May 2014

Note: graphics are currently missing from this post.

Friends and Partnership Contact
Nathan Bomer, Librarian Services Manager Kent/Woodmont/Des Moines 253.859.3330
Local News
Hello! I am the “new Carol!” My name is Nathan and I am the new Librarian Services Manager for the Kent/Des Moines/Woodmont cluster. I have worked for Tacoma Public Library, Tulsa Community College (OK), and Mono County Free Library (CA). I look forward to meeting you at upcoming Friends meetings and Library programs!
We had fantastic attendance at two recent programs- 70 for the Free Comic Book Giveaway at Woodmont on Sunday May 4, and 20 for the Guided Meditation program at Des Moines on Tuesday May 6.
Upcoming programs
Find a Job: The Hidden Job Market Saturday May 10 @ 2 PM- Kent
After Lunch Book Bunch Wednesday May 14 @ 1 PM- Kent
40 Years in the Outdoors (author event) Tuesday May 20 @ 7 PM- Kent
Find Your Inner Peace at Work with Yoga Thursday May 22 @ 7 PM- Woodmont
Seattle Stairway Walks (author event) Tuesday May 27 @ 7 PM- Des Moines
More programs for the branches can be found at http://www.kcls.org/programs Director’s Report

Staff from KCLS and the Seattle Public Library (SPL) met this month to interview consultants to conduct an updated cross-use study. The two library systems have operated under a reciprocal agreement for many years, and there have been several phases when the relationship of usage and cost imbalances have swung from one side to the other. In the current agreement, SPL patrons cannot place holds on materials at KCLS although they can check out items on the shelves. This restriction was put into place to offset a cost imbalance identified in the 2005 study. Since then the range of services provided by public libraries has continued to increase, requiring a fresh review. The consultant selected to conduct an assessment of the overall reciprocal usage situation will work with both libraries to propose an appropriate method to quantify the financial impact of cross-usage and to provide recommendations based upon the results of the analysis.
Circulation for the month of March declined 1% compared to last year and declined 3% year-to- date compared to 2013. In March, 98% of downloaded materials occurred outside of libraries; of that, 65% was downloaded directly to tablets and phones. Holds Placed increased 4% System-wide and increased 1% year-to-date compared to the previous year. The Bellevue, Enumclaw, Kenmore, Maple Valley, Renton and Skykomish Libraries all recorded circulation increases in March.
More than 600 enthusiastic residents braved the rain to celebrate the newly expanded and renovated Vashon Library on March 29. Speakers included KCLS Trustee Robin McClelland, State Senator Sharon Nelson, Vashon Honorary Mayor Kathi Jenkins and Vashon Fire & Rescue Chief Hank Lipe. The 10,000 square foot library offers patrons a thoughtful place to read and interact and connects them to their surroundings with enhanced views of Ober Park. During the open house, residents enjoyed refreshments provided by the Friends of Vashon Library and a performance by the Free Range Folk Choir.
Powered by BiblioCommons, a new mobile app for Apple iOS and Android launched

in mid-April. The app is fully integrated with the KCLS catalog and provides a more consistent user experience. Highlights include filtered searches for more accurate results, GPS-enabled mapping of catalog items, barcode scanning and integration of eBooks with print materials in the “My Borrowing” screen. The 2014

2014 Grand Champions
Radical Roosters, Cherry Crest Elementary School

Global Reading Grand Challenge took place on Friday, March 21 at Bellevue Library. More than 160 parents, teachers and children cheered on four teams competing for the honor of being named Grand Champions, which went to the Radical Roosters from Cherry Crest Elementary School. Patrick Jennings, author of Guinea Dog and one of 10 books the students read, spoke to the audience, and every team member received an autographed copy generously provided by the KCLS Foundation. The Grand Challenge is the culminating event of the Global Reading Challenge, which kicked-off last October. More than 2,100 students from 61 schools across 18 school districts participated in the program.
Celebrating spring with programs for all ages, Playing with Words kicked off in early April. Performing together for the first time, Nancy Stewart and Charlie Williams got great reviews for their Chancy and Narly Show. Many Voices, One Land wrapped up at the end of March and, as suspected, attendance in 2014 (12,818) far exceeded last year (8,975).
The much anticipated Start to Fitness program, Seahawks Past and Present, was held at the Northshore Performing
Arts Center on April 7. Brad
Adams of Root Sports
moderated the panel, which
included Seahawks Assistant
Strength Coach Mondray
Gee, Seahawks Wide
Receiver Bryan Walters and
former Seahawks Safety
Nesby Glasgow. In addition
to talking about the Super
Bowl season, panelists
highlighted the importance
of motivation, education and health - all in keeping with the Start to Fitness theme. A crowd of more than 165 people attended, a third of whom indicating it was their first time at a KCLS-sponsored program. More than 500 people attended 20 Start to Fitness programs in the month of March.
The White Center Community Development Association, a KCLS partner, was one of five community networks nationwide selected to receive a Networks for Integrating New Americans (NINA) grant through the Office of Vocational and Adult Education

(OVAE). Grant recipients are provided technical assistance (not funding) in the form of training, expertise and coaching to address the linguistic, civic and economic needs of immigrant adults in support of the initiative. In addition to the White Center Community Development Association (lead agency) and KCLS, other partners in the community network include Highline Community College; Highline School District; OneAmerica; Port of Seattle; Southwest Youth and Family Services; Greenbridge YWCA; and King County Housing Authority.
The KCLS Foundation Board of Directors recently voted to expand eligibility requirements for its scholarship program to reflect the Foundation’s core values of supporting staff in the attainment of their personal goals. In past years only staff seeking a master’s in library and information science were eligible. However, scholarships are now available to staff pursing any advanced degree. As in previous years, scholars will be selected via a competitive application and interview
process. The top 10 applicants will be interviewed by members of the KCLSF Scholarship Committee in June and recipients will be announced in August. The 2014 Literary
Lions Gala was held
on March 22 at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue with record-setting attendance and dollars raised. More than 600 library lovers contributed more than $275,000
to support literacy,
learning and library
programs with an emphasis on teen programs. Study Zone tutoring and free SAT prep classes are a few examples of the programs supported by donor gifts. Best- selling author Amy Tan charmed the audience with a reading of the prize-winning essay she wrote as an eight year old girl titled “What the Library Means to Me.” Her most recent book, The Valley of Amazement, inspired the Asian-themed three-

(from left) KCLS Foundation Director Beth Castleberry, KCLS Foundation President Rick Taylor, Interim Library Director Julie Brand, Amy Tan and Nancy Pearl.

course dinner and evening’s décor. Third Place Books hosted a benefit book sale featuring authors Pierce Brown, Deb Caletti, Carol Cassella, Langdon Cook, William Dietrich, Timothy Egan, Lyanda Lynn Haupt, Nancy Horan, Sarah Jio, Lauren Kessler, David Laskin, Domingo Martinez, Peter Mountford, Kevin O’Brien, Julie Paschkis, Cat Patrick, Nancy Pearl, Matthew Porter, Vicki Robin, Paul Schmid, Indu Sundaresan, John Sundstrom, Laini Taylor, Samantha Vamos, and Urban Waite. Guests were also able to purchase tickets to exclusive author salons hosted by local northwest writers such as J.A. Jance, Nancy Pearl, Ciscoe Morris and Nancy Horan.

February 2014

Friends & Partnership Contact: Carol Van Baalen

LOCAL NEWS

Program Highlights

Here are a few of the interesting programs being presented at our local libraries in February:

  Images of China Puppet Show

Saturday, February 1, 2pm at Des Moines Library.  Presented by Dragon Arts Studio, for ages 3 and up.

Using Chinese rod puppets, this talented duo presents stories from folklore with elegance, humor and special effects.





The World in Washington; an Exploration of Literature and our Lives

Thursday, February 6, 7pm at Kent Library.  UW Professor Anu Taranath will introduce us to stories and literature written by multicultural authors from around the state.



Feeding Your Immune System

Saturday, February 8, 1pm at Des Moines Library.  Presented by Nick Rose from PCC Natural Markets; part of the Start to Fitness series.

  The World of Miro

Sunday, February 16, 2pm at Kent Library.  Presented by Art Historian Susan Olds; an introduction to the upcoming exhibit at Seattle Art Museum.



For a complete list of library programs, click on this link:  http://www.kcls.org/programs/



Upcoming Meetings:

Des Moines Friends of the Library           Wednesday, February 12, 7pm

Kent Friends of the Library                          Thursday, February 13, 12 noon

Woodmont Friends of the Library             Thursday, February 13, 6:30pm



Farewell

I too am saying farewell this month, as I will retire from KCLS at the end of January.  I want to express my thanks and appreciation for all you do to support KCLS as Friends, Board Members, and volunteers.  It has been a pleasure to work with you,

Carol Van Baalen



King County Library System

Director’s Report
January 2014
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
The current Legislative session will be a short one as it is the second year of the biennium. The Washington Library Association is hosting Library Legislative Day on Friday, January 24 and more than 30 advocates from KCLS have already registered. Although there isn’t much pending legislation that pertains to libraries, one bill that would increase funding for school libraries will be a primary talking point for library supporters. Another bill, House Bill 2522, would allow the King County Executive to participate in the selection of KCLS’ Library Director, but does not appear to have enough support to advance. It does, however, point to the need for library supporters to maintain a strong presence in Olympia to preserve the fabric and structure of independent public library districts. 


KCLS and Seattle Public Library (SPL) are in the process of reviewing the current cross-use agreement which has been in place between the two Systems since 2006. KCLS and SPL are working together to identify a consultant to develop a measurement system that takes into account all factors that potentially affect cross-use. The process could ultimately lead to a new agreement that is predicated on the idea that any cross-use discrepancy will be reconciled financially and not through a differentiation in service. KCLS and SPL could have a new draft agreement ready for review by their respective Boards in late 2014.
KCLS was pleased to learn that Trustee Lucy Krakowiak was unanimously selected by her fellow council members to be the new Mayor of the City of Burien. While past KCLS Boards of Trustees have included city council members, judges, and mayors’ spouses, Lucy is the first sitting Mayor.

OPERATIONS
The eBook cost analysis project that KCLS is leading in conjunction with the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) received a strong show of support when 47 libraries across the United States and Canada agreed to participate in the project. eBook purchasing information from the respective libraries will be gathered and reported by the end of February,  allowing for a broad analysis. In the meantime, several law firms have been contacted to determine whether there is interest in potentially representing public libraries in the United States and Canada on this issue.

Staff has identified a potential site in a former retail space for a new 5,000 square foot East Hill of Kent Library. Lease terms are still being refined, but staff plans to present a site analysis at the February 26 Board meeting. The East Hill of Kent Library is the last scheduled project in KCLS’ 2004 Capital Bond program.


In 2014, KCLS will partner with United Way of King County to engage in a new Convey project focused on the issue of hunger in King County. Launching in late February, the project will be a three-phase, ongoing project through 2014, engaging county residents in conversation around hunger and food insecurity and possibly including participation in a summer meal site program.  Information forums will also be held at KCLS Libraries. Tying closely to this is KCLS’ food donation effort, which started in 2013 as part of A Place at the Table. Through that effort, KCLS collected more than 30,000 pounds of food that was distributed to local food banks. The food donation effort will continue in 2014 through KCLS’ Start to Fitness program.

Linda Glenicki, Julie Brand and I will conduct the first round of interviews for a new Finance Director the week of January 27. The top two candidates will advance to a second round of interviews with Administrative Planning Team members and Business Office staff.  The final decision will be made by Interim Director Julie Brand in consultation with Linda Glenicki and Human Resources Director Charlene Richards.



OTHER
A group from the Los Angeles Public Library Innovation Leadership Program (ILP) visited KCLS in mid-January to learn about innovative programming, service strategies and staff development initiatives at KCLS. The cohort met with Administrative Planning Team (APT) members, toured the Materials Distribution Services Center in Preston, and visited the Federal Way cluster to discuss implementation of KCLS’ new Services Strategy. The ILP is a mentoring program that pairs library managers with librarians-in-residence and is funded by the Los Angeles Public Library Foundation.

The Aven Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to the King County Library System Foundation for its Tukwila Library Community Mosaic Capital Campaign.


FAREWELL
Over the last few weeks, as I’ve begun to look ahead to my new job as CEO of the Calgary Public Library, many people have taken the time to let me know what a great library system KCLS has become over the years. I am honored by the comments, but I have one recurring thought. The success that KCLS has achieved during my 25 years with KCLS is a direct result of the hard work of a very talented and dedicated staff. In turn, their efforts have been bolstered by the Board of Trustees, KCLS Foundation, Library Advisory Boards and Friends of the Library who have volunteered countless hours to support KCLS’ mission.

KCLS has had the good fortune to serve patrons who value their public library. It is undoubtedly the strong support that KCLS has received from the entire community that has ultimately set the stage for the extraordinary work of the King County Library System.

As I come to the end of my 294th Director’s Report, I would like to thank everyone who has had a hand in our success. I will miss KCLS and this great community.

Cheers,

Bill

January 2014

Friends & Partnership Contact: Carol Van Baalen

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BILLBOARD

Last night the Board of Trustees accepted my resignation from the King County Library System effective February 1, 2014, as I have accepted the position of CEO of the Calgary Public Library in Alberta, Canada. Simultaneously, the Board announced the appointment of Julie Brand, Community Relations and Marketing Director, as Interim Library Director while the search for a new Director is underway.
I have very mixed feelings about this transition. The Calgary Public Library is located in a vibrant and growing community and the Library is poised to be an integral part of the city’s future development. I am honored to have the opportunity to play a role in that. On the other hand, I am leaving the King County Library System after 25 years of exciting growth and will miss all the relationships that have developed over those years.
By every account, KCLS is an amazingly successful organization. Even before being recognized as Library of the Year, our patrons strongly endorsed KCLS through their unparalleled use of our libraries and financial support of our capital and operating budgets. Our community partners confirmed that success by aligning many of their programs and services with KCLS.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone at KCLS for letting me be a part of this great Library System. I’d also like to recognize our current and past Board members, KCLS Foundation Board members, Library Advisory Board members, Friends of the Library, and all the volunteers who have helped make KCLS what it is today.
I am lucky to have had a chance to be a part of this special organization and am confident that KCLS will continue to be the talk of the town in Library world. I will miss that, and all of you.
It has been the ride of a lifetime.
Cheers,
Bill

Bill Ptacek, Director

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

In early November, the City of Tukwila’s Board of Architectural Review (BAR) enthusiastically approved the design for the new Tukwila Library, in December they approved the plans for the related Tukwila Village project operated by the Senior Housing Assistance Group (SHAG). KCLS and SHAG are now negotiating the final sales price and apportionment of infrastructure costs. Construction will likely begin in summer 2014.

King County Library System was a Literacy*AmeriCorps partner site from 1994 until the program was discontinued in 2012 due to lack of funding. Earlier this month, KCLS learned that federal funding guidelines have changed and the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council (formerly the lead agency of the program) is planning to apply for a grant to renew the program. KCLS was contacted by the Director of the Council and has expressed its interest in participating as a partner site once again. The program, if refunded, would not begin until fall 2014.

OPERATIONS
The KCLS Answer Line has been transformed into “Ask KCLS.” Staff members moved from the Bellevue Library to the Service Center in Issaquah on December 10 without interruption in service. Hours of operation have been modified to reflect lower demand for telephone assistance in the evenings and increasing demand from online traffic during the day. New hours are Monday through Saturday 10am-6pm and Noon-5pm on Sundays

Renovation of Library Connection @ Crossroads is almost finished. The project is a complete refurbishment of the facility and includes showcasing the operation of the Automated Materials Handling equipment to the public. The front and back entrances have also been upgraded to conform to new Mall standards. The Library has been closed since the Bellevue Library garage opened in September and is scheduled to re-open on December 30.

Circulation remains flat compared to2012. This still positions KCLS to circulate more than 22 million items in 2013. Downloads increased 41% year-to-date and accounted for more than 1.7 million uses. The most notable upward trend was at the Bellevue Library, which had an 18% increase in circulation over last year now that the new parking garage has opened. Circulation at the Enumclaw Library more than doubled in November compared to the same month last year.

As was noted at last month’s Board meeting, Director of Finance Linda Glenicki will be leaving KCLS early next year. Linda joined KCLS twelve years ago after a very successful career at Microsoft and other private and non-profit organizations. KCLS was fortunate to have her talent and expertise during this important period in the history of the System. KCLS has hired CFO Selections to help KCLS identify qualified candidates for this key position and the recruitment process is well underway.

OTHER

On December 5, a crowd of more than 700 packed Town Hall in Seattle to hear Ree Drummond, New York Times bestselling author of The Pioneer Woman Cooks and The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier. Ree’s website —thepioneerwoman.com — receives over 30 million views each month and showcases her cooking and photography, and provides anecdotes about country life. She also hosts a cooking show on the Food Network.

This Meet the Author event was part of KCLS’ adult program series, A Place at the Table and was hosted in partnership with University Books. KCLS’ Public Programming Coordinator Deborah Schneider, who introduced the event, received enthusiastic applause when she mentioned the food donation component of A Place at the Table (APATT). Patron gifts of food  now total over 28,000 lbs. which has been shared with KCLS partner agencies Food Lifeline and Hopelink. Many who attended remained for nearly three hours to get their books signed and have a photo taken with the well-known author and Food Network celebrity. It was an exciting conclusion to a year of programs, promotions and events around APATT.

LOCAL NEWS

If you’re resolved to begin the New Year with a more active, healthy lifestyle, it’s easy to get started at your library.  Throughout 2014, find ideas, inspiration and tips on simple ways to add more movement and healthy options to your life through the new adult program series, Start to Fitness.  Here’s what’s happening locally during January and early February:

Evaluating Diets:  what science says about trendy diets like Paleo, Wheat Belly and Gluten Free, presented by Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  Sunday, January 19, 1pm at the Kent Library.

Walking in Balance, presented by foot expert Erich Sach.  Thursday, January 23, 7pm at the Woodmont Library.

Healthy Knees, presented by Astrid Pujari MD, author of The Healthy Knees Book.  Wednesday, January 29, 7pm at the Woodmont Library.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Woodmont Library.

Feeding Your Immune System, presented by Nick Rose, MS Nutrition Expert for PCC Natural Markets.  Saturday, February 8, 1pm at the Des Moines Library.

For a complete list of programs in the series, pick up a brochure at your library, or check online at:  www.kcls.org/fitness 

 

December 2013

Friends, Associations, Guilds & Partnerships Contact: Carol Van Baalen

LOCAL NEWS . . .

HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

Our Friends of the Library groups are sponsoring a variety of holiday programs during the month of December at all three libraries.  Thank You, Friends, for your support!

Below are the highlights; for a complete list of programs at your library, click here: http://www.kcls.org/programs/library_programs.cfm

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 4^th-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

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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.

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 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.

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

Carol Van Baalen

Librarian Services Manager

Des Moines - Kent - Woodmont Libraries

 

November 2013

Friends, Guilds, Associations & Partnership Contact:  Carol Van Baalen

Local News

Naturalization Ceremony

October 28 at the Kent Library

The Kent Library hosted a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Naturalization Oath ceremony on Monday, October 28.  Thirty-three new citizens from fourteen countries took the oath to become US citizens.  Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke and Linh Thai, Community Liaison to US Representative Adam Smith witnessed the ceremony as well.  A big thank you to the Friends of the Kent Library for not only funding refreshments (cake and punch) and a gift of a KCLS bag to each citizen, but also for volunteering at the refreshments table. 

KCLS Budget Hearings & Board Forums

KCLS is holding community budget hearings to discuss proposed strategic plans and budget allocations for 2014.  It is an opportunity for public discussion to help shape the way we provide service in libraries, online and in communities throughout KCLS.

Please join the conversation:

Thursday, November 14, 7pm at the Kent Library

The Des Moines – Woodmont Library Advisory Board will attend the KCLS Library Board Forum prior to the budget hearing.  Forums will be held:

Tuesday, November 12, 5:30pm at the Newcastle Library

Thursday, November 14, 5:30pm at the Kent Library

November Program Highlights

Woodmont Library:

Job Search & Interview Strategies for Teens

Wednesday, November 13, 7pm, presented by Allan Hay

Des Moines Library:

A Holiday Tale of Poetry and Magic Show

Saturday, November 23, 2pm, presented by Thomas Pruiksma; for children & families.

Kent Library:

Creating a Graphic Novel

Saturday, November 23, 2pm, presented by Elizabeth Guizzetti, for ages 12 & older.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Kent Library

For a complete list of programs, story times, book clubs, and much more, please click here:  http://www.kcls.org/programs/library_programs.cfm

Director’s Report – October 2013

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The permit and land use requirements for four KCLS construction projects located in unincorporated King County come under the jurisdiction of the King County Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES). Facilities Director Greg Smith has met with DDES Deputy Director Jim Chen along with architects from the Skyway, White Center, Fairwood and Vashon Library projects. It was clear from the meeting that the County’s budget problems have severely limited staffing levels and KCLS’ ability to facilitate their library permitting process. Mr. Chen has agreed to set up an official contact person for KCLS. The DDES also prioritized the permits needed for each current project, identifying in order the fire permit for the Vashon Library; building permit for the Skyway Library; fire permit for the Fairwood Library and the building permit early next year for the White Center Library. Based on that order, KCLS expects to be able to finish the Vashon Library by the end of the year and go out to bid on the Skyway Library in November. KCLS will be presenting an update on both Renton projects to the Renton City Council on November 18.

OPERATIONS
KCLS’ fleet of Mobile Learning Lab vehicles are back on the road with increased connectivity and new servers to support the vehicles’ on-board software. Library staff will be able to bring more technology related-programs to their community partners. Kingsgate Library staff is planning to visit a neighborhood park with teens to conduct a count of birds and will then use a Mobile Learning Lab to connect to the Cornell University Urban Bird Count Center to report their findings. Library2Go vehicles, which visited an average 165 community sites per month over the summer, have also been upgraded.

NOTICE

Effective immediately, the monthly King County Library System Board of Trustees meeting has changed from Tuesday to Wednesday evenings.

Notification of the change was included in the October Board meeting announcement that I send to both the Library Advisory Board and Friends mailing list. Let me know if you have any questions.

Maria Hatcher
Assistant to the Director

425.369.3233

From the KCLS Foundation

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This year’s Friends Day theme was Friends Around the Table. The agenda included “courses” on holiday meal presentation building community through reading and eating, and literary recommendations on cookbooks and food memoirs. Keynote speaker Tames Alan presented “Dining at Downton Abbey – A Trial by Fork.” The KCLS Foundation hosts the brunch for 100+ guests with arrangements made by Community Relations. Outstanding members of Friends of the Library organizations were honored with the annual Awards. Thank you to all who participated and congratulations to all the recipients.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Connie Olstad, Friends of the Lake Forest Park Library

Friend of the Year

Jackie Krutz, Friends of the Valley View Library

Friends of the Library Hall of Fame

·         Beth Zirbes, Friends of the Covington Library

·         Bill and June McIvor, White Center Library Guild

·         Fred Warden, Friends of the Covington Library

·         Jane Kato, Newport Way Library Association

·         Jean Marston, Friends of the Redmond Library

·         John Mantle, Burien Library Guild

·         Kathleen Malarky, Friends of the Richmond Beach Library

·         Luanne Rosenfeld and Dolores Robertson, Bellevue Friends of the Library

·         Marla Blaser, Kenmore Library Association

·         Sidney Stockinger, Friends of the Kingsgate Library

Upcoming Meeting Dates

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Finance Committee

Wednesday, November 20^th, 4 pm, Service Center

Board Meeting

Wednesday, November 20^th, 5 pm, Service Center

Carol Van Baalen

Librarian Services Manager

Des Moines - Kent - Woodmont Libraries

October 2013

Friends, Associations, Guilds & Partnerships Contact: Carol Van Baalen

We look forward to seeing you on Friends Day! RSVP at kcls.org/friendsday/

 

LOCAL NEWS . . .

 

Kent Library will host a Naturalization Ceremony for new U.S. citizens on Monday, October 28, at 2pm.  Several local dignitaries are expected to attend, and the ceremony is open to the public.  The Friends of the Kent Library will provide refreshments after the ceremony.

 

For a complete list of programs at your library, click here: http://www.kcls.org/programs/library_programs.cfm

 

 

The Woodmont Library Garden had another successful year.  Programs for children included how to build a composting bin, complete with worms, and an informative presentation about bees and honey, as well as several planting and harvesting parties.  New this year were several programs for adults, including Kim Richmond, from the Des Moines Sonju Community Garden, and Tom Watson, EcoConsumer for the Seattle Times.  This picture was taken during a visit to the garden for bean picking at the end of an Infant / Toddler Story Time.  Special thanks to the Friends of the Woodmont Library, who sponsored the garden programs again this year.

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Meetings:

Friends of the Des Moines Library                                Wednesday, October 9, 6:30 dinner meeting at Lago Azul in Des Moines

Friends of the Woodmont Library                                 Thursday, October 10, 6:30pm

Friends of the Kent Library                                              Thursday, October 17, 12 noon

 

Meetings are held at the respective libraries, unless noted.  New members are always welcome!

 

 

KCLS System Highlights

 

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

As a result of the many partnerships King County Library System has developed over the years, KCLS will have an important role in the implementation of the new Affordable Care Act. As previously reported, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange selected Public Health Seattle-King County (PHSKC) as a lead assistance provider to ensure that all King County residents enroll in qualified health insurance plans. Representatives from PHSKC will provide one-on-one assistance in twenty-nine KCLS libraries during open enrollment from October 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014. Much like the rollout of the State’s benefit portal a few years ago, the State of Washington and other public agencies turn to the public library to get the word out to communities across the County about important new services.

 

KCLS once again rules the world of library “sortation.” For the third year, KCLS Materials Distribution Services (MDS) staff in Preston competed against their counterparts at the New York Public Library (NYPL) to see which System could sort the most items in one hour. Both Library Systems use the same Automated Materials Handling equipment and in fact NYPL studied KCLS’ sorting installation in preparation for this year’s contest. KCLS won the contest in 2011 and NYPL won in 2012. I am pleased to report that with a production hour of 13,122 items, KCLS has won back the Lyngsoe trophy from NYPL! Rumor has it that MDS staff will be rewarded with authentic New York cheesecake.

 

Good news on the technology front. KCLS’ mobile outreach vehicles are being refitted with hardware and software that will vastly improve connectivity. This will yield immediate results as the Mobile Learning Labs will begin to be deployed next month. It will also improve the ability to check out materials and register new patrons on Library2Go vehicles.

 

BiblioCommons, the long-awaited catalog improvement, has moved through the testing phase and into the training phase for staff members at community libraries. A soft launch of the service is scheduled for later this year with a full roll out anticipated after Thanksgiving.

 

Circulation in the month of August increased 3%. The new Bellevue Library garage is having an impact as circulation at that Library increased 12%. More importantly, the number of items checked out (119,000) is getting close to the 125,000 figure that was common before the garage project reduced patron’s access to the building. In the same cluster, circulation at the Lake Hills Library increased 30% due, in part, to the closure of Library Connection @ Crossroads for renovations. There was also a 47% increase in eBook downloads, which is a trend that has remained consistent over the last year. The number of holds placed is running at the same level as last year and indicates that patrons are becoming more comfortable placing holds on eBooks.

 

The following announcement went out to all KCLS staff on Wednesday, September 18 regarding the new KCLS Foundation Director:

It is not often that we have a change in the membership of KCLS’ Administrative Planning Team (APT). However as you know, Jeanne Thorsen, KCLS Foundation Executive Director is retiring at the end of September. As you also know, much of what KCLS does and can do is shaped by the ability to raise money and seek partners for our work. The KCLS Foundation Executive Director is critical to both and Jeanne has played an important role with APT for nearly 14 years.

There was an extensive recruitment effort to find Jeanne’s successor. Members from both the KCLS Foundation Board and Administrative Planning Team interviewed four very well qualified candidates. From that pool, I am pleased to announce that Elizabeth Castleberry has been selected as the next Executive Director of the KCLS Foundation.

Beth has 18 years of experience in fundraising and development. Most recently, she has served as the Chief Development Officer for Global Partnership, a Seattle-based non-profit that expands opportunities for people living in poverty. She also held development positions at the Washington State University Foundation, Seattle Symphony, Junior Achievement and served as Deputy Director of Development at Seattle Public Library Foundation from 1999 to 2004.

In her spare time, Beth is a board member for a number of outstanding community organizations. She was a founding board member of the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation and, perhaps most importantly, is a 15-year veteran of the Lit Chicks book club.

In order to wrap-up commitments in her current position, Beth will join KCLS November 1 at which point she will plan to visit as many libraries and departments as possible prior to the end of the year. As she makes her rounds, I am sure she would love to hear any ideas or suggestions from staff members.

Beth joins a great team and an outstanding Board that has a great history of success. Please join me in welcoming her to the KCLS Foundation.

Study Zones continue to grow in popularity with more students and volunteers participating each year. Now in its 14^th year, a new logo and promotional materials have been designed to call even more attention to this great library program.

The King County Library System Capital Bond Report has been updated with photographs and descriptions of the library projects that were completed this past year. The report is available on the bond project Web page. You may also view it by clicking here.

UPCOMING DATES

KCLS Friends Day, Saturday, October 26, KCLS Service Center

Board Meeting, Tuesday, October 29, 5 pm, KCLS Service Center