The Oregon Daily Journal of Commerce is reporting that a “Request for Proposal” (RFP) has been released for a project that would re-locate the historic George Tsutakawa fountain to the interior of Burien’s new library.

The fountain was removed from the outside of the building last June due to concerns of damage from children who were crawling in and around it.

The original installation of “Rain Fountain No.2,” made of stainless steel, 6′, was in 1972 at the (old) Burien Library on 4th Ave SW (now the new, temporary Community Center), in an inner, protected courtyard.

Since its removal last year, the iconic fountain has been in storage.

“As it happens the contractors and our facilities folks are coming out next week to make final decisions about the process,” said Burien Library Manager Marilee Cogswell. “So we should see some movement very soon. The fountain will be installed inside the Burien Library.”

According to the RFP, project proposals are being requested by May 17 at 2pm for:

“…the demolition of existing interior wall and floor surfaces, installation of stainless steel fountain liner with stainless steel railing, new cementitious backing board under new ceramic tile, new gypsum board wall surfacing material, joint sealers, new floor material to match the existing material, new pedestrian traffic coating in a storage room, and mechanical and electrical systems.

The project will be substantially completed in 90 calendar days after the notice to proceed. Final completion will not be later than 45 days after substantial completion.”

Here’s some info on Tsutakawa from the website Art Market Online:

George Tsutakawa dedicated his life to art and the freedom of expression that it granted him. Tsutakawa worked in a number of media, including paint, bronze, and clay. Born in Seattle in 1910, Tsutakawa went to live with his maternal grandmother in Japan from 1917 to 1927. Upon Tsutakawa’s return to Seattle, he began to study art and help with the family import/export business. His time spent in Japan as a child – especially the traditional tea ceremonies performed by his uncle – inform his work, as did the beauty of the Pacific Northwest region and the art of the Northwest Masters. Tsutakawa attended the University of Washington, and received his MFA in 1950.

In 1960 the City of Seattle commissioned George Tsutakawa to create Fountain of Wisdom, for the Seattle Library; this project was the first art commission by the city of Seattle since 1908. Between 1960 and 1990, the artist designed and created over 60 fountains throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan. He exhibited extensively throughout Japan, the United States and Canada beginning in the 1950’s. Tsutakawa was awarded many honors throughout his career including the Order of Rising Sun Award, fourth class, from the Emperor of Japan.

To read the full story and find out more about the RFP, click here.

We stumbled upon a sketch by Burien resident Dave Branson, who is letting us post his rendition of the new Library/City Hall Building he created on Monday, Feb. 15th.

Here’s what Dave had to say about this particular piece:

This is a sketch of the Burien Library and City Hall I did on February 15, 2010.

I have to remember to use a different pen next time I combine ink and watercolor. The pen bled a bit when it got wet.

I like the simple but strong architecture of the Library. It’s modern and original without being too cluttered or trying too hard to be avant-garde. I also enjoy libraries in general.

While out on errands today, I stopped and took a few photos of the building, trying to find an angle that showed off the elements of it that I like, then I based the sketch on one of those shots.

To see more of Dave’s art, check out his blog: http://popsiclemud.blogspot.com.

Story and Photos by Janet Grella

Burien’s new King County Library branch held a sneak peek opening Wednesday night (June 3rd) at its shiny digs in the new Burien Town Square complex, and the BTB was there.

Nearly 150 residents, assorted councilmembers, Library Foundation members and, of course, librarians enjoyed wine from Bookwalter Wines of Woodinville, appetizers provided by Tony’s Events & Catering in Seattle along with self-guided tours of the new library.

This two-story facility is a “dream come true” according to Burien Mayor Joan McGilton. Bill Ptacek, Director of KCLS, told the group gathered in the new Burien City Council Chambers across the lobby from the library, that the library is a result of a “proud paternership with the city of Burien and KCLS.”

Sponsors of the event were Puget Sound Energy, Bookwalter Winery, KCLS and the Burien Library Guild.

The new Burien Library’s official grand opening will be on Saturday, June 13th when the City of Burien celebrates its new library, city hall and Town Square beginning at 10am.

And by the way, if you didn’t make it to the event, the new library shares the marble lobby with the city council chambers, has high ceilings, tall and large windows on both first and second floors, with street views on SW 152nd as well as panoramic views of Burien and the surrounding area from the upper floor.

The Burien Library will be closed beginning May 16 in preparation for the move to its new building at Burien Town Square.

However, the large meeting room will be open for holds pickup, returns and Choice Reads only through June 9th.

The grand opening of the new Burien Library building will be Saturday, June 13th at 10am. The new branch will be located at 400 SW 152nd Street in the same building as the new city hall in the Burien Town Square complex.

Holds Pickup Hours:

• Monday-Thursday, 10am-7pm
• Friday, 11am-6pm
• Saturday, 10am-5pm
• Sunday, 1-5pm

In the meantime, if you need to access a nearby library, your choices are:

• White Center branch, located at 11220 16th S.W. • Seattle 98146 • 206-243-0233
  Monday – Thursday 11am-9pm • Friday 11am-5pm • Saturday 11am-5pm
• Greenbridge Library, located at 9720 8th Ave S.W. • Seattle, 98106 • 206-762-1682
  Monday-Wednesday 11am-6pm • Thursday 1-8pm • Friday Closed • Saturday 12-4pm • Sunday Closed
• Boulevard Park Library, located at 12015 Roseberg Ave. S. • Seattle 98168 • 206-242-8662 (Corner of Roseberg Ave. S and S.120th St.)
  Monday – Thursday 11am-8:30pm • Friday and Saturday 11am-5pm
• Des Moines Library, located at 21620 11th Avenue S. • Des Moines 98198 • 206-824-6066
  Monday – Thursday 10am-9pm • Friday 10am-6pm • Saturday 10am-5pm • Sunday 1pm-5pm
• Foster Library, located at 4060 S. 144th • Tukwila 98168 • 206-242-1640
  Monday – Thursday 11am-9pm • Friday 11am-5pm • Saturday 11am-5pm • Sunday 1pm-5pm

Our “Empress of Information” Marilee Cogswell, the Manager of the Burien Library, sends us this reminder that all area library branches will be closed for staff training this coming Monday morning, March 23rd:

Temporary Library Closure – the Burien, Boulevard Park, Greenbridge, Vashon, and White Center Libraries will be closed the morning of Monday, March 23rd for staff training.

The Burien Library will open at Noon

Boulevard Park, Greenbridge, and White Center Libraries will open at 1pm.

The Vashon Library will open at 2pm.

The Burien Library Guild is sponsoring two Free Job Hunting Seminars on the next two Mondays, March 9th and March 16th, from 6:30pm to 8:3pm at the Burien Library.

So if you’re “in between gigs” (as we like to say), then you should mark your calendars:

WHAT: FREE Job Hunting Seminar

WHEN: Monday, March 16th from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

WHERE: Burien Library, located at 14700 6th Ave SW

INFO: Don’t miss this great series that brings experts from the human resources and recruiting world to share job search tips, resume dos and donts, and information on online applications and government jobs.

Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.

Call or visit the Burien Library for seminar details: (206) 243-3490.

by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

Greetings and salutations to all B-Town Bookworms from your Empress of Information!

DID YOU KNOW?

• The King County Library System now offers downloadable books, audio books, video, and music from several sources. Just visit: http://www.kcls.org/ecollection/ for all the downloadable details.

• February is “Black History Month” so be sure to check out Burien’s book display celebrating the event. The Burien Library also houses the “African American Achievement” collection located in the Teen Zone.

• Our brand new Burien Library is really taking shape! Have a look at all the construction pictures at http://www.kcls.org/bond/burien/ and get ready for our Grand Opening Celebrations!! Date to be announced. To whet your appetite, here’s a photo – check out the nice curved windows and view:

• FREE Job Hunting Seminars @ the Burien Library. Monday evenings 6:30-8:30pm, Feb 23rd, Mar 2nd, Mar 9th, and Mar 16th. Don’t miss this great series that brings experts from the human resources and recruiting world to share job search tips, resume do’s and don’ts and information on online applications and government jobs. Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild. Call or visit the Burien Library for seminar details.

• “Your Money or Your Life” presented by Liesbet Trappenburg @ the Burien Library on Saturday February 28th beginning at 1pm. This program is part of KCLS’s ‘Fiscal Fitness’ series, visit http://www.kcls.org/events/fiscalfitness.cfm for all program listings.

• 2009 ‘Literary Lions Gala’ March 7th beginning at 6pm at the Bellevue Library. Nancy Pearl of ‘Book Lust’ fame will emcee the event and Garth Stein author of ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’ is the keynote speaker. See http://www.kcls.org/literarylions/ for all the details.

• Check out all the fabulous programs in our ‘Many Voices, One Land’ series ‘celebrating the traditions of many cultures that bring us together in community’ including:

• The Burien Library will host ‘Discovering Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition, a Community Research Project’ Saturday March 21st 1-3pm, visit http://www.kcls.org/manyvoicesoneland/ for a list of all the programs being offered throughout the King County Library System.

• The White Center Library will host ‘Songs & Stories of the Coast Salish Peoples’ on Wednesday March 4th at 6:30pm

• PLEASE NOTE: Story Time at the Greenbridge Library is now at 2pm every Wednesday for ages 2-6 with an adult. More info here.

BOOK REVIEW:
“Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life” by Alice Schroeder.

Ever wonder how to become a billionaire?

Read how Warren Buffett, a decidedly low key and down home personality became one of the richest men in the world.

Author Alice Schroeder gets up close to the highly private and personal life of Mr. Buffett. Includes insights on his personal and business friendships and dealings with such persons as Kay Graham (owner of the Washington Post) and Bill Gates.

Buffett, an Omaha native, lives a very unconventional life, from ‘elephant bumping’ with the world’s elite to maintaining his marriage to Suzie Buffett who lives separately in California.

A great read!

(Also available on CD).

See you in the stacks!

Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.

by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

Happy belated New Year as well as a premature Valentine’s Day to all!

Please Note:

All King County Libraries will be Closed Monday February 16th for Presidents Day.

DID YOU KNOW?
That the King County Library System offers many programs and program series throughout the county that are  FREE and open to all:

• See details of our “Many Voices, One Land” series here: http://www.kcls.org/manyvoicesoneland/
• See details of our “Fiscal Fitne$$” series here: http://www.kcls.org/events/fiscalfitness.cfm
• For a complete list of all programs here: http://www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm
• To see a complete list of all KCLS Libraries OPEN HOURS and LOCATIONS: http://www.kcls.org/locations/index.cfm

BOOK REVIEW:
“Puss ‘n Cahoots” (Mrs. Murphy) by author Rita Mae Brown

If you like mysteries, small towns, and animals as detectives, then the “Mrs. Murphy” mysteries are for you.

“Puss ‘n Cahoots” is the 14th in the series where all the animals belonging to Mary Minor ‘Harry’ Haristeen, post mistress of a small Virginia town, get in on the action.

In this series the critters serve not only as friendly human companions but are central characters in the story.  They find clues, solve mysteries, and most importantly, protect ‘Harry’.

Mrs. Murphy (tabby) is the brains of the operation, lazy Pewter (a slightly overweight cat) and Tee Tucker (corgi) exuberant and fearless, team up with a wide range of farm and wild animals to uncover who done it every time.  A fun twist on the relationship between animals and their humans, discussed from the animal’s point of view.

Many of the books in the ‘Mrs. Murphy’ series are available in audio format and in Large Print.  Check the KCLS catalog here: http://catalog.kcls.org/

Highly recommended!

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AT THE BURIEN LIBRARY:

Preschool Story Times:

• Tuesdays at 10:30am
• Ages 3-6 with an adult

Toddler Story Times:

• Wednesdays at 11:15am
• Ages 24months to 36 months with an adult.

Early Toddler Story Times:

• Thursdays at 10:30am
• Ages 12 – 24 months with an adult

Lapsit Story Times:

• Fridays at at 11am
• Ages 6-12 months with an adult

Cuentos en Español:

• Thursdays at 6:30pm
• Ages 2 and older
• Stories and songs in Spanish and English

Sweet Songs!

• A Nancy Stewart Concert
• Wednesday February 11th at 10am

Happy Valentines Day!!

• Ages 3-7 with an adult.

Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.

Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.

Seattle CityClub (the good folks who hosted the panel discussion on neighborhood blogs that we were a part of) and its partners will host a free “Community Matters Campaign” on Wed., Oct. 8 at the Burien Library (map below) from 6:30pm-7:30pm.

This meeting is meant to explore the ways people are engaged and the barriers that may keep them from engaging fully.

Discussion will center around:

• Volunteering and voting
• Cultural richness
• Public trust

It is hoped that participants from all walks of life will come together to have new conversations with old friends and/or meet people they’ve never met before. They will identify community assets and challenges, learn about new opportunities and take action to build stronger neighborhoods.

What strategies should organizations and government focus on to break down barriers to involvement and strengthen the ties that bind our community? What do you think? Join us.

Open to the general public, and it’s FREE.

Sign up for the event here.

More info on Seattle CityClub here.

View Larger Map

by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

For the legions of all my literary (and librarian) fans out there, you may recall that this column was once entitled “Shush!” (a very stereotypical personification of us Librarians, but that’s another story).

Well I have some good news and some bad news – first, the good news:

This feature has now been re-titled “From the Empress of Information”!

That’s right, say goodbye to “Shush!” forever.

The bad news: the smartypants citizen who came up with the original title is still involved as “Editor,” albeit as a much more sheepish one who’s relegated to a secret “Study Room” that doubles as a storage closet.

And now, on with my column:

SUMMER READING PROGRAM A HUGE SUCCESS!

• The King County Library System’s Summer Reading Program was a huge success this year.
• Over 40,000 children signed up!
• Congratulations go to Cathy Ngo, White Center Library winner of the laptop computer drawing for teens – good for you Cathy!!

TEMPORARY LIBRARY CLOSURE:

The following library branches will be closed the morning of Thurs., Oct. 9th for staff training:

• Burien Library
• Boulevard Park Library
• White Center Library
• Vashon Library

The Burien Library will open at Noon, while the Boulevard Park & White Center Libraries will open at 1pm, and Vashon Library will open at 2pm.

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN:

• October Story Times in Spanish for children and families:
  • Thursdays @ the Burien Library beginning at 6:30pm
  • Mondays @ the Boulevard Park Library beginning at 7pm
  • Saturday Oct 4th & 11th @ the White Center Library beginning at 1:30pm
• October Story Times in Vietnamese for children and families:
  • Tuesdays @ the White Center Library beginning at 7pm
• Study Zone @ the Burien Library – Drop in for help with your homework!
  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning at 3:30pm (K-12)

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS:

• Front Porch Theater is Wed., Oct 15th starting at 7pm!
  • Participate in an informal dramatic reading of Robert Penn Warren’s ‘All the Kings Men’ (adapted for stage by Adrian Hall) presented by the Intiman Theater.
  • Check out http://www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm for a complete listing of all programs offered in our Libraries!

DID YOU KNOW?

• The King County Library System offers STARS Training (State Training and Registry System)?
  • Persons requiring STARS-approved continuing education credit can find many of these workshops being offered in our Libraries.
  • Visit http://www.kcls.org/stars/index.cfm for details, listings, and instructions for online signup.

BULLET POINT BOOK REVIEW:

Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring by Richard Preston—(it’s available on CD too)

• A fascinating account of tall tree enthusiasts and scientists who climb and study some of the world’s biggest trees, primarily the Giant Sequoia.
• Until fairly recently no humans were able to venture into the canopy of these huge trees and consequently little was known about canopy ecosystems.
• A ‘wild tree’ is one that has not been climbed nor studied.
• Author Richard Preston (a tree enthusiast himself) follows the work of those few who have developed and mastered climbing techniques that makes study of these amazing trees possible.
• A wonderful addition to the natural history of the pacific coast, reads like an adventure novel.
• Highly recommended.

Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the 
Burien Library.

by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

As every faithful library fan knows, the expression “third time’s a charm” was probably first referenced in Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Letters Addressed to R. H. Horne (1839) with the expression ‘The luck of the third adventure.‘

But the reason I’m using it here is because this is my third (and henceforth most charming – so far) column for the wonderful B-Town Blog.

Of course I must start out my column by fulfilling my contractual obligation, else risk losing this wonderful soap box/bully pulpit, which I cherish only slightly less than the smell of books themselves, and that is this word:

SHUSH!

Now that that’s over with, let’s move on to the business at hand…

LIBRARIES CLOSED LABOR DAY:
All King County Library System libraries will be closed Monday Sept 1st for Labor Day.  For a complete list of 2008 library closures please visit http://www.kcls.org/usingthelibrary/holidays.cfm.

PROGRAMS:

• Book Discussion Group @ Burien Library
  Wednesday Sept 17th @ 2pm: ‘Three cups of tea: one man’s mission to fight terrorism and build nations– one school at a time’ by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

• Opera Preview
  Wednesday Sept 24th @ 7pm: Norma Hollingshead will be discussing Richard Strauss’ voluptuous epic tragedy of  ‘Eleckra’ – you don’t want to miss this one! Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild

• Programs for teens
  SAT Prep Class Saturdays Sept 20 & 27th, October 4th, 11th & 18th @ 2pm – Presented by Sandweiss Test Prep. Students must attend ALL five sessions.  This series will help prepare students  for all sections of the SAT test.  Practice exams will be scored and returned. Registration BEGINS Sept 2nd.

• Programs for children
  Burien, Boulevard Park, and White Center Libraries ALL have regularly scheduled story times for toddlers and preschoolers, please check the programs page at http://www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm for dates and times.

DID YOU KNOW?

• King County Library Homepage InfoVote 2008 links to answers for all your election-related questions, from voter registration and polling locations to background on candidates and issues. Start here to find details, context, and analysis to help new and seasoned voters make informed decisions about all candidates and issues on the ballot.
• We Have 2009 Calendars For Sale!
  The Burien Library Guild is now selling 2009 ‘Book Lover’s’ calendars for $7 each. Be sure to stop by the Burien Library for your copy before they are all gone!  All proceeds support library programs and supplies.

BULLET POINT BOOK REVIEW:

Last Town on Earth by Thomas Mullen (fiction)

• Set in Washington State during World War I
• Plot revolves around the flu epidemic and the advent of organized labor
• A well written tale that knits together dilemmas facing the people of a small logging town
• Spies, union organizers, and fear of disease and death all come into play even as the townsfolk try to shut themselves off from the outside world
• A very good read!

Well, that’s all I’ve got time for this week, but please come back soon for more, and of course come visit your local Library, but in the meantime, please don’t forget to SHUSH!

Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the 
Burien Library.

by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

Being that this is only my second column for this upstart electronic media publication, I want to take a moment and let everyone know that I do not believe in the sophomore jinx, and therefore will not even respond to those who wish me ill will for said superstition (knock on wood!).

However, we here at KCLS do have the ability to monitor your every thought, and I know what you’re thinking, so I will now fulfill my contractual vow to the B-Town Blog, and henceforth shout in your general direction the following word:

SHUSH!

Now that that’s over with, let’s move on to the business at hand…

PROGRAMS

• Come to the ABC Afternoon Book Club for 3rd- 6th grade kids! Join Lydia, one of our children’s librarians to discuss The Anybodies by N.E. Bode. Monday, August 4th at 4pm at (where else) your Burien Library.
• Anime & Manga Club for teens.  Come watch anime movies, talk about your favorite anime and manga, graphic novels, or practice drawing manga characters while enjoying snacks at the library.  Wednesday, August 6th at 3:30pm at (duh) your Burien Library.

DID YOU KNOW??

The King County Library System is making the switch to BioBags!

These bags are eco-friendly, 100% compostable and biodegradable.

BioBags are produced from cornstarch and vegetable oil and are designed to decompose in less than one year.

Check out http://www.kcls.org/research/infogreen/bio_bags.cfm for more details.

BULLET POINT BOOK REVIEW

The Book of Air and Shadows by Michael Gruber

• Shakespeare buffs take note! This wonderfully written novel of intrigue and suspense is sure to keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.
• Our story opens with the discovery of an encrypted letter found tucked in the binding of a fire-damaged antiquarian book.
• The letter, written by one Richard Bracegirdle, a 16th century English spy and solider, reveals the existence of a previously unknown Shakespearean play.
• The story revolves around characters both past and present that become, either by design or by circumstance, deeply involved in discovering the location of the Shakespeare manuscript.
• Russian gangsters, English spies, and high profile lawyers with dubious family ties all come to life in this smart and articulate novel by Northwest writer Michael GrubeR.
• Da Vinci Code move over – highly recommended!
• This one is on CD too!

Well, that’s all I’ve got time for this week, but please come back soon for more, and of course come visit your local Library, but in the meantime…SHUSH!

Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the 
Burien Library.

by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

Welcome to my very first column for the B-Town Blog!

Summer is always a busy time for libraries, and henceforth, Librarians, so please show some consideration of my time and energy.

In other words: “SHUSH! Please be considerate of others – people are trying to read!”

As you know, the Burien branch of the King County Library is located at 14700 Sixth Avenue SW in Burien; our phone number is (206) 243-3490 and our hours are:

Monday-Thursday	10am-9pm
Friday	10am-6pm
Saturday	10am-5pm
Sunday	1-5pm

PROGRAMS:
The Summer Reading Program (SRP) is in full swing.  We have lots programs, activities, and prizes for kids of all ages, including preschool and elementary school age kids http://www.kcls.org/srp/.  The program for teens has a NEW element this summer which we hope really inspires those budding film makers out there, it’s called ‘Read.Flip.Win’.

To enter teens need to create a short video book review and post it to YouTube. See http://www.kcls.org/teens/read_flip_win.cfm for details and to see what you could win!

The Burien Library will be hosting a teen film shoot event on Monday July 21st.

NEW BURIEN LIBRARY:
Construction is fully underway on our joint development project at Burien Town Center; the new Burien Library will share a 3-story building with the City of Burien.  The new library will include more materials, computers, and space for children and teens.  The current library will remain open for business until construction of the new building is completed sometime in mid 2009

DID YOU KNOW?
The Burien Library Guild and the White Center Library Guild are nonprofit organizations that support our local libraries. Both the Burien Library Guild and the White Center Library Guild host an ongoing “book sale” stocked with good quality used books that have been donated to the library.  Both libraries gladly accept donations of good quality used books, and all donations directly support programs and activities at your libraries.

BULLET POINT BOOK REVIEW OF THE MONTH:
Empire of Blue Water: Captain Morgan’s great pirate army, the epic battle for the Americas, and the catastrophe that ended the outlaws’ bloody reign by Stephan Talty

• Wonderfully readable non-fiction account of pr1acy, buccaneering, privateering, and politics in the Caribbean from about 1665-1700.
• Henry Morgan and his men rampaged from Jamaica’s Port Royal, “the wickedest city in the new world” all across the Spanish Main.
• A British loyalist to the end, Morgan began his career as a “privateer” to disrupt Spanish commerce in the new world (a privateer functions much as a pirate, but with a paid commission and sanction of a government body, in Morgan’s case the British empire).
• This is the real story of the Pirates of the Caribbean and is so bloody, daring, and outlandish that no fiction comes close to the reality.
• No ship, port, or inland city for that matter was safe from an attack by these ‘booty’ hungry and bloodthirsty renegades.
• In one of the most daring episodes of Morgan’s career, he marched his band across Panama to loot and burn Panama City; the city was so ruined that after the attack it was not rebuilt on the same site.
• A truly fascinating history of political intrigue and empire building in the Caribbean during the age of exploration.
• Highly recommended.
• This one comes in LP & on CD too.

Well, that’s all I’ve got time for this week, but please come back soon for more, and in the meantime…SHUSH!

Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the 
Burien Library.