For the Public

Library News Two Ritzville Public Library board members and the library's director have volunteered to serve on a subcommittee that will begin a fact-finding endeavor with the Ritzville Public Development Authority (RPDA) in determining if the Ritzville Business Center would be suitable as a site for some library functions. (Ritzville-Adams County Journal, 9.2.10) This summer families in Stevens County can pick up themed book bags designed for children 2-5 years old. The book bags can be requested and checked out for free just by showing a library card.

For folks over the age of 50 in Washington State, public library services will be markedly different by the year 2012.

First there was the book - okay, first there were tablets and scrolls and things, and THEN there was the book.

Then came the ebook. AKA the e-book, eBook, Ebook, etc. We'll get that all straightened out one of these days.

Northwest Indian College received a $196,500 grant from the USDA.

Library News All county residents should have received a guide to Columbia County Rural Library District services. Attached to that guide was a self-addressed, stamped perforated survey card. If you have not already done so, please take a moment to answer three questions and give us your comments about our library and our services to you.

The La Conner Regional Library was awarded a pilot project from the Aerospace and Biotechnology Academy of NASA.

WA State Library News Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) announced Wednesday it has received the necessary funds to extend high-speed broadband service to nearly every area of the state. "The NoaNet application will bring enhanced broadband connectivity to 45 public library buildings and two tribal libraries," said Washington State Librarian Jan Walsh.

With the final votes tallied, and some close calls, libraries have come out on top in the recent Washington elections with a perfect 6 for 6 score. In Cowlitz County, the

WA State Library News The 2010 Washington Rural Heritage project to digitize fragile, historically significant objects/information will take place at the Odessa Public Library with the help of its partners. The original grant applied for was denied by the Washington State Library, citing a lack of funding. However, the application was re-evaluated and found to have some interesting possibilities.

WA State Library News "Smart phone" users can now install a new app featuring the Washington State Library's Ask-WA virtual reference service. Ask-WA provides access to a live librarian, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Ask-WA app, the first one offered by the State Library, is available for both Android and iDevice users.