by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

Happy nearly-springtime to all those B-Town Bookworms out there!

DID YOU KNOW?

Voters Approve Levy Lid Lift for libraries!!

Thanks to dedicated community advocates and library supporters, voters approved Proposition 1 on the February 9 special election ballot by 52%, authorizing a one-year increase in the property tax level to fund essential library services.

With the passage of Proposition 1, voters restored the full allowable library levy rate of 50¢ per $1,000 assessed property value for 2011.

The additional revenue will sustain library operations, including hours of service, new and replacement materials, computers and software upgrades, and regular preventive maintenance.

Thank YOU VOTERS!!

KCLS WELCOMES RENTON LIBRARIES, PATRONS & STAFF:
Renton Libraries are now part of the King County Library System! Though many details involved in merging the library systems are being worked out, two key changes are now in place for Renton Library patrons:

1. Expanded library hours in downtown Renton.
2. Immediate eligibility for a Seattle Public Library Card.

Welcome!!

PROGRAMS AT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARIES:

• TechConnect!!! Burien Library Saturday March 13th 10am -2pm: TechConnect is an interactive library open house showcasing the many ways KCLS technology connects you to reading, recreation, entertainment and lifelong learning.  Whether you’re tech-savvy, tech-challenged or somewhere in between, TechConnect will enhance your use of the library!  King County Library TechLab van will be in our parking lot demonstrating the latest in downloads available.  TechConnect stations will be set up throughout the first floor of the library demonstrating our databases, how to use the library catalog, children’s story time online, and much much more. There will also be Spanish language station ‘Biblioteca’ showing library technology for Spanish speakers.  Visit every station and enter to win the prize drawings, winners announced on the hour, must be present to win.  Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
• Crumac Concert: Burien Library, Sunday March 14th 5pm. This Irish trio creates traditional music on fiddle, uilleann pipes, whistles, and guitar
  Ages 5 and older.
• Get Loose with Seuss! Burien Library, Friday March 19th, 10:30am. Presented by Harmonica Pocket. Sing along with the Doctor’s ‘One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish’ and other Seussian favorites! All ages welcome Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
• Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! White Center Library, Friday March 19th, 3pm. Presented by Harmonica Pocket. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with stories, songs and silliness. Sponsored by the White Center Library Guild.

BOOK REVIEW:
‘The Eight’ By Katherine Neville

Part historical fiction, part mysticism, part modern day suspense thriller – this tale follows the discovery and disappearance of the powerful Montglane Chess Service. The chess service imbues unlimited power to anyone playing. The task of hiding and protecting the chess pieces from abuse falls upon the novices of Montglane Abby in the year 1790.  In 1972, modern day computer expert Catherine Velis is hired to recover the valuable chess pieces and soon finds herself entangled in a global plot.

Excellent!

Until next time…see you in the stacks!

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

Burien’s Glendale Lutheran School is holding a book sale fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 27th from 9am to 2pm at their gymnasium at 13455 Second Ave SW.

All books will be priced at just 50¢ or less, with special deals during the final hour.

Proceeds from the book sale will benefit school operations and help maintain affordable tuition rates at Glendale Lutheran School.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Glendale Lutheran School Book Sale Fundraiser

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 27th from 9am to 2pm

WHERE: Glendale Lutheran School Gymnasium, located at 13455 2nd Ave SW • Burien • (206) 244-6085

INFO: “All books 50¢ or less!! Come early for best selection. Special deals during the last hour!”

by Ralph Nichols

Although Puget Sound Park no longer is under consideration as a potential site for a new King County library, White Center and Boulevard Park residents remain concerned about the future of their community libraries.

And little was said to ease their fears when the Planning Committee of the King County Library System (KCLS), chaired by library trustee Lucy Krakowiak, who is also a Burien City Councilwoman, met at the Burien Library on Thursday, Jan. 14.

Library system Director Bill Ptacek did tell those in attendance from the Highline area “the park is no longer an issue.” In November, the library system considered buying Puget Sound Park as the site for a new facility to consolidate White Center and Boulevard Park libraries.

But the planning committee also got their first look at a list of goals and metrics for a Library System Area Analysis that, Ptacek said, would help determine “the equitable distribution of library resources” throughout the library district.

This process will guide the trustees in identifying what is needed to provide good library service, rather than just responding to “who talks the loudest,” he added.

Board of trustees president Robert Spitzer later observed that if their goal system wide is to be “oriented toward consolidation,” then the most equitable approach would be to “build a 200,000 square foot library in the center of our service area.”

“There is a balance to be reached between efficiencies and meeting community needs,” Spitzer continued. That includes “considering the level of community involvement and access.”

Rachel Levine, a member of the White Center Library Guild, said the “metrics don’t mean anything if they don’t meet the needs” of these under-served communities.

Noting that the 2004 library bond issue, passed by voters throughout the library district, included funds for new or expanded library buildings in White Center and Boulevard Park, Levine asked, “Why should we wait for that new library with the money there?”

Ptacek said the metrics would be only the first step in a process for siting any new library. “The nature of the library business is changing, with outreach and technology,” he noted. “There is more to it than just four walls … it is old fashioned to look at a library building only.”

But, responded Levine, “Library buildings are important because that’s where it happens … we have a very proud history [at the White Center Library] and we intend to keep it.”

Highline residents will have an opportunity to address the library trustees during public comment at board meetings on Jan. 26 and Feb. 23. Both meetings begin at 5 p.m. at the library administration’s administrative offices at 960 Newport Way NW in Issaquah.

The February meeting includes the board’s quarterly public forum at which those speaking can take longer to make their points than the usual three minutes.

North Highline’s community libraries became an issue in November when word got out that former King County Executive Kurt Triplett had entered into an agreement that would sell Puget Sound Park at 1st Ave. S. and SW 126th St. to the library system.

The library system planned to use the park as the site for a new facility, where the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries then would be consolidated.

However, Burien objected to the sale of the park, which is in southern North Highline that will be annexed by the city on April 1. Two weeks ago, new King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that the county will cede the park to Burien as part of annexation.

The future of the two libraries, which is a library system and not a city issue, remains unresolved.

Before the Planning Committee meeting started, some in attendance criticized Ptacek and Krakowiak for sitting with their backs to the audience and indicating they would not introduce themselves. Introductions by the trustees and staff subsequently were made.

So…what do YOU think the King County Library System should do? Please take our Poll, or leave a Comment below…

by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

Happy Holidays to each and every one of our fine bookworms out there!

Can you believe it’s almost 2010? (and isn’t that the “Year We Make Contact“?)

Please note that all King County Libraries will be closed on Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th for the Christmas Holidays.

Also, all King County Libraries will also close at 5pm on Thursday, December 31st for New Year’s Eve and remain closed on Friday, January 1st 2010, New Year’s Day.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Burien Library Guild is now sponsoring the ongoing book sale at the Boulevard Park Library. Bring your donations of gently used books to the Boulevard Park Library, all sales collected from this book sale will be used to sponsor programs at the Boulevard Park Library.

The Burien Library Guild continues to sell used books in their ongoing sale at the Burien Library as well.

The Guild is also selling ‘Book Lover’s Calendar’ 2010 for $8 each at the Burien Library – a great bargain and a wonderful gift!

The King County Library System selection department has put together a list of the Best Books of 2009 - check it out here.

PROGRAMS:

Burien Library:

• Opera Preview : Verdi’s  ‘ll Trovatore’ presented by Norm Hollingshead
• Wednesday December 23th beginning at 7pm
• Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild
  Visit http://www.kcls.org/events/opera.cfm for a complete list of Opera Preview times and locations.

• Holiday Magic, for children ages 5 and older.
  Thursday December 31st beginning at 11am
  Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.

White Center Library:

• Fiestas – Early Literacy Parties in Spanish
  December 10th & 17th 6:30pm-8pm
  The ‘Fiestas’ are workshops designed for Spanish-speaking families to prepare their children for Kindergarten. Las ‘Fiestas’ son talleres disenadow para los padres hispanos que preparan a sus hijos para el Kindergartern
  Sponsored by the KCLS Foundation

Visit http://www.kcls.org/programs/ for a complete list of programs throughout the library system.

BRANCH LOCATIONS:

• Burien Library – 400 SW 152nd St Burien (206.243.3490)
• White Center Library – 11220 16th SW (206.243.0233)
• Boulevard Park Library- 12015 Roseberg Ave S (206.242.8662)
• Greenbridge Library -9720 8th Ave SW (206.762.1682)

BOOK REVIEW:

“My Dream of You” by Nuala O’Faolain

When middle aged travel writer Kathleen de Burca returns to her native Ireland to research a scandalous love affair between a landlord’s wife and an Irish peasant during the potato famine she finds herself examining her own desires and needs as passion comes to her in the form of a married man.

The story is both an historical account of Irish history and a contemporary novel.

Wonderful, sad, uplifting.

Fiction.

Until next time…see you in the stacks!

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

by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

All King County Libraries will be Closed Thursday, Nov. 26th for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

DID YOU KNOW?

The King County Library System offers a variety of databases to help you with everything from business information and directories to homework help.  See our featured database at http://www.kcls.org/databases/

Testing & Education Reference Center:
Get ready for the big tests in your life – AP, SAT, GED, MCAT, and civil service – with practice tests, ebooks, and planning advice from #1 names in college and vocational prep, Peterson’s and ARCO.

BOOKS & READING:
Visit http://www.kcls.org/booksandreading/index.cfm for a list of books we recommend, new books, and book club resources.

PROGRAMS:

Literary Feast
LOCAL AUTHORS Cliff and Nancy Hollenbeck will be at the Burien Library Saturday, Nov. 21st  from 2pm- 4pm.

Northwest authors Cliff and Nancy Hollenbeck will visit the Burien library on Saturday Nov. 21, for a book-reading and signing event. The best-selling local authors are featured in the book, “Literary Feast, The Famous Authors Cookbook,” which is a compilation of 100 food, drink and dessert recipes from scores of well-known authors and writers.

Singing Thanksgiving at the Burien Library Wednesday, Nov. 18th at 10:30am! Presented by Harmonica Pocket
. All ages welcome.
 Celebrate the holidays with American Folk tunes including Over the River and Through the Woods, Turkey in the Straw, and This Little Light of Mine. This dynamic musical duo will have everyone singing and dancing along.

Rock! Rock! Rock! at the White Center Library Wednesday, Dec. 2nd at 6:30pm! Presented by Rowbes.
 Ages 2 and older welcome.
 This original children’s rock concert is performed by some crazy puppet musicians. 
Rowbes is better known as Dewy the Dog from Story Time with Dewey and Sketch: Season 2.

Visit http://www.kcls.org/season/ for a complete list of all upcoming library programs!

Why Can’t You Behave? Ideas for Handling Misbehavior at the Greenbridge Library Saturday, Nov. 21st at 1pm

Presented by Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed., Priceless Parenting, LLC
 – Learn ways to set effective limits, deal with adult-child control issues and use positive techniques for dealing with issues like tantrums, tattling, begging at the store and bedtime. 
Provides 2 hours STARS credit in Child Guidance.

BOOK REVIEW:
‘Wild Swans; Three Daughters of China’ by Jung Chang.

From turn of the century China through the 1980s Chang traces 3 generations of women.

Her grandmother, born in 1907, was a concubine as a young girl, her mother was a Communist party member and official, and she was a member of the Red Guards in the late 60s.

China’s evolution from a feudal society to present day told through the experiences of one family brings to life the incredible hardships and successes that have shaped the country.

Non-fiction, and definitely worth a read!

Until next time…see you in the stacks!

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

Heard of Speed Dating? How about Read Dating?The King County Library System is hosting an evening of fun, books and possibly romance at 7pm on Monday, Oct. 12th at Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub in Burien.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Read Dating event for singles who love to read

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 12th at 7pm

WHERE: Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub 255 SW 152nd Street, Burien, WA 98166 Across the street from the new Burien Library

INFO: Test your compatibility with others by discussing the books you like to read!

Read Dating (noun)–a method of meeting a potential romantic partner by attending an organized event in which a person meets a series of individuals and talks briefly to each of them about a favorite book.
– Macmillan Online Dictionary

The events will be hosted by Dr. Pepper Schwartz, relationship expert for a leading relationship website and professor of Sociology at the University of Washington.

Register online at www.kcls.org or call the Burien Library at 206.243.3490.

The first 50 people who register for each program will receive a copy of Schwarz’ book “Finding Your Perfect Match.”

Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities is available; please contact the library prior to the event if you require accommodation.

“A LOVE STORY” PHOTO CREDIT:

by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

Have you visited the new Burien Library yet? Do you have a group who would like to meet at the Library? Did you know you can book a meeting room online?  Click here to do it: www.kcls.org/meetingrooms/index.cfm. Library tours are also available for groups upon advance request – call  206-243-3490 for more information.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Burien Library Guild needs your help!  We are seeking donations of used books in good condition for adults and children. Please remember us when cleaning out your closets! Your donations support the wonderful programs we are able to have at the Burien Library including our ‘Opera Previews’ and ‘Sing Into Reading’ listed below.

You can now follow the King County Library System on Twitter!  Check it out at www.kcls.org/usingthelibrary/widgets/ for all the details and linkage.

We have made it easy for you to keep track of your library materials, track what’s due, what’s overdue, and what items are ready for you to pick up using this new feature called ‘Library Elf’ – find out how to sign up at www.kcls.org/usingthelibrary/catalog_help/library_elf.cfm.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS:

• Opera Preview: Wednesday, Sept. 16th beginning at 7pm – “La Traviata’ by Verdi, presented by Norm Hollingshead, sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
• Burien Book Group: Wednesday Sept. 16th – “Omnivore’s Dilemma: Search for a Perfect Meal in a Fast-food World” by Michael Pollan. The book group meets in the conference room on the second floor of the Burien Library beginning at 2pm…everyone is welcome
• ‘Barking Buddha: Yoga for You and Your Dog’ demonstration presented by author Brenda Bryan in conjunction with the City of Burien’s ‘Wellness Fair’ Saturday, Sept. 19th at 1pm in the Burien Library.

PROGRAMS FOR TEENS & CHILDREN:

• SAT Prep: Five FREE sessions to help you prepare for the SAT. Practice exams will be scored. Participants must attend all five sessions and will receive an official SAT Study Guide. Registration is Required beginning September 5th; Saturdays Sept 26th, Oct 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 10AM; Presented by Sandwiess Test Prep.
• ‘Sing Into Reading’: Saturday Sept 12th, 10:30AM & 11:30AM; Presented by Nancy Stewart. Ages 5 and younger with a parent. Registration begins Saturday August 29th. Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild

For a complete list of programs and story time events at our libraries visit the KCLS homepage at www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm.

BOOK REVIEW:
“The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seekers Guide To Making Travel Sacred” by Phil Cousineau.

This beautiful little book will make you look at the way you travel in a whole new way.  Every journey you take, be it long or short, can become a part of your personal spiritual development.  If you are looking for a more focused or deeper meaning to your travels this lovely book will instruct and inspire.

Until next time…see you in the stacks!

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

There’s nothing like curling up with a newspaper and a cup o’ joe at your neighborhood (and we do mean neighborhood) coffee shop.

That combination has sprung forth on SW 152nd, across from the new library and city hall, in the form of Burien Press, our latest advertiser.

We welcome them aboard the B-Town Blog, and we love the double-entendre of their name, expressed in their slogan: Fine coffee, fine print.

Hence the newspapers and magazines from around the country easily found at the newly-built shop, which also features free wi-fi and lots of electrical outlets, perfect for those who prefer to read things like local blogs.

Co-owners are husband and wife Mark Kearns and Erin Williamson.

“We spent two years looking around Burien for just the right spot,” said Erin, a fourth-generation Burien resident.

Mark did the bulk of the build-out. He’s a carpenter with years of experience with Pacific Studio, where he worked on projects for the Seattle Art Museum, Experience Music Project, and Yellowstone National Park.

The Burien Press interior is warm and smartly designed, featuring fir and other material reclaimed from the site’s demolition. A deck out back provides sunlight and seclusion.

(How non-corporate. Hmmm. We wonder if an international coffee house conglomerate, headquartered in Seattle, might take a clue here. Naaah! They’d never go ‘neighborhood,’ now would they? Just a thought.)

Many of our readers already know Erin. She serves as Executive Director of Burien Arts, which runs the Burien Art Gallery.

Burien Press is not Mark and Erin’s only recent creation. Their son Alder was born just a few weeks ago. His older sister Isla, almost three, couldn’t be more proud.

Alder and Isla. Unique names they are.

“Their names come from my European roots,” said Erin. “Some of my more nearby relatives think we named our kids Beatrice and Ernest!”

Stop by and say Hi (you’ll probably see us, or numerous Burien city employees who frequent the joint). Juices, fresh salads and sandwiches are also available.

Burien Press
423 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166

Hours: Open daily 6am – 8pm

Phone 206-453-5412

Website: www.burienpress.com

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story and Ad like this for your Business on a popular website seen by 20,000+ interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

Summer is here dear Readers, which means it’s time to slather yourself with gobs of SPF750, cover your nose with zinc oxide, then find a shady spot and read a great book borrowed for FREE from your brand new library!

DID YOU KNOW?
All of the public-use computers in the King County Library System are being updated to Microsoft Office 2007! Visit our webpage for tutorials on all Office 2007 software here.

TEENS & SUMMER:

• “Read Three, Get One Free Summer Edition & Video Book Review Contest” is going on! Be sure to get your entries in by August 31st to be eligible to win fabulous prizes, like a laptop computer and cool Flip Video cameras! Check out our website to get all the details and entry forms here.
• Study Zone – keep your brain tuned up for school! Burien Library Wednesdays this summer beginning at 3:30pm.

PROGRAMS:

• The Summer Reading Program for elementary and preschool kids is underway. There are lots of free and fun programs coming to a library near you. Check out ALL KCLS Summer Reading Programs on our website here.
• “Up Up & Away” – spellbinding scientific experiments for ages 4+ at the White Center Library Tuesday July 21st 2pm, Sponsored by the White Center Library Guild.
• “Create a Puppet” – come and build your own puppet for ages 3+ at the Boulevard Park Library Tuesday July 28th 11am.
• “Rock Out with Recess Monkey” – blast off with imaginative rock n’ roll – all ages at the Burien Library Wednesday July 22nd 11am.

FOR ADULTS:

• Master Gardeners at the Burien Library every Wednesday beginning at 5pm and Saturdays beginning at 11am in the lobby.
• ESL (English as a Second Language) Tuesdays & Thursdays through August 16th at the Burien Library, class starts at 6:00pm, presented by Highline Community College.

BOOK REVIEW:
“Marco Polo, from Venice to Xanadu“ by Lawrence Bergreen: Marco Polo has fascinated readers since his ‘Travels’ first appeared for European readers in the 13th century.

At the age of 17, Marco Polo’s travels began when he accompanied his father and uncle to the court of the infamous Mongol leader Kublia Khan. Essentially held captive by Kublia Khan for over seventeen years, Marco served as an emissary for the great Khan during his ‘coming of age’ years. Marco kept a journal of his travels and years later collaborated with Rustichello da Pisa to compile ‘The Travels of Marco Polo’. Many revisions and additions were made to the ‘Travels’ over Marco’s life time, the original manuscript did not survive.

Though many did not believe much of what Marco Polo claimed to have witnessed (some still don’t), Bergreen, in this most recent book, uses 19th and 20th century Chinese scholars to verify many of facts and events that Marco Polo claimed to have witnessed. An extremely readable and fascinating book that most vividly brings to life the fabulously wealthy and powerful Kublia Khan.

This biography is available on CD too, which makes it not only worth a read, but worth a listen as well!

‘Til next time, we’ll see you on the beach with a great book (and plenty of sunscreen)!

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

by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

The Grand Opening of the beautiful new Burien Library will be this Saturday, June 13th beginning at 10am!

The Library (along with the new Town Square) will open its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony, programs throughout the day, food, giveaways, story times, building tours, and lots more! The new library also features an automated materials handling machine that will check your items in, give you a receipt, and sort the item for shelving.  Check out www.kcls.org/bond/groundbreakings.cfm for all the details.  Our new address is 400 SW 152nd Street.

If you have books you need to return before this Friday, June 12th, please drop them off at one of our sister libraries:

• White Center Library is located at 11220 16th Ave SW
• Boulevard Park Library is located at 12015 Roseberg Ave S
• Des Moines Library is located at 21620 11th Ave S (in Des Moines)

We Thank You for your patience during this transition period!!

COMING UP:
“Be Creative @ Your Library” is this year’s Summer Reading Program theme.  The Summer Reading Program kicks off on Monday, June 15th.  Our children’s librarians are busy right now making school visits and preparing programs.  See www.kcls.org/srp for complete details.

BOOK REVIEW:
“Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague“ by Geraldine Brooks:

Based on the true story of Eyam, the “Plague Village”, located in the rugged mountains of England in 1666.  As a young widow with small children, Anna Firth, finds herself intensely involved in caring for the sick and dying residents of her small mountain village.  The townsfolk make the decision to quarantine the village in hopes of stopping the plague from spreading.  As the disease ravages the village fearful villagers react with fear and jealousy as Anna and the town’s minister try to keep the town from falling into complete chaos.

This is a riveting novel that really brings to life the ethical and emotional impact dealing with the plague must bring.

Highly recommended!

See you in the brand new stacks this weekend!

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

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

by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

As everyone has shown time and time again, we’re a strong community here in Burien, whether we’re using our beloved library or whacking invasive weeds in a local park or helping neighbors in need, and the month of May will show everyone just how strong we are with this upcoming, helpful, community-oriented event:

‘Look to Your Library’ job-hunting help from May 1st – May 8th at ALL KCLS Libraries!

Across the county people are feeling the economic pinch: layoffs, reduced hours, decreased benefits and mounting bills. To help people cope and get back on their feet, KCLS is hosting how-to demonstrations of the latest job search and financial tools.

All libraries will open one-hour earlier than normally scheduled each day that week.

Look at our website for all the details.

The Burien Library Guild has generously agreed to bring coffee and donuts for Burien Library patrons May 1st and May 2nd.

COMING UP:
Japanese Paper Cutting Workshop Presented by Aki Sogabe:

• Saturday May 2nd at 2pm at the Burien Library
• Ages 7 and older
• Using her books as an introduction to the ancient art of Japanese paper cutting, this book illustrator will help participants create an origami and paper cut project.
• Please bring scissors. Registration required.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!
Grand Opening of our New Burien Library is set for Saturday June 13th!

This will be an all day event, with music, speeches, food, and programs throughout the day – Don’t miss it!

The New Burien Library is located at 400 SW 152nd St (corner of 152nd & 4th), and the Burien Library Guild is sponsoring refreshments inside the library for the celebrations.

For news and pictures of library construction projects throughout the county visit http://www.kcls.org/bond/

On May 15th at 6pm the current Burien Library will close its regular operation.

On Saturday May 16th we will be open limited hours for book returns and holds pick up. We will not have public use computers or reference services during this time (May 16-June 8th).

From June 9th until our Grand Opening on June 13th the Burien Library will be completely closed. Please visit our nearby libraries for reference services and public computers during this time.

Visit our webpage at http://www.kcls.org/locations/index.cfm for a complete list of library locations and open hours.

We appreciate your patience during our move, and we look forward to seeing you in our new digs!

BOOK REVIEW:
“Autobiography of a Face“ by Lucy Grealy:

Ms. Grealy tells her life story from age 9 when she was diagnosed with bone cancer. In stark and touching detail Grealy shares her remarkable strength, humor, and resilience as the cancer progresses.

The cancer eventually takes 1/3 of her jawbone.

Her struggles to remain ‘normal’ and continue to give and receive love are beautifully written in this moving story.

In “Truth & Beauty: A Friendship,” Ann Patchett writes about her long and special relationship with fellow writer Lucy Grealy (author of ‘Autobiography of a Face’). A heartbreaking and tender story of friendship and commitment.

Read together these two books provide special insights on love, laughter, and the beauty of life.

Highly recommended!

See you in the (new) stacks soon!

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

Burien Little Theatre has released its May schedule, which will include readings from winners of the Bill & Peggy Hunt’s Playwright’s Festival.

BLT will also feature “Recession Pricing” for all of May, with tickets priced at just $10.

You can buy tickets safely and securely online here:

You can also email tickets@burienlittletheatre.com or call (206) 242-5180.

As for the playwright fest:

Experience wonderful brand-new works written by up-and coming playwrights from Washington state and never produced anywhere else.  Come see the winners of the 2009 playwrights festival!

The festival is graciously sponsored by the City of Burien.

Half of all ticket sales for the Playwrights Festival go to Hospitality House to help homeless women.  (Sorry, this means NO Five Buck Friday during the Festival.)

There are four shows, two one-act plays and two full length plays in the festival.  One one-act play and one full-length play will be performed together.  Two shows for the first two weekends and then the other two shows for the last two weekends.  Don’t miss out!  Come twice and see ALL the winners! – The shows are recommended for audiences age 15 and older due to occasional language.

SPECIAL – SPECIAL – SPECIAL – Every Saturday there will be a FREE reading of the honorable mention plays! (we will pass the hat)!  Starts at 2 pm!  See details below:

“The Reprieve” a one-act play written by Judith A. Jacobs AND “If Spiders Made Honey” a full-length play written by Dave Tucker:

• May 1 at 8:00 p.m. Friday – MAY DAY!
• May 2 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds”
• May 3 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• May 8 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• May 9 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds”
• May 10 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee

“Famous Last Words” a one-act play written by Michael Wallace AND “Man Defeats Nature” a full-length play written by Christopher Bailey:

• May 15 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• May 16 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Freight” and “Days of Future Passed”
• May 17 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• May 22 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• May 23 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Freight” and “Days of Future Passed”
• May 24 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee

A few things to note:

• The play readings are free to the public.
• Tickets for the productions are just $10 with one half of the ticket price ($5) being donated to Hospitality House.
• BLT is conducting a food drive for local food banks, so please bring non-perishable food stuff.
• There is a “play with your food” option (dinner and a show) at the Mark Restaurant and Bar – a two course meal and a ticket for just $30.00 per person. Call the Mark at (206) 241-6275.
• If you brought food for the food drive and bought a ticket, you could enjoy live entertainment and feel self-righteous from all of the good you are doing for the community!

Burien’s Christian Science Reading Room, located at 629-A SW 152nd (map below) is holding an Open House from Thursday April 16th through Sunday April 19th.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Open House at Christian Science Reading Room

WHERE: Located at 629-A SW 152nd (map below)

WHEN: Thursday April 16th/Friday April 17th from 10am to 6pm; Saturday April 18th from 10am to 5pm and Sunday April 19th from 1pm to 5pm

COST: None

INFO: Christian Science Reading Rooms are bookstores and reading centers for the exploration of spirituality, prayer, and healing. They are public resources for anyone on his or her quest for spiritual understanding and are open to people of all faiths, backgrounds and ways of life.

Each Reading Room is a community bookstore and resource center for spiritual discovery as well as health and healing through prayer. Your local Reading Room:

• Provides information and materials about Christian Science and its discoverer, Mary Baker Eddy, including her primary work, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and her other writings, which teach and illustrate the healing power demonstrated by Christ Jesus.
• Offers a variety of Bible research materials, books and magazines (in various languages), audio-video products, and world news from The Christian Science Monitor.
• Sponsors special activities and community events, and also participate in national and local conferences, fairs, and expos.

More info at their website.

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by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

Happy Spring my sprouting B-Town Bookworms from your Empress of Information!

LIBRARY CARD CONTEST:
Create the next new Library Card!

That’s right – your art can grace the new library cards, so get busy!

Winners will be announced May 29th, and there are three levels of competition:

• Elementary, Grades 3 and up
• Middle School/Junior High
• High School

Entries may be submitted until April 30, 2009.

Winners will be selected by a panel of children’s and teen librarians and other KCLS staff.

Each winner receives a $100.00 gift card to Barnes and Noble-funded by the King County Library System Foundation.

Check out www.kcls.org/librarycardcontest/ for all the details

DID YOU KNOW?
From the KCLS Homepage you can access practice tests for the WASL and SAT tests.

We have partnered with Brainfuse to offer this new online tutoring service.

Visit www.brainfuse.com for all the details.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

• Saturday, April 4th at 1pm: ‘Recess Monkey’ Live! Will Hop Bump and Bounce into Spring! All ages. Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild
• Wednesday, April 29th 10:30am: ‘Nursery Rhymes & Tales’ Puppeteer Peter Allen tells the story of ‘The Little Duckling Who Couldn’t Quack’ All ages. Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
• To see our entire list of upcoming events and programs, click here.

Visit the KCLS Programs page for a complete list of programs throughout the Library System.

BOOK REVIEW:
“Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America” by Erik Larson.

A true ‘thriller’ in every sense of the word!

Local writer Erik Larson’s research illuminates the genius behind the innovative 1893 Chicago ‘World Columbian Exposition’.

Daniel H. Burnham, architect of the fair, was responsible for the construction of the famous ‘White City’ around which the fair was built. There were numerous obstacles, including the death of this partner, that had to be overcome.

At the time the Exposition was going on another sort of genius was busy in Chicago as well – serial murderer, H.H. Holmes, was entrapping young women in his home and executing them in a sealed room while he watched them die.

Larson weaves these two stories together as skillfully as any novelist, but the difference here is that these two stories really happened.

Absolutely gripping!

Comes in large print, on CD and is available for download as an ebook from the KCLS homepage as well.

See you in the stacks!

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

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.

Burien’s own Page 2 BOOKS is holding a “Customer Appreciation Day” this Saturday, January 31 from 10:00am to 6:00pm at their store, which is located at 15706 1st Ave South (map below).

“We had another year of growth in 2008,” said Gayle Collins, co-owner. “With so many used bookstores closing, we are especially grateful to our customers. They partner with us to ensure our success, even in challenging times, and we want to celebrate that partnership.”

Recently, this neighborhood bookstore increased its shelving capacity by 30 percent. The boost provides wider aisles, better signage and brighter lighting in addition to more romance, mystery, science fiction and non-fiction stock.

On Saturday, customers will be greeted with:

• Drawings
• Prizes
• Cookies
• Coffee
• A game to win selected FREE books

More information available at the Page 2 BOOKS website.

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by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

Holiday Salutations my Dear Readers from your Burien Library Empress of Information™!

Despite the winter wonderland-ness of the recent weather, it’s nice to be dug out of the snow…and I never thought I’d appreciate seeing the cement in our parking lot as much as I do now!

SCHEDULE UPDATE:

• On New Year’s Eve, all Libraries will close early at 5pm (Wednesday, December 31st).
• All Libraries will be CLOSED on New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1st).

DID YOU KNOW?
You can access lots of business and investing information including the ‘Valueline’ & ‘Morningstar’ databases through the KCLS databases page, which is located here – all you need is a current KCLS library card and a current pin number (usually the last four digits of your phone number).

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

• Holiday Magic! A Children’s program (NOT story time) Wednesday, December 31st at 10:30am for children 5yrs and older.  Magician Jeff Evans and his trained reindeer will perform card tricks!  Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
• Opera Preview: Wednesday January 14th beginning at 7pm, learn about “Blue Beards Castle & Erwartung” by Schoenberg, presented by Norm Hollingshead and sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
• Highline ESL Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 6pm.  No registration is required – first class of the new year is Tuesday January 6th. Free English as a Second Language classes for adults
• Study Zone (K-12): Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays in Janurary beginning at 3:30pm, And Sundays January 11th, 18th, and 25th beginning at 2pm.  Drop in and Get Help with Your Home Work from our volunteer tutors! More information here.

BULLET POINT BOOK REVIEW:
‘Touchstone’ by Laurie R. King

• A suspenseful tale set in the English countryside circa 1926.
• Politics, old families, class struggle, and love set the stage for this compelling drama.
• The story opens as FBI agent Harris Stuyvesant arrives in England to ‘informally’ follow the trail of a possible bomb-making union organizer, whose latest work in America has rendered Stuyvesant’s younger brother incompetent.
• Stuyvesant gets no help from the British government and is about to give up when he is inadvertently put in touch with Aldous Carstairs, a very shadowy British operative whose motives for helping Stuyvesant are at the very least questionable.
• The touchstone in ‘Touchstone’ is a British veteran of WWI by the name of Bennett Grey.
• Carstairs has worked with (and exploited) Grey in the past and knows of his uncanny abilities- now Carstairs is looking for ways to control and use him again.
• To Carstairs, Stuyvesant looks like the perfect patsy to help him reclaim his leverage over Grey.
• The story is further complicated by Grey’s sister Sarah, who Stuyvesant seems to be falling for.
• This is a page turner with a surprise ending that will leave you wanting more.
• Highly recommended!
• Also available in large print and on CD.
• For a list of the Best Books of 2008, visit this website.

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

United Way of King County is seeking help in Burien – readers are needed to read to area children on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10am-11am.

Here are the details:

More than half of all kindergartners in our state are entering school without the social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills they need to be successful.  Research shows that those who start behind often stay behind.

The good news is that reading with kids on a regular basis can make a real difference. That’s why we are inviting you to become a Volunteer Reader for United Way of King County.

We’re looking for friendly, responsible people to read with young kids—one-on-one (not group reading)—at select preschools, Head Start classrooms, and child care centers throughout King County (all sites and shift times are listed via weblink below).

Did you know that a typical child from a low-income family enters kindergarten with a listening vocabulary of 3,000 words, while a typical child of a higher income family enters with a listening vocabulary of 20,000 words?

Volunteer Readers can help bridge that gap with books.

By simply committing 1-2 hours a week of your time for a minimum or six months, you can have a profound impact on the lives and outcomes of young children in our community.

We need volunteers at a site in Burien, 306 SW 146th St
reet (see map below) on the following days/times:

• Mondays, 10:00-11:00am
• Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00am

For more information:  www.uwkc.org/readers or call 206.461.3656

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We recently upgraded our Commenting functions, this making it easier to Comment on stories, and we invite all our Readers to try them out and see how they work.

Our goal at The B-Town Blog has always been to create an open, interactive online community where all Readers have the power to speak up and share their thoughts, and this is another step in that direction, so we hope you give it a try.

Some simple rules to be aware of when it comes to Commenting:

1. Please be civil and respectful. We still control what Comments get posted/deleted.
2. Spam filters are still in effect, so don’t even think about spamming us.
3. Other Readers can rank your “Reputation Value” up or down. This serves as a quick overview of a Commenter’s history and reputation, and is based on the quantity and judged quality of the comments.

Here are directions on how to Comment on a story:

• Click on the text link “Comments” posted at the bottom of each story.
• On specific story pages (ie: this link here), scroll down to the very bottom of the post, where you can now easily Comment on each story. Here’s an example of what the Commenting section looks like:

• You can just type in your thoughts, click on “Submit Comment” and your comment will show up – it’s that easy.
• You can create a profile (even include a photo) that other Readers can view by registering when you post a Comment.
• You can also get the RSS Feed for Comments on specific stories and follow discussions that way.
• You can vote on and rank other’s “Reputation Value” by clicking on the little thumbs-up or thumbs-down icons on the right header of each comment.
• We reserve the right to delete inappropriate comments and spam, so please don’t try anything funny.

by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager, 
Burien Library

Greetings again Dear Readers from your very own Burien Library’s Empress of Information™!

I am certain that, like me, you’re all very thankful this time of year for all the goodness contained within.

I’m speaking of course about “within” hardcovers, softcovers and other covers used to contain excellent reading materials like you’ll find at your very own Burien Library.

What did you think I meant?

I don’t normally shout, but this is important (yet oh-so-obvious):

ALL KING COUNTY LIBRARIES WILL BE CLOSED THURSDAY NOV. 27TH FOR THANKSGIVING DAY!

Hey, did you know that the new Greenbridge Library is NOW Open! It’s located at 9720 8th Ave SW in White Center – visit it in person or check out this website for details on the grand opening.

Greenbridge Library’s hours are:

• Monday-Wednesday 11am-6pm
• Thursday 1-8pm
• Saturday 12-4pm
• Closed Fridays & Sundays

DID YOU KNOW?
You can access thousands of full text newspaper and magazine articles through the King County Library website  Full-Text Magazines & Journals In KCLS Databases – search here when you are looking for a specific title, visit http://www.kcls.org/databases/ for a complete details.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN:

THE RAIN-DEER,  PRESENTED BY ROWBES PUPPET PRODUCTIONS
Saturday, November 29, 2008, 3pm at the White Center Library – this puppet show is for children & their families
. And anyone who likes puppet shows (and who doesn’t really?).

POPCORN CLASSICS: CHILDREN’S FILMS
Tuesday, December 02, 2008, 10:30am at the Burien Library –These films are for children 3 years & up along with their families

A SEASON FOR SINGING: A CHILDREN’S CONCERT
Wednesday, December 17, 2008, 10:30am at the Burien Library.  Celebrate Holiday traditions from around the world with Nancy Stewart.  This program is for children & their families.  Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.

WHITE CENTER LIBRARY GUILD HOLIDAY BAZAAR & MAGIC SHOW
Saturday, December 6, 2008, from 11am 3pm at the White Center Library – shop for gifts at the Bazaar and bake sale, Magician Jeff Evans will perform at 2:30pm – this event is for everyone, and is sponsored by the White Center Library Guild.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS:

OPERA PREVIEW: GEORGES BIZET’S THE PEARL FISHERS
Wednesday, December 17, 2008, 7pm at the Burien Library, presented by Norm Hollingshead and sponsored by the Burien Library Guild. This program is for adults.

Visit the King County Library programs page at: http://www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm for a complete listing of programs county wide.

BULLET POINT BOOK REVIEW:
Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier (fiction)

• Twelve year old Will sets out on his own to run a remote trading post in Cherokee country.
• Lots of interesting history and background of the Cherokee people and life in pre-Civil War America.
• A love story
• An adventure
• And a bit of history too
• A good read – highly recommended!

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

by Scott Schaefer

Alexander Sasonoff is a longtime Burien resident whose acronym could easily be “AAA” – Architect, Artist and now…Author.

Just don’t call him if your car breaks down (although he could probably fix that too…).

Sasonoff, an accomplished local architect, grew up in neighboring White Center, and has just released an autobiographical book called “Growing Up in Rat City and Beyond” which he has generously allowed us to post exclusive excerpts from right here on the White Center Blog.

Sasonoff’s book takes readers on a gritty, often humorous journey from his earliest days in “Rat City,” starting when his Russian immigrant family moved here in 1936, through his childhood growing up in a tough neighborhood, playing in swamps, hanging out with boxers, getting fresh milk for 10-cents a jug from “Frenchie’s Farm” and much more.

Here’s part one of “Growing Up in Rat City and Beyond” which can be purchased online for just $13.04 by clicking here.

Part I • The Move to Rat City

The Move

As I sat in the front seat of the moving van clutching my cat, Reezhik, I had mixed feelings about moving to the house my parents had purchased near White Center. I was leaving all of my friends at F.A. McDonald Grade School as well as the other kids in my neighborhood. It was 1936 and the Boeing Aircraft Company was hiring workers. My Dad landed a job there.

The drums of war were starting their death rattle in Europe and the U.S. government ordered the construction of thirteen B17 bombers. These same thirteen bombers were flying into Hawaii when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. It was a typical gray overcast day in Seattle. We were moving during a mid-school term so I would have to start all over again with new friends. Many good memories were being left behind. We lived across the street from lower Woodland Park. There were many picnics in the park and on the shores of Greenlake. Visits to the zoo will always be with me.

The driver of the moving van hated cats and threatened, if the cat got loose, he was going to throw him out the window. I tightened my grip on Reezhik. He made me sit as far from him as possible so I was squeezed up against the door panel with my brother, my Dad sat in the middle. I could not convey the threat to my cat but the cat must have sensed the hatred and did not move. Our dog, Spot, had already been safely transported to his new home.

It took about two hours in the lumbering moving van to get from Green Lake to our destination. We arrived without incident. The house was located on a double lot so there was plenty of space to play. Fruit trees abounded, there were apple, cherry, pear, plum and peach throughout the yard.

The oldest portion of the house used to be an office for a logging company that had cut all the timber in the area years before. It rested on a log foundation with the rest of the house added later. The newer portion had a very strange concrete foundation. I believe the basement was dug out after the house was constructed. The concrete was stepped and appeared to be about two feet thick. There were no sewers in the area and all of the streets were gravel. The sewage system was a simple cesspool that we all were warned to stay away from for fear of the wood planks collapsing.

Years later this area was sewered and after that came paved streets and sidewalks. My brother, Leon and I shared one bedroom while my two sisters, Vera and Ireda shared another. Later, we refurbished the attic creating two more bedrooms, so eventually each of us had our own room.

The house had only one bathroom. The water was heated by a coil of pipes in the wood burning furnace and kitchen stove. In the summertime there was never enough hot water generated by the kitchen stove. It was too warm to fire up the big furnace. Kettles of water were heated atop the kitchen stove to supplant the weekend baths. To save hot water, my brother and I used the same bath water.

This became a greater problem when our cousin moved in with us after being freed from a Japanese prison camp after the war. My Dad used to call me into the bathroom to wash his back. He sat in the tub while shaving. On one such occasion I asked him why he did not have any gray hair. I had noticed everyone getting on in years had gray hair. He answered me in Russian, “Ya vsegda moyu golavoo s holodnoi.” Translated, “I always wash my head with cold water.”

As the years passed and when I was in my twenties, washing my hair with cold water, I burst out laughing at the realization that he was telling me to keep a cool head. In that old house we finally had an electric hot water tank installed and there was much rejoicing.

Next week: part two of our continuing exclusive excerpts of “Growing Up in Rat City and Beyond”!

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.

Found today on seattle-tacoma craigslist > south king > groups:

“Hello, my name is Laura and I can not stop buying books.”

I am a book-aholic. They accumulate faster than they get read. So I thought about a way to get at least one new book a month read … start a book club!

How brilliant is that? Hang out with like minded people once a month and talk about a great book. I figure I’d have to read it so I don’t get embarrassed during the discussion of the book.

Q: How many people?
A: I don’t know – it will probably flux. If you want to bring others, it’s fine with me.

Q: What type of people?
A: My kind. The type that are fun, witty and into learning more about themselves and the world.

Q: What type of books?
A: Personal development, spiritual and self help related topics with some science tossed in for fun.

Q: Possible Authors:
A: Wayne Dyer, Brian Greene, Carolyn Myss, Dan Millman, Richard Bach; Some Books we Have Read:  Blink, The Field, The Hidden Gospel, Loving What Is, Animal Vegetable Mineral, There Are No Accidents, Eat Pray Love (The group at the meeting selects the next month’s book. Please bring along ones you’d like to include in the “to read” list)

Q: How often does it meet?
A: Monthly – the 1st Monday of every month.

Q: How many books will we read?
A: One per month

WHAT: The Burien Book Club

WHEN: Monday, May 5th, 7pm to 9pm

WHERE: Burien Library, Conference Room 14700 Sixth Ave SW

Our book to be reading between now and then is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (better get busy folks!).

CONTACT: Please email or call Laura at 206-818-8592 if you are planning to attend. She would like to get an estimate of how many people will be there.

Final comment from Laura: You will WANT to be part of this because it will be FUN … AND you will meet new people … and maybe even GROW!!

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From United Way of King County:

More than half of all kindergartners in our state are entering school without the social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills they need to be successful.

Research shows that those who start behind often stay behind. The good news is that reading with kids on a regular basis can make a real difference.

That’s why we are inviting you to become a Volunteer Reader for United Way of King County.

United Way of King County is currently recruiting volunteers to read aloud to young children (ages 3-5), one or two at a time (not group reading), at preschools, Head Start classrooms, and child care centers throughout King County.

We particularly need volunteers in Seattle’s Central District, Beacon Hill and Rainier Valley, Burien, and Des Moines.

What’s involved:

• Read to kids, one or two at a time, for one hour each week.
• Commit to at least six months with the program, preferably longer.
• Be friendly, energetic, and responsible.

Why read to kids:

• It’s fun!
• It’s the best way to prepare kids for school.
• It gives kids a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

All opportunities are between 9am-4pm Monday to Friday only.

To volunteer, or get more information, visit the United Way of King County website.

Please forward this to anyone who might be interested in this opportunity. Together we can create positive, lasting change in our community. We look forward to hearing from you!