KCLS Insights January Edition

Community Liaison Contact: Carol Van Baalen

LOCAL NEWS

New Year’s Resolution:  Take Time to Read in 2011! s part of the Take Time to Read initiative sponsored by the KCLS Foundation, KCLS is inviting adults in King county to participate in a Winter Reading program.  Participants will be entered to win a $5 coffee card from Starbucks and other great prizes.  For more details about the program, click on this link:  http://www.kcls.org/taketimetoread/ or check it out at Take Time to Read on Facebook.  Or visit your library to pick up forms beginning January 1^st.

If you’d like to discuss what you read with other readers, why not join a local book group at one of our libraries?  Here is the January schedule for book groups at Woodmont, Des Moines, and Kent libraries:

January 6, 6-8pm, Woodmont Library:  Thursday Night Knit Lit Group.  Author of the month is James Michener.  If a Michener book sounds too daunting for one week’s reading, you can start on the February selection, Eve Green by Susan Fletcher.

January 12, 1pm, Kent Library:  After Lunch Book Bunch.  Book to be discussed:  Collector of Worlds by Ilija Troyanow.

January 20, 7pm, Woodmont Library:  Woodmont Book Group.  Book to be discussed:  Bright Sided:  how the relentless promotion of positive thinking has undermined America by Barbara Ehrenreich.

January 26, 7pm, Des Moines Library:  Des Moines Book Group.  Book to be discussed:  Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom.

Copies of the book selections are always available at each library’s front desk.

For a complete list of programs at your library, click here:  https://intranet.kcls.org/calendars/DESM-Jan11.pdf  https://intranet.kcls.org/calendars/KENT-Jan11.pdf  https://intranet.kcls.org/calendars/WDMT-Jan11.pdf

Upcoming Meetings:

Des Moines – Woodmont Library Advisory Board:  Wednesday, January 12, 7pm at the Des Moines Library.

SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS FROM December

  

The InfoToGo topic for January is Free Computer Classes, a web page that has been updated for ease of use and improved information about how to access these classes at most KCLS libraries. For more information on the current month’s InfoToGo card, click here.

 FROM THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT (To view the complete December report, please look here.)

One of the highly anticipated KCLS traditions is the publication of the annual Best Books list compiled by Collections Management Services (CMS).  The list is based on account reviews, awards, popularity and the professional judgment of CMS’ selectors. By some accounts, this was not a great year for Adult Fiction and Non-fiction. As one staff member said, it seemed like many great writers were treading water and not breaking new ground.           

A few months ago, KCLS’ Outreach department advised the Board that delivery service to homebound seniors would only be available to patrons with documented medical certification of immobility. The transition has gone smoothly and the use of volunteers to deliver items to homebound seniors has freed up eight staff members to provide additional services to nursing homes, retirement communities, low income senior apartments and rehabilitation facilities, and the numbers continue to grow. Outreach plans to expand services in a manner similar to Library2Go by working with library staff to identify additional senior facilities in need of library services. Anyone interested in helping Outreach as a volunteer can find out more by visiting the KCLS Outreach Volunteers webpage.

           

Over the last year, Adult Services has developed a number of community partnerships to deliver new programs and services at KCLS libraries, including partnerships with community colleges to deliver citizenship, employment and English as Second Language programs at KCLS libraries. The King County Law Library, which offers programs on Family Law at its facilities, is excited to be able to provide training to the general public at five KCLS libraries. Staff from the Law Library will also provide training for KCLS librarians on legal reference service and later in the year will deliver programs on other topics, such as employment law and landlord/tenant legalities. More information for Adult Learners is available here.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

KCLS will begin the process of negotiating an inter-local agreement with the City of Enumclaw in the event that voters approve annexation to KCLS. The Renton inter-local agreement is being used as the template to outline roles and responsibilities. KCLS will meet with Enumclaw City Administrator Mike Thomas this month and the agreement should be ready for both the Enumclaw City Council and KCLS Board of Trustees to review and approve early next year. The annexation vote is likely to occur in April 2011.

KCLS STAFF NEWS

The annual KCLS Service Awards Reception was held on December 8. Fifty four staff members were honored for 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service, representing a combined 1,265 years of experience. Julia Gibson, Librarian in the Shoreline/Richmond Beach/Lake Forest Park cluster, received this year’s Bradley Award for her “Write Idea” suggestion to provide acrylic holders for posting library closure signs. 

KCLS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN PROJECTS

View all at http://www.kcls.org/bond/ or sign up here to receive automatic updates on the KCLS Capital Improvement Projects!

 Almost two months after the Newcastle Library groundbreaking, it looks like construction is about to begin. Mayor John Dulcich has been a persistent advocate to expedite the project. KCLS’ contractor is also prepared to get the project underway.

 Upcoming Dates

The next Planning Committee Meeting takes place on Thursday, January 13, 12 noon at Burien Library.

The next Finance Committee Meeting takes place on, January 25, 4pm at Service Center.

The next KCLS Board of Trustees Meeting takes place on Tuesday, January 25, 5pm at Service Center.

Insights December 2010

Community Liaison Contact:  

Carol Van Baalen

LOCAL NEWS

Friends News

The Des Moines Friends and the Woodmont Friends met together for a holiday party at the Des Moines Library on December 1^st.  Members brought goodies to share, and also shared ideas about what they are doing in their Friends’ groups.

The Kent Friends met for their holiday potluck last week also.  They are now selling canvas book bags for $8.00 each at the Kent Library front desk.

Holiday gift idea:  Give Friends book bags!  All 3 of our cluster libraries are now selling bags.  Support programs at your library while helping the environment!

Library News

 The Woodmont parking lot expansion is underway!  Construction began November 15, and is estimated to last 3 months.  24 parking spots will be added to the existing lot.  Comments from our patrons have been very positive, despite the difficulties of parking during the construction.  Staff members are parking in the shopping center lot at the corner of Pacific Highway and 272^nd during the construction project to help alleviate the temporary shortage of parking.

Take Time to Read Quick Reads Shelves (see below) are in your neighborhood!  Check out the Kent Midas on 104^th Avenue and the Les Schwab on Pacific Highway for some good reads if you are having your car serviced at either location.

Coming in January:  Citizenship Classes at the Des Moines Library (1-2:30pm on Tuesdays beginning January 11) and at the Kent Library (7-8:30pm on Tuesdays).  ESL classes and Talk Times will also resume after the holiday break.  Click on these links for a complete list of programs at your library.  https://intranet.kcls.org/calendars/DESM-Dec10.pdf https://intranet.kcls.org/calendars/KENT-Dec10.pdf https://intranet.kcls.org/calendars/WOOD-Dec10.pdf

SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS FROM November

Take Time to Read Quick Reads Shelves and Readers in Residence Chairs have been set up in community sites around the County. Promotional signs appear on transit buses and print and radio advertisements have launched. Take Time to Read cards and stickers have been delivered to libraries for distribution to patrons and staff.  Learn more at

http://www.kcls.org/taketimetoread.

 KCLS was present at the grand opening of the Microsoft Store in Bellevue Square. The KCLS Foundation received a $500,000 technology grant resulting from a Facebook campaign promoting the store’s opening. The funds will be used to support ITS operations and provide software for Game On programs in community libraries. Microsoft president Steve Ballmer was on hand and the opening was attended by thousands of people. Chad Mack, Microsoft Store manager, is interested in partnering with KCLS to develop technology programs or to train Microsoft employees as volunteer Study Zone tutors.

KCLS celebrated the 10^th anniversary of the Nonprofit and Philanthropy Resource Center at Redmond Library  with a reception on November 9, hosted by the Redmond Friends of the Library. Nearly 100 guests were on hand to hear local fundraising expert Susan Howlett speak about the importance of the Center. Redmond librarian Jeanette Privat, former KCLS Foundation Executive Director, has been the force behind the Center.

The InfoToGo topic for November is Resume Builder, which offers resume building software, sample cover letters and resumes, job seeking tips and advice. Free registration is required. For more information on the current month’s InfoToGo card, click here.

 FROM THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT (To view the complete November report, please look here.)

The Evergreen implementation is still causing problems for patrons. This is especially true of the online catalog and holds function. Many steps have been taken to improve performance; however there are still instances of black screens and slow response times. The good news is that there are small improvements every day. Information Technology Services (ITS) is conducting a formal review of the software with an independent consultant. This “postgress” review should reveal any inefficiency in programming and hopefully lead to improved performance in all aspects of the software. Internally, the response time for Automated Materials Handling check-ins and shipping center distribution has been greatly improved. All libraries with AMH systems are caught up with tote check-in.

At the September Board meeting, it was noted that circulation was down 5% for the month of September. In the transition to the new catalog, some of the checkout history was lost. Despite that decline, circulation still increased over 7% for the year. The newly expanded Kirkland and Federal Way Libraries continue to lead the way with the largest percentage increases in the System. In October, all circulation data was captured and showed a 2% monthly increase compared to 2009. 

There were approximately 40 Library Advisory Board members in attendance at three Library Advisory Board Forums held this month. Participants heard about KCLS’ Future Services Strategy (FSS) and engaged in lively discussions about how the library can offer increased services in their communities and online. The Maple Valley City Manager was an active participant in the Renton meeting along with most of the members of the newly appointed Renton Library Advisory Board. In appreciation for their work, all Library Advisory Board members were presented with lapel pins featuring a customized KCLS logo.

The second hour of each meeting was opened to the general public for discussion of the 2011 Preliminary Budget. More than 100 people attended and their input will be presented to the KCLS Board of Trustees for consideration during final budget deliberations.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

The Renton Service Area Analysis (SAA) was reviewed with the City of Renton and the City presented their analysis of various sites in the Downtown and Highlands areas. As reported last month, KCLS prefers a site southeasterly of the current Highlands Library while the City is interested in locating the Library in the Sunset Terrace area. Likewise, the City Council also indicated a strong preference for Sunset Terrace. KCLS has reached consensus with the City on the sites and the City Council has authorized City staff to move ahead on site acquisition. KCLS will develop an agreement with the City on budget oversight by the City and KCLS’ responsibility to manage design and construction. It is likely that facilities design for both Libraries will be completed in 2011 with construction beginning in 2012.

         

The City of Bellevue is in the process of approving the building permit for the Bellevue Library garage expansion. They have determined that patrons will use NE 10^th and NE 12^th Streets to temporarily access and exit the parking garage under the Library. This solution seems to have satisfied the concerns of most of the neighbors but parking will be severely limited during construction.

The City of Enumclaw passed an “interest in annexation to KCLS” resolution. KCLS has given City officials a copy of the Renton inter-local agreement as an example of the City’s and KCLS’ potential roles and responsibilities in the event of a positive vote for annexation.

KCLS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN PROJECTS

View all at http://www.kcls.org/bond/ or sign up here to receive automatic updates on the KCLS Capital Improvement Projects!

 Even though a groundbreaking was held at the Newcastle Library, construction has not yet started. The contractor is ready and has even set up fencing and staging areas but the City has not yet issued a building permit. KCLS hopes to start construction soon.

The architect firm for the Tukwila Library project is under contract. The interview panel, which included City officials, Board Member Jessica Bonebright and KCLS staff, selected Perkins+Will Architects. Their extensive background in mixed-use projects and their work on the Sammamish Library were significant factors in their selection.

Upcoming Dates

The next Finance Committee Meeting takes place on Tuesday, December 14, 4pm at Service Center.

The next KCLS Board of Trustees Meeting takes place on Tuesday, December 14, 5pm at Service Center.

Finding Money for College

Want to Attend College? Need Help Paying for it?

Come to a free workshop to learn how! Finding Money For College, presented by Douglas Breithaupt of the College Planning Network, will be presented at the Woodmont Library on Saturday, December 4th, 1:30-2:30pm.

The workshop is open to any teen, parent or adult interested in learning about financial aid. No registration necessary.

Sponsored by the Woodmont Friends of the Library.

Insights November 2010

Community Liaison Contact: Carol Van Baalen

LOCAL NEWS

Job Search Classes in November

Help us get the word out about Job Search classes to be offered at all 3 of our cluster libraries in the month of November. 

“The New Job Search in the New Economy” will be presented at Woodmont Library on Tuesday, November 9 from 10:30am-noon, and again at the Kent Library on November 9 from 7-8:30pm.  The presenter will be Ducan Burgess, Director of South Seattle Community College WorkSource.  Registration is not required for this program.

“Effective Resumes for the New Job Search,” a hand-on workshop that focuses on developing a resume that will get past the 10-second screen, will be offered at Des Moines Library on Tuesday, November 9, 6:30-8pm; at Woodmont Library on Monday, November 15, 4:30-6pm; and at Kent Library on Tuesday, November 16, 7-8:30pm.  Class size is limited for this, so please note that REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  Call your library to register.

“Effective Networking for Employment,” presented by Tanner Phillips from WorkSource Affiliate South Seattle Community College, will be at the Woodmont Library on Tuesday, November 23, from 10:30am-noon.  Registration is not required for this program.

For a complete list of library programs at your branch, click here:  https://intranet.kcls.org/calendars/DESM-Nov10.pdf; https://intranet.kcls.org/calendars/KENT-Nov10.pdf; https://intranet.kcls.org/calendars/WDMT-Nov10.pdf

Construction News:  The expansion of the Woodmont parking lot is scheduled to begin on Monday, November 15.  The expansion will add 24 spaces to the south end of the parking lot.  Approximate length of the construction project is 3 months.

Upcoming Meetings:

The Des Moines – Woodmont Library Advisory Board will attend the Board Forum / Budget Hearing on November 10, 6-9pm, at the Federal Way Library.  This will take the place of their regular November meeting.

SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS FROM OCTOBER

The 2010 Friends Day Celebration on October 23 was a huge success, with 108 in attendance. Special Guest, Governor Christine Gregoire, spoke to the Friends viavideotape and declared it King County Library System Friends Day by special proclamation. Guests enjoyed breakfast and giveaways (sponsored by the KCLS Foundation) and were treated by Bellevue Library Cluster Manager Chapple Langemack to a preview of Take Time to Read (more below). Friends thoroughly enjoyed the engaging speaker, Sam Green, former Washington State Poet Laureate, and author of several volumes, including Vertebrae. The Foundation presented awards to this year’s winners: Friends of the Library Hall of Fame, Marcia Seip (Friends of the Woodinville Library) and Donna Tonella (Friends of the Covington Library); Friend of the Year, shared by Karen Edwardsen and Laura Lipton (Friends of the Lake Forest Park Library); and the Lifetime Achievement Award, Anna Denton (Burien Library Guild). Many thanks to all who participated and helped create this event.

Take Time to Read launched on October 24 in conjunction with National Take Back Your Time Day. ReadingChairs will be located in libraries and notable local figures will serve asReaders in Residence to show their support by sitting in the chairs and reading. Quick Reads Shelves will be stocked with books and magazines and will be placed in twenty locations throughout KCLS’ service area. Bellevue Cluster Manager Chapple Langemack is leading the project with support from the KCLS Foundation.

Give yourself or someone you care about a Gift of Time to read.  Pick up a free gift card at any community library and indulge in the pleasure of reading.  Learn more at http://www.kcls.org/taketimetoread.

The InfoToGo topic for October is Book Talk. Book Talk is the KCLS blog for readers, powered by your favorite librarians writing about books for adults, teens and children. For more information on the current month’s InfoToGo card, click here.

For several years KCLS has been conducting Tech Connect programs at community libraries to acquaint patrons with various technologies the System has to offer. As an Annual Service Priority, the Covington Library added a different spin by holding “Kidz Connect @ Covington Library” on September 25. Children and their parents were guided through different technologies geared specifically for kids. Over 250 participants enjoyed musical and comedy entertainment and gave the Saturday afternoon event rave reviews.

 FROM THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT (To view the complete October report, please look here.)

Evergreen, the new KCLS catalog open source software system, has gotten the full attention of KCLS staff and many patrons. For some, the system is working fine. Others are having difficulty logging in and have experienced slow response times. This is obviously having an impact on patron service. Specifically, things are a bit slower just because it is new. Also some patrons’ pin numbers have been changed to the last four digits of their phone number. Staff has to assist patrons to find those pin numbers before they can log into computers or use Self Checkout. On top of that, the speed of the system for each transaction is slower than what we need it to be. Given a transaction volume of 23 million items per year, delays of a few seconds are critical. The good news is that almost every issue that comes up can usually be solved and our IT Department is working hard to make it better every day. In the meantime, KCLS will launch a campaign to keep the public informed on how it is going. “We are Working On It!” will be prominently displayed in libraries. More detailed information will be available through Answer Line and on the KCLS website and of course, from staff in the libraries. This ambitious and necessary transition could not happen without the patience and strong service ethic of KCLS staff members. While we know it will keep improving, it is difficult for our staff to encounter patrons who are unhappy and in some cases upset by a new, changing and at times suboptimal technology.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

KCLS has had two meetings with City of Renton officials to discuss site options for the Renton and Renton Highlands Libraries. While a consensus has been reached on a plan of action for downtown, a decision remains on the location for the Renton Highlands branch. This month KCLS will meet with the Renton Library Advisory Board to go over the Service Area Analysis (SAA) and will give an update to the City of Renton’s Council of the Whole on November 1.

As mentioned last month, the Enumclaw City Council voted to begin the process of annexing to KCLS. The City Administrator has indicated that the proposition will likely be placed on the ballot April 26, 2011. KCLS has suggested that Renton’s inter-local agreement would be a good template for

spelling out roles and responsibilities between the City of Enumclaw and KCLS, should the voters approve the issue. According to the City Administrator, many Enumclaw residents already use the Muckleshoot and Black Diamond Libraries and are quite familiar with KCLS.

KCLS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN PROJECTS

View all at http://www.kcls.org/bond/ or sign up here to receive automatic updates on the KCLS Capital Improvement Projects!

More than 300 people attended the Newcastle Library groundbreaking on October 20. The contractor is selected and Mayor Dulcich said he would focus on getting the final building permits approved so that the project can get underway. In the meantime, representatives from neighboring

Chase Bank and McDonalds have expressed concern that the project will block access to their businesses from 129th Avenue SE. KCLS will request a construction easement until Phase One is completed. A road across the back of the property is planned during Phase Two.

Three architectural firms were interviewed for the Federal Way 320th Library project. In addition to KCLS staff, the interview panel included Federal Way City Councilmember Jeanne Burbidge, City of Federal Way Economic Development Director Patrick Doherty, Robin Corak from the Multi-Service Center and HeeJung Lee from the Korean Parents Association. The panel selected SRG Partnership. Although SRG has never worked with KCLS, they have extensive library experience and the panel felt that they offer a fresh design perspective. SRG Partnership should be under contract by the end of October. Since no other alternative sites have been identified for the Library, SRG will conduct a site analysis of the current location and move directly into the design process.

The City of Bellevue has formally weighed in on the issue surrounding access to the underground parking lot at the Bellevue Library during next year’s garage expansion project. Many neighbors were concerned about using NE 11th street as a point of access and egress. The City agreed to an alternative plan that allows garage access from NE 10th Street and egress to NE 12th Street. The plan is being finalized and KCLS hopes to be far enough along with the permit process to be able to bid the project in January and start construction after Literary Lions in March 2011.

The Duvall Library project should have been under construction by now but KCLS has encountered some legal issues with the ground lease. The Church’s lender, Frontier Bank, was recently seized by the FDIC and their holdings were acquired by Union Bank, which is based in California. Provisions of the lease require that the Church obtain a Subordination & Non-Disturbance Agreement from existing lenders before KCLS can proceed with construction. Union Bank has not yet responded. In the meantime, construction bids came in over estimate so KCLS will rebid the project with revisions to the plans in order to bring the project in line with the construction budget. That process will begin after all negotiations with the Duvall Church and Union Bank have been finalized. City of Duvall Mayor Ibershoff has been very helpful in working with Union Bank to minimize further  delays.

EVENTS

You’re Invited! KCLS Preliminary Budget Hearings

KCLS is holding community meetings to discuss proposed strategic plans and budget allocations for the coming year. These community meetings are important forums for public discussion where you can help shape the future of the King County Library System.

Please join in the conversation:
Monday, November 8, 7:15pm Kirkland Library 308 Kirkland Avenue, Kirkland 98033 425.822.2459 Tuesday, November 9, 7:15pm Renton Library 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton 98057 425.226.6043 Wednesday, November 10, 1:30pm Bellevue Library 1111 110th Avenue NE, Bellevue 98004 425.450.1765 Wednesday, November 10, 7:15pm Federal Way Library 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way 98003 253.838.3668

For more information contact Maria Hatcher, 425.369.3233, mshatcher@kcls.org.

2010 Library Advisory Board Forums - Save a Date!

Please mark your calendar now for the date and location that works best for you. Each forum time incorporates attendance at an evening Preliminary Budget Hearing.

Monday, November 8, 6-8:30pm – Kirkland Library

Tuesday, November 9, 6-8:30pm – Renton Downtown Library

Wednesday, November 10, 6-8:30pm – Federal Way Library

Light dinner generously provided by the KCLS Foundation. Please RSVP to klhansen@kcls.org or 425.369.3466.

Upcoming Dates

The November Planning Committee Meeting was cancelled due to the Budget Hearings.

The next Finance Committee Meeting takes place on Tuesday, November 30, 4pm at White Center Library.

The next KCLS Board of Trustees Meeting takes place on Tuesday, November 30, 5pm at White Center Library.

The December KCLS Board of Trustees Meeting takes place on Tuesday, December 14, 5pm at Service Center.

Insights October 2010

Insights  is an email newsletter designed to keep you informed with local and System wide news and information.  I will be sending them to you once per month. 

Community Liaison Contact: Carol Van Baalen

LOCAL NEWS

Book Sale Results!

The Des Moines Friends held their annual book sale on September 11 and 12.  They made $1200 to support library programs!

The Kent Friends held their book sale the following weekend, September 17, 18 and 19.  They made nearly $3000 in their 3-day sale!

Thank You, Friends, for your hard work and generous support of our libraries!  You are Awesome!

 October Program Highlights:  

Digital Discovery Zone at Des Moines at Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market, Saturday October 9, 10am-2pm

 Don’t miss your opportunity to visit the Digital Discovery Zone (DDZ) at the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market. The DDZ looks like a bookmobile, but is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including five MacBooks. On the DDZ you can check your email, browse the Internet, download audiobooks from the library's web site, create games or videos and much more. We'll see you on the DDZ!

Culinary Herbs, Sunday October 10, 2pm, Des Moines Library

Many culinary herbs grow well in our area. Joan Helbacka of the King County Master Gardener program will talk about using herbs in the kitchen and as part of an edible landscape.

Citizenship Class, Tuesdays, beginning October 12, 7pm, Kent Library

Get help with the Citizenship interview process, including civics and government questions, reading and writing English and practicing your interview skills.

Thursday Night Knit Lit Group, Thursday October 7, 6-8pm, Woodmont Library

Do you love to knit or crochet? Do you love to read too? Then our Knit Lit Group is for you. Discuss your favorite books and share your knitting or crocheting techniques with others. Come for all or part of the two-hour meeting. All ages and experience levels welcome.  Next Month’s Date:  November 4. 

For a complete list of October programs at your branch, click here:  https://intranet.kcls.org/calendars/DESM-Oct10.pdf; https://intranet.kcls.org/calendars/KENT-Oct10.pdf;

https://intranet.kcls.org/calendars/WDMT-Oct10.pdf.

Upcoming Meetings:

Friends of the Woodmont Library:  Thursday, October 14, 6pm at the Woodmont Library

Friends of the Kent Library:  Thursday, October 14, 12 Noon at the Kent Library

Des Moines – Woodmont Library Advisory Board – Presentation to the Des Moines City Council:  Thursday, October 28, 7:30pm at the Samoan Church, 20827 3^rd Ave S in Des Moines. 

KCLS Friends Day:  Saturday, October 23, 8:30-Noon at the Service Center, Issaquah.  More details below. 

SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS FROM AUGUST

 

The InfoToGo topic for October is Live Homework Help. Students in grades K-12, entry level college and adult learners can receive specialized one-on-one tutoring help in the areas of math, science, English and social studies.  This service is also available in Spanish.  Professional tutors are available online from 2pm-Midnight, 7 days a week. For more information on the current month’s InfoToGo card, click here.

Summer Reading Program has ended, with 47,271 kids signed up! Three lucky winners were chosen to receive a laptop computer each! Congratulations to our Winners: Bhavana G., Bellevue; Aureliana W., Maple Valley; Dhamanpreet K., Renton.

A group of KCLS staff participated in Day of Caring on Friday, September 24. They painted three houses at the Multi-Service Center in Kent, which provides families with transitional housing. Also, for the first time, KCLS participated in collecting items for United Way’s Community Resource Exchange.

Staff Donated:

• 87 backpacks and other bags

• 283 books

The items were delivered to United Way of King County and were handed out at the Community Resource Exchange on Day of Caring. The event connects homeless individuals and families with services they need.

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT (To view the complete September report, please look here.)

After years of planning, grant writing, programming and stress testing, Evergreen launched on Thursday, September 22. Millenium was shut down at the end of business on September 20 and patron, collections and transaction data was migrated to Evergreen. Several Evergreen programmers have been on-site to optimize the system and fix bugs. Libraries around the country and even some in Europe and Asia are keeping an eye on the implementation. The Board will be updated at the September meeting.

Circulation during the month of August increased 7% over the previous year. Year-to-date, System-wide circulation is up 8%, with only two percent of that attributable to the Renton Libraries. The Renton Highlands Library, which had an increase of 48%, may be drawing patrons away from the nearby Renton Downtown and Fairwood Libraries, which were both down by 2%. The newly opened Federal Way and Kirkland Libraries had eight percent and twofold increases respectively over usage in their temporary facilities in 2009. eBook circulation was up by 53% for the month and 46% for the year. The implementation of the Evergreen circulation system may cause a hiccup in this year’s uninterrupted monthly increases.

The future of the book and the impact of eBooks on libraries will be a focus of discussion at next month’s Board Retreat. KCLS has recently learned that Baker and Taylor, the largest provider of print materials will soon be offering everything they sell in print in a corresponding downloadable electronic book. Baker and Taylor will be using a new software system that will allow content to be seamlessly downloaded to a whole host of devices. eBook usage by KCLS patrons increased over 50% for much of the last year even with a limited collection and clunky download process. The breadth of coverage and increased convenience offered by Baker and Taylor’s system will likely spur greater usage.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

The Tukwila City Council voted 6-1 in favor of consideration of a standalone library at Tukwila Village. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator who spoke to the KCLS Board last month believes that all of the Council Members favor the library on the site but want to ensure that the property is developed as a cohesive unit. The architect selection process will focus on each firms’ ability to analyze various site options within the context of a larger development. There is strong community support to construct the library which is believed will spur other development.

The City of Renton is moving closer to a decision on sites for the Renton Downtown and Renton Highlands Libraries. KCLS has completed its Service Area analysis and the information has been forwarded to the Renton City Council. The newly appointed Renton Library Advisory Board will likely weigh in with their preferences as well.

The City of Bothell will try again to annex a 5.7 square mile section of Snohomish County. KCLS has been asked to work with the Sno-Isle Library System to ensure adequate library services are maintained in the event of annexation. Even though the proposed annexation area is in a different county, the property taxes for library services in that area would be directed to KCLS. If all requirements of the boundary review are satisfied, the annexation election could take place as soon as November 2011.

KCLS Capital Improvement Plan Projects

View all at http://www.kcls.org/bond/ or sign up here to receive automatic updates on the KCLS Capital Improvement Project!

An overflow crowd was on hand for the Lake Hills Library Grand Opening on Saturday, September 11. A line of more than 1,000 people wound around the building and down the street. Elected officials cut the ribbon and found themselves spending the rest of the morning and much of the afternoon meeting and greeting constituents. Food and book bags provided by the Bellevue Friends of the Library ran out before noon. Mayor Don Davidson said the amazing turnout  demonstrated the community’s obvious affinity for the Library and said that he would never “complain” about property taxes for KCLS again.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Newcastle Library has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 20 at 3:45pm.

Events 
__________________________________________________________

2010 Friends Day

Saturday, October 23

KCLS Service Center, Issaquah

8:30am–Noon

Reservations Deadline: October 15 to dschneid@kcls.org or 425.369.3319.

2010 Library Advisory Board Forums - Save a Date!

Please mark your calendar now for the date and location that works best for you.

Monday, November 8, 6-8:30pm – Kirkland Library

Tuesday, November 9, 6-8:30pm – Renton Downtown Library

Wednesday, November 10, 6-8:30pm – Federal Way Library

Light dinner generously provided by the KCLS Foundation. Please RSVP to klhansen@kcls.org or 425.369.3466.

Upcoming Dates

The next Planning Committee Meeting takes place on Thursday, October 14, 12pm at Burien Library.

The next Finance Committee Meeting takes place on Tuesday, October 26, 4pm at Service Center.

The next KCLS Board of Trustees Meeting takes place on, Tuesday, October 26, 5pm at Service Center.