Library News from 2009

December 14, 2009

‘TIS THE SEASON TO CURL UP WITH A GOOD BOOK…OR TWO…OR FIVE
 
The first line of the widely-acclaimed novel Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann, the one that is on all of those “Best of 2009” lists, is the simple sentence: “Those who saw him hushed.” Reading on, one finds out that the “him” is a tightrope walker, and that he is about to walk his thin cable 110 stories up in the air, high above the streets of New York City.

My stomach instinctively tightens. My pulse quickens. I feel a bit dizzy -- I hate heights. And I am right there watching the walker with the rest of the city, such as it is with any good book. This one in particular has been hailed with sweeping and grand terms like heartbreaking, groundbreaking, stunning, marvelous, electric, profound, brilliant, mesmerizing; the list goes on and on. Critics promise overwhelming giddiness, dizziness. They got that last bit right, and it’s all I can do to prepare it for the shelves at the Roslyn Library without kicking back in my chair and reading more. I am longing for a good book. Or more like a stack of them.

From holiday gatherings where relatives spin tales of family lore to Native Americans who gather at the longhouses to tell their stories and sing their songs, winter is a time for stories. I’d wager that the cavemen were grunting and pantomiming their stories in the time before language, and that they did it most fervently in the long, dark and cold days of winter. For me, and probably for you if you are still reading this, winter is the time to read, read and read some more. There’s nothing like a good story, so here are a few more recommendations, just released and added to the library’s collection and all available now.

If you love a good mystery, there’s new material from northwest author J.A. Jance with Trial by Fire, and from the great Sue Grafton with her newest alphabet book U is for Undertow. The former has Jance’s Ali Reynolds helping a nun known as the “Angel of Death” discover the truth of an arson crime that left one woman burned and unable to communicate but for the blink of her eye. The latter finds the “sharp-tongued loner” Kinsey Millhone talked into investigating an old missing child case in another of the “twisting, complex, surprise-filled” thrillers for which Grafton is known. Grafton is getting close to the end of her Millhone run. If you’re going to get on the train, now is as good a time as any. 

Pirate Latitudes is the last chance for Michael Crichton fans to read a never-before-seen novel from the author, who died last year. This finished manuscript was found in his files and was published this month. A tale of “treasure and betrayal,” Pirate Latitudes is set in the Caribbean of the 17^th century and takes the reader on a rollicking and perilous adventure with Captain Charles Hunter and his quest to steal a galleon named El Trinidad that is filled with Spanish gold. What better January getaway than high pirate adventure in the Carribean?

Everyone, it seems, loves a thriller, and there are top-notch new thrillers to be enjoyed. True Blue by David Baldacci introduces new character Beth Perry, chief of the D.C. police, and her younger sister Mace, a former police officer who has just gotten out of prison for a crime she didn’t commit, and who is looking to crack a big case to prove herself and get her badge back.

The newest Michael Connelly thriller has Harry Bosch racing to Hong Kong to fight a Chinese crime ring and save his own young daughter’s life in 9 Dragons. Critics call this a gritty coffee-and-cigarette thriller, which seems like what any good thriller should be. This one’s on my list.

And Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol follows-up his hugely successful The Da Vinci Code as Robert Langdon seeks clues to another great, religious mystery by running around Washington, D.C.’s greater and lesser landmarks pursued by the villain Mal’akh. Filled with ciphers and symbols and history, this is another satisfying story for Brown fans.

More literary stories can be found in the new novels from four living masters: John Irving, Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, and E.L. Doctorow.

Irving’s Last Night on Twisted River is a tale that spans five decades. In the year 1954, a 12 year old boy mistakes the local constable’s girlfriend for a bear. Both the 12 year old and his father become fugitives, pursued by the implacable constable.

Reviews describe Margaret Atwood’s Year of the Flood as a follow-up to her 2002 novel Oryx and Crake in that it features a world in the throes of catastrophic climate change, where the wealthy dwell in sterile secure compounds, while the poor live in decaying inner cities. But while the first novel focused on the privileged elite in the compounds and the morally bankrupt corporations, The Year of the Flood depicts more of the world of the “pleebs,” an edgy no-man's land inhabited by criminals, sex workers, dropouts and the few individuals who are trying to resist the grip of the corporations. Science fiction or impending reality? Atwood is a master at raising those kinds of questions.

I confess I’ve never read Joyce Carol Oates. The main reason I’m considering reading her newest is that its title is the same as the title of a song I love, written by a friend of a friend of mine, and the lyrics are quoted in the book. It’s called Little Bird of Heaven, and in it, the children of two men accused of murder become entangled with one another. I think it is high time I test the work of this giant of a writer, who has written dozens of books and stories and essays over the last several decades. 

E.L.  Doctorow is best known for his talent for blending history with social criticism. I just like his stories because they bring you right into them, effortlessly it seems. You open the pages and you are in New York in the 1930’s, or you are marching with General Sherman in the Civil War. His newest, Homer and Langley, is also inspired by a true story. It finds the blind Homer Collyer sequestered within a dilapidated Fifth Avenue mansion with his damaged brother and remembering a life marked by colorful characters, political events, and technological achievements. It doesn’t sound like much, really, but I can’t wait to read this one based on his earlier work.

There are many, many more, of course – we’ve got all the big bestsellers like Vince Flynn, Sandra Brown, Pat Conroy, Kathy Reichs, Alexander McCall Smith, Robert B. Parker, Debbie Macomber -- I could go on and on. But, it is better you come and browse on your own and discover those stories that are here just waiting for you. The library’s temporary location features the best of the collection, and new titles are added every month. There is something for every reader, and I promise not to check out the new ones myself, no matter the temptation.

The Roslyn Library is temporarily located at 109 South First Street in Roslyn. The library is open five days a week, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and from 1:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday. For more information, call (509) 649-3420 or visit the library online at www.roslynlibrary.org. The newest additions can be viewed by clicking on “new books list.”

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November 25, 2009

ROSLYN LIBRARY WILL HOLD OPEN HOUSE TO INTRODUCE PUBLIC TO ITS NEW, TEMPORARY HOME

ROSLYN – The Roslyn Library will introduce its new home to the greater upper county community with an open house of treats and tours on Saturday, December 5^th from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at 109 S. First Street. The library is being housed in this temporary facility while the City prepares for the first construction phase of its Old City Hall Renovation Project.

Most of the library’s holdings and equipment were moved during the last two weeks of October with the help of dozens of community volunteers. The library was open for business, as scheduled, on November 1^st.

“All of the response has been positive so far,” said Erin Krake, Roslyn librarian. “We have people using the library regularly now who never could before because of the other building’s steep entry stairs. That really does my heart good, because lack of access was one of the main reasons we began talking about a renovation of the old building.”

The temporary facility, located right next door to the historic Old City Hall building, has some history of its own: It used to be the town’s full service gas station.

“We get people coming in, looking around with wide eyes, saying, ‘I haven’t been in here since this was a garage…’ and then they tell me stories of pumping up their bike tires here, or their kids working on their cars here.”

Not that the building has much resemblance to a garage anymore. Most recently, Suncadia rented the building and retrofitted the interior to serve as their offices. That adaptation works well for the City of Roslyn, the building’s new tenant. There are many different office rooms, large conference rooms, and storage rooms that are being utilized by all of the departments of the city. The Roslyn City Council and the City of Roslyn’s commissions and committees meet in the largest conference room.

The library has a large kids’ area, a media room for videos and CDs, and two rooms full of books for adults, with the library’s five public access Internet stations spread throughout the spaces. There are tables, chairs and couches for people to work on their own laptops using the library’s wireless Internet connection. There are quiet areas for studying and reading, and there is a common area for gathering.

“We hope that people will take some time while they are out and about to stop in and see all that their library continues to offer and all the updates we’ve made during this transition,” says Krake. “The Friends will also be holding a book sale that day, so there are lots of reasons to come in and have a look around.”

To visit the new library virtually, visit www.roslynlibrary.org and follow the links to view the library’s photos of the temporary facility and of the library’s move and the volunteers who helped make it possible.

November 10, 2009

ROSLYN LIBRARY’S WORLD AFFAIRS SERIES CONTINUES WITH PRESENTATION BY UW FELLOWS FROM SUDAN

ROSLYN – Ten health care professionals from the African nation of Sudan will visit the upper county area next Tuesday, November 17^th, as part of a leadership and management program through the University of Washington.

The fellows will offer a presentation that evening at the Roslyn Library for people interested in Sudan and its culture. The November 17^th presentation starts at 7:00 pm, and will take place at the library’s temporary location at 109 S. First Street in Roslyn.

“This presentation will offer residents a clearer view and better understanding of Sudan and its culture. It is an African country that has really come into the spotlight recently because we’ve heard so much about the Darfur crisis in the last couple of years,” says Erin Krake, Roslyn librarian. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to learn about what it means to live and work in Sudan, not from the media or from aid agencies reporting on one particular aspect, such as the conflict in Darfur, but from the people themselves.”

The Global Health Leadership Program is a partnership between the University of Washington Department of Global Health and Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health. The program aims to strengthen health systems in developing countries by enhancing their leadership, management, and policy development capacity. The program is an offshoot of the Population Leadership Program and current efforts include work in Sudan, India, Ethiopia, and Pakistan. For more information, visit http://depts.washington.edu/deptgh/resource_center/training_ghlp.php.

To learn more about the visiting fellows who will be presenting at the Roslyn Library, visit http://www.population-leaders.washington.edu/fellows/GHLPFellows.shtml.

The World Affairs Series is the Roslyn Library’s 2009-2010 lecture series. The Roslyn Library offers programming to promote lifelong learning in its community. This series is made possible by a collaboration with the World Affairs Council, http://www.world-affairs.org/. More presentations will be held over the winter months; watch this newspaper for dates and details.

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September 17, 2009

ROSLYN HOSTS YOUNG LEADERS FROM EUROPE

 ROSLYN - The International Visitor Program of the World Affairs Council promotes citizen diplomacy by coordinating educational and professional programs for international delegates visiting the Puget Sound area. Roslyn has an exciting opportunity to meet one small group of the 1200 visitors that will have come to our state through this program this year.

A group of young emerging leaders from Europe will visit Roslyn as a component of their visit to the U.S. Their purpose is to visit a small, rural community like ours and meet with its leaders and citizens about economic development. Toward that end, they will meet with a group of students, city goverment officials, and community leaders throughout the day.

The Roslyn Library, in furthering its mission to promote lifelong learning, is sponsoring a community reception for the visitors that evening to enable area residents to meet with these future leaders in an informal setting.

Former program alumuni include Nicolas Sarkozy and Vladimir Putin. This particular group consists of nine 30's-ish professionals in the fields of journalism, human rights activism, international trade and relations, and politics. They come from Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and the U.K.

The Roslyn Library invites anyone with an interest in global affairs, economic development, immigration, environmental protection, health and human services, or those who simply want to meet and exchange ideas with smart, young, and interesting people from other countries to join them in the reception that evening.

Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Roslyn Library.

September 8, 2009

SHARE YOUR FAVORITE RECIPES IN AN UPDATE TO THE POPULAR “ROSLYN REPAST” LOCAL COOKBOOK

ROSLYN – The Friends of the Roslyn Library are updating their “Roslyn Repast” cookbook with a supplement of new recipes that can be added to the popular cookbook that was first published in 2002 in partnership with the Roslyn Riders equestrian group.

The book’s three-ring binder style enables new sheets of recipes to be added, and the Friends group hopes that the supplement will renew interest in the book for those who already own one by adding more local, delicious recipes through this supplement. Hundreds of the cookbooks have been sold, and they make great gifts for family and friends.

The cookbook is sold as a fundraiser for the volunteer, non-profit group that raises money to enhance the services of the Roslyn Public Library. Along with the standard fare, “A Roslyn Repast” features local ethnic foods, like cabbage rolls and bagna cauda, Northern Exposure recipes, camp food and pet food.

“If it is a favorite recipe from your grandma, or one of those dishes your family begs you to prepare, then we want it in this cookbook!” said Katia Merkel, Friends of the Roslyn Library board member who is spearheading the supplement.

Instructions and collection sheets are available on the bulletin boards of your local post office and at the Roslyn Library. Deadline for submission is September 30^th in hopes that the supplement will be available for the holidays. The cookbooks are available now without the supplement and cost $15.95. They can be found at the Roslyn Library, the Roslyn Brewery, Huckleberry House, Central Sundries, and online at www.friendsoftheroslynlibrary.org.

ROSLYN LIBRARY'S SUMMER READERS BREAK NEW RECORD

ROSLYN – Roslyn’s summer readers crushed their goal to read for 1000 hours over the course of the eight week Summer Reading Program, by logging 1,460 hours spent reading.

“This year we had more children sign up, more children follow through with the program by logging their reading time, and more participants at our weekly events than ever before,” Erin Krake, Roslyn librarian said, adding that great incentive prizes like a new bicycle and an iPod Touch were contributing factors to the high level of participation.

The annual program aims to keep kids reading during the summer months so that they don’t lose those skills when school is out. It also fosters reading for pure enjoyment and to satisfy a child’s curiosity and feed his imagination. It is a national program that is held in public libraries across the country.

The Roslyn Library’s 2009 Summer Reading Program was sponsored by the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners, the Cle Elum Kiwanis, and the Friends of the Roslyn Library, with support from Fred Meyer Stores and the Roslyn Theatre.

The program ended August 5^th with a finale picnic at the Cle Elum Park that featured a pizza party and other refreshments and a special performance by magician and children’s entertainer Louie Foxx.

For more information and to view photographs from this year’s program, visit the library’s website at www.roslynlibrary.org.

July 28, 2009

ROSLYN LIBRARY CREATES DIGITAL COLLECTION OF LOCAL HISTORY

ROSLYN – The Roslyn Library’s digital Roslyn Heritage Collection was published last month and is now available from any computer in the world that has an Internet connection.

The Roslyn Heritage Collection tells at least a portion of the story of the settling of Roslyn and the surrounding area. It offers a glimpse into the pioneer way of life of our founding families who settled here in the mountains, near a swift river, in the sandy pines, on top of a great seam of high-quality coal, and made a lasting home.

Images from the collection were taken during the early days of Roslyn. They were originally prints of photographs which were subsequently re-photographed and reprinted as slides. The slides were bought from the Roslyn Museum as a fundraiser by a local resident in the 1970s, who then donated them to the Roslyn Library thirty years later. The images can be viewed as an entire group, or they can be accessed one by one through an interactive map or by searching for specific subjects, such as “coal mining” or “buildings” or “tipples” or “cityscapes.”

The seven audio lectures in the Roslyn Heritage Collection were presented at the Roslyn Library in 2001 and 2002 by Mr. David Browitt as a series on the history of coal mining in the Roslyn area from its discovery in the 1880s to the closing of the Number 9 Mine in December of 1963. The first lecture in the eight-part series was never recorded. The lectures are stored as audio files that one can download temporarily to listen to from their home or a library computer.

These digital collections were first published online in June of 2009 with technical help and support from the Washington State Library through the Washington Rural Heritage project. Washington Rural Heritage is a collection of historic materials documenting the early culture, industry, and community life of Washington State. State library staff traveled to Roslyn to scan the photos and install the software on the library’s staff computer to make cataloging the collection possible.

Erin Krake, Roslyn librarian, also recognized the contribution of several members of the community who helped in the project.

“I’d like to acknowledge the library’s project volunteer Lynn Louise, along with Roslyn residents David Browitt, Nick Henderson, Jim Barich, Harry Georgeson, and Leonard Rushton. They looked over the images with me and helped to verify or fill in some of the history. I think of this digital collection as just another way for people to learn about Roslyn’s history, another way to access the material. I tried to make Roslyn’s history come alive by incorporating some of the stories of these men into the collection, and by using previously-published accounts of Roslyn history.”

Krake added that the library plans to add more content to the Roslyn Heritage Collection.

“We will add a collection of photographs taken by the Northwest Improvement Company in the next year. Mostly they are pictures of the infrastructure of the mines, things like the trestles going up the number 6 canyon. I also think it would be great to add family collections, a logging collection, and other photographs of family life, industry, and recreation in our area from the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s.”

To access the collection, visit the Roslyn Library’s website at www.roslynlibrary.org and click on Roslyn Heritage Collection or go directly to the collection at http://www.washingtonruralheritage.org/roslyn/

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June 16, 2009

CHILDREN WILL GET CREATIVE AT THEIR LIBRARIES THIS SUMMER

ROSLYN – The Roslyn and Cle Elum libraries will be hosting kick off events next week for their annual summer reading program for local families. The theme for this year’s program is “Be Creative @ Your Library.” Participating children will enjoy free weekly activities, such as painting, cooking, origami, and lego-building, and will earn prizes for spending time reading.

The Roslyn Library kicks off its program on Wednesday, June 24^th at 1:00 pm with an ice cream party and children’s songs by guitarist and singer Dave Lundy. The Carpenter Library will hold their ice cream party on Friday, June 26^th at 10:30 am. Kids will sign up for the program and receive their reading logs and schedule of events. 

The goal of the program is to keep kids reading during the summer months. As incentive, participants earn toys or lottery tickets for time spent reading or being read to by others.

The program is free and open to all children from birth through age 17. All children who spend at least 20 hours reading by August 4th will earn a special prize. For children ages 12 to 17 years old, they will also earn a raffle ticket for a chance to win an iPod Touch, a $230 music and application gadget donated by a patron of the Roslyn Library.

For a schedule of free weekly events, stop by or call the Carpenter Library at 674-2313 or the Roslyn Library at 649-3420 or visit the Roslyn Library online at www.roslynlibrary.org.

The 2009 Summer Reading Program is made possible by the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners, the Friends of the Roslyn Library, the Friends of the Carpenter Library, and the Cle Elum Kiwanis.

YOUNG TODDLERS GET READY TO READ IN ROSLYN

ROSLYN – Ten young toddlers celebrated their very first “graduation” this week -- they are the first cohort to complete a new early literacy class at the Roslyn Public Library.  

Every Tuesday for the past six weeks, toddlers and their moms sang songs, used simple sign language, and learned about the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors. Toddlers also interacted with one another, followed directions, and played together in the children’s area while their mothers swapped stories and shared tips. Some days, the gathering continued after class at the park. Participants ranged in age from 6 weeks to 5 years old, but the class is especially designed for 1 and 2 year olds.

Class highlights included a special visit from new, baby chicks and the wonder of seeing their librarian act more silly than usual. And, for the last class, children enjoyed snacks and received a free “Ready to Read in Roslyn” book bag with their own alphabet book, toy, and information for their parents about early literacy and programs in our area for young children.

For more information about class objectives, visit the library online at www.roslynlibrary.org/events.html#ready_to_read. The Ready to Read in Roslyn program is sponsored by the Friends of the Roslyn Library. The library will offer another series of classes later this year.

May 27, 2009

ROSLYN LIBRARY RECOMMENDS GREAT READS TO KICK OFF SUMMER 

ROSLYN – Now that the Memorial Day holiday has come and gone, the summer season has officially begun. And so has the summer reading season. The Roslyn Library has a slew of new and classic books to keep readers relaxed and entertained from the backyard to the beach. Here’s a sample:

THRILLS and CHILLS

Road Dogs by Elmore Leonard: Fans of Leonard will remember Cundo Rey and Jack Foley, characters from his earlier novels. Here, they are out of prison, living with Dawn Navarro in Venice Beach, and possibly trying to go straight.

The Tourist by Olen Steinhauer: An intricate story of betrayal and manipulation, loyalty and risk in a compelling novel that is both modern and yet reminiscent of classic espionage thrillers by Graham Greene and John LeCarre.

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick: The year is 1907. Ralph Truitt, a wealthy Wisconsin widower, has advertised for a wife, and Catherine Land has replied. And though Catherine has styled herself “a simple, honest woman” and a former missionary, that is not quite the truth. She has come to him with a “simple plan” that will leave him dead and her a rich woman.

The Host by Stephanie Meyer: Fans of the Twilight series might want to try this adult novel by the same author, wherein aliens have taken control of the minds and bodies of most human beings, but one woman won’t surrender.

The House of Night series, by P.C. Cast: Speaking of Twilight fans…enter the dark, magical world of The House of Night, a world where vampyres have always existed. Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has just been Marked as a fledgling vampyre and joins the House of Night, a school where she will train to become an adult vampire. That is, if she makes it through the Change--and not all of those who are Marked do.

DENSE and CREAMY

Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult: A woman whose daughter has a dangerous birth defect must decide whether to sue her obstetrician, an old friend.

Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg: Recently widowed Helen Ames and her twenty-seven-year-old daughter Tessa discover that money has disappeared in several big withdrawals from the Ames' retirement savings. What Helen's husband did with all their money turns out to be provocative, revelatory--and leads Helen and her daughter to embark on new adventures, and change. 

Doghead by Morten Ramsland: An acclaimed, funny novel from Denmark about a dysfunctional family. Ramsland has been compared to John Irving.

Brief Interviews with Hideous Men by David Foster Wallace: For intrepid readers who want to tackle something with substance, this is a 1999 collection by David Foster Wallace, who committed suicide last year.

LIGHT and FLUFFY

Lavendar Morning by Jude Deveraux:  A woman inherits a house and a mystery in a Virginia town.

True Colors by Kristin Hannah: Rivalries, betrayal and forgiveness among three sisters.

Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber: More stories of life and love from a Seattle knitting class.

Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith: The 10th novel in the wildly popular No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series.

AHHH … the CLASSICS

Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham: The cover of this 1915 coming-of-age novel encompassing the first 30 years of Philip Carey’s life called it “the greatest novel of our time,” and promises “it sings, it has color, it has rapture.”

Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey: Great, challenging writing, psychological intrigue, family dysfunction and brotherly competition, logging and union history, Pacific Northwest locale, an explosive climax – this book has it all.

How Green was my Valley by Richard Llewellyn: A great choice for transporting oneself to the old days of coal mining in the mountains. It is not set in the upper county, but it could be.

THE REAL DEAL

Unbowed by Wangari Maathai: Anyone who has watched the PBS special on this Nobel Peace Prize winner will want to read her stunning memoir of planting trees and growing hope in Kenya. A truly uplifting story of how people can make a difference in their community, their country and the world.

Flannery: A Life of Flannery O’Connor by Brad Gooch: She liked to drink Coca-Cola mixed with coffee. She gave her mother, Regina, a mule for Mother’s Day. She went to bed at 9:00 and said she was always glad to get there. And she contributed some of the best writing to the world’s literature. What bibliophile wouldn’t want to read about her?

A Place of My Own by Michael Pollan: At a turning point in his life, writer Michael Pollan found himself dreaming of a small wood-frame hut in the woods near his house - a place to work, but also a "shelter for daydreams." Here he recounts his two-and-a-half-year journey of discovery in an absorbing narrative that weaves the day-to-day work of design and building with reflections on everything from the power of place to shape our lives to the question of what constitutes "real work" in a technological society.

To search the library’s collection and for a list of the newest additions to the collection, visit the library’s website at www.roslynlibrary.org and click on “Library Catalog” or “New Books List.”

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May 13, 2009

ROSLYN LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANNOUNCES OPEN POSITION

ROSLYN – The Roslyn Library Board of Trustees has an immediate opening for one position of its five-member, volunteer board. The board meets monthly to guide the municipal library. Duties and responsibilities of a trustee include:

1.  Meet monthly to establish library plans, policies, and direction for the library.

2.  Authorize the librarian to take specific action as required.

3.  Actively seek funding for the library’s needs and services.

4.  Continually promote the library in the community and explain policies and services whenever called upon.

5.  Continually appraise the effectiveness of the librarian and perform an annual written evaluation. 

6.  Annually review the library’s operations and policies.

The Board’s stated goals are:

• To ensure the library’s budget allocation is sufficient to meet the needs of the community.
• To provide adequate and competent staffing to meet public service and management needs.
• To better the library experience for the community by providing a safe, accessible and fully functional library facility.
• To provide access to a robust collection of books and other materials that serve as a valuable resource for learning, information and pleasure.
• To provide programs for children and adults which promote lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and community belonging.
• To utilize various types of appropriate technology to meet the information needs of the community and the administrative needs of staff.
• To promote the professional administration of the library.
• To encourage the public’s use of the library.

In addition to monthly meetings, trustees convene once a year for a planning retreat to revisit and revise the library’s long-range plan.  Earlier this month, the Library Board held their retreat and reviewed plans for the following priorities: Facility improvement; Expansion of hours, Collection development; Programming; and Increasing use of the library.

Trustees are recommended by the Board and appointed by the Mayor of Roslyn to a five-year term with a two term limit. Application packets for the open trustee position are available at the Roslyn Public Library, 201 S. First Street, Roslyn or by clicking here.

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April 13, 2009

CELEBRATE NATIONAL POETRY MONTH WITH A COMMUNITY WIDE OPEN MIC POETRY READING AT THE ROSLYN LIBRARY

ROSLYN – Poetry is for people who love language, who love its rhythm, who love words and the ways in which words can be strung together to create a picture or a feeling or a simple acknowledgment of truth. Poetry is for people who value honesty and clarity. It is an art form for people who are not afraid to look at the world and to see it and feel it.

April is National Poetry Month. Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture.

The Roslyn Library will celebrate by hosting a community-wide open mic of poetry on Wednesday, April 22^nd starting at 7:00 pm.

Poets and poetry lovers will sign up for a chance to read and share poetry for up to five minutes per reader. It may be their own work that they choose to share – the poem they spent hours polishing or a more informal form of “slam” poetry that is improvisational and off-the-cuff. Or it may be that a person has a particular poem that has spoken to him in some way or at some time that he wishes to share, or one they learned to recite back in school, or the work of one of their favorite poets. Even “clean” limericks and raps will be welcome, and all ages are encouraged to participate.

“This is something we hope to do every year,” Erin Krake, Roslyn librarian said. “It’s such a simple and fun event. This year, a few high school English students will be reading from their own poetry. We’ll also feature the poems of the late, local poet Harold Enrico.”

The sign-up for reading starts at 7:00 pm. Readings will begin by 7:15 pm. Dessert, coffee and tea will be served and Marc Brodine will play jazz and blues selections on his guitar. Please come to share and appreciate the strange power of poetry.

For a list of the books of poetry for both adults and children in the library’s collection, visit www.roslynlibrary.org and click on “Poetry Collection.”

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March 2, 2009

ROSLYN LIBRARY OFFERS "EFFECTIVE RESUMES" CLASS

ROSLYN – There has been a lot of job loss around the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “both the number of unemployed persons and the unemployment rate rose in January. Over the past 12 months, the number of un-employed persons has increased by 4.1 million and the unemployment rate has risen by 2.7 percentage points” (from http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm on March 1, 2009).

Kittitas County is no exception. Most of us know someone who has been laid off in the past few months. Libraries are a free and accessible community resource when times get tough. You can file for unemployment. You can search for a job. Skilled staff can help you find the resources you need online and in the library’s collection. And you can work on your resume.

Yet, an effective resume takes time and energy, and it is not an easy task for anyone. To help, the Roslyn Library is offering an introductory class on creating effective resumes on  Wednesday, March 11, 2009, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Roslyn Library, 201 S. First Street.

Effective resume-maker Sharon Robertson will share her tips and inspirations for making an effective resume, such as giving a good introduction to your skills, finding the best jobs with the most money, putting your best foot forward, and presenting your resume and contacts. There will be approximately one hour set aside for people to start creating a resume using a library computer or their personal laptop.

This class is free and open to the public.

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February 23, 2009

“SEUSSAPALOOZA” AUCTION MOST IMPORTANT (AND FUN) FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR FOR THE ROSLYN LIBRARY

ROSLYN – You can take the event out of Roslyn, but you can’t take the Roslyn out of this event. Like Roslyn, it’s a little bit wild, a little bit wacky. Definitely funky.  

Yes, it is time once again for Seussapalooza, the Friends of the Roslyn Library’s auction fundraiser, and this year the event will be held at Cle Elum’s Centennial Center on Saturday, March 7^th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

“We had some space and sound issues at last year’s event so we decided to utilize the Centennial Center, which has the space and amenities needed for these types of events,” librarian Erin Krake said. “All of us wanted to keep it in Roslyn, as a Roslyn event you could walk to, but there’s just not a good venue for this type of gathering in town right now.”

She added that she hopes the library building’s renovation project which is set to begin its first phase of construction this year will change that fact in the future. Plans for the second phase include the creation of a community center in the building’s old gymnasium, which will provide a place for Roslyn events. The Friends of the Roslyn Library have taken the lead on community and private fundraising to make this dream a reality, and Seussapalooza has become their biggest fundraiser of the year.

“We raise money for all kinds of things for the library, but the last few years, we’ve been working really hard to raise money to stabilize and renovate the library’s building.” Katia Merkel, Friends of the Roslyn Library Treasurer, said. “We want to see this project succeed.”

Seussapalooza was born in 2007 when the group decided to try a big event that would bring in big money for their big project. They wanted an auction, but they also wanted entertainment and art. And of course, they wanted good food. They decided to hold it in the spring, on or near the birthday of Dr. Seuss, lending it a sort of literary theme. Finally, they came up with the name, a take-off on the popular musical festival Lollapalooza. Seussapalooza!

Seussapalooza is like a neighborhood party that is fun for the whole family. More than a dozen kinds of homemade chili are laid out buffet-style, along with all the fixin’s, including homemade corn bread. There’s a cash bar for mom and dad and free juices for the kids. Throughout the evening, local performers – musicians, dancers and entertainers – provide variety show-style entertainment. Homemade desserts are offered in a “dessert dash” fundraiser. And at the base of it all, a silent auction offers a variety of local art, goods and services. This year, local doctor Sam Schneider, a former street performer, will serve as the master of ceremonies.

The building renovation project is only part of the reason this fundraiser is so important to the library, according to the librarian. She said that “thousands of dollars worth of books and equipment” have been added to the library by the Friends over the years.

“The Friends of the Library sponsor our Summer Reading Program, our Ready to Read program and our Book Club. They have purchased big ticket items for the library, like a digital projector, camera and television. They just purchased the library’s new plastic library cards.”

And, she said, the group is very wise and prudent with the money they raise. 

“They invest some of the money they raise for specific purposes,” Krake said. “They have a computer replacement fund that they add to each year, and this year they started a “Percent for Art” fund to ensure public art will be part of the renovation of the building.”

The group also contributes to the library’s Gary Parson Book Fund, an endowment for the library’s annual book purchases that was set up through a bequest by the late Gary Parson. Krake says that the group voted to contribute all of the proceeds from the “dessert dash” portion of Saturday’s auction to this fund in 2009. 

Seussapalooza will be held on Saturday, March 7^th at the Centennial Center, 719 E. Third Street in Cle Elum. The doors open at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children from 7 to 17 years old, and are free for children 6 and under. Advanced tickets are recommended and may be purchased at the Roslyn Library during open hours, from 10 to 7 Monday through Thursday and from 1 to 5 on Sundays.

The Friends of the Roslyn Library is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. For more information, call the Roslyn Library at (509) 649-3420 or visit the Friends of the Roslyn Library online at www.friendsoftheroslynlibrary.org.

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February 2, 2009

ROSLYN LIBRARY OFFERS VALENTINE-MAKING CRAFT

ROSLYN – Local artist Deb Davis is bringing back her popular valentine-making craft to the Roslyn Library on Sunday, February 8, 2009 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Davis will bring lots of fun supplies and her artistic guidance to help people of all ages make beautiful creations of love. 

This event is free and open to individuals of all ages who want to express their love in a special way this Valentine’s Day. All supplies will be provided by the Friends of the Roslyn Library. Tea, cocoa and cookies will also be available.

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 January 12, 2009

ROSLYN LIBRARY’S HOURS EXPAND NEXT WEEK

ROSLYN – The Roslyn Library announced this week that it is expanding the hours the library will be open from 30 hours per week to 40 hours per week.

Starting after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, on Tuesday January 20^th, the Roslyn Library will be open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Thursday and from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday.

 “We want to make it as convenient and easy as possible for people to use our services and materials,” Erin Krake, Librarian, explained. “Being open more hours gives the public more flexibility. And we hope this schedule is more consistent and easy for folks to remember.”

 The Library’s long term goal is to be open seven days a week. For now, they are retaining the days they’ve been open to complement the Carpenter Library’s hours. In this way, a public library in the upper county is open every day of the week.

 For more information, call the Roslyn Public Library at 649-3420 or visit the library online at www.roslynlibrary.org. 

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January 5, 2009

ROSLYN LIBRARY’S ARMCHAIR TRAVEL SERIES FEATURES A BUDDHIST MONASTERY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

ROSLYN – The Roslyn Library continues the Armchair Travel Series with “Beauty and Grace in Eastern Europe: A Monk's Life in the Czech Republic” on Wednesday, January 14^th at 7:00 pm at the Roslyn Library and Old City Hall, 201 S. First Street in Roslyn.

Resident Stephanie Breyfogle shares her 2008 trip to the Czech Republic, Prague (Praha) and Northern Bohemia. This trip will include a visit to the Samadhi Buddhist Meditation Center, the castle retreat of a Buddhist organization led by Breyfogle’s long time friend, Bhante Wimala -  http://www.bhantewimala.com/. Wimala is a Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka, and this video and photo presentation will highlight some of his relief projects and teachings.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

For more information, call the Roslyn Public Library at 649-3420 or visit the library online at www.roslynlibrary.org.

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Library News from 2008

December 3, 2008

ROSLYN LIBRARY PRESENTS A TRIP TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

ROSLYN – The Roslyn Library continues the Armchair Travel Series with “Following Darwin's Footsteps and Close Encounters with Sea Lions: A Trip to the Galapagos” on Wednesday, December 10th at 7:00 pm at the Roslyn Library and Old City Hall, 201 S. First Street in Roslyn.

Roslyn resident Mary Lee Jensvold will share her land-based journey to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Her photos and video will take you on her travels through Ecuador's capitol, Quito, then the equator and her encounters with the flora, fauna, and geography of the islands.

This digital photograph presentation is free and open to the public. The Armchair Travel Series is one way the Roslyn Library accomplishes its mission to provide lifelong learning opportunities to the community.

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November 10, 2008

ARMCHAIR TRAVELERS TOUR THE WINE COUNTRY OF SPAIN

 ROSLYN – The Roslyn Library continues the Armchair Travel Series on Wednesday, November 19^th with “Camino de La Rioja: Touring Spain’s Wine Country.”

Take a tour of the wine country of northern Spain known as "La Rioja" with local resident Julie Miller. Miller spent much of the last year living in Bilbao Spain, and this tour was just one of her adventures. She will present photographs of this stunning region along with her tales of good wine and tasty tapas. 

The presentation starts at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 19^th at the Roslyn Public Library, 201 S. First Street in Roslyn. It is free and open to the public.

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October 28, 2008

EXPLORE THE FACES AND PLACES OF NEPAL WITH THE ROSLYN LIBRARY’S ARMCHAIR TRAVEL PROGRAM NOVEMBER 5TH

ROSLYN – The Roslyn Library kicks off their 2008-2009 Armchair Travel Series on Wednesday, November 5^th with “The Faces and Places of Nepal.”

Local high school teacher Eric Wickwire spent a month this summer around the Annapurna region of Nepal as part of a group field trip comprised of teachers and scientists. While there, Mr. Wickwire volunteered at a local school teaching English, science and North American geography to high school students. He also worked on land use issues with the locals in the village of Bhulbhule. And he completed an eight day trek within the Annapurna loop of the Himalayan mountains. 

Mr. Wickwire will share his experience of this fascinating country through photographs and stories followed by a question and answer session. The presentation starts at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 5^th at the Roslyn Public Library, 201 S. First Street in Roslyn.

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October 21, 2008

ROSLYN LIBRARY RECEIVES GRANT FOR NEW CHILDREN’S BOOKS

ROSLYN – Seventy-five brand new, award-winning books for children have been delivered to the Roslyn Public Library thanks to the Libri Foundation, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and the Washington State Library.

The Eugene, Oregon-based Libri Foundation’s mission is “donating quality children’s books to rural public libraries” and they have donated hundreds of books to the library over the years with matching funds from the Friends of the Roslyn Library. This year, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation provided the matching funds so that rural libraries across Washington, including the Roslyn Library, would receive new children’s books this year.

For a complete list of new books, including the Libri grant’s children’s books, please visit the library online at www.roslynlibrary.org and click the link for “New Books.” Or stop by and see them for yourself! The Library is open five days a week, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Tuesday.

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October 16, 2008

ROSLYN LIBRARY BOARD HOLDS PLANNING RETREAT

ROSLYN – The Roslyn Library Board of Trustees met last month for their annual planning retreat.

Current trustees include:

• Viva Worthington, Chair: Roslyn resident, Botanist;
• Marc Brodine, Roslyn resident, Writer;
• Susan Johnson, Roslyn resident, Washington State’s Teacher of the Year!;
• Kim Grantier, Roslyn resident, Veterinarian Assistant;
• Tuesday Bosch, Roslyn resident, Pharmacist. (Bosch was appointed to the Board at this week’s Roslyn City Council meeting. Bosch, as a prospective Trustee, was able to attend the retreat.

Librarian Erin Krake facilitated the retreat. Trustees identified their personal goals and expectations, examined current trends, compared the Roslyn Library to other similar libraries, reviewed results of the latest community survey done by the library, and discussed service priorities for the next 1-3 years. These included:

• Facility improvement, including both the renovation in the longer term, and making the current space more comfortable and inviting;
• Expansion of open hours with a long term goal of being open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm every day;
• Continued excellent programming with focus on the new early literacy program “Ready to Read in Roslyn” and more lifelong learning programs for adults; and
  
• Marketing the library collection, programs, and services to increase the use of the library. 

Staff will take the information from the retreat and craft an action plan that the Board can review at their regular monthly meetings. For more information about library goals and objectives, policies and procedures, go to www.roslynlibrary.org and click on “About Us.”

The Library is currently open five days a week, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Tuesday. For more information, call the Roslyn Public Library at 649-3420 or visit the library online at www.roslynlibrary.org. 

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September 8, 2008

ROSLYN LIBRARY INTRODUCES WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS

ROSLYN - There’s a new “WiFi Zone” in town. The Roslyn Library introduced wireless Internet access last week. The new service enables the public to bring their own laptop computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs) to the library for work or study via the Internet.

Adding wireless access expands the library’s capability to meet the information needs of the community. The library already offers five (5) public access computer stations that connect to the Internet through fast and dependable DSL service generously donated by Inlandnet. Yet, respondents in their latest community survey said that also having wireless Internet access at the library was a top priority.

“More and more people want to use their own computers for all kinds of reasons,” says Erin Krake, Roslyn Librarian. “Offering wireless service gives the community another way to access the Internet and on their own terms. People have their own machines, so they have all of their own files, their own software, and can stay online as long as they want.”

Krake says that this new service will be especially useful to students at the high school and college level, to travelers and tourists, and to some telecommuters. And, she says, it will be useful to anyone who owns a laptop but isn’t connected to the Internet at home.

 “And they don’t even have to buy a cup of coffee,” she joked, referring to Internet cafes that offer service, at a price. “But, people are always welcome to bring their own coffee in with them.”

The Roslyn Library thanks William Scholten of Learning Access Institute, who helped set the network up and trained staff on how to manage it, and especially John Springer and Inlandnet, who provides Internet service and technical support to the library at no cost.

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August 19, 2008

ROSLYN READERS BREAK RECORD

ROSLYN – The windows of the Roslyn Library give you an idea of how much time kids spent reading this summer through the library’s annual Summer Reading Program – each ladybug and flying book taped to the windows both inside and out stands for one hour of reading done.

By August 15^th, the end of the eight-week program, 1,111 reading hours had been recorded. To celebrate, both the Roslyn Library and the Carpenter Library hosted a pizza party in the Cle Elum park. Program participants enjoyed making butterfly masks, meeting Smokey Bear, a water balloon toss (and subsequent water fight), munching on Sahara Pizza, local melon and other snacks, and collecting their reward prizes for reaching the 20 hour reading goal.

“This program helps kids that are reading on their own to maintain their reading skills over the summer months,” said Erin Krake, Roslyn Librarian about the value of the program. “And for the pre-readers, it is just another way for parent and child to stay in the habit of reading together every day. In terms of literacy and learning, I’d say this is a very good thing for our kids. And it’s fun for them too.”

Krake says she relies on local businesses and organizations for funding support to make the program successful. The Board of County Commissioners funds the craft activities portion of the program. Community sponsors include the Friends of the Roslyn Library, Shoemaker’s Manufacturing, and Puget Sound Energy. Community supporters include Fred Meyer, the Roslyn Theatre, Cle Elum Dairy Queen, Central Sundries, and Sahara Pizza.

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August 5, 2008

AREA CHILDREN CELEBRATE READING SUCCESS WITH PIZZA PARTY IN THE PARK

ROSLYN – With two weeks left in the summer reading program over a thousand hours have been spent reading or being read to by upper county kids over the past six weeks. To celebrate, the upper county libraries will bring the 2008 Summer Reading Program to an exciting and fun end with a pizza party at the Cle Elum Park on Friday, August 15^th from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, free and open to all who participated in the program this summer.

The party will feature a Sahara Pizza lunch along with snacks and beverages. There will be crafts and an appearance by Smokey Bear (if he’s not out fighting forest fires).

Raffle winners will be announced for all who have spent at least 20 hours reading during the program. Prizes include a $10 Fred Meyer shopping spree and other great prizes for kids of all ages. Kids over ten are eligible for an mp3 player. Participants have until Wednesday, August 13^th to turn in their reading logs to be eligible for the raffle. 

The following generous sponsors and supporters have made this year’s program a great success: Kittitas County, the Friends of the Roslyn Library, Friends of the Carpenter Library, Puget Sound Energy, Shoemaker’s, Fred Meyer, the Roslyn Theatre, Central Sundries, and Cle Elum Dairy Queen.

June 17, 2008

LIBRARIES INVITE CHILDREN TO “CATCH THE READING BUG” THIS SUMMER

 ROSLYN – Area libraries will be hosting kick off events in the next two weeks for their annual summer reading programs for local families. The theme for this year’s program is “Catch the Reading Bug!” and participating children will be treated to lots of buggy stories, crafts, entertainment and treats for the next two months. 

Here in the upper county, the Carpenter Library will hold its kick off party on Friday, June 20^th at 10:30 am and the Roslyn Library kicks off their program on Tuesday, June 24^th at 1:00 pm. Kids will sign up for the program and receive their reading logs and schedule of events, along with a free book and ice cream.

The goal of the program is to keep kids reading during the summer months. As incentive, participants receive toys or lottery tickets for time spent reading or being read to by others. 

The program is open to all children from birth through age 17. All children who spend at least 20 hours reading over the 8 week program are entered into a raffle for a chance to win prizes, including a Fred Meyer shopping spree and, for kids over 10, an mp3 player.

In addition, libraries offer stories and crafts every week. For a schedule of events, stop by or call the Carpenter Library at 674-2313 or the Roslyn Library at 649-3420. A schedule of events at the Roslyn Library is also available online at www.roslynlibrary.org. Summer reading program activities will also be held at the Ellensburg Library on Wednesdays (962-7250) and at the Kittitas Library on Thursdays (968-4078). 

The program runs through August 15^th and is free and open to all. Sponsors and supporters for the program so far include Kittitas County, the Friends of the Roslyn Library, Shoemakers Manufacturing, and the Friends of the Carpenter Library.

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April 28, 2008

ROSLYN LIBRARY OFFERS NEW ONLINE GRANT-WRITING RESOURCE

ROSLYN – The Roslyn Public Library now provides free access to a powerful and easy-to-use database that helps connect our community with available money.

GrantStation is an interactive website that allows grantseekers to identify potential funding sources for their programs or projects, and mentors them through the grantseeking process.

GrantStation provides access to a searchable database of grantmakers who are actively accepting inquiries and proposals from a variety of organizations; federal grant deadlines, which are updated twice a week; links to state funding agencies; and a growing database of international grantmakers.

To access the GrantStation database of funding opportunities, you must be on a public computer in the Roslyn Public Library. This service is not available remotely. Library staff will log you on to the database and are available to help patrons get started on their searches.

“GrantStation is an amazing resource we can offer our community groups, like downtown revitalization groups, church groups, local government, parent groups, clubs, etc. so they can secure funding for their projects and make our community a better place,” says Erin Krake, Roslyn Librarian.

This new service has been made possible through the Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development with funding from the Washington State Legislature. It will be made available to all libraries in Washington State through 2010, including the Carpenter Memorial Library in Cle Elum, the Ellensburg Public Library in Ellensburg, and the Kittitas Public Library in Kittitas.

“The subscription is already paid for, so it would be wise to take advantage of it while we have it,” Krake adds. “You can’t get this kind of information just out there ‘on the Internet.’ It doesn’t exist for free.”

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April 28, 2008

FRIENDS OF THE ROSLYN LIBRARY RECEIVES PLUM CREEK FOUNDATION GRANT

ROSLYN – The Plum Creek Foundation awarded a $2,500 grant to The Friends of Roslyn Library to support the rehabilitation of the library and Old City Hall building, built in 1902.

Over 70 percent of the building has been closed to the public for decades due to disrepair. The building is considered to be the anchor of the Roslyn Historic District and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Planning and fundraising for its restoration has been undertaken as a partnership between the nonprofit Friends of the Roslyn Library and the City of Roslyn.

“The Plum Creek Foundation grant will help us preserve the historical integrity of Roslyn, while also providing a place for community members to congregate and learn,” said Rachel Carey, president of Friends of the Roslyn Library.

“We’re honored to be active and supportive members of the communities in which we live and work,” said Hank Ricklefs, vice president, northern resources and manufacturing for Plum Creek. “The Plum Creek Foundation recognizes and supports nonprofit organizations that enhance and support the lives of many Washington residents.”

The Roslyn Library and Old City Hall building is  gearing up for the first phase of construction, which will address all immediate stabilization projects needed to address the building’s endangered condition. Upon completion, the building will provide an expanded library and a community hall that will be used for public meetings, classes, events, and art and cultural exhibits.

Please visit www.plumcreek.com, “community involvement” for more information on the Plum Creek Foundation and to obtain an application.

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March 3, 2008

LIBRARY DINNER AND AUCTION RAISES MONEY FOR BUILDING RENOVATION AND GARY PARSON BOOK FUND

ROSLYN – Tickets were sold out by 6:30 pm on March 1^st, the snowy night of the Friends of the Roslyn Library’s biggest fundraiser for the Roslyn Library. “Seussapalooza II” gathered 175 people together at the old ballroom next to the Roslyn Post Office for a chili feed, silent auction and local art and entertainment. When it was all said and done, the event raised nearly $7,000 for the Roslyn Library.

The mission of the Friends of the Roslyn Library, a non-profit organization created in 1996, is to raise money and support for the Roslyn Library. Last year, they donated $2,300 directly to the library and invested nearly $20,000 more for the renovation of the library’s historic building and a computer equipment replacement fund they are growing to plan for the future technology needs of the library.

This year, the Roslyn Library has requested that half of the proceeds from Seussapalooza be invested in a new endowment fund the library has created called the Gary Parson Book Fund.

Roslyn Librarian Erin Krake explains:

“This fund was made possible by a bequest from the late, great Gary Parson of South Cle Elum. Those who knew Gary know how much he loved books, almost as much as trains and maybe as much as classic cars. So, in his honor, the Roslyn Library Board of Trustees asked the City of Roslyn to invest the bequest money into a book endowment fund and to call it the Gary Parson Book Fund, which they did late last year. The library’s goal is to grow this fund with community support and use the interest from it to spend money on books and other materials. The more money we add to it, the more we can spend each year. And we will be using a significant portion of it as an “opening day” fund for the day when the building has been renovated and we move back into the building with more room to work with.” 

Hosting a successful fundraising event takes a lot of work, but the small group of auction volunteers does it with uncommon zeal. The event raised more money than last year by over $1,000, thanks to the volunteers’ commitment and the generous support of the community’s businesses and artists.

“There was something for everyone,” says Katia Merkel, auction co-chair. “It’s an event that sort of has it all – good food, funky entertainment, and lots of different items and services up for auction.”

There were more than a dozen kinds of chili to try, including Councilmen David Porter’s famous Texas Chili. Local brew was donated by the Roslyn Brewery while the Spirit Mine contributed wine. Entertainers included elementary school children performing music, comedy and a unicycle act. Millie Radonovich sang the favorites for which she is known, accompanied by Trombone Player Roy. Pharmacist Dave Arnold recited Dr. Seuss poetry. Former Roslyn Mayor David Gerth soloed on his saxophone. Marc Brodine and Art Solbakken played the blues on guitar and harmonica, respectively. And Dr. Sam Schneider juggled fire, a very sharp knife and a potato without burning or maiming any of the little children gathered, openmouthed and bright-eyed, to watch him.

“People come for different reasons,” Merkel continued, “But the bottom line is that it’s for a good cause – the Roslyn Library.” 

Matt Chase, the elementary school principal who emceed Saturday night’s event, left with a smile. “I’ll be back next year!” he promised. He did such a great job, the Friends of the Roslyn Library are certain to hold him to that.

For more information on the Gary Parson Book Fund and how you can contribute to the endowment, call the Roslyn Public Library at 649-3420.  For information on joining the Friends of the Roslyn Library, call the library or visit online at http://www.roslynlibrary.org/Friends.html. The Friends meet at the Roslyn Library on the last Thursday of every month.

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February 14, 2008

PUGET SOUND ENERGY FOUNDATION AWARDS $5,000 GRANT TO FRIENDS OF THE ROSLYN LIBRARY FOR RENOVATION PROJECT

ROSLYN – The Puget Sound Energy Foundation presented a check for $5,000 to the Friends of the Roslyn Library to help the grassroots group in their efforts to renovate the historic building that has housed the city’s public library since 1914. The contribution brings the group’s renovation fund up to $25,000 – a small, but locally significant part of the $800,000 raised for the project to date. The first phase of construction is expected to begin this spring.

The Puget Sound Energy Foundation is committed to energizing communities by supporting programs that deliver meaningful and measurable community impact. The renovation of Roslyn’s old city hall / library building is just such a project. Not only will the historic building be saved from demise and made safe, efficient and accessible, it will be brought back to its original and full life, with a bigger library and a unique space for cultural events and community meetings in the old gymnasium. The expected impacts will be cultural and economic, and, most importantly, meaningful to the community, as the expanded use of the building honors the past, addresses the needs of the present, and looks forward to the future of the upper county.

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 January 29, 2008

PRESCHOOLERS GET “READY TO READ IN ROSLYN”

“You are your child’s first and best teacher” was the message to parents and caregivers at the Roslyn Public Library’s “Ready to Read in Roslyn” party for preschoolers and their parents last week at the Harold Weis Memorial Building in Roslyn.

Fifty free tote bags filled with books, toys and early literacy materials and information were handed out by the library at the event, which was funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation through Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State / Washington State Library with a match from the local Kiwanis Club.

Information for parents included the six skills that children need to get ready to learn to read and write – what is known as “early literacy.” And a special “story time” with Erin Krake, Roslyn librarian, was fun for the kids and educational for the parents, as they learned how to develop those six skills in their children through story telling and spending time with books.

Parents as Teachers, a parent educator organization that offers one-on-one and group parenting classes, provided entertainment and education with parachutes and songs, and children and parents sang and played together. Lunch and snacks were provided to the parents and children who attended. All of the Headstart and Upper County Cooperative Preschool classes and their parents were invited to attend the special event and party, and many of the children under five who attend Busy Buddies Day Care Center also received the free tote bags.

“We hope to make this an annual event,” Krake said, “one in which all of the parents of this area’s children under five learn of their role in early literacy and the resources available to them to boost those pre-reading skills and get their kids ready to read.”

Krake added that the county’s libraries are the number one resource for parents with young children, because they have the materials, programs and expertise related to literacy and early literacy. Both the upper county libraries have weekly story times, summer reading programs, and special collections for children from birth to five.

Children enrolled in preschools, taught in the upper county by Annie Buchanan at the Upper County Cooperative Preschool and Brianne Rouse at Headstart, will likely be much more prepared to read and learn when they enter kindergarten, Krake said. That is why she wants to make sure the parents with kids at home or in private day care are reached. She hopes to expand the “Ready to Read in Roslyn” project in the coming years to include them. 

“Reading and literacy is so very important,” Krake says. “More than ever, success in life depends on our ability to read and write well. At the Roslyn Library, we have the resources parents need, and this early literacy program is our way of reaching out to those who may not think of it, or may not know how to access all we have to offer.”

As for now, there are fifty households in the upper county that have new books and literacy materials in them, and those parents know about their own important role in their child’s early literacy as well as the resources in their community to help them.

The Roslyn Library’s weekly story time is on Tuesdays at 10:30 am and the Carpenter Library’s is 10:30 am on Fridays. With the new reciprocal borrowing agreements in place, residents of all cities in the county with existing library service may borrow materials from the other libraries in the county free of charge. This means there are thousands of books for preschoolers available to borrow for free within a 25 or 30 mile area.

“This first event was a great kick-off to what we hope will be a long-standing community program,” Krake concluded. “The children really enjoyed it, and so did the parents and teachers. All of us did.”

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Library News from 2007

December 11, 2007

FREE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN @ THE ROSLYN LIBRARY 

There couldn’t be a better time to bring your children to the Roslyn Library. More than 100 free books are waiting there for every child who walks in the door, thanks to a donation from Inland Telephone Company made by Lisa Weis just last week.

“She said the company had won some money from a golf tournament, and that Inland wanted it to go the community,” explained Erin Krake, Roslyn Librarian. “So, they gave the Friends of the Roslyn Library a check for $250 so every kid who came to the library could walk out the door with their very own book to keep.”

Krake says she was able to immediately buy over 100 books with the money through the school’s book fair last week, which offered brand new books for all ages at two-for-one prices. Children of all ages will be able to explore the big box of books to find their book of choice, until the box is empty.  

For more information, call the Roslyn Public Library at 649-3420 or visit the library online at www.roslynlibrary.org.  The Library is open five days a week, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Tuesday.

November 13, 2007

HOLIDAY BOOKS AND MORE SALE

The Friends of the Roslyn Library will hold its annual holiday “books and more” sale on Sunday, December 2nd from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. The sale will take place indoors, in the Council Chambers next door to the Roslyn Library, at 201 South First Street in Roslyn. 

New and used books, including fiction and non-fiction for adults, many children and young people’s books, audios and videos, will be sold to benefit the Roslyn Library.

Other unique items also will be offered for sale, all for the benefit of the library, such as: the 2008 Dog Calendar; the Roslyn Repast cookbook; the second Heritage Interviews CD; the Historical Cemeteries of Roslyn, Washington CD; notecards; and lapel pins. These items can also be purchased by mail; you can find an online order form at www.roslynlibrary.org/orderform.html. 

The annual book sales are popular and effective fundraisers for the local, nonprofit organization. The proceeds from the sales go toward buying brand new books and magazines for the library’s collection. By the end of this year, the Friends of the Roslyn Library will have purchased $2,000 worth of books and magazines for the library’s collection.

For more information, call the Roslyn Public Library at 649-3420 or visit the library online at www.roslynlibrary.org.  The Library is open five days a week, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Tuesday.

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October 23, 2007

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON “EATING LOCALLY IN KITTITAS COUNTY” NEXT UP FOR THE SUNDAYS @ YOUR LIBRARY SERIES

ROSLYN –  Sundays @ Your Library, an informal seminar series for adults presented by the Roslyn Library, continues in November with an informal discussion on local food options on Sunday, November 4^th at 2:00 pm in the Roslyn Library / Old City Hall.

Eating Locally in Kittitas County will bring together local growers and residents who are interested in eating food grown or found in Kittitas County. The discussion will be facilitated by Ellensburg resident Colleen Donovan, who brings experience, knowledge, and passion about local food sources to the table.

Ms. Donovan will focus the discussion on the many different reasons participants are interested in eating food from Kittitas County, the resources available in Kittitas County, such as farm direct sales, farmers markets, growing and gathering your own food, and the issues associated with seasonality. And it will include a component on how to make eating locally grown food a part of your life and/or community.

“There are many local food sources available in our county, and this discussion will share them with the community,” says Erin Krake, Roslyn Librarian. “At the same time, it is my hope that those who truly care about their food source, for whatever reason, will bring their own ideas, resources and energy to the table.”

Growers in Kittitas County have been invited to attend, and there will be handouts detailing those resources and others available at the discussion.  

Local apple cider and dessert will be provided. This seminar is free and open to the interested public.

Upcoming seminars include a “holiday stress relief” snowshoe nature hike up the Roslyn Ridge followed by hot cocoa in the library in early December, and a Women’s Health Forum presented by the Kittitas County Health Department on January 13^th.

For more information, call the Roslyn Public Library at 649-3420 or visit the library online at www.roslynlibrary.org. 

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October 2, 2007

“WINE 101” CONTINUES THE SUNDAYS @ YOUR LIBRARY SERIES

ROSLYN –  Sundays @ Your Library, an informal seminar series for adults presented by the Roslyn Library, continues this month with an introduction to wine class on Sunday, October 28^th.

Wine 101 will allow people to explore the nuances of wine with a local expert. Upper county resident Kristi Payne is a wine educator who has offered to share her time and knowledge for this month’s event.

“This is going to be fun and informative,” says Erin Krake, Roslyn Librarian. “We are really lucky to have Kristi’s expertise and to have jones, the new wine bar, as our host.”

The class will take place at 4:00 pm on Sunday, October 28^th at jones, the new coffee and wine lounge at 104 North First Street in Roslyn. Participation is limited to 10 attendees, and there is a $10 registration fee to cover the cost of the wine. Snacks will be provided. Participants must pre-register by October 21^st for the class, by calling the Roslyn Library at 649-3420.

Free seminars over the next few months include a participatory discussion on eating locally grown and raised food in Kittitas County on November 4th, a “holiday stress relief” snowshoe nature hike up the Roslyn Ridge in early December, and a Women’s Health Forum presented by the Kittitas County Health Department on January 13^th.

For more information, call the Roslyn Public Library at 649-3420 or visit the library online at www.roslynlibrary.org. 

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August 20, 2007

LIBRARIES RECEIVE NEW COMPUTERS TO “STAY CONNECTED”

 ROSLYN – The Roslyn and Cle Elum libraries received new computers this month with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Staying Connected Grant program, provided through the Office of the Secretary of State / Washington State Library Division.

“It is imperative that libraries keep pace with technology and connectivity, so that we can offer those information tools and services to everyone in the community who needs them, whether it is once a year or every other day,” Erin Krake, Roslyn librarian explains. “The state library and the Gates Foundation understand that smaller libraries struggle to keep up. These new high-capacity computers help.”

According to Krake, technology has become a primary focus for libraries around the world. Even so, she sees it as another step in the same old direction.

“Libraries have always provided their public with information and a place to learn. They’ve always offered the means to gain a broader understanding of the world. And librarians have always acted as guides through the continuum of knowledge. Today, libraries and librarians are still doing these things, but they are using new tools. We’ve moved beyond the book.”

The main tool today is the personal computer with a connection to the Internet. More than a third of Americans don’t have Internet access at home, according to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, but 99% of public libraries now offer free access to the Internet (thanks in great part to the Foundation’s U.S. Libraries program.) That means that millions of people can use their libraries for online information, communication and learning, and they have the benefit of a professional “guide,” the librarian, to show them how.

Libraries give this service to all people equally. At the library, all members of the community are able to search for a job; to take a certification test; to build computer skills; to find grants to start a new business; to search for a relative; to interact with the government. The list goes on and on.

Krake says the Roslyn Library plans for and works toward staying technologically current and relevant. The Library Board has made this one of its main overall goals, and they have identified specific objectives related to technology for the library to accomplish in the next three years.

“We want to be able to provide up-to-date computers with relevant software applications. This grant helps us maintain this main goal,” Krake explains. “We also want to continue to provide fast and dependable access to the Internet, and we hope to provide wireless access by the end of the year for those people who prefer to use their own laptops at the library.”

The Friends of the Roslyn Library helps the library meet its technology goals with its growing “Technology Fund,” a portion of the group’s fundraising set aside for replacing and enhancing computers and other technology. And, the library’s city budget includes a technology line item to cover routine maintenance costs. An ongoing contribution of DSL service from Inlandnet assures that fast connectivity to the Internet is maintained.

With the need for current technology available to the public comes the need for professionals to help them use it. In supporting the technology needs of libraries, the Gates Foundation shows that they understand this basic fact. Librarians teach people more than the Dewey Decimal System these days; they teach people how to be information literate, which means how and where to search for information, and how to tell if it is relevant and accurate, too.

“We want to help the public find good information,” says Krake. “In Roslyn, I do a lot of off-the-cuff, as-needed computer training that meets the person’s immediate need. But, we’ve also done more structured classes on Computer Basics, Using Email, and Introduction to the Internet.”

At the most basic level, the new computers will help meet increased demand.  The Roslyn Library has seen an increase in the number of its computer log-ons – up almost 30% so far this year. The grant adds two new computers at each library, and in Roslyn, this means two more public Internet stations, making a total of five. Krake says that adding computer stations means more people in the community can get online and stay online. With all that is out there waiting to be discovered, this means a lot.

August 9, 2007

AREA CHILDREN CELEBRATE READING WITH AUGUST 15^TH PICNIC

ROSLYN – Hundreds of hours have been spent reading or being read to by upper county kids over the past 2 months. To celebrate the joy and discovery found in recreational reading, the upper county libraries will bring the 2007 Summer Reading Program to an exciting and fun end with a picnic at the Roslyn Park on Wednesday, August 15^th.

The Roslyn librarian, Erin Krake, says “This is a special time of year for us, because in the summer, kids are not just using the library for homework, but for the fun things going on.” She says everyday kids come down to the Roslyn Library to check books out, to play games, and to get their weekly reading prizes. Every week, the program has hosted a craft activity or special presentation at both libraries. “It is great to be able to give our kids fun and constructive things to do, especially getting them interested in reading books for pleasure,” Krake adds.

The picnic will feature a traditional kids’ picnic lunch with hot dogs, chips, fruit, and beverages. There will be a pickup kickball game, face painting, and a scavenger hunt with prizes for everyone who participates.

The raffle prize winners will also be announced. Each person who turns in at least 20 hours of reading time before the 15th is eligible for the raffle. Prizes include a $50 Fred Meyer shopping spree, an MP3 player, a copy of the new Harry Potter book from Jerrol’s, and other great prizes for kids of all ages.

The program has many great sponsors and supporters that have made this the best program yet, including Kittitas County, the Friends of the Roslyn Library, Kiwanis, Puget Sound Energy, Roslyn Eagles, Shoemaker’s, Ken Fowles, Fred Meyer, Jerrol’s, Bi-Mart, the Roslyn Theatre, Central Sundries, and Sportland Mini-Mart.

(CHICAGO) Ten years after some experts predicted the demise of the nation's system of libraries as a result of the Internet explosion, the most current national data on library use shows that the exact opposite has happened. Data released today by the American Library Association (ALA) indicates that the number of visits to public libraries in the United States increased 61 percent between 1994 and 2004.

According to the 2007 State of America's Libraries report, there were nearly two billion visits to U.S. libraries in fiscal year 2004. The study was released today by the ALA as the nation begins its observance of National Library Week, April 15-21. In the case of academic libraries, the number of visits exceeded more than one billion for the first time in 2004, up more than 14 percent in just the previous two years.

 "Far from hurting American libraries, the Internet has actually helped to spur more people to use their local libraries because it has increased our hunger for knowledge and information," said Loriene Roy, president-elect of the American Library Association. According the ALA report, virtually every library in the United States - 99 percent - provides free public computer access to the Internet, a four-fold increase in the percentage of libraries providing such free access over the last decade. By comparison, Roy pointed to another study released in March showing that only 69 percent of U.S. households have Internet access.

But unlike the Internet, particularly when accessed at home, Roy said libraries still serve a unique function in providing those who seek knowledge and information with guidance from trained and educated professionals.

Even as libraries continue to evolve their services in response to changing needs and technologies, the report shows that people continue to go to their public library to read or check out a book in record numbers. Overall circulation at public libraries in the U.S. rose by 28 percent during the decade, partly driven by significant growth in circulation of children's materials, which grew by 44 percent. Attendance in library programs for children was also up 42 percent for this same period.

The 2007 State of America's Libraries reports that while use of libraries continues to increase and while the general public supports strong funding for libraries, many school library media centers are experiencing budget cuts resulting in staffing reductions, shortened hours, and even closures. The new federal requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act are cited most frequently as the reasons for these funding cuts.

"Our libraries are investments in our communities and in our future, with an incredibly high return on each dollar spent," said the ALA's Roy.

Roy pointed to the report's findings from studies in Florida and Ohio that provide a compelling case for the return on public investment in libraries. Every dollar of public support spent on Florida's public libraries produced an increase of $9.08 in gross regional product and an increase of $12.66 in total state wages. A similar study of nine public library systems in southwestern Ohio reported an annual economic impact nearly four times the amount invested in their operations. Other data in the report describes how public libraries build a community's capacity for economic activity and resiliency.

The report also highlights the library community's continued work in defense of the First Amendment against intrusive legislation, including the USA Patriot Act, and to refute challenges that would restrict the free flow of information and ideas to all adults and children.

The 2007 State of America's Libraries also follows up on last year's report, which described the library community's response to Hurricane Katrina. Since its creation, the ALA's Hurricane Katrina Library Relief Fund has raised more than $500,000 in donations, which has been distributed to libraries by ALA chapters in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. By August 2006, 62 percent of the libraries in metropolitan New Orleans that were open before Katrina had reopened their doors.

A full copy of the 2007 State of America's Libraries is available at www.ala.org/2007State.

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1. To check out library materials
2. To use the Internet
3. To attend adult programs

1. Keep historic features intact
2. Bigger collection of books
3. Local public art

1. Bigger collection of books
2. Keep historic features intact
3. Provide wireless Internet access and / or laptop ports

February 6, 2007

AREA CHILDREN DELIGHT IN BRAND NEW BOOKS BOUGHT WITH COMMUNITY’S SPARE CHANGE

ROSLYN – Over $1,000 worth of brand new, award-winning books for children have been delivered to the Roslyn Public Library through a winning partnership between the Friends of the Roslyn Library and the Libri Foundation.

The Eugene, Oregon-based Libri Foundation’s mission is “donating quality children’s books to rural public libraries.” The foundation matched a portion of the community’s spare change, which was collected in 2006 with the Friends of the Roslyn Library’s “Buy a Kid a Book” donation boxes. These colorful book-shaped boxes appear on the counters of many businesses in the upper county.

“Without the ongoing, wonderful support of our business community, both from the owners and from their employees, we wouldn’t be able to buy so many books and other materials for the library,” said Katia Merkel, Friends of the Roslyn Library treasurer. “The Buy-A-Kid-A-Book campaign is a great example of what a small community can accomplish together.”

The matching grant from the Libri Foundation made it possible for the library to buy three times as many children’s books. Add it all up, and the community’s spare change added $2,000 worth of new children’s books to the Roslyn Library’s shelves in the past year.

The new Libri books were available for checkout within two weeks of their arrival in January, thanks to the tremendous efforts of Greg Luckman, another vital link in this community effort. Luckman is a volunteer citizen who gets all of the books ready for the Roslyn Library’s shelves.

The kids were most appreciative. Excited cries of “I want that one” and “Daddy, look at this one” have been heard by children when they see the colorful books on display in the children’s section. The library also showcased the granted books in special story times with the Headstart class and the Upper County Cooperative Preschool in the last couple of weeks. “The kids know the books are here,” the librarian said. “They are eager to get their hands on them.”

Krake says she expects to see a sharp increase in the number of kids’ books being borrowed from the library. “These bright, new additions enliven the entire collection,” she explains, “and we have a great collection of books for children here, from preschoolers to beginning readers to chapter books and beyond. This grant represents another step in the library’s plan to truly enhance the collection.”

It all goes to show you that the change a person drops in a donation box at a local business really does make a difference, especially with a little help from a foundation that supports rural libraries. Merkel agrees: “These new children’s books are a testament to all the people who care about kids and who want to foster in them a joy of reading, learning and growing.”

For a complete list of new books, including the Libri grant’s children’s books, please visit the library online at www.roslynlibrary.org and click the link for “New Books.” Or stop by and see them for yourself! The Library is open five days a week, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Tuesday.

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ROSLYN – Do you need to fix your car but don’t have the manual? Do you want information on a newly diagnosed health disorder in your family? Do you want to see an article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal last year? Does your child have a social studies report due next week for which she needs a map and current statistics? Do you want to find out if the Roslyn Library has a specific book on CD?

If you answered “yes”, or even “maybe someday,” to any of these questions, online databases can help, and they are available for free through the Roslyn Public Library, both in the library or from your own home computer.

The Automotive Repair Reference Center is a free database that works like the Chilton’s auto repair reference books. You enter the year, make and model of your vehicle to find all repair and recall information for your car, including printable diagrams.

CultureGrams is a free database for students who need social studies and geography information. It includes maps, statistics, even recipes, from around the world and the fifty states. One great option for students is to make a comparison table, so she can look at things like literacy rates, birth rates, and life expectancy rates across countries. Fascinating!

E-library is a free database for students from elementary school to high school to find newspaper and magazine articles, photos and other images and audio/video clips for reports. This would be the perfect database for middle school students who needed to find articles on a foreign country of their choice just this week.

The Community Health Library offers free videos on hundreds of health issues and disorders that are viewable on your own computer or at the Roslyn Library. The Roslyn Library’s website offers links to this amazing resource in our community.

And, the Roslyn Library’s collection is finally searchable online, thanks to a tremendous six year effort involving dozens of volunteers, hundreds of hours, a genius programmer with a big heart for rural libraries, and a financial investment from the Washington State Library.

To find out how to access the databases and the library catalog, visit the library online at www.roslynlibrary.org. From there, follow the links to “Library Catalog” for the online catalog of library materials. Click “Free Databases” or “Reference & Information” for the links and password information for the free databases. You can even click on “New Books List” for a list of all the new titles added to the library in the past 60 days. 

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