November 2011

Community Liaison Contact: Carol Van Baalen


LOCAL NEWS

Congratulations!  To Ed Heineman, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the KCLS Foundation last month.  The award was presented to him at the October meeting of the Kent Friends of the Library.  Ed has been a member of the Friends for 25 years, and takes charge of the set-up and take-down for the annual book sale each year at the Kent Library.  He is pictured here with his wife, Mary Gene, and other members of the Friends.


The Des Moines-Woodmont Library Advisory Board will attend the KCLS Board Forum/Budget Hearings for their November meeting.   The first half of the meeting will be the Board Forum, which begins at 5:30pm.  Board members will have the opportunity to meet with other library advisory boards from KCLS, and to discuss what should be the role of the board in the library system and in the community.  The second half of the meeting will be the Budget Hearing, which begins at 7:15pm.  Library Director Bill Ptacek will present the proposed budget for 2012, and opportunity will be given for questions and discussion about the budget.

Dates and locations are given below in this newsletter.  The south county location will be Kent Library, on November 10.  Please RSVP for the date and location you plan to attend.  Friends members are also invited and encouraged to attend.
November Programs

 Don’t miss these free programs for adults, happening at the Des Moines, Kent and Woodmont Libraries in November:

A Reader’s Journal

Create a unique journal for recording the books you read, using decorative papers, text, clip art, rubber stamps, and more.  Bring a blank journal to decorate and register in advance, please, at your library.
Kent Library, Sunday, November 6, 1:30pm
Woodmont Library, Saturday, November 12, 1pm

Beyond Ancestry.com:  Searching for your Ancestors Online
Kent Library, Saturday, November 12, 1-4pm

Things to Come:  Visions of the Future on Film
A look at how movies have imagined what the future would look like, from utopian visions to dystopian nightmares.
Des Moines Library, Sunday, November 13, 2pm

For a complete list of November programs at your library, click here:
http://www.kcls.org/programs/library_programs.cfm
or open the attachments above.
   

The InfoToGo topic for November is InfoBiz, which is the new KCLS resource center for small business owners. Whether you’re starting a new business, or looking for ways to grow the business you already have, InfoBiz will connect you to resources and advisors who can help you find the information you need to succeed.

 SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS FROM OCTOBER

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

OPERATIONS

At a Board meeting earlier this year, Outreach staff reported on the first year of Library2Go (L2G) service, presenting survey results from staff who work on the vehicles and from daycare providers who use the service. Nearly 50% of daycare providers who responded gave L2G a 9.66 out of 10 rating for overall service and a 90% approval rating of the collections, especially the availability of themed kits. Most respondents indicated a preference for visits later in the morning and liked the newsletter, activity sheets and programming that have been incorporated into the visits.

The eBook phenomenon continues. Digital downloads increased 155% in September and 130% for the year, due mostly to eBook circulation. As mentioned last month, Amazon has announced it will release its new Kindle Fire at the end of November. Amazon’s preorders are very high and will likely drive circulation even higher. At the end of October, Baker & Taylor will soft launch new eBook content, mostly non-fiction and children’s materials, that will be accessible through its Blio platform.

KCLS has one full year of data since Evergreen launched and circulation for the month of September was up 3% over last year. Most libraries experienced increases except for the Bellevue Library as patrons have been encouraged to use other libraries during construction of the parking garage. The Kenmore Library which opened on July 9 has seen a 34% increase for the year and a 128% increase compared to September 2010.

More than 1,800 students are participating in this year’s Global Reading Challenge. Staff is still accepting students from schools that made late decisions to participate. KCLS will once again host the “Grand Challenge” at the Service Center next spring where top schools answer challenge questions and compete for the title of Grand Champions.

Godbe Research is conducting community surveys to identify subjects of interest to patrons in order to inform KCLS programming. The surveys will also assess the level of interest in online or virtual programming as well as the best times and locations for programs to be held throughout the System. Godbe will present their findings to the Board later this year.

KCLS has 1,295 active volunteers who serve as library, Study Zone, NetMasters, Talk Time/Citizenship and Outreach volunteers. Since the beginning of May, volunteers have been able to record their hours online and 706 have entered a total of 7,439 hours. Beginning January 2012, all volunteers will enter their hours online and will also complete their application process online.

OTHER

The Urban Libraries Council (ULC) is taking the lead in encouraging public libraries to take on a greater role in fostering civic engagement in their local communities. Next month, ULC is hosting “Partners for Success: Civic Engagement and Building Community” in Miami, Florida. The conference will create a conversation between public library directors in North America, key civic leaders that share the public library’s commitment to civic engagement, thought leaders and young people who will shape the future of American communities. KCLS has earned professional development credits from ULC to cover all conference-related expenses, which will allow Julie Brand, Community Relations & Marketing Director and incoming KCLS Foundation Board President Kari Glover to attend the conference. KCLS’ expanded programming in 2012 will likely include a focus on civic engagement.

Nadine Strossen’s presentation on Intellectual Freedom and civil liberties in public libraries was well received at the 2011 Board Retreat. The court case she mentioned involving the North Central Regional Library (NCRL) is scheduled in federal court on October 25. In a 6-3 decision, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled in favor of NCRL in a 2006 lawsuit brought by the ACLU, which opposed NCRL’s internet filtering policy, arguing that the policy “bars adult patrons from reading tens of thousands of constitutionally protected Web sites.”  The case is back in federal court for further rulings, including the plaintiffs' claim that the state ruling abridges free speech under the U.S. Constitution.

 

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

The Bellevue Library parking garage project started this week. The entrance

from the street to the temporary parking lot adjacent to Ashwood Park will be constructed first. During construction, parking will be limited to approximately 50 spaces in the temporary lot and any available on-street parking. The City of Bellevue has approved all of the permits that are necessary to start the garage project but has not been as prompt addressing an issue affecting the sale of the property where the old Lake Hills Library is located. The Boys & Girls Club has made an offer to purchase the property but the purchase is contingent on the City revising its land use requirements for that area. The process has taken longer than anticipated and the City Council is not scheduled to consider the matter until December. In the meantime, the building is vacant and KCLS continues to maintain the grounds.

KCLS met with the Mayor of Tukwila to discuss how to get the Tukwila Village project moving forward. Marie Parrish, a member of the Tukwila Library Advisory Board attended the meeting and reinforced the community’s interest in seeing the project get started. At the Mayor’s request, KCLS submitted a memo to the Mayor and City Council members, which outlined KCLS’ preference to own the property where the new Library will be located and work directly with the Senior Housing Assistance Group (SHAG) to develop the site plan. The Mayor responded favorably to that concept and KCLS hopes to hear back soon so that KCLS’ architects can resume design work prior to the end of the year.

Progress is being made on both the Renton and Renton Highlands Library projects. Design work for the downtown Library is underway. The building will be 15,000 square feet and KCLS’ architects are considering input from last month’s public meeting. The building will be oriented towards several public amenities, including a nearby Park and Ride, Renton High School, a civic plaza and the Renton Pavilion Event Center, which serves as the site of the Downtown Renton Farmers Market. The Renton Highlands Library will be part of a mixed use development and the concept has been explored in some detail. The current plan places the Library above an underground shared parking facility with housing units located immediately adjacent to the Library. The plan also calls for KCLS’ architects to design the Library and the City’s developer to design and build the parking and housing. Both projects will be reviewed by the Renton City Council at their meeting on November 14.

The Burien City Council voted on October 10 to file a “Notice of Intent to Annex” the remaining unincorporated area of North Highline. City Manager Mike Martin said that the City must first work with King County to address several issues surrounding the potential annexation and must also receive approval from the Boundary Review Board in order to proceed. An election could take place as early as next spring but a summer or fall election is more likely.

You’re Invited! 2012 Preliminary Library Budget Meetings

The King County Library System (KCLS) is holding community meetings to discuss proposed strategic plans and budget allocations for the coming year. It is an opportunity for public discussion to help shape the way KCLS provides service in libraries, online and in the community.

2012 Budget priorities include:

• Effectively delivering service goals
• Enhancing print and digital collections
• Providing innovative technology, software and equipment
• Maintaining current staffing costs as KCLS moves toward the Future Services Model
• Continuing responsible fiscal management to sustain quality libraries
• Conserving revenue to cover annual operating expenses for several years to come

Please join in the conversation:
Tuesday, November 8, 7:15pm Kenmore Library 6531 NE 181st Street Kenmore 98028 425.486.8747 Wednesday, November 9, 7:15pm Redmond Library 15990 NE 85th Street Redmond 98052 425.885.1861 Thursday, November 10, 2pm Mercer Island Library 4400 88th Avenue SE Mercer Island 98040 206.236.3537 Thursday, November 10, 7:15pm Kent Library 212 2nd Avenue N Kent 98032 253.859.3330

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!

   

Upcoming Dates

The next Planning Committee Meeting takes place on Thursday, November 17, 12 noon at theBurien Library.

The next Finance Committee Meeting takes place on Tuesday, November 29, 4pm at theService Center.

The next KCLS Board of Trustees Meeting takes place on Tuesday, November 29, 5pm at theService Center.

 

October Insights

 

Community Liaison Contact: Carol Van Baalen

LOCAL NEWS

Friends Day Reminder – Saturday, October 22!

Don’t forget to put it on your calendar.  If you need transportation to the Service Center in Issaquah, please call me at the Woodmont Library (253-839-0121).  More details about the program are given below in this newsletter.  Hope to see many of you there!

Friends Lifetime Achievement Award for Ed Heineman

Several Friends Awards are given out each year on Friends Day.  This year one of the recipients is Ed Heineman, long time member of the Kent Friends, who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.  Ed has been a valuable member of the Kent Friends for 25 years.  He is a tireless worker at the annual book sale and for the past 15 years, has been in charge of the setup and takedown.  At the age of 85, he now recruits younger family members, his sons and grandsons, to help.  According to Rose Ann King, chair of the book sale, the problem with Ed is getting him to slow down.  He is the one who is always called when there is a problem or help is needed.

Ed will be presented with his award at the Kent Friends meeting on Thursday, October 13, by Jeanne Thorsen, director of the KCLS Foundation.  Congratulations, Ed!

Laptop Winner from Kent Library

The Kent Library celebrated with Anna Voloshina, age 10, as she accepted the very cool notebook computer that she won in the drawing at the end of the Summer Reading Program this year. She and her family, along with a few friends and her school librarian from Soos Creek Elementary, joined staff for the celebration which took place in the small meeting room Saturday, September 17 at 11am.  This is the first time that a student from the Kent Library has won the laptop.

KCLS Board Retreat

Library Advisory Board members and Friends are invited to attend the annual KCLS Board Retreat, which will be held on Friday, October 14, from 1-5pm at the Service Center in Issaquah.  The topic for this year’s retreat is Intellectual Freedom and the role of public libraries in a democracy.

If you have any questions, please contact Maria Hatcher at 425.369.3233 or mshatcher@kcls.org

SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS FROM AUGUST

The InfoToGo topic for October is Study Zone Online. This service allows students in grades K-12 to join an online Study Zone session for help in math, science, English and social studies. It is now possible to access online tutors from library computers or from home.


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

OPERATIONS

The Literacy Garden at the Mercer Island Library was unveiled this month. The Garden surrounds two sides of the Library and has spaces for story times and impromptu programs.The Pomegranate Center awarded a grant funded by Tully’s Coffee to create nature spaces throughout the community for people to gather and explore. Officials from Tully’s and thePomegranate Center recognized Library staff and community volunteers who worked on theproject.

KCLS and Seattle Public Library were the first two Library Systems to launch the Amazon Kindle Library Lending platform. Patrons report that downloading content works fairly well. Amazon is poised to launch a new version of theKindle later this year. It is bound to be a huge seller and increase the demand for library eBooks.

Last month, eBook and audiobook downloads increased 132%. Nearly 400,000 titles have been downloaded so far this year, increasing circulation in these categories by 126%. At the same time overall circulation continues to slow. Circulation declined 7% last month and 5% for the year. Holds placed were down by 12%, representing about a third of the 7% System‐wide decline in August. Circulation at the new KenmoreLibrary is still booming. Usage is 122% higher than last year. The Renton Highlands Library also stands out with a 35% increase in circulation over the prior year.

Karen Forys, Superintendent of the Northshore School District and 1999 Superintendent of the Year passed away in 2007 while still serving in the position. Her husband Ed was an avid library patron and the couple lived in Woodinville for 37 years. After Ed passed away, his family decided to fund a small renovation project at the Woodinville Library in the couple’s honor. The meeting room will be opened up into the Children’s area, which will greatly enhance the general reading and seating areas in the Library and make the meeting room a more integral part of the Library.

Last month, Information Technology Services (ITS) performed an Evergreen database upgrade. This month, ITS will install a new version of the software on Sunday, September 25. The new software will include many of the feature developments that staff has been working on the last few months.

The Technology Summit discussions that were held earlier this year are continuing with staff throughout the System. Technology Forums are being conducted in every Cluster and at the Service Center to brainstorm ideas for new technology programs and services to implement. Staff in each cluster will spend a morning talking about the five themes that emerged from the initial session, including using existing patron technology, leveraging the library catalog, supporting and building local communities, making KCLS services more accessible, and extending and repurposing existing programs and services for the digital age.


OTHER
This year, a record 76 KCLS staff members used a vacation day to participate in United Way King County’s Day of Caring on Friday, September 16. Two projects benefited from the energy and talents of this group: the Jubilee Reach Center in Bellevue, which provides services and after‐school programs for children, and Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation (SERR) in Maple Valley, which is dedicated to the rescue and recovery of horses.

Twenty‐nine volunteers helped out with painting and yard clean‐up at Jubilee REACH. By day’s end, the facility was sparkling and the grounds and gardens looked remarkably improved! The remaining 47 volunteers spent the day at SERR helping to fix fences, pressure wash stalls, groom and photograph horses, remove weeds and clear rocks. Day of Caring is the annual kick‐off event for United Way’s Workplace Giving campaign and KCLS is proud to once again sponsor a LoanedExecutive for this year’s campaign. John Tun, a librarian from the Bellevue Library will work with companies and organizations on their Giving Campaigns through December.

KCLS is one of several partners to revitalize Northwest Bookfest. This two day event will be held October 1‐2 at the Peter Kirk Community Center adjacent to the Kirkland Library. KCLS and the KCLS Foundation are sponsoring several programs and author visits. Northwest Bookfest was held for several years in Seattle. Lagging attendance and lack of financial support caused the event to go dormant until it was resurrected by several writers and publisher groups along with the City of Kirkland and 4Culture, King County’s culture services agency.


Friends of the King County Libraries will descend upon the KCLS Service Center on Saturday, October 22 for the annual Friends’ Day event and celebration. This year’s theme centers around the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair and activities and presentations will be organized in various pavilions. The main program will include a presentation by Book‐It Repertory Theatre about the Fair which gave us, among other things, the Space Needle and Seattle Center.

       

The Foundation is pleased to announce that bestselling author Lee Child will be the keynote speaker at the Literary Lions Gala on March 10, 2012. Child, a former television director in Britain, is the author of the popular Jack Reacher series. His new book, The Affair, will be available this week. As mentioned above, Friends Day is Saturday, October 22 and the Foundation will present its annual Friends of the Library awards. Six Friends will be honored this year, including:

 Leslie Stevenson‐Johnson, Friend of the Year, Burien Library Guild
 Ed Heineman, Lifetime Achievement Award, Friends of the Kent Library
 Noreen Johnson, Hall of Fame, Friends of the Covington Library
 Donna Jean McGee, Hall of Fame, White Center Library Guild
 Bob and Kris Nelson, Hall of Fame, Friends of the Covington Library
 Susan Nyman, Hall of Fame, Friends of the Vashon Library

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

The City of Enumclaw recently inquired whether KCLS is still open to Enumclaw annexing to KCLS. If the City Council decides to move forward, an election is envisioned for April 2012. If voters approve annexation, KCLS would take over library operations in May and the remainder of the City’s Library budget would be allocated to KCLS. The City’s current budget situation is very severe with only enough funds to keep the Library open two or three days a week.

The City of Bellevue is pursuing annexation of a pocket of unincorporated King County that is in the Eastgate area, which includes the area where the Newport Way Library is located. Annexation could lead to better infrastructure, including sidewalks along Newport Way that lead to the Library. The City requires that 50% of affected property owners sign the petition. To date, the City estimates that 30‐35% of the required number of signatures has been gathered.

More than 130 people attended the public meeting to kick‐off the new downtown Renton Library project. While there were a number of people who expressed concern with the new location for the Library, the meeting primarily focused on the design for the new facility. The architects received good input and City staff seemed to think the meeting went well.

Last month it was reported that the City of Federal Way is considering the appointment of a Library Advisory Board. Some of KCLS’ existing Advisory Boards are feeling the pinch of reduced City support. For instance, the City of SeaTac was investigating whether it could continue to support their Library Advisory Board but Board members at this month’s meeting indicated a strong interest in continuing. KCLS committed to provide administrative support as it currently does in several jurisdictions. Armed with that information, the City Clerk planned to talk with City Council members who raised the issue. KCLS expects to hear
a status report in the near future.

The Tukwila Library project is still on hold until the City sets forth its terms and conditions for the sale of the property for the new Library. As previously mentioned, the developer accepts KCLS’ general plan for the property. The architect was selected last year and the Council reviewed KCLS’ preliminary plan earlier this year and it was hoped that the project would be well into the design phase by now with construction beginning next year. A meeting with the Mayor and a Library Advisory Board member is scheduled for October 3. KCLS hopes that the Mayor can help get the project back on track.

The Burien City Council continues to discuss annexation of the remaining unincorporated area of North Highline. However, the Council has not yet set a date to make a decision whether to move forward or not.

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!
  


Upcoming Dates
The next Planning Committee Meeting takes place on Thursday, October 13, 12 noon at the Burien Library.

The next Finance Committee Meeting takes place on Tuesday, October 25, 4pm at the Renton Library.

The next KCLS Board of Trustees Meeting takes place on Tuesday, October 25, 5pm at the Renton Library.