Friends, Associations, Guilds & Partnerships Contact:
Carol Van Baalen
LOCAL NEWS . . .
HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
Below are the highlights; for a complete list of programs at your library, click here:
http://www.kcls.org/programs/
Sunday, December 8, 2pm at the Kent Library
Erwilian Concert
Holiday music on an array of instruments, for adult & families. Funded by business & community donations.
Tuesday, December 17, 6:30pm at the Des Moines Library
Gingerbread House Competition
For 4th-12 graders; register beginning December 1.
Thursday, December 19, 10:30am at the Kent Library
Caspar Babypants Baby Beatles Concert
For preschoolers and their parents.
Free tickets at the Information Desk 30 minutes before the program.
Thursday, December 26, 2pm at the Kent Library
Friday, December 27, 10:30am at the Des Moines Library
Jingle Bell Rock, a puppet variety show for the holidays presented by Clay Martins Puppet Theater; for the whole family.
Monday, December 30, 11am at the Woodmont Library
Holiday Magic Show, presented by popular magician Jeff Evans
For ages 5 & up, families welcome.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Friends of the Kent Library: Monday, December 2, 11:30am at the Kent Senior Center
Friends of the Des Moines Library: Wednesday, December 11, 7pm
Friends of the Woodmont Library: Thursday, December 12, 6:30pm
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
The press announcement and public unveiling of the new Microsoft IT Academy was held at the Bellevue Library on Tuesday, November 12. The Microsoft IT Academy offers 250 different online courses ranging from basic computer literacy skills to advanced network systems training and is free to anyone with a library card. Individuals who complete certain coursework can get certification to help them as they search for employment in the technology field. The Legislature approved $1.5 million to fund the state project; valued at well over an estimated $20 million.
The press announcement and public unveiling of the new Microsoft IT Academy was held at the Bellevue Library on Tuesday, November 12. The Microsoft IT Academy offers 250 different online courses ranging from basic computer literacy skills to advanced network systems training and is free to anyone with a library card. Individuals who complete certain coursework can get certification to help them as they search for employment in the technology field. The Legislature approved $1.5 million to fund the state project; valued at well over an estimated $20 million.
OPERATIONS
KCLS has been working with Navigant, a forensic accounting firm to identify the cost to KCLS of purchasing downloadable eBooks at the “library price.” In researching the issue, Navigant has found that some publishers are selling eBooks to public libraries at prices that are higher than what retailers pay. KCLS will share its findings at the Urban Libraries Council Partners Conference being held November 12-14 in Seattle. Navigant provided their services pro bono and is willing to work with other public libraries in an effort to find a legal remedy.
KCLS has been working with Navigant, a forensic accounting firm to identify the cost to KCLS of purchasing downloadable eBooks at the “library price.” In researching the issue, Navigant has found that some publishers are selling eBooks to public libraries at prices that are higher than what retailers pay. KCLS will share its findings at the Urban Libraries Council Partners Conference being held November 12-14 in Seattle. Navigant provided their services pro bono and is willing to work with other public libraries in an effort to find a legal remedy.
KCLS will launch a newly designed website on December 17
in conjunction with the launch of a new catalog search powered by
BiblioCommons software. BiblioCommons will be an add-on to the
Evergreen catalog database and is used for the public catalog by several
major libraries, including
Seattle Public Library, Chicago Public Library and
New York Public Library. Staff testing has found that it returns more accurate and efficient search results. Also in December, KCLS will be moving
Answer Line staff from the Bellevue Library to the KCLS Service
Center in Issaquah. The group will join Virtual Library Services and
will focus on providing support to patrons using KCLS technologies and
digital content. The new name for the service
will be called Ask KCLS.
OTHER
The 2014 public budget hearings were held November 12-14 and the workshops for Library Advisory Boards that preceded two of the four budget hearings were well attended. Groups worked on processes to assess the needs of their communities and identify projects that could be initiated to meet those needs. KCLS will be encouraging Friends, Guild, Association and Advisory Board members to participate in next year’s Library Legislative Day on Friday, January 24 in Olympia. It is a terrific opportunity for like minded library supporters from all over the sate to converge on lawmakers to meet and discuss important library-related issues.
The 2014 public budget hearings were held November 12-14 and the workshops for Library Advisory Boards that preceded two of the four budget hearings were well attended. Groups worked on processes to assess the needs of their communities and identify projects that could be initiated to meet those needs. KCLS will be encouraging Friends, Guild, Association and Advisory Board members to participate in next year’s Library Legislative Day on Friday, January 24 in Olympia. It is a terrific opportunity for like minded library supporters from all over the sate to converge on lawmakers to meet and discuss important library-related issues.
Star
Wars Reads Day is officially October 5
but KCLS celebrated reading and a certain galaxy far, far away for
several weeks this fall. Special events at 12 libraries included Lego
building stations, a Star Wars storytelling parody featuring Charlie
Williams,
the Noiseguy, and photo opportunities with members of the Alpha Base
Rebel Legion and the Garrison Titan of the 501st Legion. DK Publishing
and many Friends groups provided free books for giveaways and several
libraries used stand-up Star Wars character displays
provided by Children’s Services. Included among the nearly 1,800 people
who attended the 12 events were many dads who couldn’t resist the
combination Legos/Star Wars theme.
UPCOMING DATES
Finance Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 4pm -
Service Center
Board of Trustees Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 5pm - Service Center
Board of Trustees Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 5pm - Service Center
Carol Van Baalen
Librarian Services Manager
Des Moines - Kent - Woodmont Libraries
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