Soundings (4/22/08)

Bucks in the Bay:
Phil (x-cited to be here) Hageman-sad to deal with the dumpster issues at the food-bank, happy about the progress (roof on front, interior framing is 90% complete), but today's joy is to celebrate today's opening of Whatcom Educational Credit Union in Barkley-another fine offspring of Pearson.
Eddie Hansen-He shared the birth-date with Stan Dyer, but not the week, as he and Rhonda headed south to Cabo San Lucas for kid-less fun in the sun.
Curtis Dye-happy for his ability to flee from flying objects, such as "Yield" signs in the Country Clubs' parking lot.
Tonya Myers-happy that the final curtain has drawn on her most recent Theatre production.
Stephanie Sadler-for her trip to Peru, Golf, Amazon and beyond. Sad bucks for the loss of her mother while she was on her trip. Proud bucks for the 53 books that are being ready for delivery to Alderwood Elementary school. (Thanks to Donna Edquist for printing the Bellingham Bay Rotary tags that will be glued into each of the books).
Doug White-for his father in law Ed Ebright; 65 years member/president of JC's, and more money for his 89 year old father who had to surrender his pilots license-but was the first to land at Bellingham Airport, and safely landed his last craft last week.
Stan Dyer-$100 to the Foundation-for his ????th birthday, successful surgery, and for his trip with his current wife (yes he really said that) to Pasadena California on a train to visit a lady who lives by herself, goes to church, shops (a true goddess), plays cards regularly with neighbors, and on 5/7 will be turning 103 years old!!! As a side note, Mr. Dyer brags that he has not had to give up his pilots' license.yet--, uh maybe cuz he never had one.

Sergeant at Arms: Lynn Templeton
Pete Dawson-welcome back buck fine; John Hubert for his manly lavender shirt (Tonya Myers offers to pay his manly fine); Gordon Plume for his leisure suit (John Travolta needs the suit back by 6:00); Scott Walker for his "echo" friendly advertising, tising, tising, tising, tising; Dr. Chuck Walters for lack of Master's attendance; Chief Bill Boyd for being to little too late for today's meeting; everyone not wearing ...the rotary pin;
Trivia fines for not knowing the historical relevance to 4/22 day the "coinage act" which mandated the "in God we Trust" to our coins; also the day of the Sooners-which cost the Husky fans $$ as they are playing the Indiana Sooners more sooner than later; in 1964 the World's fair opened; in 1936 Glen Campbell's bday and Dr. Zeck for knowing any Glen Campbell song; local celebrity born in 1959 Ryan Stiles; and David Ennen for not knowing which former president passed away on this date in 1994; which was Pres. Nixon.
2 Truth's and a Lie: Or just the lie-
Byron Sprague -for his feeble attempt at explaining the lie, so just pay the $3.
Tim Krell-does not have a first wife from Nebraska; although Ron Hardesty wishes his first wife was from or at least moved to Nebraska.
Bob Jones-did not graduate from..or did he graduate at all?
Lance Calloway-some attendance at some ski race,
Kathy Cheldelin-did not audition for survivor, (however felt like it with first marriage).

Program-Pam Kiesner, Library Director: Bellingham Public Library

Services: Public Library built in 1908, and sported 57 steps to the entrance, replaced 70 years ago with present Central downtown location.
Features: 280,000 items in traditional and non-traditional formats, Books in English, Spanish, Chinese and other languages, and statistically checks out 17 items per person per year per capita.
New formats; Playaways, Downloadable audio-books via NW Washington Anytime Library on the net (capable of downloading book to PC, then save to portable audio devices). New Ways Library is able to serve better: self-service pick up of holds (241,632 holds are delivered annually);
self check-out (42% of all library books checked out this way); Children's services story times (8 per week)
School visits, summer reading challenge, dog day afternoons (animals partnered with children to encourage children to read aloud)
Teen Services-space especially for teens, programs teens like, animal nights
Computer lab (40 in work station)-access to digital information not in print, many do not have access to computers, internet and WIFI available, printers available-
Information and Readers clubs-"Bellingham Reads"-book club kit and be checked out
Interlibrary Loans-"if the library doesn't' own it, we will find it".
Outreach Services-to seniors-400 visits per month at assisted living and retirement homes
Service Locations: Central Library, Fairhaven Branch, Barkley Branch, Library Connections at Whatcom Community college, 3 Haggen drop box's, 30 outreach facilities, and 24/7 access at library's website.
Central Library built in 1951, renovated 25 years ago, is 44000 sq. ft, collection is over capacity for available space and demand continues to grow. 1000 books/back issues of magazines in closed stacks. Lacks important features like meeting spaces, tutoring rooms, drive up back return, computer lab and room to add current educational technology.
Fairhaven Branch-100,000 items checked out in 2007, 104 year old building. City Commissioned study (BOLA study)-recommend structural deficiencies-Mayor and other decision makers were asked to find funding to improve present building. Barkley Branch-Thanks to contributions from Stowe Talbot and company, the Grand opening in 2008. Features popular materials to check out, holds pickup, materials drop off, internet access and story time.
Bellingham Public Library connection to Whatcom Community College-any community member can use this resource, pick and holds location, book drops.

Critical Need for new Central library- checked out 260,000 in 1960's, 1.3 million in 2007. The population served has more than doubled. Need to expand/improve/develop building was on of 5 main projects identified in 2001 by the Capital Improvement Need Study. The Central library is the only project identified that is not underway.
Where does project stand today?-
Key steps completed-Held meetings and work sessions to discuss, evaluated over 20 sites, site recommended, approved by City Council in January 2007, and several significant studies completed, operating costs analyzed.
Mayor and City Council requested additional time before taking to the voters, which will allow for opportunity for further public input. Will not be on the May 2008 ballot.

And fun was had by all..
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathy Cheldelin