weighs taxing budget options (The North Coast News, Ocean Shores, 1/8… Read more

Archives Treasures #2: 1976 photos of orca capture

Image

(Photos courtesy of Washington State Archives)

The State Archives has hundreds of classic photos of all things Washington,… Read more

Random news - Meteors, or UFOs?

From the desk of Steve Willis, former Central Library Services Program Manager of the Washington State Library: Through pure randomness I ran across a couple mysterious events experienced by Washingtonians in the north central part of the state in late December, 1921. Image… Read more

WSL Updates for February 12, 2015

Volume 11, February 12, 2015 for the WSL Updates mailing list Topics include: 1) SUPERCHARGED STORYTIMES 2) IYOUTHCON 2015 3) CHARITY& NONPROFIT TRAINING SESSIONS 4) LLOPS SPRING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP 5) FREE E-RATE WEBINAR 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) SUPERCHARGED STORYTIMES Are you:

  • Passionate about early literacy at public libraries… Read more

Scenes from Navy Day at the Capitol

Image

Members of the naval color guard who participated in the flag ceremonies in the House and Senate stand in Secretary Wyman's office.

An annual highlight around here is Navy Day, in which naval officers and other members of that military branch are… Read more

Visiting the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library

Image Since I started working at the Washington State Library (WSL) last February I have heard so much about the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) and all the good work that they do. So… Read more

Clippings - February 13, 2015

[caption id="attachment_4996" align="alignright" width="227"] Image Image courtesy North Pend Oreille Heritage collection[/caption] Library Clippings for the week of February 13, 2015 Library News At the Upper Skagit Library This article provides information to the community about Upper Skagit Library activities. The library thanks the community for contributing to the Winter Food… Read more

February Archives Treasure #1: Black Panther protest photos

Image

(Photos courtesy of Washington State Archives)

Last month, we began highlighting some of the interesting, historic and oh-so-cool items and collections in our State Archives through a series… Read more

From Your Corner of Washington: Rainbow and Capitol Dome

Image

(Photo courtesy of Jeff Vansil)

Somewhere under this rainbow you'll find the Legislative Building. That was the case Tuesday morning, as a rainbow briefly positioned itself behind the dome if you looked from the east. We… Read more

2015 Proposed Legislation Affecting Libraries 2/6/2015

Courtesy of the Legislative Planning Committee, Washington Library Association Library Related Legislation. The Washington Library Association (WLA) tracks state legislative activity that will potentially affect Washington Libraries. Their tracker is posted weekly on this blog. For information on the legislative process or becoming involved, see the WLA site referenced above.… Read more

Oly-based WA Standard added to historic newspaper collection

Image

The front page of Dec. 24, 1920, edition of the Washington Standard. (Images courtesy Washington State Library)

Ever wonder what was newsworthy in Olympia way back in Washington’s territorial days? Now you can find out thanks to… Read more

WSL Updates for February 5, 2015

Volume 11, February 5, 2015 for the WSL Updates mailing list Topics include: 1) SDL NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEYS 2) GOT E-RATE? 3) FREE MRSC WEBINARS AVAILABLE 4) ACQUISITION INSTITUTE AT TIMBERLINE LODGE REGISTRATION OPEN 5) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) SDL NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEYS As a reminder, the Washington State Library’s Statewide Database Licensing (SDL) project… Read more

Visiting two small libraries in South West Washington.

Shirley Lewis and Carolyn Petersen paid a visit to the Kalama and Cathlamet Public Libraries in southwest Washington in January. Kalama is planning an expansion as the City’s Offices move into a former bank building. Louise Thomas, Director, and the Library Trustees are looking forward to providing patrons with more seating, program, and collection space. During their visit, a library volunteer provided a story time attended by 10 small children and their parents in the current children’s… Read more

Wyman at “Pressing On” launch: “We need accurate, informative news”

Image

Secretary Wyman applauds as Rowland Thompson (in bow tie) shakes hands with Seattle Times publisher Frank Blethen (second from left). Also standing (from left) are Yakima Herald-Republic general manager Rob Blethen, Seattle Times assistant managing editor… Read more

Suffrage leader’s scrapbook tops Library Jewels poll

Image The results are in, and the top vote-getter in our January State Library Jewels online… Read more

Secretary of State
Steve Hobbs

Image
Image of Secretary of State Steve Hobbs

Connect with Us

Search Our Corner

About this Blog

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.

Comments Disclaimer

The comments and opinions expressed by users of this blog are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of the Secretary of State’s Office or its employees. The agency screens all comments in accordance with the Secretary of State’s blog use policy, and only those that comply with that policy will be approved and posted. Outside comments will not be edited by the agency.