1/11 - Oregon Poets, Oregon History at Beaverton

As part of the Oregon Reads 2009 and Oregon’s 150th Birthday celebrations, Beaverton City Library presents A Reflection on Social Justice in World War II.

This event, which honors Oregon poet William Stafford, will take place in the Beaverton City Library Auditorium, Sunday, January 11, from 2 pm to 4 pm. It is free, and co-sponsored by the Friends of William Stafford.

Lawson Fusao Inada, Oregon Poet Laureate, will read from Legends from Camp, poems about his family’s internment.

Paul Merchant, William Stafford Archivist at Lewis & Clark College, will read from Stafford’s work from conscientious objector camps.

The event will commemorate William Stafford’s life as well as the WWII internment experiences of the Yasui family relayed in Stubborn Twig, by Lauren Kessler, the book chosen for Oregon Reads 2009.

Bring your favorite William Stafford poem to share!

Beaverton City Library is located at 12375 S.W. 5th Street.

1/10 - Walsh Shuttle Piper Matt Rucker at Cedar Mill

Cedar Mill Community Library is kicking off its second annual Winter Reading & Arts Festival Saturday, January 10. Matt Rucker will perform at 2:00 pm, playing the Walsh Shuttle Pipes.

Matt will play various Scottish and Irish tunes. These bellows blown pipes are similar in style and shape to pipes dating back to 1695 and are ideal for intimate performances where the Highland pipes would prove too overpowering. His repertoire includes a wide range of music from softly meditative to lively jigs and hornpipes.

Matt plays the Great Highland Bagpipe competitively as a soloist and was the Aggregate Winner for the Grade 4A Piping competition at the 2008 Portland Highland Games. In his spare time, he is a piper with the newly formed Portland Metro Youth Pipe Band. As well as being an accomplished piper, Matt is a homeschooled high school senior who writes computer games, studies piano and Aikido, and is an active library volunteer.

The performance will take place Saturday, 1/10, 2pm on the main floor of the Cedar Mill Community Library. It is free, everyone welcome, no reservations required.

The Winter Reading & Arts festival runs from 1/10/2009 to 3/21/09. The festival will combine literature and reading enjoyment with programs by local artists and performers who reflect the multicultural dimensions of Cedar Mill and Bethany. Their goal is to enhance cultural learning experiences and build awareness of the impact of arts, heritage and humanities on our community’s quality of life, sense of place, and community identity. For more information, visit our website or call the reference desk at 503 644-0043 Ext 114.

Cedar Mill Community Library is located at 12505 NW Cornell Road, at the very back (north) of the parking lot, with an entrance off NW Saltzman Road (just north of Cornell Road and Dogwood St).

1/11 - Classical Music Concert at Hillsboro Main

Hillsboro Main Public Library will be presenting a classical music concert, Sunday, January 11 at 2 PM.

Violinist George Shiolas will be accompanied by flutist Abigail Magnes. They will play selections from Bach, Vivaldi, Bartok and others.

They will also be performing as a duo Sunday, February 22, at 2 PM, at Tualatin Public Library.

Hillsboro Main Public Library is located at 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway.

12/26 - Closures & Late Openings - Updated 11:30

Who would have imagined that our little snow storm would be affecting us for two weeks? Alas, it is.

Closed today, Friday, December 26:

• Banks Public Library
• Beaverton City Library

Late opening today, Friday, December 26:

• Garden Home Community Library
  12 noon – 3pm

Early closure today, Friday, December 26:

• Hillsboro Main Library
  10am – 6pm

Closed for renovation

• Hillsboro Shute Park Library

12/24 Closures - 11:15am version

Changes are noted in italics.

The following libraries are closed today:

• Banks Public Library
• Cornelius Public Library
  (scheduled to open Friday 11-5)
• Garden Home Library

The following libraries are open today:

• Beaverton City Library
  10:00am to 5:00pm
• Forest Grove Public Library
  10:00am to 12:00 noon
• Hillsboro Main Library
  10:00am to 6:00pm
• Sherwood Public Library
  10:00am to 2:00pm
• Tigard Public Library
  10:00am to 5:00pm
• Tualatin Public Library
  10:00am to 1:00pm
• West Slope Library
  12:00pm to 4:00pm

If you are considering visiting your WCCLS library today (even one that is listed as open), it may be best to call first. Hours, phone numbers, and the like are available at http://www.wccls.org/your_libraries/index.cfm

Tuesday 12/23: WCCLS libraries close

photo by Rocket Ship

As the Arctic Blast! continues, several libraries have announced closures to the public for today:

• Banks Public Library
• Garden Home Library
• Hillsboro Main Public Library
• Sherwood Public Library

Hillsboro Shute Park Library is still closed for renovation

The following libraries are open today:

• Beaverton City Library is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm
• Cedar Mill Community Library & Cedar Mill @ Bethany are open until 4 PM Tuesday
• Cornelius Public library is open from 11:00am to 5:00pm
• Forest Grove City Library is open until 5:00pm
• North Plains Public Library plans to open from 1:00pm to 5:00pm
• Tigard Public Library is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm
• Tualatin Public Library plans to remain open until 6:00pm
• Update: West Slope Community Library is open from 12:00pm to 4:00pm

Library Closures - Monday 12/22/08 Update 1:00pm

The following libraries are closed on Monday 12/22 due to inclement weather:

Banks Public Library
Beaverton Public Library
Cedar Mill Community Library
Cedar Mill Community Library @ Bethany
Forest Grove City Library
Garden Home Community Library
Hillsboro Main Library
North Plains Public Library
Sherwood Public Library
Tualatin City Library
West Slope Library

Hillsboro Shute Park Library is closed through January 5 for plumbing repairs.

The following libraries are open:

Cornelius Public Library will close at 4:00pm.
Tigard Public Library is open until 5:00pm.

Library Closures Sunday 12/21

Library phone numbers and normal hours of operation can be found under the "Your Libraries" section of the wccls home page. Check those for clarifications of the following announcements.


The following libraries are closed:

Cedar Mill Community Library
Cedar Mill Library @ Bethany
Beaverton City Library
Sherwood Public Library
Hillsboro Library Main Branch
Hillsboro Library Shute Park Branch



The following libraries are open:

Tigard Public Library intends on being open from 1-4

Library Closures 12/20/2008

The following libraries are closed due to bad weather:

Banks Public Library
Beaverton Public Library
Cedar Mill Community Library
Cedar Mill Library @ Bethany
Cornelius Public Library
Garden Home Community Library
North Plains Public Library
Sherwood Public Library
West Slope Community Library


The following Libraries Remain Open:

Hillsboro Main Library
Tigard Public Library
Tualatin Public Library

Canceled 12/19: Celtic Muse plays at Cedar Mill

The Cedar Mill Community Library, 12505 NW Cornell Road, presents the Winter Reading & Arts Festival. This second annual event runs through March 21, 2009.

Cancelled 12/19 due to inclement weather!

The Festival starts on Friday, December 19 with a concert by Celtic Muse. Celtic Muse is two local harpists, Jennifer Pratt-Walter and Valerie Blessley.

Both artists teach harp, as well as composing and arranging. They hope to spread a message of joy, peace, and hope with their music and instruments.

Audiences of all ages are invited to delight in the celtic harp's beauty and mystical power. The concert is free, open to the public, and will begin at 7 pm in the library’s upstairs meeting room. No reservations required.

More information is available on the Cedar Mill Community Library's website

Library Closings - Friday 12/19/08

The following libraries have changes to their hours on Friday due to severe weather:

Banks Public Library is closed Friday due to the weather.

Cornelius Public Library plans to close at 5:00 for the rest of the week.

Hillsboro Shute Park Branch is closed from December 15 through January 5 for plumbing repairs.

OCAC library is uncertain what, if any, hours they will be open through Saturday of this week. Please call ahead for daily recorded updates of campus closures: 503-297-5544. The library will be closed for the holidays December 21 through January 5.

West Slope Community Library will close at 4:00 p.m. today and for the rest of the week. They plan to open at 10:00 a.m. as usual, but call the library at (503) 292-6416 before you come in.

Library Closings - Thursday 12/18/08

The following libraries have changes to their hours on Thursday due to severe weather:

Sherwood Library will close at 6:00 today.

North Plains Public Library will be open from 1:00 to 5:00 today.

Banks Public Library is closed Thursday and Friday due to the weather.

Beaverton City Library will close at 6:00 the rest of this week.

Cornelius Public Library plans to close at 5:00 for the rest of the week.

Hillsboro Main Library will be closing at 6:00 tonight rather than the usual 8:00 due to weather and road conditions.

Hillsboro Shute Park Branch is closed from December 15 through January 5 for plumbing repairs.

OCAC library is uncertain what, if any, hours they will be open through Saturday of this week. Please call ahead for daily recorded updates of campus closures: 503-297-5544. The library will be closed for the holidays December 21 through January 5.

Tualatin Public Library intends to close at 6:00 the rest of the week.

West Slope Community Library will close at 4:00 p.m. today and for the rest of the week. They plan to open at 10:00 a.m. as usual, but call the library at (503) 292-6416 before you come in.

Library Closings - Wednesday 12/17/08, Updated 2:10 PM

The following libraries have changes to their hours on Wednesday due to severe weather:

Banks Library is closed on Wednesday.

Beaverton City Library will close at 6:00 the rest of this week.

Cedar Mill Community Library and Cedar Mill @ Bethany will close at 4:00 Wednesday.

Cornelius Public Library will close at 3:00 today. They plan to close at 5:00 for the rest of the week.

Forest Grove City Library is closed for the day.

Garden Home Community Library will close at 5:00 on Wednesday.

Hillsboro Main Library will close at 6:00 on Wednesday.

Hillsboro Shute Park Branch is closed from December 15 through January 5 for plumbing repairs.

North Plains Public Library will close at 12:00 on Wednesday.

OCAC library is closed today. They are uncertain what, if any, hours they will be open through Saturday of this week. Please call ahead for daily recorded updates of campus closures: 503-297-5544. The library will be closed for the holidays December 21 through January 5.

Sherwood Library is closed on Wednesday.

Tualatin Public Library will close at 4:00 on Wednesday but intends to close at 6:00 the rest of the week.

West Slope Community Library will close at 4:00 p.m. today and for the rest of the week. They plan to open at 10:00 a.m. as usual, but call the library at (503) 292-6416 before you come in.

Library Closings -Tuesday 12/16/08

The following libraries have changes to their hours on Tuesday due to severe weather:

OCAC library is closed for the day. Due to the weather (of course!) we are uncertain what, if any hours we will be open through Saturday of this week. Please call ahead for daily recorded updates of campus closures: 503-297-5544. The library will be closed for the holidays December 21 through January 5.

Banks Public Library will close at 5:00 today and for the rest of the week. Preschool Story Time, scheduled for Wednesday at 10:15, has been cancelled for Wednesday the 17th. Call the library (503-324-1382) or Banks City Hall (503-324-5112) to confirm that the library is open before attempting to come to the library. Forecast weather conditions over Wednesday and Thursday indicate that we may close for the entire day either or both days.

Sherwood Public Library will close at 6:00 today and for the rest of the week.

Garden Home Community Library will close at 7:00 on Tuesday.

Beaverton City Library will close at 6:00 the rest of this week.

West Slope Library: West Slope will close at 4:00 p.m. today and for the rest of the week. They plan to open at 10:00 a.m. as usual, but call the library at (503) 292-6416 before you come in.

Cornelius Public Library will close at 5:00 for the rest of the week.

Library Closings - Monday 12/15

The following libraries are closed Monday due to severe weather:

• Sherwood Public Library
• Garden Home Library
• Tuality Health Clinic Library

North Plains Public Library will open at 1:00 and close early at 3:00.

Tualatin Public Library will close at 4:00.

Cornelius Public Library will close at 4:00.
Cedar Mill @ Bethany will close at 5:00.
Beaverton City Library will close at 6:00 the rest of this week.
Cedar Mill Community Library main library will remain open until 8:00.

West Slope Library: Call the library at (503) 292-6416 for hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

WCCLS libraries closed 12/14/08

These libraries are closed or closing early on Sunday December 14 due to inclement weather.

Beaverton Library - closed
Cedar Mill Main Library - will close at 2:30 pm
Cedar Mill Library at Bethany - closed
Sherwood - closed
Tualatin Library - will close at 4 pm
Hillsboro Main Library - will close at 4 pm

12/19-3/22: Winter Reading & Arts Festival at Cedar Mill

Cedar Mill Community Library is presenting its Winter Reading and Arts Festival once again. It runs from December 19, 2008 to March 22, 2009, and there's a lot going on. A line-up of performances and activities from around the world!

Your Library Brings You the World! is this year's theme. The festival combines literature and reading enjoyment with programs by local artists and performers who reflect Cedar Mill and Bethany's multicultural dimensions. Cedar Mill's goal is to enhance cultural learning experiences and build awareness of the impact of arts, heritage and humanities on our community’s quality of life, sense of place, and community identity.

The reading portion of this year’s Festival will center on the Stubborn Twig: Three Generations in the Life of a Japanese American Family, by Lauren Kessler. This book, selected for the statewide 2009 Oregon Reads project, tells the story of an immigrant family in the Pacific Northwest.

Cedar Mill will be producing an oral history project. If you are an immigrant or the child of an immigrant, they invite you to tell your story by participating in the project.

The festival kicks off with a performance by Celtic Muse.

The full calendar is available on the Cedar Mill Community Library's website. There is also an RSS feed at http://feeds.feedburner.com/CmclWinterFestival.

The Cedar Mill Community Library is located at 12505 NW Cornell Road (just north of Cornell on Saltzman Road, on the east side of the road).

12/15-1/5: Hillsboro Shute Park closed

Hillsboro Shute Park Branch, 775 SE Tenth Avenue, will be closed from December 15 through January 5. The library, which opened in 1973, will be replacing its original plumbing.

If you usually pick up holds at Shute Park, you have two options.

You may have library materials sent to the Hillsboro Main Library. Hillsboro Main is less than 4 miles away, at 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway.

Or, you can "suspend" your holds so they are delivered later. You'll keep your place in the hold list.

If you check out materials before Shute Park closes, they won't be due back until the library reopens.

But the outdoor book drop will remain open 24/7.

The Hillsboro Main Library will be open daily except for Christmas and New Year's Day. Trimet bus 46 goes there on weekdays.

12/21 - Family Holiday Singalong at Hillsboro Main

photo by Rosana Prada

It's a Hillsboro tradition to ring in the holidays with the Family Holiday Singalong. Local favorites Runway 3 will perform for the fifth year in a row at the Hillsboro Main Library.

Runway 3 will perform old chestnuts as well as new songs. The set list includes Frosty the Snowman, Suzy Snowflake, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and many other songs.

Best of all, lyric sheets will be provided. So come singalong on Sunday, December 21st, from 2-3:30 PM at Hillsboro Main Library, 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway.

12/18: Holiday Musical Review at Tualatin

Tualatin Public Library is pleased to present a Kid's Company NW performance. They will perform their Sweet Holiday Treats musical review at 7:30 pm on Thursday, December 18, 2008. The Tualatin Public Library is located at 18878 SW Martinazzi.

Sugar plums will dance in your head during this light-hearted, 45-minute show. It's fun for the whole family. This original musical arrangement of "sweet" traditional and popular songs is beautifully costumed. Join us for live music and delicious holiday traditions.

Kid's Company NW from the Northwest Childrens Theater has been taking original musical shows out into the community for 16 years. This troup is made up of talented performers ages 10-14 who love to act, sing, and dance. These kids come together from all over the greater Portland metro area.

12/7: Irish dance at Hillsboro Main

The Hillsboro Main Library will showcase Irish music and dance on Sunday December 7, 2008 at 2 p.m.

An Damhsa is a journey from Ireland to America and back again.

Maldon Meehan's group of musicians and dancers perform American clogging and Irish, modern, sean-nós and Cape Breton step dances. Sean-nós dancing is step dancing from the West coast of Ireland. Improvised, with the steps are danced close to the floor, this dance has a close connection to the rhythm of music played.

Featured dancers include Maldon Meehan, Melia Tichenor, Maureen Sheridan and Graham Smith. Portlands Nancy Conescu and C. Throgmorton will play traditional music on guitar and fiddle. Dublin-born Robert Deans will narrate.

This great for-all-ages, high-energy performance will feature light refreshments. The Hillsboro Main Library is located at 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway.

12/6 - Tualatin Used Book Sale at Haggen

Photo of a library book sale (not Tualatin's) by Pictoscribe

The Friends of the Tualatin Public Library hold their Holiday Used Book Sale Saturday, December 6. The sale takes place at the Tualatin Haggen Food & Pharmacy, 8515 SW Tualatin Sherwood Rd, in the food court. This Haggen is just around the corner from the Tualatin Public Library.

The special Friends preview sale runs from 9:00–10:00 AM (check out tualatinfriends.org for information on joining); the public sale is from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

This holiday used book sale is huge! Used books, cds, movies, canvas book bags, stocking stuffers, and especially paperback books, will be available for sale.

12/7: WCCLS website down for maintenance

The WCCLS website will be unavailable from 6:30-9:30pm on Sunday, December 7. And by unavailable, I mean, it will be down. You will not be able to renew books or put them on hold; you won't even be able to access the catalog or check out our booklists for the homebound.

Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #100 by Adam Koford

What does this mean to you? Well, do your library business either before 6:30pm on Sunday, December 7, or do it after 9:30 on December 7.

Why is this? Well, as you know, the internet is not a big truck. It's a series of tubes. And sometimes those tubes get a little clogged. You know, like your kitchen sink on Thanksgiving evening.

We're going to be doing some maintenance on our corner of the internet on Sunday night. And then we'll be back. Count on it.

Sing, Sign and Playtime at Banks Public Library

This is a fun, interactive workshop that incorporates American Sign Language into theme-oriented play activities. Sing songs, learn and review favorite signs, play and interact with your child. Geared for families who have done some signing, but also serves as an ideal opportunity for beginning signers to sample a SmallTalk Workshop. Targeted to families with babies from 6-24 months, but open to all ages.

• Tuesday, 11/18, 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
• Thursday, 11/20, 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
• Thursday, 12/4, 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

11/16 - Twilight Party at Tualatin

Vampire or Werewolf? Edward or Jacob?

Are you a fan of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Saga series? Then come join Tualatin Public Library for a pre-movie party on November 16 from 2-4 p.m.

The Library is located at 18878 SW Martinazzi Ave. The party will be in the Teen Room.

We’ll be celebrating with trivia contests, prizes for best costume, raffles, music and blood-red food.

11/20: Twilight Movie Release Party at Shute Park

Are you as excited about the release of the "Twilight" movie as we are? The Hillsboro Shute Park Library, 775 SE Tenth Avenue, is hosting a party in honor of the movie release on Thursday, 11/20/08.

The party begins at 6:30 p.m. and registration is required. Registration can be done online at http://hillsboro.plinkit.org /news-events or call the Hillsboro Public Library at 503-615-6500.

The party is for teens in grades 6–12. Come dressed as your favorite character and be entered to win prizes, such as movie passes, copies of the "Twilight" books, and movie posters. We will have Twilight trivia, jewelry making crafts, a T-shirt design station (please bring a T-shirt to decorate) and lots of snacks!

The Library thanks Regal's Evergreen Parkway 13 for help with this event. Regal's Evergreen Parkway 13 presents the "Twilight" opening Friday, November 21, with a midnight screening Thursday, November 20.

11/11: Music history and more at Cornelius

November 11 is Veterans Day, a holiday honoring military veterans. Cornelius Public Library offers a talk on military music history by a U.S. Navy veteran.

Michael Burch-Pesses will talk about military music from the Civil War to today. This former Navy bandmaster is Pacific University's director of bands and the Oregon Symphonic Band's conductor.

The talk takes place at 1 p.m., and features music samples. Snacks will be brought to you by the Friends of the Cornelius Library and Grande Foods.

The Library will be open from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Stop by to enjoy this special event or just check out a great book or video.

Cornelius Public Library is located at 1355 N Barlow Street.

11/8: the Nutcracker at Beaverton

The Portland Festival Ballet will perform dance sequences from The Nutcracker on Saturday, November 8, at 10:15 a.m. This popular holiday production will be performed in Beaverton City Library's auditorium, 12375 SW Fifth Street.

The performance is free and will last approximately 15 minutes. Seating is limited and complimentary tickets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning at 10 a.m. in the Library lobby.

This holiday presentation is hosted by the Beaverton Arts Commission and is suitable for all ages. Costumed dancers will be available in the auditorium lobby to meet audience members following the performance.

10/31-11/9: Hillsboro Book Sale

photo by the Hillsboro Public Library

The Friends of the Hillsboro Public Library are hosting their Book Sale from Friday, October 31-November 9th. The book sale takes place at Hillsboro Public Library, 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway in Hillsboro. The sale is in the library meeting room and is open the same hours as the library (Monday-Friday 10-8, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12-6).

The prices generally range from 50 cents to $5.00 and everything is individually priced. In addition to a full range of books, including large print and foreign, there will be videos, DVDs, books on tape and CD, Music CDs, LPs, cassettes, and probably a thousand comic books (mostly in plastic sleeves).

The sale also features a See's Candy Basket Raffle, with tickets for $1.00. Several large round tables (great for playing poker) will also be for sale - priced at $100.
The proceeds go towards the Capitol Campaign Pledge, which purchases new material and covers some operating expenses for the library.

11/4: Election Night Watch at Tigard

On Tuesday, November 4, from 4:30–11 p.m., join your friends and neighbors for Election Night Watch at the Tigard Public Library, 13500 SW Hall Blvd. This unique, non-partisan view of political history in the making will be broadcast on the big screen in Tigard Public Library's Community Room. Light snacks will be available.

Voting is fundamental: Election website is live!

graphic by Andrew McFarlane

If you listen to the radio, or watch tv, or read the papers, or surf the web, you know there is a presidential election this year. It seems to be all the media can talk about.

Does this sound familiar?

• You'd like to vote, but you're not sure you're registered in Oregon?
• You still need to register but you're not sure when the deadline is?
• You're wondering what measures are on the ballot this time?
• You watch the debates and wonder how both candidates can claim something when you're pretty sure it didn't happen that way?
• You're not sure where you can drop off your ballot?
• You're not sure where you can find out election results the evening of November 4th?

WCCLS is looking out for you with its new Election Guide. Whether you're not sure if you qualify to register to vote, want to learn more about the issues on the ballot, get some non-partisan information about candidates and measures, or want to find fact-checking resources, the Election Guide can give you the information you need to be a more informed voter.

You can find the Election Guide at http://www.wccls.org/elections/index.php.

10/22, 10/28: Early Literacy Classes for Parents at Cedar Mill

Cedar Mill Community Library, 12505 NW Cornell Rd, is offering early literacy classes for parents.

Cedar Mill offers a workshop for parents of two- and three-year olds on Wednesday, October 22 from 6:30-8:30pm, and a workshop for parents of four- and five-year olds on Tuesday, October 28 from 6:30-8:30pm.

The foundation for getting ready to read is more than the ABC’s! These Early Literacy workshops focus on the six early literacy skills that research points to as essential for children to know before they learn to read. Early Literacy is what children know about reading and writing before they learn to read and write.

The workshops will include current information on brain research, the six early literacy skills, tips for sharing and choosing books for little ones, activities to help develop these skills and information packets.

Workshops will be held in the upstairs library meeting room and are for adults only. No registration is required.
For more information, call the Youth Services Desk 503-644-0043 ext 112 or see http://www.cedarmill.plinkit.org/kids-teens/early-literacy-classes.html.

October Film Fest: Decisive Battles of History

photo by Nathan Gibbs

Please join members of the Hillsboro Main Library staff for the film and discussion series, Decisive Battles of History.

The four battles are widely separated in time and geography, but all have a significance that transcends the purely military. Each can be counted as marking a psychological or social turning point in world history.

Anyone interested in history might enjoy these films and the chance to discuss them.

The series takes place at Hillsboro Main Library, 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway, in the Meeting Room every Saturday in October at 2pm.

Saturday, October 4: The Battle of Thermopylae
The Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC) was fought between a small force of allied Greek soldiers (estimated to be about 6,000), against the overwhelming might of the Persian army (estimated at 300,000). The courage and determination of the outnumbered force who held out for three days before being wiped out, gave a psychological boost to the rest of the Greek allies, who ultimately drove the Persians out of their homeland. The recent film "300" deals with this battle, with some blatant historical errors.

Saturday, October 11: Battle of Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo (1815) was Napoleon Bonaparte’s final attempt to assert French dominance over Europe. An allied force form several countries, most notably England and Prussia, defeated him, and France never again threatened to control Europe.

Saturday, October 18: Yamamato vs. Nimitz
Nimitz vs. Yamamoto was the clash of two brilliant admirals in WWII in the Pacific. When they met at the Battle of Midway (1942), the Japanese had recorded a string of victories and American morale was low. The resulting American victory meant that the Japanese could not threaten Hawaii or the U.S. mainland again.

Saturday, October 25: The Tet Offensive
The Tet Offensive (1968) was one of the most brutal engagements in the Vietnam war. The North Vietnamese and Viet Cong made a serious attempt to take over several major cities including Hue and Saigon. This effort ultimately failed to achieve its military objective, but is credited with helping to turn many Americans against the war.

10/12-10/18: Books with Bite for Teen Read Week 2008

photo by Literary Gal

Washington County teens will be reading for the fun of it! WCCLS member libraries celebrate the 11th annual Teen Read Week October 12 - 18, 2008.

WCCLS libraries join thousands of other libraries in the US encouraging teens to check out Books with Bite. Read a wide variety of books and graphic novels just for the fun of it.

A number of the WCCLS member libraries are celebrating Teen Read Week.

Wednesday, October 15:
Special Wii Wednesday!
3:00-9:00
Tualatin Public Library
18878 SW Martinazzi Ave
Are you rockin’ the Wii? Join us in the Teen Room for an afternoon of free Wii fun.

Thursday, October 16:
Books with Bites Discussion
3-4:30 pm
Forest Grove City Library
2114 Pacific Ave.
Drop by the Forest Grove City Library to hear about a great book or series or talk up your favorite book. Books will be available to check out and refreshments provided. And yes, there will be door prizes!

Recess
4-6 pm
Tualatin Public Library
18878 SW Martinazzi Ave
Remember recess and how fun it was? Well come down to the library for Recess. We will have fun games to play from 4-6pm in the Community Room-- all for free!

Books with Bite Party
5-8 pm
Tigard Public Library
13500 SW Hall Blvd.
Experience books and movies you can really sink your teeth into, while nibbling on tasty chocolate treats!

Friday, October 17:
Karaoke
3-5 pm
Tualatin Public Library
18878 SW Martinazzi Ave
Karaoke madness ensues! Join the fun from 3-5pm in the Community Room of the Library.

Saturday, October 18:
Rock the Pizza Vote
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tigard Public Library
13500 SW Hall Blvd.
Feeling left out of the upcoming election? Let your voice be heard!
Come taste a variety of local pizzas and vote for your favorite! Think
globally, eat locally!

SYS
2-4 pm
Tualatin Public Library
18878 SW Martinazzi Ave
Swap your stuff at the library in the teen room! Bring books, movies, cds, puzzles, and games you no longer need and trade them with other peoples' stuff.

All week long:
West Slope Library (3678 SW 78th Avenue) is giving out prizes for young adults and teens who write a book review.

Hillsboro Public Library is holding a two week raffle for Teen Reading Week. From Oct. 12 through 26, teens are invited to hunt for raffle tickets in the Young Adult Areas at both of our libraries (2850 NE Brookwood Parkway and 775 SE Tenth Avenue) and they can enter the raffle 15 times during that two week period. Raffle winners will be drawn by Wed., Oct. 29, and winners do not have to be present to win. Prizes will include books like Twilight by Stephenie Meyers and gift certificates to Starbucks and local area restaurants.

10/18 Gretchen Olson at Hillsboro Main Library

Award-winning Oregon author Gretchen Olson to visit the Hillsboro Main Library.

Gretchen Olson will discuss her new novel "Call Me Hope" on Saturday, October 18, at 11:30 a.m. at the Hillsboro Main Library, 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway. This event is free and open to the public.

Gretchen will also share the work she has done with the national organization Hands & Words Are Not for Hurting, for which she received the University of Oregon's Community Award.

Prior to her public appearance, the author will join the library's Mother Daughter Book Club for a 10:00 a.m. discussion of "Call Me Hope." This is the story of Hope Marie Elliot, a resilient 11-year-old girl struggling to live under the pressures of her verbally abusive mother. Instead of running away, Hope creates survival strategies for herself. Hope is a winsome character whose bravery and determination resonates with middle-grade readers.

Gretchen is also the author of the young adult novel, "Joyride" and she lives with her husband on their blueberry farm in Oregon. She herself, just finished reading "The Mother-Daughter Book Club" by Heather Vogel Fredrick and loves the idea of visiting such a group.

The Mother Daughter Book Club at the Hillsboro Main Library is for girls in grades 3 through 5 and their mother or another special woman in their life. Discussions last about an hour and light refreshments are provided. No registration is required. For more information about the Mother Daughter Book Club, email Hillary at hillaryg at ci.hillsboro.or.us, call 503-615-6500 or visit the library.

Parents may want to be aware that there is one occurrence of questionable language in the book. If you would like to discuss the appropriateness of this book for your youngster, please feel free to call Hillary Garrett, Reference Librarian at 503-615-2482.

Book Club Kits Available now!

a photo by Elyce Feliz

Cedar Mill Community Librarians Laura Baca and Mark Richardson have developed a collection of book club kits to make hosting your own book clubs easier than ever. They're holdable and available for loan throughout the county.

Each kit has 8-10 copies of a book and a leader's guide. This new service makes it easy for all members of a book club to borrow a book at the same time. The kits are loaned for 30 days.

Book clubs are great. But there are so many details to take care of if you're doing your own: where to hold it, who to invite, what food or drink to serve (or not), and last but not least, what to read. And how do you make sure that the book is accessible, affordable, and available to everyone in your club?

These books are adult fiction and non-fiction titles that address diverse subjects, characters, situations and points of view. The leader's guide has background information about the book and author, as well as supplemental materials like reading guides and movie adaptations.

Laura Baca and the Out Stealing Horses book club kit

The kits have a 30 day checkout period. If returned late, the fine is $1 per day. They may be renewed once.

Current titles include:

• Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
• The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
• The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
• The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
• Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama
• Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson
• Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
• The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
• Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Loving Frank by Nancy Horan.

To find the book club kits, just go to www.wccls.org/polaris/view.aspx?title="book+club+kit"

For more information about the kits, call Mark or Laura at the Cedar Mill Community Library (503) 644-0043 x131.

Funding for this project comes from the Washington County Arts, Heritage and Humanities Coalition and the Oregon Cultural Trust.

10/2: Cornelius Public Library's Booksale

Friends of Cornelius Public Library have their twice yearly book sales on the first Thursdays in May and October.

Booklovers, mark your calendars! The next sale is Thursday, October 2nd, 9am until 8pm in the Old Fire Hall (aka, The City Council Chambers), 1310 N. Adair St in Cornelius. We will have books, puzzles, audio books, music, video tapes and DVD's -- even some old vinyl records!

Don't miss this book sale with lots of extras! All proceeds go to the Friends in support of Cornelius Public Library activities.

Contact the Cornelius Public Library for more information at library@ci.cornelius.or.us or 503-357-4093.

Book Launch for Author Addie Boswell to Benefit First Book Charity

The Tualatin Public Library is pleased to announce the launch party on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 7 PM for a new children's book by local author and artist Addie Boswell. A freelance artist and writer who makes her home in Portland, Boswell has chosen the new Tualatin Public Library (18878 SW Martinazzi Avenue) as the site to introduce her first picture book, The Rain Stomper. A mural created by Boswell and students from Bridgeport Elementary hangs in the children's room of the new Tualatin Library. As an artist Boswell says she "has great faith in the imagination of children and the importance of creativity."

She will be joined at the launch party by local members of First Book, a national non-profit organization that give grants to organizations to buy books for low-income children to start their own home libraries. Recent grant recipients included Lifeworks Northwest (Beaverton), Oregon Child Development Coalition (Cornelius), Mount Hood Community College Early Head Start (Gresham) and West Women's & Children's Shelter (Portland). A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each autographed copy of The Rain Stomper sold during the evening will go to support First Book's work in the local community.

"Addie's mural, Turning the Page, is a fabulous collage that illustrates the power of imagination that books unleash in young minds. First Book works to ensure that all children have the opportunity to enjoy that power of reading," says Meghan Moran, Chair of the Tri-County chapter of First Book. In addition to the first public reading of the book, the evening's festivities will also include an all-ages art activity led by Boswell.

9/18: Out of the Ordinary Oregon at Beaverton City Library

Join Connie Battaile, the author of The Oregon Book: Information A to Z, as she recounts some of the curious events in Oregon’s history on Thursday, September 18, 7pm, at the Beaverton City Library. It may help to explain our conviction that Oregon is a unique place.

From the state motto of Alis Volat Propiis (She flies with Her Own Wings) to the Keep Portland Weird bumper stickers, Oregonians have long demonstrated an appreciation for independent thinking and a high degree of tolerance for the unusual. A shared belief that it’s different here is certainly part of how we define our state’s zeitgeist.

Retired reference librarian and author Connie Battaile wonders if revisiting curious events in Oregon history can help illuminate our conviction that Oregon is a unique place. Beyond their historical value, Battaile’s research suggests that even seemingly unrelated events can tap into larger themes of a state’s identity.

author and retired librarian, Connie Battaile

In this engaging program she recounts some of the natural disasters, such as the Heppner flood of 1903 and the Vanport Flood of 1948, and human foibles, such as the Stumbo Strip and the infamous exploding whale story. Slides of maps and historical photos will illustrate her presentation.

Beaverton City Library is pleased to host an Oregon Chautauqua program from the Oregon Council for the Humanities. This free, public program will take place on Thursday, September 18 at 7pm at Beaverton City Library’s Meeting Rooms A & B, 12375 SW 5th Street.

Oregon Chautauqua brings scholars and speakers to more than eighty Oregon communities each year. Chautauquas take place in libraries, community centers, museums--wherever people come together to talk, learn, debate, and share their understanding of the world.

This Chautauqua program, which is made possible by funding from the Oregon Council for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Oregon Cultural Trust. This is the first of a series of three special Thursday Evening Oregon programs exploring some of the many aspects of our state’s culture.

Meeting Goals and Celebrating Summer Reading

Summer Reading is a Washington County Cooperative Library Services program that coaxes children and young adults to read while school is out, encouraging them to be lifelong readers.

2008 WCCLS Summer Readers who met their reading goals got their day in the sun... literally, at Oaks Park. The official celebration took place on Wednesday, August 13th.

Thanks to everyone who made the Oaks Park event a wonderful day: Oaks Park and their staff, library staff, and volunteers. More than 1,100 WCCLS coupons were turned in by 3pm.

Summer reading finishers received a coupon good for one deluxe ride bracelet with a $3.75 co-pay. The regular price is $14.25, and it's valid on all midway rides (though height restrictions still apply). The bracelet can be used from noon to dusk on the day of redemption (though readers must present coupon!)

The alternate date for the celebration is Thursday, August 21st, again at Oaks Amusement Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way in Portland. Parents and caregivers should be aware that the Sellwood Bridge will be closed to cars after 6:30pm for repairs. For an alternate route, check out the Oaks Park web site. Pedestrians and bicyclists will still be able to cross the bridge at that time.

This year, more than 18 thousand kids and almost 4 thousand teens signed up for Summer Reading, 3,000 more than last summer.

Research has shown that children who continue reading during the summer do better in school. Our Summer Reading programs are structured to encourage toddlers, children and teens to read throughout the summer. The programs foster a love of books and reading and are a lot of fun.

We all want our kids to grow into healthy, caring, responsible adults. Summer Reading programs provide benefits like constructive use of time, building and strengthening relationships with both peers and adults in their community, and developing a positive identity and value system. And those benefits aren’t even the best part! Kids have a chance to engage with pleasure reading and all types of literacy in a fun, self-motivated environment outside of the classroom. There’s no better way to become a lifelong learner than to discover that the library has something for your personal interests, not just class assignments!

The magic of reading to children

It's never too early to read to your kids! Research shows that reading to young children is the single most important factor in helping them get ready to become readers. When you read to your children, they are developing the early literacy skills that are the foundation for them to become readers later on.

Early literacy is what children know about reading and writing before they can actually read or write. Talk + Sing + Read = early literacy.

In tandem with the American Library Association, the libraries of Washington County and Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) are offering information about helping your child get ready to learn to read. Ask your library's staff about the Every Child Ready to Read (or Cada Niño Listo para Leer) brochures. Each brochure talks about the six pre-reading skills that kids must know in order to learn to read. And each brochure comes with a reading list identifying books (available at the library!) that support particular skills for that age group.

• Early Talkers (birth to 2-year-olds)
• Talkers (2 & 3 year-olds)
• Pre-readers (4 & 5 year-olds)

More information and more book lists are available on our website at Ready to Read! Some libraries offer early literacy classes for parents, where you can discover more ideas to help your child get ready to read. Ask about early literacy at your library!

How do babies, toddlers, and preschoolers get ready to become readers? By reading, talking, and singing with their parents! Have fun together!

La magia de leer a los niños

¡Nunca es demasiado temprano para leerles a sus niños! Estudios indican que leer con sus niños es el factor más importante en ayudarlos a prepararse para leer. Cuando usted lee a sus niños, ellos están desarrollando las destrezas de alfabetización temprana que es la base para que más adelante puedan convertirse en lectores.

La alfabetización temprana es lo que los niños conocen acerca de leer y escribir mucho antes de que realmente ellos lean y escriban. Hablar + Cantar + Leer = alfabetización temprana.

Junto a la Asociación Americana de Bibliotecas (ALA, por sus siglas en inglés), las bibliotecas del Condado de Washington y Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) están ofreciendo información sobre como ayudar a su hijo/a estar listo para aprender a leer. Pregunte en la biblioteca por los folletos de Cada Niño Listo para Leer (o Every Child Ready to Read). Cada folleto habla acerca de las seis destrezas de pre-lectura que los niños deben conocer para que puedan aprender a leer. Además, cada folleto contiene una lista de lectura que muestra libros (¡disponibles en la biblioteca!) que apoyan cada una de las destrezas para cada grupo por edad.

Los folletos están divididos por edad en tres grupos:

• Habladores Principiantes (nacimiento hasta los 2 años de edad)
• Habladores (2 y 3 años de edad)
• Pre-lectores (4 y 5 años de edad)

Más información y más listas de libros están disponibles en nuestra página WEB en ¡Cada Niño Listo para Leer! Algunas bibliotecas ofrecen clases para padres en donde usted puede aprender más ideas de cómo ayudar a su hijo/a para estar listo/a para leer. ¡Pregunte sobre alfabetización temprana en su biblioteca!

¿Cómo se preparan para ser lectores los bebés, caminadores y preescolares? ¡Leyendo, conversando y cantando con sus padres! ¡Divirtiéndose juntos!

OCAC closed through August 30

The library at Oregon College of Art & Craft will be closed for construction from August 12 - August 30.

The OCAC collection, however, will still be available to WCCLS members—just place a hold on the item you'd like, and it will soon be on its way to your member library.

And, the photo contest winners are...

photo of Wayne Welch and the Grand Prize Winner, by Julie Wickman

The newly remodeled Tualatin Public Library hosted a reception honoring the 2008 WCCLS Photo Contest participants on Thursday, July 17. The winning photographs in both the youth and adult categories were unveiled at the reception. Contest prize sponsor Wayne Welch, owner of Oregon Photo & Digital, presented the awards for 1st, 2nd and honorable mention in each age category. A continuous photo slide show displayed all the participating photographs.

The winning photos will be used on the WCCLS website, with several already in rotation on the front page. The photos will also begin a countywide tour of the WCCLS member libraries, including a display in the Washington County Public Services Building.

You can view all the participating photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/wccls/.

By the Numbers

• 183 pictures submitted by 121 contributors.


• 5 judges reviewed and selected 4 winners in young adult and adult photography.


• In young adult submissions, 24 young adults contributed 36 photos.


• Entries came from Aloha, Banks, Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Gales Creek, Gaston, Hillsboro, Metzger, North Plains, Portland, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin, & Yorktown, VA.

And the winners are... (the story continues, and, warning, the page is very photo heavy)

Washington County Libraries Debut Computer Reservation Software

The libraries of the Washington County Cooperative Library Services are beginning to use PC Reservation, a new internet computer reservation and time management software. This software will allow library members and guests a new way to sign up for computer time and manage their print jobs.

While West Slope Community Library has been using PC Reservation since June 10, the majority of libraries will not begin their installations until July 14 running through the 25th. On the day of installation, internet computers may not be available to members.

If you have used the libraries' internet computers before, this new software will not be unusual. If no one is sitting at a computer, you can press any key or move the mouse to escape the screensaver.
You will notice that the computer is either reserved or available. If it is available, click on the colored Available link to sign in. Enter your full WCCLS library card number and password. If you do not have a WCCLS library card, see library staff to get a guest pass.

You are now logged in. Click Use this Computer and then click that you agree to the Library Terms of Use. The Session Information window remains open and visible, allowing easy access to how many minutes you have left.

If you need to leave the computer for a moment, you can easily lock it by clicking the Lock button in the Session Information window. When you come back, you just log in, and you're back where you were before you left.

When your session is coming to an end, you'll see a message that will allow you to save your work. When you are finished, just click Done, also in the Session Information window, to log out.

If you still have money on your print account from the old software, it will be transferred to the new system. And if you have problems with printing, you're still welcome to ask a library staff member for help.

Garden Home's Summer Used Book Sale Saturday, August 9

Check out thousands of donated books and other media at the Garden Home Community Library's Summer Used Book Sale. It's taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, August 9 at the Garden Home Recreation Center under its awning.

The Garden Home Recreation Center is located at 7475 SW Oleson Road in Portland.

The collection runs the gamut, and are priced to move at 50 cents to a dollar each.

And if that's not enough, the Rec Center is also hosting their annual Bow Wow Bash, which also takes place from 11am-3pm. The bash includes the Beaverton Police K9 Unit, fly ball demonstrations, dancing dogs, agility course, information booths, raffle, and food, with special guest The Oregonian's Deborah Wood.

Tualatin Public Library Grand Opening

Join us Saturday, August 9th, 11:30am after the Crawfish Parade for the official Grand Opening of the Library. Mayor Lou Ogden and City Manager Sherilyn Lombos will preside over the festivities. Learn more about the spectacular art featured in the library, as well as the artists who created it. Live music and refreshments will be provided.

Tualatin Public Library open now in Martinazzi location

The Tualatin Public Library is now open in its newly remodeled building. The renovated building is located at 18878 SW Martinazzi Avenue in downtown Tualatin.

Initially, the library had announced Monday, July 14 as the opening date. However, they opened Friday, July 11 at 10am, several days ahead of the published opening date.

The remodeled location has almost three times as much square footage as before. This means more space for books, music, movies and Internet access. Tualatin Public Library features other improvements as well:

• 64 parking spaces, an increase of 35 spaces


• Improved pedestrian access


• Dedicated Children and Teen areas


• Designated social and reading areas


• A vending area, and espresso Bar


• A Community Room for Library programs and large group gatherings


• Two small group study rooms


• An enhanced Library entrance separate from City Offices

But that's not all. Energy-efficency and sustainability are not just buzzwords for the Tualatin Public Library. The remodeled building uses natural ventilation, day lighting, selection of materials, energy efficient lighting and mechanical units, as well as controls that monitor and adjust for use and time.

The project has been registered with the US Green Building Council, and would have been able to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification of Certified or Silver if certification had been pursued.

The Tualatin Public Library's hours are:

Monday & Thursday	10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday	10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday	1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Bethany's Birthday Bash, Saturday, July 19

The Bethany branch of the Cedar Mill Community Library is celebrating one year of library service! It’s been a busy year filled with check-outs, check-ins, and lots of holds. And we're flattered that the Bethany community has really embraced its new library.

In celebration, you’re invited to our Anniversary Bash—an afternoon of treats and magical entertainment with Ryan Thomas, a student magician who performs really “cool stuff!” Saturday, 7/19, 2-4 pm. No registration is required, and it's free!

The Cedar Mill Community Library at Bethany is located at 15320 NW Central Drive Suite D-6, in the Bethany Village Shopping Center. For more information, call (503) 617-7323.

Bestselling Author Phillip Margolin Kicks Off Tigard Public Library's Adult Summer Reading Program

Tigard Public Library’s 13th Annual Adult Summer Reading Program will kick off Friday, June 20 with a visit by bestselling author Phillip Margolin at 7 p.m. in the Community Room. Mr. Margolin will speak about his new book “Executive Privilege.”

Audience members can register for the Summer Reading Program that evening. Throughout the summer, participants who fill out reading logs may enter a drawing for a themed gift basket at the end of the program. Baskets will be on display at the kick-off.

“Executive Privilege,” a political thriller, investigates the deaths of two young women who had connections to the President. The action travels from the White House in Washington D.C. to death row in Oregon.

The eight-week Adult Summer Reading Program—Transform Yourself @ the Library— will feature a variety of events and activities to encourage reading and promote lifelong learning. Other events in June include:

• A series of six home interior-design classes by interior designer Angela Todd on Tuesdays, beginning on Tuesday, June 17.


• A discussion of Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin at the Mystery Book Group on Thursday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m.


• An Evening Book Group discussion of The Road by Cormac McCarthy on Wednesday, June 25 at 7 p.m.


• A presentation about "The Ten Essentials of Hiking" presented by outdoors & fitness writer Megan McMorris on Thursday June 26 at 7 p.m.


• The Quintessential woodwind quintet plays familiar classical music pieces on Sunday, June 29 at 2 p.m.

To participate in the Adult Summer Reading Program, sign up any time at the Tigard Public Library beginning Monday, June 16. For more information, please call the Library at 503-718- 2517.

A variety of events are also scheduled for July and August. For a complete list of Adult Summer Reading events visit the Library’s web page at: http://tigard-or.gov/library. The Adult Summer Reading program is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Library.

Tualatin Public Library is Moving Back to the Martinazzi Location

After a year of camping out at the temporary Nyberg Street location, the Tualatin Public Library is nearly ready to make the trek back home to the renovated building located at 18878 SW Martinazzi Avenue in downtown Tualatin.

Here are some facts you may need to know about the month-long move:

Friday, June 13, 2 p.m.
The Tualatin Public Library will close the Nyberg location early.

Loan periods will be extended during the time the library is closed. Materials borrowed from the Tualatin Library won't be due while the library isn't open.

June 14 - June 19
The Nyberg library location will be open the following limited hours:
Saturday & Sunday, June 14 & 15: 12:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Monday - Thursday, June 16 to 19: 12:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m

During this week the library will provide children services and patrons can come in and pick up their holds at the Nyberg location.

However: the upper level will be closed. There will be no adult services and no public internet stations.

Friday, June 20 - Sunday, July 13
Closed to complete the move.

The Haggen Foods book return will remain open and the new Martinazzi library book return will be open.

Monday, July 14, 10 a.m.
The newly remodeled library will reopen at the 18878 SW Martinazzi Avenue site!

New library hours effective July 2008:

Monday – Thursday	10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday	10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday	1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Need more information? Check out www.tualatinlibrary.org or call (503) 691-3074.

Children's area at Beaverton closed 5/28

Due to moving books and book shelves around, the Children's area of the Beaverton City Library will be closed 2 to 3 days beginning Wednesday, May 28, 2008.

Or as one of the Beaverton children's librarians says, "things are changing! We are rearranging!"

Tualatin Book Sale May 17

Saturday, May 17, 2008 marks the Friends of the Tualatin Public Library Used Book Sale. The sale takes place at the Tualatin Public Library, 8380 SW Nyberg Rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The used book sale features CDs, fiction, and non-fiction materials.

The Friends need book donations for this and future sales. Please put your old books and movies back into use by bringing them to the Tualatin Public Library today!

Contact (503) 691-3071 for more information.

Hillsboro Book Sale (and more) May 2-11

The Friends of the Hillsboro Public Library always throw a good book sale. But do you think of the Friends when you think of fine mid-century furniture? Maybe you should.

The semi-annual sale takes place during library hours, May 2nd - May 11th, at the Hillsboro Public Library's meeting room. The library is located at 2850 NE Brookwood Pkwy. Open hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday 12 - 6 p.m.

As you might expect, the book sale features a healthy selection of fiction, non-fiction, kids, and foreign language books. They even have comic books, CDs, cassettes, vinyl LPs, videos and DVDs, and software.

This year, the Friends will also have 25 mid-century Herman Miller by Eames Swivel Bucket chairs for sale. The library surplused the chairs from the staff lounge. The prices are right: $50-$125, depending upon condition. Come early for best selection.

Photo Contest Closed - Winners Announced Soon

The WCCLS Photo Contest deadline for entries has passed. We received over 180 photographs from Washington County residents, so our judges have their work cut out for them. Watch the News & Events page for an announcement about the winning entries soon.

Prizes will be awarded in each age category for First Place, Second Place and Honorable Mention. Prizes are sponsored by Oregon Photo & Digital.

Age 19 + Category:

• First Prize: 16x24 canvas wrap of the winning photo. This prize is valued @ $125.
• Second Prize: 8x10 framed & matted print. This prize is valued at $51.
• Two (2) Honorable Mentions: $15 gift certificate(s) for Oregon Photo & Digital.

Age 10 – 18 Category:

• First Prize: 11x17 framed & matted print. This prize is valued at $75.
• Second Prize: $25 gift certificate for Oregon Photo & Digital.
• Two (2) Honorable Mentions: $15 gift certificate(s) for Oregon Photo & Digital.

Photos may be showcased on the www.wccls.org website for up to one year.

Contact us if you have any questions. Many thanks to all who entered!

Thanks for taking our survey!

We asked you to help us find an ideal name for an on-line collection that is comprised of the following materials…

About 29% are Periodical articles
… 11% are Encyclopedias
… 7% are Community social service resources
… 6% are Periodical citations
… 6% are Health information
… and the rest include Genealogy research materials, Auto repair manuals,Literary Analysis, Biographies, Reference Books, Downloadable Audio Books, Newspaper articles, Antiques description and pricing, Name/Address directories for business and residences, Children's e-books, Investment information and analysis, World catalog of books, Country and state reports, Science experiments, Government publications, Career and employment, and E-books.

The survey is now concluded, but we got over 600 responses and many creative names. Thank you!

We'll need a little time to analyze the responses, but we hope to post the results and the new name soon. Watch for an announcement in News & Events.

North Plains Used Book Sale May 3rd

Another great book sale is coming right up! Saturday, May 3rd, 2008, the Friends of the North Plains Public Library host their annual book sale. It takes place at the Jessie Mays Community Center, 30955 NW Hillcrest in North Plains from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Friends will accept book and media donations on Friday, May 2nd at Jessie Mays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The sale features very reasonably priced (read: cheap) donated and duplicate library materials, and a good supply of VHS movies, children's books, audio books, and bestsellers. All proceeds support the North Plains Public Library.

Friends of Banks Public Library Annual Plant and Book Sale

The Friends of the Banks Public Library Annual Plant and Book Sale will be Friday, May 2 from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday, May 3 from 9-3 p.m.

The sale will feature many types of plants, including vegetable starts, annuals, perennials and trees. Hard and soft cover books will be for sale for all ages, as well as some videos.

If you have plants or books you would like to donate for the sale, please contact Banks Public Library at (503) 324-1382.

Online Reference Books for Adults and Kids

Thanks to the generosity of Cedar Mill Community Library and Beaverton City Library, we now offer Gale Virtual Reference Library to all WCCLS patrons.

With your WCCLS library card, you can search a collection of online reference e-books for both adults and young people. Find reliable, authoritative information in the fields of history, social sciences, government & law, religion, science & technology, biography, and literature.

Gale Virtual Reference Library is available on the Periodicals pages under these subjects: eBooks- Adults, eBooks-Children, Reference, and Youth.

Sherwood Used Book Sale April 26th

Put Saturday, April 26th on your calendar! Don't miss the annual Friends of the Sherwood Public Library Used Book Sale!

The sale runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sherwood Senior Center, 21907 SW Sherwood Blvd. The Center will be filled with great book, DVD, video and CD bargains.

Current members of Friends get early-bird access to the sale at 9:30 a.m. You can become a Friend of the Sherwood Public Library by signing up at the door.

From 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., all of the books you can fit in a paper bag are only $1.00! Bags will be supplied at the door. All proceeds benefit the Sherwood Public Library.

Sherwood Public Library takes book donations up to the day of the sale. It's located at 22560 SW Pine St. in Old Town Sherwood. But bring your donations by during the Library's open hours only! And, please, only clean and sellable items—no magazines, Reader's Digest Condensed Books, textbooks, or National Geographic magazines.

For more information, call the Sherwood Public Library at (503) 625-6688.

Cornelius Used Book Sale May 1st

Booklovers, mark your calendars! On Thursday, May 1, 2008, the Friends of the Cornelius Public Library will hold their Used Book Sale. The semi-annual sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 1310 N. Adair St, Cornelius, just around the corner from the Cornelius Public Library. The sale is made up mainly of donated books, all at low, low prices.

You never know what you'll find! All proceeds will go towards purchasing new materials for the library.

Spring Break Hours for Garden Home Community Library

Garden Home's adjusted hours for Spring Break, 2008:

• Monday, March 24th through Thursday, March 27th: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Friday, March 28th and Saturday, March 29th: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Regular hours resume when Garden Home Community Library opens at 9:00 am, Monday, March 31st. Contact us if you have any questions.

Forest Grove City Library Re-opens on Saturdays

Starting Saturday, March 1, 2008, the Forest Grove City Library will again be open on Saturdays from 10 am-5 pm.

Arts, Heritage and Humanities Grant Applications Available

Washington County Arts, Heritage and Humanities Coalition (WCAHHC) opens its 2008 grant cycle on February 25 through April 9. Washington County based not-for-profit arts, heritage and humanities organizations may apply for $1000 or $2000 grants.

Online applications and detailed grant guidelines for the Community Cultural Participation grant program are available at the Regional Arts and Culture Council website.

WCAHHC awards grants in May, with funds to be used for projects taking place July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009. Interested parties are encouraged to attend one of two grant orientation sessions:

• Tues., March 4, 4-5:30 pm, Walters Cultural Arts Center, 527 East Main Street, Hillsboro. Call (503)615-3485 for directions.
  
• Thurs., March 6th, 4-5:30 pm, Tualatin Heritage Center, 8700 SW Sweek Drive, Tualatin. Call (503)885-1926 for directions. Attendees are encouraged to park near the Police Station.

WCAHHC was established in 2005 to distribute funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust to promote the cultural identity, quality of life and economic vitality of Washington County and its arts, heritage and humanities organizations. WCAHHC has distributed $62,000 in grants to Washington County based organizations over the last three years.

The Oregon Cultural Trust was created by the Oregon Legislature to strengthen Oregon’s culture by establishing a permanent endowment. The Trust receives funding primarily from the sale of Cultural license plates and from gifts from individuals and businesses through an Oregon State tax credit program. The Trust invests a portion of proceeds from the endowment in annual grants to Oregon counties and tribal planning groups, funding for statewide cultural agencies, and competitive grants to cultural non-profits.

To learn more about the Trust or to make a donation, please visit www.culturaltrust.org.

WCCLS Photo Contest Begins!

Now is your chance: Your original photo could appear on the wccls.org main page later this spring.

Starting Monday, February 11, you can submit your original, unaltered, color digital images not previously published and created solely by you within Washington County, Oregon. Location matters!

A quick review of the rules (more details found on the Photo Contest pages):

• Emphasis will be on landscapes that convey the look and feel of the county. Images of people, pets, domestic or captive animals will not be accepted.
• The contest will include photos submitted between February 11 and April 30, 2008.
• Prizes will be awarded in two age categories (10-18 and 19+)
• Winning photos may be showcased on wccls.org for up to one year

See the Photo Contest pages for the official rules and to submit your photo.

Good luck and enjoy the contest!

Correction: Beaverton's Teen Art Show

The WCCLS Winter 2008 Newsletter that showed up at your door recently has an error in it we need to fix.

On page 8, under "Time for Teens," the dates for the Teen Art Show at Beaverton City Library are listed as Feb. 12-29. That should be Feb. 21-29. The submission deadline has been moved from the listed date of the 14th. Submissions will be accepted on the 19th and 20th.

Sorry for the confusion!

No Telephone Renewals on Feb. 13

Beginning at 8:30am on Wednesday, February 13, phone service at WCCLS will be suspended for the day while new telecommunications equipment is installed. If you or someone you know uses the Telephone Renewal number, (503) 846-3245, to get account information or renew items, keep in mind that on Wednesday, February 13, that number will not be available.

You'll still be able to reach WCCLS member libraries by phone, however, and you'll still be able to access your patron account online. The Telephone Renewal number should be available again on Thursday, February 14. Thanks for your patience.

Coming Soon: WCCLS Photo Contest

Your original photo could appear on the wccls.org main page later this spring. Starting this Monday, February 11, you'll be able to submit your photos on the WCCLS Photo Contest page on this site. (The WCCLS Winter Newsletter implies the contest page is up and running now, but that's jumping the gun just a bit. We're still setting it up. Sorry for the tease.)

What kind of photographs are eligible? We're looking for original, unaltered, color digital images not previously published and created solely by you within Washington County, Oregon. Location matters!

Emphasis will be on landscapes that convey the look and feel of the county. Images of people, pets, domestic or captive animals will not be accepted. You can get an idea from the photographs by Benny Martin and by others we use now. Visit our main page and refresh it a few a times to cycle through the photos we use there currently.

The contest will include photos submitted between February 11 and April 30, 2008. Prizes will be awarded in each age category for First Place and Honorable Mention. Photos will be showcased on the wccls.org for up to one year.

Eligibility is limited to amateur photographers. Officers, employees and representatives of WCCLS, the 14 WCCLS libraries and their immediate families, employees of any sponsor and their immediate families are ineligible to participate. WCCLS shall have the right to verify, in its sole judgment, entrant and winner eligibility. The contest is void where prohibited (whatever that means).

There will be separate entry and prize categories for ages 10-18 and ages 19+. For official contest rules and photo submission form, watch this space. There will be a contest page, promise!

Father-Son Book Group at Hillsboro Main Library

The first meeting of the grades 3-5 father-son book group.

Starting in February, the father-son book group begins meeting on the fourth Saturday of the month in the Main Library's meeting room from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The first book shared will be Frindle by Andrew Clements. Future titles will be announced after the first meeting.

Free program; no registration required. Call the library at 503-615-6500 with questions.

Good Reads: Book Reviews & Beyond

To help you find new books you might enjoy, we've developed Good Reads, a resource for book and illustrator reviews, author biographies and interviews, lists of bestsellers and award-winning books, books by theme, and books that have recently been talked about on television and radio.

The best part is how often you'll see the "Check Our Catalog" link next to a title. That link means that if a WCCLS library has that title or that author's books, you don't have to leave the page and go a-hunting for it in the WCCLS catalog. Following the "Check Our Catalog" link takes you right to the title's entry in the catalog. If we've got it, and you have library card, you can place a request for it immediately.

In short, if you don't know what to read next, Good Reads is the place to start.

While you're there, sign up for a news feed or an email newsletter in one or more of twenty categories, including Audio, Fiction Bestsellers, Children's Chapter and Picture books, and your favorite genre fiction. Book Club Choices, Book Sizzle, Book TV this Weekend, and Books on the Air will help keep you up to date on books talked about on radio and TV.

Coolest Feature: my vote goes to Chapter a Day. Wisconsin Public Radio reads one chapter per day of an entire book. They're currently about half way through Joseph E. Ellis's American Creation, a book on the period of American history between the War of Independence and the Louisiana Purchase. On Feb. 21, they start reading J. Revell Carr's All Brave Sailors : The Sinking of the Anglo Saxon, 1940, the true story of the two survivors of the sinking of a WWII British merchant ship and the 70 days they spent at sea in an open boat. (Library2Go fans take note! Chapter a Day gives you something interesting to listen to while you're between downloads.)

Look for the Good Reads link on the wccls.org main page under "Lending Library." Contact us if have questions or comments. We're eager to hear what you think of Good Reads.

New Database: Standard and Poor's Net Advantage

Ideal for investors, brokers, analysts, and researchers, Standard and Poor's Net Advantage provides data on corporate bonds, company profiles, mutual fund profiles, and facts, figures, analysis and projections for publicly held U.S. corporations. Includes S&P's independent research, data and commentary.

Standard and Poor's Net Advantage is available in any WCCLS library and from your web browser at home with your WCCLS library card number.

Net Advantage appears on the Periodicals page under the Business and Reference categories. Contact us if you have any questions.