All Good Things ...

Must come to an end!  The Redmond Library Board of Trustees has decided to retire this blog though it'll remain live for archival purposes for those that would like to take a trip down memory lane.

Please consider this list of other digital places to stay-up-to date with the Redmond Library:

• Redmond Library Events
• Friends of the Redmond Library

All the best to you and yours,

Jaime
Retired Trustee

Happy Halloween!

The sun sets faster and the darkness lasts through the early hours of the morning as Seattle's familiar rainy weather returns and we reach Summer's End...  Speaking of which, Halloween is upon us and while there aren't any programs in Redmond to go to, there are still many fesitivities happening within Redmond.

Redmond Town Center will have a little Trick or Treating event where families can start their early harvest of delicious treats!  And while not specific to Halloween, for those who like to skate, the skating rink will also start opening as well!

So have a safe Halloween, pack an umbrella just in case and watch out for any ghastly ghouls!  And if you're someone with samhainophobia, maybe stay warm with a nice warm cup of hot chocolate. :-)

For those wondering, samhainophobia is the fear of Halloween!  Learn something new everyday!

- James

Learn More Today!

Ever since I was a kid, the library has always been my source for learning.  English was my second language, and before the internet, there was never a better source than the library to grab books to read and expand my knowledge.  Even with the advent of the internet, nothing gets me ready to study or learn like walking into a library. :-)

But as times have changed, so has the library.  It's of course, more than just a collection of books.  There's also training and classes available, for free, at the library.  Two great opportunities are coming up in the next two weeks.

The first is an opportunity to take a free Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification test.  It's available this coming Sunday, on August 30, at the Redmond library.

The other, is for people working towards citizenship.  My family immigrated long ago and went through the grueling process to become citizens in the U.S., and I was lucky to have been born after my father became a citizen.  The Redmond library is offering a class on the naturalization process that allows you to practice speaking, reading, writing and listening in English.  It's happening next Tuesday, September 1.  There's nothing more helpful at getting used to a new language than immersing yourself in it.

Are you interested in either of these?  Visit the KCLS Redmond Classes & Programs page today to get more details!

- James

Derby Days is Nearing!

While the 4th of July is this weekend, there's another exciting event coming right around the corner... that's right, it's time for the Redmond Derby Days!  In fact, this year is the 75th anniversary of Derby Days!

Derby Days began as a bike derby, a 25 mile race around Lake Sammamish with spectators guessing what the winning time would be.  The closest guess won $25.  

Back then, I would've spectated as biking for 25 miles is not my idea of a good time. :-)  

Even now, biking 25 miles in the heat is not my cup of tea.  Even if there were a chance for cooler weather or rain.

Speaking of, oddly enough it was almost 10 years later when it first rained during the Derby, which is quite surprising, considering the fickle nature that is Seattle weather.

Derby Days wasn't just a bike derby but it was also a parade to raise money for the community.  75 years later and it still is a unique display of Redmond, with parades, races, arts, food and of course... the Criterium!  While it's no longer a race route around Lake Sammamish, it's still a grueling race within downtown Redmond.  Watch as people speed by on their bikes as they race to win!

So come by, enjoy the parades, watch as people dominate in the Criterium and enjoy the community that is Redmond on July 10th and July 11th!

Image Credit:
Redmond Historical Society, from the Roy Buckley collection.

- James

Movies at a Library?

The smell of buttery popcorn, the sounds of people shouting to hurry and save a seat, the rumbling in the background as a movie starts, can all be forgotten for film screenings at the library.  Movies at the library?  That's right, there are actually film screenings occurring this month at various theaters for the Mind Matters summer adult program series at KCLS.

Unfortunately, the screenings are not occurring at the Redmond Library, but still a great opportunity to go out and spend an afternoon at a library.

If you're into classics, the Auburn library has a series of classic films starting on June 15.  For a full schedule, you can check out the schedule at KCLS.

For fans of stories based on true events, Unbroken will be played at the Mercer Island, Auburn and Newcastle libraries.  For a full schedule of when and where, check out the schedule at KCLS.  There's also The Theory of Everything, a movie about Stephen Hawking, which will be screened at the Kent Library on July 21, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

But movies aren't everything for the Mind Matters program.  You can see a whole listing of other fantastic programs to help care, feed and exercise your brain at KCLS.

- James

Nokomis Club - Take a Stand

The winds of change blow through Redmond.  You can see it everywhere, with construction piling on through the streets of the once quiet little town.  New apartments seem to be sprouting left and right, with ground floor commercial space available... but not quite filled.

The sense of community seems to have faded away, replaced by the urban center that demolishes everything in its path.  Look around Redmond now and you start realizing that it's nothing more but box shaped building after box shaped building, with varying degrees of bright, vibrant colors to clash with the dreary weather.  

Long before Redmond began its path to becoming a light version of Bellevue downtown, there was a thriving community, with people willing to help one another out in the most depressing of times.

In fact, in 1909 seven women formed the Nokomis Club, a group dedicated to providing services for the community.  In 1927, one of the members of the Club purchased the land and donated it to the Nokomis Club to build Redmond's first public library.  With the continued usage and popularity of the property, the Nokomis Club decided to expand it and build a Clubhouse to allow for more people to come by and have meetings.

Even with the Great Depression hitting America, the Nokomis Club was able to expand and build the Clubhouse for the community of Redmond to use.  The Club continued to grow and flourish, even giving scholarships for students.  When the Redmond public library moved to a larger location in 1964, the Nokomis Club was handed off to the Chamber of Commerce, continuing to be used as a building for the community, this time for the businesses growing in Redmond.

In 2012, the Redmond Chamber of Commerce agreed to a partnership with the Redmond Economic Development Alliance and Realize Redmond to form One Redmond.  The former Nokomis Club soon became home to another home for books, this time the McDonald's Book Exchange.  Unfortunately it was short lived as plans began to flourish for a new way to use the land.

And now, this land that was once donated to provide a center for the community of Redmond is in the process of being sold.  In it's place will be yet another five story residential / commercial building.  However, there is still something you can do to preserve this part of history.

If you want to take a stand against the change, help spread the word.  Dates and times for appeals are still in the midst of being scheduled.  Get in front of it, reach out to the community, write to the Redmond Reporter, and don't forget to email the mayor of Redmond at mayor@redmond.gov and express your concern.

- James

If this unseasonably warm weather has you thinking about spring cleaning, please consider donating your gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and magazines to the Friends of the Redmond Library. The Friends resell these donated items, and the proceeds are used to fund a variety of library programs, including World Language Story Times, Summer Reading, and English as a Second Language classes. Please check out the attached donation guidelines! 

You can bring your donations to the Check Out Services desk at the library, or pull up to the back door (next to the garage) and ring the doorbell for larger donations during regular library hours. The Friends of the Redmond Library is a registered 501(c)3 charity, and tax receipts are available upon request.  

The Friends also welcome new volunteers and members. Connect with them on Facebook to keep up with the latest book sale news. Thank you for your donations! 

--Shay 

Help Your Brain!

KCLS is offering programs to help your brain get the care, feeding and exercised needed to keep it in tip top shape.  Mind Matters is a collection of innovative adult programs to learn about your mind and how to help keep it healthy!  

There are several programs available, but two will be hosted in Redmond this month.  

First up is something I enjoy doing everyday, laughing.  Get an interesting look at what humor can do for your mind next week on February 17th at 7 PM.

Power of Humor on February 17^th at 7:00 PM

Humor specialist Donna Oiland leads a fun-filled discussion on the healing power of humor and how to incorporate laughter into your life.

The second is regarding everyone's favorite guilty pleasure, chocolate!  Visit the Redmond Library on February 24th at 7 PM to see how chocolate is a mood food.

Mood Food: Why Women Eat Chocolate on February 24^th at 7:00 PM

Discover why women crave chocolate and why some chocolates are better for you than others; examine the relationship that carbohydrates and sugar have with chocolate.

There are still even more events available and they can all be found at KCLS.

Get out there and show the world that your mind matters!

- James

Get Trained on Excel for Free!

I try to help folks with job hunting and resume updating, and there are times when people ask me what a good job skill to learn is.  I usually have a range of ideas based on the jobs they're hunting for.  Now, I've mostly worked with accounting, finance, audit or IT background folks, but one common trait I found was that they needed help with Microsoft Excel, which ends up being part of my advice for folks asking about job skills.  

It works great as a spreadsheet, but people use (or at least try to use) it as more.  The data is used for analytics, creating dashboards, performing complex calculations, performing simple calculations, and the list goes on.  There are times when people create formulas in their spreadsheets, and then leave a company, leaving the new person stumped as to exactly what's happening within the spreadsheet.

I have been called an Excel guru occasionally, though I am far from it, but what I've realized is, as corny as it sounds, that knowledge is power.  Understanding the basics of Excel, and being able to build upon them makes someone a 'go to' person when people need help.  It enhances your skill set and at the same time, you can show off your skills, train new people and grow.

While there are other programs that are similar to Excel out there, I think, for the time being, getting trained up in it would be invaluable.  The reason I bring this up is because there are a couple of free classes available at the Redmond Library this month, of varying levels.  If you have the chance, I'd highly recommend you attend one, or all of them, even if its to brush up on Excel.

Redmond Library Computer Class - Microsoft Excel Courses and Times

• Level 1 - Wednesday, January 14, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Level 2 - Wednesday, January 21, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Level 2 - Wednesday, January 22, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Level 3 - Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Level 3 - Wednesday, January 29, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

For more information and to register, go to KCLS Calendar of classes and programs and search for 'Excel' under keywords.

Until next time,

-James

How about a Fresh Start?

Are you in grades K-12?  Have you accidentally forgotten to return an item to the library?  It happens, a busy school schedule with piling homework makes returning an item to the library be the last priority on your checklist.  Unfortunately that leads to fines here and there and before you know it, your library card is blocked.  With the new year approaching, maybe it's time to get a Fresh Start!

KCLS offers eligible participants to get a one time waiver and start using the library again.  That means up to $25 in fines can be forgiven on an existing KCLS card!

How do you know you're eligible?  Check out the Fresh Start page on KCLS and see if you can waive your fines.

Now you can go back to borrowing to your heart's content!

-James

An Unexpected Tour

I had a chance to visit Chicago, the Windy City, a couple months back.  It was a short trip and I didn't get a chance to really prepare for the trip.  Once I landed, I decided to walk around and admire the architecture the city had to provide.  I came across an older building with the words "Public Library of the City of Chicago" etched into the side.

-You can barely see the etching in this picture-

I didn't want to miss this opportunity on seeing a new library in a new city and decided to hop across the street.   

 -Just waiting for the light to change so I can cross the street-

As I entered through the entrance, I was surrounded by tiled and marbled walls.  It was breathtakingly beautiful and I had to take a moment to soak it all in.

 

I noticed some quotes on the wall within the tile.  Lots of inspiring quotes etched into the walls.

Strangely enough, I started noticing that there were no books in the library I was taking pictures of.  As it turns out, I was actually not in the library!  It was actually the cultural center located within the building.  Talk about feeling embarrassed as I had not noticed until I reached the top floor.  I guess the beauty of the tile and marble had thrown me for a loop.

Ultimately, while it wasn't the library like I thought it would be, it was still a fun little unexpected tour of something I would have just walked by.  So just a little lesson, if you see something interesting, head to it, give it a shot.  If it ends up being something you were not expecting, then even better.  Take in the experience. :-)

  - James

Spanish Literature Reading Circle

I've always been fascinated by languages in general.  There are so many beautiful ways of saying or communicating the same message to someone.  I've attempted speaking a variety of languages, and will continue to do so.  One thing I've learned is that a key thing with learning a language is immersion.  To listen and speak with others in the language you are trying to learn.

For those of you interested in Spanish, there is an interesting opportunity to immerse yourself, just even for a little bit, at the Redmond Library to talk about Love in Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.  Local author Nora Girón-Dolce will be hosting a Spanish language reading group (the first ever!) this Friday, September 5 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

If you can attend, I'd highly recommend you check out the first ever Spanish language reading group!

- James

Washington Rural Heritage Collections

The Washington Rural Heritage project provides access to images and documents that capture the culture, industry, and community life of Washington State. The collection is an ongoing project of small, rural libraries and partnering cultural institutions, guided by an initiative of the Washington State Library.

Here are several photos from the collection:

Two women stand at the public water pump in Langley during the 1920s. The pump served both people and horses, and was a popular meeting place for the community.

Logging was widespread on Whidbey Island in the 19th century. Here, a horse drawn rail cart pulls timber at the Calligan Logging Camp in 1887.

Dorothy Looney, born in Kittitas County in 1927, developed a love of horses and riding early in her life. During the 1940s, she became one of best female trick riders in the Northwest.

Lorin Catudio 
Redmond Library Board, Emeritus

Books That Shaped America

Books That Shaped America is one of the most intriguing online exhibits in the Library of Congress. The books listed here span 2½ centuries of American history.

These books have had a profound effect on American life, but they are by no means the only influential ones. And they are certainly not a list of the “best” American books. Curators and experts from throughout the Library of Congress contributed their choices, but there was much debate—even agony—in having to remove worthy titles from a much larger list.

Here are some of the books listed for the time period 1950-2000:

E. B. White, Charlotte’s Web (1952)
According to Publishers Weekly, Charlotte’s Web is the best-selling paperback for children of all time. The likely reason is that it is just as enjoyable for adults to read as children. This story line centers on a clever and compassionate spider and her scheme to save the life of Wilber the pig. It is especially notable for the way it treats death as a natural and inevitable part of life.

Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged (1957)
Although mainstream critics reacted poorly to Atlas Shrugged it was a popular success. Set in what novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand called “the day after tomorrow,” the book depicts a United States caught up in a crisis caused by a corrupt establishment of government regulators and business interests. The book’s negative view of government and its support of unimpeded capitalism as the highest moral objective have influenced libertarians and those who advocate less government.

Betty Friedan, The Feminine Mystique (1963)
By debunking the “feminine mystique” that middle-class women were happy and fulfilled as housewives and mothers, Betty Friedan inspired the second-wave feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Friedan advocates that women need meaningful work and encourages them to avoid the trap of the feminine mystique by pursuing education and careers. By 2000 the Feminine Mystique had sold three million copies and was translated into several languages.

Malcolm X and Alex Haley, The Autobiography of Malcolm X (1965)
When The Autobiography of Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little) was published, the New York Times called it a “brilliant, painful, important book,” and it has become a classic American autobiography. Written in collaboration with Alex Haley (author of Roots), the book expressed for many African Americans what the mainstream civil rights movement did not: their anger and frustration with the intractability of racial injustice. In 1998, Time magazine listed The Autobiography of Malcolm X as one of ten required reading nonfiction books.

What other books do you think are on this list? Find out at Books That Shaped America.

Lorin Catudio 
Redmond Library Board, Emeritus

Summer (of Learning) is Here!

Growing up, reading was always the best way to let my imagination go wild.  While living in a military installation overseas, there normally wasn't much to do during the summer time, but there was always the good old library to visit.  We had a summer assignment of sorts, where we had a bingo card, with each square containing the name of a book.  The goal, of course, was to read through as many books as possible to get as many bingos as possible.

I don't really recall what the prizes were but I know that there were definitely no Tablets or iPads or anything of the sort at the time.  Maybe a cup that had a little label that had "Reading is Fun" along the side or something along those lines.  Still, it was a great program, and I had a chance to explore the center of the Earth or fight evil space men alongside my hero in an adventurous battle to save the world.

And now with the sun slowly starting to peek through the clouds, comes summer, and with it, the Summer of Learning at KCLS!

I didn't really grow up with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), and contrary to my current career, I was actually more interested in arts, crafts and languages.  If STEM was a big thing at the time, I'm sure I would have fallen into Science and Technology but alas it wasn't something available for myself.  Which is why I find it so exciting to see KCLS offering Programs that not only hit Reading and Art but also STEM.

Here are just some of the ones that I find interesting, though they aren't in Redmond unfortunately:

Bubbles, Volcanoes and Rocket Balloons Workshop
Presented by Debbie Hansen, The Science Lady.
Ages 3 to 5. or Ages 5 to 7.
Discover scientific laws through fun experiments including rocket balloons, effervescent bubbles, a baking soda volcano and dancing raisins.
Dates & Locations


Mathemagic!
Presented by Thomas Pruiksma.
Ages 8 to 12
Discover secrets about numbers and learn to do mathemagic (math + magic) tricks to amaze your friends and family in this workshop.
Dates & Locations 

Hands-on Bunraku Puppet Manipulation Workshop
Presented by: Thistle Theatre.
Ages 8 to 12.
Discover Bunraku puppetry, a traditional Japanese art for hundreds of years. A brief history, mechanics and demonstration of the Japanese art form is included.
Dates & Locations

Candy Experiments Show
Presented by Loralee Leavitt.
Ages 5 and older.
The author of Candy Experiments demonstrates that candy is more than a sugary snack. It can be an amazing science experiment! 
Dates & Locations
 
Candy Experiments Workshop
Presented by Loralee Leavitt.
Ages 8 to 12.
The author of Candy Experiments leads a workshop with stirring, squashing and sinking candy. Become a candy scientist! Dates & Locations

Of course, there's several more you can find at the Summer of Learning page on the KCLS site!

For children who participate in the Summer of Learning, there is quite the prize.  Go on to the Summer of Learning page to see the details! 

- James

Ice Books

New Mexico “eco-artist” Basia Irland creates and distributes “ice books,” ice sculptures made of frozen river water with seeds embedded inside. The ice sculptures are then placed into bodies of water throughout the world, distributing the material as the ice melts away.

Each project begins by carving frozen river water into the form of a book.  Some books are large and weigh as much as 250 pounds; others are the size of a pocket book. Each is embedded with an “ecological language” or “riparian text” consisting of local native seeds. The book is then placed back into the stream.

Closed books have seed patterns on the covers, while open books have rows of seeds forming sentences and paragraphs. These seeds are released as the ice melts in the current. Where the seeds choose to plant themselves is serendipitous, replicating the way seeds get planted in nature.

A young girl “reads” ice-book text comprised of Fremont cottonwood seed (Populus fremontii) beside the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

There have been ice book projects locally in Washington state at the Nisqually and Skookumchuck Rivers. Here’s an ice book containing snow berries. It was released into the Nisqually River in 2008.

Lorin Catudio 
Redmond Library Board, Emeritus

Farewell + Thank You!

As of March 31, I have completed my two (consecutive) term limit for a volunteer on the City of Redmond Library Advisory Board. Interested in volunteering with the City?  Applications are now being accepted!

It’s been a wonderful 10 years serving the Redmond community and the Redmond branch of the King County Library System, won’t you take a walk down memory lane with me?

• Derby Days
• More Derby Days
• My Husband’s Library Card
• Jaime’s Jaunts
• I visited all of the KCLS branches in one year!

I would also like to extend an extra special thanks for the Librarians that served as our community liaisons during my tenure – Michelle, Christine, Debra, Marian, and Aaron!

Stay tuned for more blog posts as other Advisory Board Members step in to say hello and continue the conversation with you.

Start to Fitness

If you’ve resolved to begin the New Year with a more active, healthy lifestyle, it’s easy to get started at King County Library System Libraries! Throughout 2014, find ideas, inspiration and tips on simple ways to add more movement and healthy options to your life through the new adult series, Start to Fitness.

Here are a few upcoming programs that are close to my heart:

Introduction to Snowshoeing
Presented by Dan Nelson
Author of Snowshoe Routes, Washington
Over the last 20 years, snowshoeing has been the fastest growing outdoor winter sport. The ease with which beginners can become accomplished snowshoers helps explain this growth, as does the relatively low cost of entering the sport. Author and snowshoe review specialist Dan Nelson will describe the techniques, safety concerns and destinations needed to help get you into the winter wilderness safely.
Dates & Locations

Best Hikes with Dogs
Presented by Dan Nelson
Author of Best Hikes with Dogs, Western Washington.
Learn about great hikes you can take with your canine companion in Western Washington, and tips for sharing the trail. Dan is the author of numerous hiking guidebooks and a regular contributor to Men's Journal and GearInstitute.com.
Dates & Locations

Seattle Stairway Walks
Presented by Cathy and Jake Jaramillo
Authors of Seattle Stairway Walks
Meet the authors of the only guidebook to stairway walks in Seattle. Learn how to explore Seattle neighborhoods in a new way. Stairway walks are great for people of all ages who want to get outside, exercise and explore!
Dates & Locations

Similar to A Place At the Table programming, you can donate and share healthy food at the library that will be shared with food partners throughout King County.  For suggested donations, please visit the Start to Fitness site and click on the Food tab.

January Meeting, The Library, and You

Please Note: The January 1^st regular meeting of the City of Redmond’s Library Board of Trustees is moved to January 8^th due to holiday observation.

---

And while we’re talking, if one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to be more involved in the community, consider volunteering for the Library Advisory Board!  There will be an open position in March as I meet my term limit by serving two consecutive appointments.  10 years goes by so quickly…

Third Annual Nonprofits Front & Center Event

Perfecting Your Pitch for Maximum Impact:
Effective Marketing for Nonprofits

Thursday, December 5th at 7 pm
Redmond Library
15990 NE 85th Street

Getting noticed. Standing out from the crowd. Building a community. Stewarding donors. These are imperatives for nonprofits who want to make the world a better place. The words you choose can dramatically advance your mission. Marketing expert Erica Mills will help you find the right words in this interactive workshop.

 

Reception to follow the program.
RSVP online or by telephone at 425-885-1861.