*update below

It is cold outside, and rainy. I am at Batdorf and Bronson, where I just a few minutes ago witnessed someone get removed by two police officers. It appears that the reason for removal was due to lack of patronage. I heard one of the police officers say that the library is open and suggested that the person go there. Modern day society: library as de facto shelter system.

*update: After speaking with an employee, it turns out that the subject may have some serious health issues. At one point they approached the service counter and angrily demanded to be told where the bathroom key was, and then promptly urinated in their pants. Whereafter, they were helped to the bathroom, and then found sometime later laying on the floor, asleep. Which leads me to wonder whether the library has the necessary services for this person's (and society's) well-being.

(April 2007 photo from downtown Olympia is of Cisco {rest in peace} sitting on the sidewalk to eat while being asked to move by two police officers.)

From ArtsCrush.org:

During October, everyone is an artist who practices the Art of letter writing! Share what you love about Olympia and place it in a symbol of love located at a place everyone loves! Dear Olympia: Love Letters to Our City is a community-wide event that invites all Olympia area residents to write a love letter to the city sharing stories about favorite places, events and memories of growing up/living in/visiting Olympia. Letters from the heart will be "posted" in a Heart sculpture created by Olympia artists Margo Westfall and Don Lovett and located in the "heart" of Olympia: the Library. Letters will be collected throughout October and selected letters will be shared publicly.

Here is the artist, Margo Westfall, describing her piece.

Join author Erin McKittrick at the Olympia Timberland Library as she discusses "The Long Trek Home." In June 2007, McKittrick and her husband, Hig, embarked on a 4,000-mile expedition from Seattle to the Aleutian Islands, traveling solely by human power. This is the story of their unprecedented trek along the northwestern edge of the Pacific Ocean. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. The library is normally closed at this time and will be open only for the event.

The Long Trek Home

Storyteller Rebecca Hom will tell the story of her stay with Muslim friends in Bosnia during 2005, emphasizing the importance of travel as a life-altering experience, recognition of shared humanity, the ritual sharing of tea, and friendship as a power for change. Tumwater Timberland Library 7023 New Market Tumwater, WA

Drumatic Drum Circle at the Shelton Library?
Yes Indeed!

Drumatic Innovation offers a one-hour participatory experience through drumming that will explore themes of volunteering, multiculturalism, unity and inclusion. All instruments will be provided.

This drumming event is based on the book “Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace … One School at a Time" by authors Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.”

6 p.m. October 21 2009 at the Shelton Timberland Library 710 W. Alder St., Shelton, WA, 98584

How will we will explore themes of volunteering, multiculturalism, unity and inclusion by banging on drums? Read on!
Just the simple act of sitting down and making music together embodies the concepts of inclusion and unity while at the same time boosting creativity and confidence.

The drum transcends all boundaries of race, religion, age, gender, social position. Interactive drumming breaks down barriers of hierarchy, age, gender, culture and language.
The drum is the most powerful of the musical instruments.
It is an instrument that lives in every culture around the world in one form or another.

What makes hand drumming so inviting is that it is quite easy for inexperienced players to pick up without the frustration of learning technical skills. When you join a drum circle your only task is to contribute what you feel comfortable doing and the circle finds a way to embrace it in the melody. This in itself provides stress relief and positive energy for your psyche. A drum circle creates a sense of acceptance and community.

The Washington State Library is pleased to announce its new "Hard Times Resource Guide." Any comments, ideas, or suggestions for content are very welcome.

For the past few months, staff at the Washington State Library have been working hard, exhaustively scouring the web and compiling quality resources to help library users across Washington State. The result? A thorough guide detailed resources and techniques to help you navigate this tough economy. We’ve covered numerous subjects, including health and nutrition, family and parenting, finances, job-seeking, and a whole lot more.

Check it out now at http://www.secstate.wa.gov/library/hardtimes/

All Seattle Public Library locations will be closed Monday, Aug. 31 through Sunday, Sept. 6 due to citywide budget cuts.

This includes no online library catalog, no available book drops (no materials are due and no fines accrue during this week).

Library Closure News .pdf

Wow. This is mind boggling to me, which shows how into libraries I am. I want there to be more libraries - not less. I also want state libraries and archives to be well funded - not struggling.

Get your geek on. Support the library.

Timberland Library takes steps to balance budget .pdf

The debate over how we read, perpetuated largely by media insiders, is starting to seem like little more than a distraction from the real problem: We have access to more information than ever, yet we do not know what to do with it. We are desperately information-illiterate.

Shelf Life: Information Overload is an excellent article with a magnificent solution to info-illiteracy: Talk with a public librarian. In our area talk with one in person or through the Timberland Regional Library Ask A Librarian service.

If you've never or rarely used a public library, don't fret, the staff is friendly and skilled. Ask questions.

The days of "Not a Red Cent" are coming to a close. Starting in October of 2009, overdue fees will be $.15 per item per day, capped at $5.00 per item. Starting in January 2010, there will be a charge of $.10 per page printed from the public computers, not including pages from the library catalog. [Full Details]

Jay Sicilia, founder of the Planet Percussion Band, and some band members play a wide variety of instruments bringing the rhythms of music and dance from many parts of the world. The audience will have a chance to join in. The library will be closed at this time and open only for this program. Please enter through the 8th Street entrance. Pick up a ticket at the youth services desk a week prior to the event.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Olympia Timberland Library. This event is part of the Timberland Regional Library annual districtwide summer reading program for children.

Planet Percussion's website
Timberland Regional Library website