‘We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day’

- Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Did you know?
Students K-12 can get free homework help from trained volunteer tutors in many KCLS Libraries:

• Boulevard Park Library -Wednesday, January 11,18th, & 25th 6pm-8pm
• Burien Library -Monday through Thursday from 3:30pm-5:30pm
• White Center Library -Tuesday, January 10, 17, & 24 3pm-5pm & Wednesday & Thursday 5:30pm-7:30pm

Look for the volunteer in the blue tee shirt with the yellow Study Zone logo

‘Book Buddies’
Is a great new program created by the Burien Teen and Children’s Librarians to help elementary kids with their reading, trained high school volunteers will provide one-on-one reading help for children in grades K-4:

• Monday, January 9th, 23rd, & 30th; beginning at 4pm @ the Burien Library

Drop-in, no registration is required

Fulfill your New Year’s resolution to READ MORE – join US!
Burien Book Club will be discussing ‘Lost Flamingoes of Bombay’ by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi

• Wednesday, January 18th beginning at 2pm; Conference room on the second floor

Book Review:
‘In the Garden of Beasts; Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin’ by Erik Larson

Erik Larson sheds new and alarming insights on the people, politics, and policies that enabled Hilter’s government to take complete control over Germany and illuminates how and why these events could have happened.

This story unfolds around two key members of an American family sent to Germany in the years before World War II began.

William Dodd was appointed by President Roosevelt as Ambassador to Germany in 1933. Dodd was a soft spoken and often maligned individual who did not fit the ‘pretty good club’ ambassadorial mold of wealthy privileged appointees before him. Still, he stuck to his ethical and moral standards and strived to be a voice of reason and clarity. Dodd sought to raise the alarm flag as daily occurrences of oppression, censorship, and violence were perpetrated on ordinary citizens, even Americans, and especially on the Jewish community by the Third Reich. His messages were often muted, overlooked, and sometimes downright ignored by the State Department and others who did not think Dodd should ever have been appointed as Ambassador.

Martha Dodd, Ambassador Dodd’s daughter, was also in the spotlight during the prewar days in Berlin.  Martha was at first enthused by the ‘fresh faces’ of the Hitler Youth and inspired by their vigor and beauty. Martha became socially, if not romantically involved with a number of officers from the Nazi party, including Gestapo chief Rudolf Deils, but as events unfolded she too became disenchanted with the Third Reich and eventually switched her allegiances to the Communist Party(another story entirely!).

Larson skillfully portrays the events of 1933-34 Berlin from the perspective of everyday citizens as well as from those in positions of power.  Larson answers the question ‘how could this happen?’ very clearly.

Highly recommended – available as eAudio, eBook, on CD, and in Large Print.

- Marilee A. Cogswell

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

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.”

Last June, the iconic George Tsutakawa fountain was removed from outside Burien's new 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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