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Inside KCLS

November 2009

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NaNoWriMo

National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of your-pants approach to novel writing.
Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by Midnight on November 30. Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. Take risks and write on the fly. The King County Library System will provide free writing workshops, Write-In sites and library resources.
Isn’t it time you finally wrote that novel?


Where Do I Start?

Presented by Ann Gonzalez
Ages 15 and older
The beginning of a novel is important because the writer needs to introduce the main character, the setting and the issue driving the novel forward. Bring the first pages of your NaNoWriMo novel, (if you’ve started) and take a break from your frantic efforts to reach the end to consider the beginning.

NovemberRichmond Beach Library
Saturday, October 31, 2pm

Auburn Library
Tuesday, November 3, 3:30pm

Fairwood Library
Saturday, November 7, 2pm

Kingsgate Library
Tuesday, November 24, 7pm


Immersion Writing–Follow the Narrator

Presented by Ann Gonzales
Ages 15 and older
Writers often struggle with writing and rewriting the first third of their novels, unable to break out of the revision loop and finish the book. Learn to overcome the obstacles keeping you from typing, “The End.”

Federal Way 320th Library
Wednesday, November 4, 7pm

Valley View Library
Tuesday, November 10, 7pm


ZombieKevin Emerson - Zombies and the Art of Ghoulish Writing!

Ages 12 and older
What are the key ingredients of a great spooky story? Learn to create a fiendish tale with zombies swarming up from the sod, vampires rising from moldy crypts, ghouls and poltergeists appearing from the mist.

Bellevue Library
Saturday, October 17, 2pm
Sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library.

Woodmont Library
Thursday, November 12, 7pm
Please register.

Bothell Library
Thursday, November 19, 3:30pm



ScreamTorrrture the Heroine

Presented by Mary Jane Beaufrand
Ages 12 and older

You’ve started writing about zombies, now give them LIFE. Moo hoo haw haw haw! Get some tips to make your fictional characters deeper and well rounded. After all, zombies have feelings too. Beaufrand is the author of Primavera, a young adult novel.

Bellevue Library
Saturday, November 14, 2pm
Sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library.


Urban Arts

Presented by Nature Consortium
Ages 10 and older
This multi-media class will explore the subjects of HipHop music, Spokenword, Graffiti Art and Zines. You will get to create your own art project.
Registration required.

Des Moines Library
Friday, November 6, 3pm

Bothell Library
Monday, November 16, 4pm
Ages 10 to 13.


Creating Your Own Zine

Presented by Nature Consortium
Ages 11 and older
Zine is an abbreviation of the word fanzine or magazine and uses ads, wrappers, photographs, images, drawings and materials to collage a page for an original publication.
Registration required.

Snoqualmie Library
Wednesday, November 4, 3pm

Covington Library
Friday, November 6, 2pm


Move Over Wizards–Make Way for Steampunk!

Presented by Susan Olds
Ages 12 and older
Steampunk is the exciting new literary genre taking readers by storm. Originating in London a few years ago, it’s a most curious mix of futuristic Victorian settings, time and space travel, intrepid inventors, mad scientists, adventurers, fantastic steam-powered machines, automata servants, hot air balloons, passenger dirigibles and mysteries galore. Join Art Educator Susan Olds for a multi-media introduction to this unique reading experience.

Kingsgate Library
Saturday, November 7, 11am

Carnation Library
Tuesday, November 17, 2:45pm
Held at Tolt Middle School, 3740 Tolt Avenue.
Please register.

Covington Library
Tuesday, November 17, 7pm

Bellevue Library
Tuesday, December 1, 7pm
Sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library.

Federal Way 320th Library
Saturday, December 5, 2pm


Win-Win with Your Writing

Presented by Mary Buckham
Ages 15 and older
The co-author of Break Into Fiction: Power Plot Your Novel offers a motivational workshop that celebrates your writing achievements and helps you to brainstorm the next steps to move your writing career forward.

Fairwood Library
Saturday, November 21, 2pm

Covington Library
Monday, November 23, 7pm

Richmond Beach Library
Saturday, November 28, 2pm

Shoreline Library
Monday, November 30, 7pm


Muscling-Up the Midsection

Presented by Susan Wingate
Ages 15 and older
Learn writing techniques to create ongoing suspense and interest. Discover ways to eliminate “midriff bulge” in your story by tightening and strengthening conflict.

Richmond Beach Library
Saturday, November 7, 2pm

North Bend Library
Sunday, November 8, 2pm


30 DaysNovel in 30 Days: High Speed Plotting

Presented by Renda Dodge
Ages 15 and older
The Municipal Liaison of NaNoWriMo for the Seattle area shares tips on how to reach 50,000 words as painlessly as possible. Learn basic guidelines for plot and story structure.

Covington Library
Monday, November 2, 7pm
Sponsored by Friends of Covington Library

Maple Valley Library
Saturday, November 14, 11am
Sponsored by Maple Valley Library Guild


Pick a Plot: Know Where You Are Going

Presented by Louise Marley
Ages 12 to adult
To write a book really fast it helps if you know the end before you start. Award-winning author Louise Marley will talk about various ways to form a plot and methods used by different writers.
Registration required.

Lake Forest Park Library
Tuesday, November 17, 4pm
Held in Third Place Commons Meeting Room


Robert DugoniMeet the Author Robert Dugoni

Keep your hands on the keyboard with New York Times Bestselling Author and acclaimed teacher, Robert Dugoni.

Join us at the Bellevue Library every Tuesday in November for a different topic.

Getting Started Moving in the Right Direction
From your initial query letter to your published novel the writer must convey that they understand classic story structure. This New York Times best-selling author will provide in-class exercises and assignments to help you better understand story structure to evaluate your novel’s plot. Discover the four stages to writing and how to determine if you should, or shouldn’t, outline.
Bellevue Library
Tuesday, November 3, 7pm

Playing God: Creating Memorable Characters
What is it about certain characters that makes them so memorable? Learn techniques to make your characters individuals that will keep readers wondering about them long after they have finished your book.
Bellevue Library
Tuesday, November 10, 7pm

Techniques to Bring Your Novel Writing to Life
Learn how to employ time-tested techniques of best-selling authors to improve your novel writing. This workshop will focus on catching and holding the reader’s attention in the first three pages while avoiding common mistakes–the seven deadly sins that can get a manuscript rejected and how to create and sustain tension, the key to keeping readers turning the page.
Bellevue Library
Tuesday, November 17, 7pm

Power Editing
Now that you’ve typed, “The End”–you are finished.
Or are you? Review the common mistakes novelists make and how to fix them before submitting
to an agent or editor. Learn five steps to editing
your manuscript.
Bellevue Library
Tuesday, November 24, 7pm


WriteWriting a novel can be a lonely experience, so to keep your spirits up and the words flowing we’re providing some gathering spots for NaNoWriMo participants. Bring your laptop and a snack to huddle down with other writers and reach your word count.

Write-In Sites

Covington Library
Monday, November 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 7pm

Auburn Library
November 4, 10, 18, 24 and 30, 3:30pm

Kenmore Library
Friday, November 13, 11am

Fairwood Library
Saturday, November 14, 2pm

Write Here! Write Now!
The library meeting room is available for you to write, brainstorm and enjoy free coffee.
Richmond Beach Library
Friday, November 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10am

Snack & Scribble
Teens and adults welcome.
Look for the rubber duckie and join us in the teen section to cheer on other writers.
Woodmont Library
Tuesday, November 3, 10, 17 and 24, 6:30pm


Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)

Help us in commemorating loved ones who are no longer with us by attending a variety of programming happening in November in honor of El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).  Day of the Dead is a Latin American, cultural holiday that commemorates those who have passed. This day of remembrance will be observed at several KCLS branches through music, storytelling, and other educational activities.
Day of the Dead Dancers etc.

Library Connection @ Crossroads
Main stage
Monday, November 2nd at 5:30 pm
Musical program with a performance by Elspeth Savani
(All ages. Supported by Bellevue Friends of the Library)

Auburn Library
Monday, November 2nd at 7:30 pm
Musical program with a performance by Los Flacos
(All Ages)

Carnation Library
Wednesday, November 4th at 1:30 pm
Story Time
(Ages 3 to 6)

Burien Library
Sunday, November 1st at 5:30 pm
Musical program with a performance by Los Flacos


The National Parks America's Best Idea
Yosemite National Park

The National Parks

In partnership with KCTS 9 Television and PBS, the King County Library System will offer programs in conjunction with the new Ken Burns series, The National Parks: America’s BestIdea. Join us to learn more about these national treasures. Complete list of system wide programming.


Read Dating Hosted by Dr. Pepper Schwartz


Thursday, November 19, 7pm
Third Place Commons, Upper Level
Lake Forest Park Towne Center
17171 Bothell Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

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

Heard of speed dating? How about read dating? Join KCLS for an evening of fun, books and possibly romance. Test your compatibility with others bydiscussing the books you like to read.

(The events will be hosted by Dr. Pepper Schwartz, relationship expert for leading relationship Web site, Perfectmatch.com and professor of Sociology at the University of Washington.)

Register Online

or call the Lake Forest Park Library, 206.362.8860.
The first 50 people who register for each program will receive a copy of Finding Your Perfect Match.
Pepper Schwartz
Prime
Finding Your Perfect Match

perfectmatch.com


 
 

King County Library System Presents a Special Program Series for Adults
Fiscal Fitness
Fall 2009 Programs
In these challenging financial times the King County Library System provides information and resources to help you sort out ways to save money and handle your finances. Join us for free programs this Fall.


Nancy StewartHello House

Join Northwest singer-songwriter Nancy Stewart for a guided musical tour though your house. Explore fun and easy ways the whole family can stay safe and go green. Learn about creating a disaster kit, preparing for an emergency and getting the whole family involved in conserving energy. Funding provided by Puget Sound Energy and the King County Library System Foundation.

Richmond Beach Library
Wednesday, November 4, 7pm

Bellevue Regional Library
Saturday, November 7, 10:30am

North Bend Library
Wednesday, November 18, 6:30pm


Thank you to our generous supporters of the Hello House programs:

King County Library System Foundation Puget Sound Energy


Nancy PearlHoliday Books–Good Books for Giving - Presented by Nancy Pearl

Saturday, November 14, 2pm
Burien Library

Books make wonderful gifts and with so many great choices it can be difficult to find the perfect fit. Look beyond the bestsellers and find some great literary jewels.


Caspar BabypantsSing-Along with Caspar Babypants

Presented by Chris Ballew
Ages 2 to 5 with adult
Chris Ballew is better known as the lead singer of the Seattle based rock and roll band The Presidents of the United States of America. This show includes simple songs families can sing together to reinforce many concepts related to Early Literacy.

Des Moines Library
Tuesday, October 27, 10:30am

Kingsgate Library
Friday, November 13, 10:30am

Bellevue Library
Saturday, November 14, 10:30am
Sponsored by the Bellevue Friends of the Library.



Explore.

Free Museum Passes

Visit Bellevue Arts Museum for free through your library!
Reserve a guest museum pass to the Bellevue Arts Museum through our web page.

Free Passes to KidsQuest Children's Museum
Explore, play and learn at KidsQuest Children’s Museum free through your library! KCLS and KidsQuest are partnering to offer complimentary admission to the museum. Reserve a guest museum pass to the KidsQuest Children's Museum through our web page.

Free Passes to Washington State History Museum
Experience Washington State History for free through your library! KCLS and Washington State History Museum are partnering to offer complimentary admission to the museum. This museum pass allows entry for up to 2 adults and 4 children people and is valid for use on the registration date. Reserve a guest museum passes to the Washington State History Museum through our web page.

 

PROPOSITION 1

A homeowner would pay an increase of about $32 on a home assessed at $400,000 to restore the library property tax levy rate to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.
Computer UserElection February 9, 2010Books

Printer Friendly PDF Brochure

PROPOSITION 1

To restore the King County Library System’s (KCLS) property tax levy rate to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for collection in 2011.

Proposition 1 will be on King, Pierce and Snohomish County ballots for the February 9, 2010 election.

This Proposition provides voters the opportunity to modify KCLS property tax levy limits for one year. The result will determine whether KCLS will maintain the current level of library service or make cuts.

This brochure is provided by the King County Library System to present factual information about Proposition 1 and the impact it will have on libraries in communities served.
This brochure neither supports nor opposes Proposition 1.

The Public Disclosure Commission reviewed KCLS’ information on August 16, 2009.

Items Checked OutCURRENT SITUATION

The financial constraints of Initiative 747 (I-747) have an impact on KCLS’ operating budget.

KCLS receives 96% of its operating revenue from property taxes. In 2001, voters passed I-747 which limits growth in current property tax revenues to 1% per year, and requires an election to authorize any increase above the 1% limit.

In 2002, voters approved a one-year levy lid lift for KCLS which sustained operations for eight years. During this time period, revenue growth was insufficient to keep pace with the rate of inflation and growth-driven annual operating cost increases, yet library usage increased by 43%.

In 2009, KCLS cut $1.9 million out of the operating budget for materials (books, magazines, DVDs, books on tape, etc.), technology, administration and facility maintenance. In addition, KCLS sought private funding to support a number of programs and services.
KCLS now needs to ask voters to restore the library levy rate for one year to 50 cents per $1,000 assessed value, to be collected in 2011. The restored revenue will enable KCLS to preserve the current level of library service, programs and resources at all 44 libraries, and maintain outreach services to community centers, low-income daycare facilities, and to the elderly and homebound.

WHAT WILL THE IMPACT BE ON LIBRARY SERVICES IF PROPOSITION 1 DOES NOT PASS?

If Proposition 1 does not pass, KCLS will face 10-15% budget cuts across the organization, including funding for books, computers and building maintenance to operate within current revenue restrictions.

Effects of these cuts may include increased wait times for popular library materials, reduced availability of computers, and less frequent maintenance and upkeep of libraries.

Without temporary restoration of the levy rate, the number of library workers and the hours of operation will be impacted in future years.

HOMEOWNER COST OF PROPOSITION 1

A homeowner would pay an increase of about $32 on a home assessed at $400,000 to restore the library property tax levy rate to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

FACTS ABOUT THE KING COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

  • KCLS is the third busiest library system in the U.S.
  • KCLS is not part of Seattle Public Library (SPL) however KCLS residents have full use of SPL through a reciprocal borrowing agreement.
  • KCLS is not part of King County government. It is a separate jurisdiction under State law, with the sole mission to provide library service to area residents.
  • 96% of all funding for KCLS comes from local taxpayers. KCLS’ service area consists of all King County with the exception of the City of Seattle, Renton, Hunts Point, Yarrow Point and Enumclaw.
  • Each year the demand for service increases:
    • In 2008, residents checked out more than 20 million items from KCLS libraries, a 43% increase over the 14 million items circulated in 2001.
    • 161,183 children attended Story Times in 2008, a 78% increase over 2001.
    • Participation by children and teens in the annual Summer Reading Program has grown from 14,000 in 2001 to 40,100 in 2008; an increase of 186%.
  • In 2008 more than 1.1 million computer sessions were booked at KCLS libraries.
  • Nearly 90% of the 1.2 million residents in KCLS’ service area have a library card.
  • Online connections to kcls.org exceeded 26 million visits in 2008.

COMMON QUESTIONS

How is Proposition 1 related to the current economy?
The need for a levy lid lift is not related to the economic decline, but rather a result of reduced growth in revenue and growing demand for service.

Will KCLS have to cut staff if Proposition 1 does not pass?
Without a levy lid lift, KCLS would need to make budget cuts across the organization, including funding for books, computers, building maintenance and eventually staffing and open hours.

What happens if Proposition 1 passes?
If approved by voters, the current level of services, programs and resources for all 44 libraries and outreach services will be preserved. KCLS’ financial planning is geared to fund the level of service for as long as possible, depending on economic conditions. Previous levy lid lifts occurred in 1977, 1980 and 2002.

What is the difference between a capital bond measure and a levy lid lift?
A levy lid lift is for operations; a capital bond measure is for the building of facilities and other infrastructure.

What is the levy rate limit?
KCLS is limited to 50 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation on property tax by Washington State law.

ReadingElection February 9, 2010Library Staff


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
425.369.3275

Printer Friendly PDF Brochure


FIESTAS DE ALFABETIZACION TEMPRANA EN Español –
EARLY LITERACY PARTIES IN SPANISH


The King County Library System (KCLS) and the KCLS Foundation continue to support the “Early Literacy Parties in Spanish” series, otherwise known as “Fiestas de Alfabetización Temprana en Español” 



Books We Like

Booktalk
The KCLS blog for readers is constantly updated with recommendations from library staff.

Pearl’s Picks
Books recommended by well-known librarian and author Nancy Pearl.

Books of the Week
New books selected by the librarians each week.

Your Favorites
The most requested titles by KCLS patrons for the week.

Best Books of 2008
As chosen by the Materials Selection Team at KCLS. (2007 | 2006).

Fiction Award Winners
Award-winning fiction books in a variety of genres.

Non-Fiction Award Winners
Biographical, historical and general nonfiction award winners.

KCLS Book Lists and Links
Links to bestseller lists (The New York Times, Publishers Weekly); reviews of genre fiction for adults and teens; and a site that features book stores, authors, awards and more.


Wow!

Literary Feast book cover

Literary Feast: The Famous Authors Cookbook

Literary Feast is a fascinating collection offering nearly 100 outstanding food, drink and dessert recipes along with author profiles plus their personal perspectives.

It features a piquant foreword by noted chef and author Greg Atkinson who understands the art of writing and knows his way around the kitchen. Notable Northwest authors J.A. Jance, Garth Stein, John Nance, Deb Caletti, and Nancy Pearl are featured alongside national bestselling writers Alexander McCall Smith, Faye and Jonathan Kellerman, and Chez Panisse’s Alice Waters.
Read a review of the cookbook in the Seattle Times
Read more about the Foundation's new cookbook.

Literary Feast is $22.95 plus tax and shipping.  Proceeds benefit programs sponsored by the KCLS Foundation.


We’d like to hear from you!
Please share your opinion of the Inside newsletter. Let us know what information you find useful or what you would like to see included. Send comments to Inside@kcls.org or call 425.369.3276.

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Last Updated: October 30, 2009