White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Announced by the King County Library System:

Have a mobile device, but no Internet access away from home? KCLS can help!

Beginning May 3, patrons can check out mobile hotspot devices from six King County Library System locations in a new pilot project funded by the KCLS Foundation. For the next six months, the Boulevard Park, Burien, Foster, Greenbridge, Valley View, and White Center libraries will offer WiFi hotspots for 28-day check outs, including cellular service by AT&T. Approximately 200 units will be used during the pilot program. These tools enable Internet access on the go, from any place within range of AT&T mobile service.

The hotspots are free of charge, with a few special rules:

*They cannot be put on hold
*First come, first served
*They must be checked out and returned in person to one of the participating libraries
*28-day checkouts with no renewals
*Internet access will be disabled at the end of the 28th day
*10¢ per day fine for late returns, and replacement costs will be charged for lost devices
*The device containers will include operating instructions in several languages, and each hotspot can connect up to 10 devices at a time. A troubleshooting number for patrons to contact AT&T for any assistance needed. KCLS staff will not provide tech support for these items.

To learn more, search the KCLS Catalog for “KCLS Hotspot” at kcls.org.

As the new White Center Library gets closer to completion, concerns continue for those who wonder what would happen to it if Seattle – which has its own library system – annexes the area.

That’s why the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council invited the King County Library System to send a guest to its December meeting, held at the NH Fire District headquarters last Thursday night.

They got answers straight from the top, library director Gary Wasdin.

First, he provided an update on construction – still on schedule, with the exterior almost complete (as you can see in our photo, taken the morning after the meeting), so the interior work will ramp up after the first of the year. While he cautioned that weather is still a factor, if there are no major storms, KCLS will have an announcement of an opening date sometime in February. Right now, it’s still looking like an April opening, but that will be dependent on factors including how long it will take to stock the library and put in furniture.

Next, the annexation-related concerns. While Seattle and King County had had an agreement that the libraries in North Highline would be turned over to the city if annexation happened, Wasdin said that agreement expires at the end of this month. So without a new agreement, annexation at any point after January 1st of next year would leave the libraries in King County’s hands. He said he’s talked to some of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray’s staff but no talks about a new agreement are under way, so at this point, the libraries will remain King County libraries.

Asked about the fate of the current White Center Library site, Wasdin said it’s on the market.

STORMWATER 101: King County budget analyst Tricia Davis presented what she described as “Stormwater 101,” an overview of how the county deals with stormwater/runoff. She included some discussion of the recent oil contamination in the White Center stormwater-retention pond north of Steve Cox Park; county stormwater employees work with businesses to find best practices for wastewater, too, and she said they have spoken with La Mexicana, which took responsibility for the edible-oil spill that fouled the pond and harmed birds, so they know how better to handle any future situations.

A new stormwater-management fee system is proposed for 2016-2017, said Davis, and they’re gathering information in early 2016 to send to the County Executive before fall 2016 budget hearings.

Asked about plans for further protection of Hicklin Lake, Davis didn’t have a timetable.

CRIME REPORT: Storefront Deputy Bill Kennamer said everything is down except for 4th-degree assaults, which have doubled in the past year. These are the type of incidents, he explained, that involve pushing or shoving or fistfights, the lowest level of assault.

In other issues, he said the bog encampments are gone; the people who had been camping there were served trespassing notices.

REMEMBERING DEPUTY STEVE COX: NHUAC president Barbara Dobkin led a moment of silence in memory of Deputy Steve Cox; December 2nd – the day before the meeting – was exactly nine years since he was killed in the line of duty on December 2, 2006.

NHUAC meets first Thursdays, 7 pm, at the NHFD HQ, 1243 SW 112th. Check northhighlineuac.org for updates.

Happy December! Here’s what’s happening at the White Center Library this month:

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Play & Learn
Tuesday, December 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 11:15am
Newborn to age 5 with adult.
Have fun singing songs, telling stories, reading books, creating art and playing.
Play & Learn is in English and the facilitator is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Star Wars Movie Release Party
Friday, December 18, 3:30pm
Family program, all ages welcome with adult.
Celebrate the release of the new Star Wars movie with Star Wars themed crafts, snacks, games and prizes!

Brick Builders
Monday, December 21, 3pm
Family program, all ages welcome with adult.
The library provides the LEGOs, you provide the fun!

Toy Story Movie Marathon
Monday, December 28, 2pm: Toy Story 1
Tuesday, December 29, 2pm: Toy Story 2
Wednesday, December 30, 2pm:Toy Story 3
Family program, all ages welcome with adult.
Join Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang for this three-day movie marathon.

TEENS

Minecraft Mania
Tuesday, December 1, 4pm
Ages 8 to 14.
Are you a Minecraft fan? Want to meet other Minecraft players? Come for an afternoon of multiplayer fun.

Game On!
Wednesday, December 2, 9 and 16, 3pm
Middle and high school ages.
Play video games at the library, plus board games and snacks too!

Video Game Crafternoon
Thursday, December 3 and 17, 4pm
Middle and high school ages.
Spend the afternoon creating video game inspired crafts. Buttons, ornaments and more!

International Candy Taste Test
Tuesday, December 8, 4pm
Middle and high school ages.
Come and taste test different candies from around the world and decide which is your favorite.

Super Smash Bros Tournament
Saturday, December 12, Noon
Middle and high school ages.
Enter the second annual Super Smash Bros tournament. There will be snacks for all as well as prizes for the top three winners.

Winter Art Lesson with Molly Hashimoto
Saturday, December 19, 1:30pm
Ages 10 and older.
Learn how to draw a winter wonderland with artist Molly Hashimoto.

Teen Winter Break Movie
Wednesday, December 23, 3pm
Middle and high school ages.
Celebrate this winter break with cookies and a funny movie about an elf who goes to New York City to find his dad.

After Holiday Anti-Party
Saturday, December 26, 1pm
Middle and high school ages.
After the holiday come and relax with your friends. Board games, puzzles, arts, crafts and snacks!

New Year’s Event for Teens
Thursday, December 31, 3pm
Middle and high school ages.
Play games and enjoy snacks to celebrate the New Year.

ADULTS

One-on-One Computer Help
Tuesday, December 1 and 15, 6pm
Have computer or software questions? TechTutor Volunteers are here for you. You may bring your own laptop, but TechTutors cannot provide hands-on or hardware assistance.

Computer Class: Microsoft Excel Level 3
Saturday, December 5, 1pm
Learn to use functions such as Average, Max, Min and PMT. Prerequisite: Basic understanding of Excel and experience creating and saving spreadsheets.

Drop-in to Learn about eBooks
Saturday, December 12, 3pm
Get started with KCLS eBooks! Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions

The library’s at 11220 16th Avenue SW.

Here’s what’s coming up at the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting next Thursday (December 3rd), from president Barbara Dobkin:

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting (NHUAC)
Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7 pm
North Highline Fire Station (1243 SW 112th Street)

Plan on joining NHUAC for the end-of-the-year meeting with our special guest, Gary Wasdin, Executive Director of the King County Library System. This is an opportunity to hear not only about the progress of the new WCL that is under construction on 107th and 14th Ave SW, but also what the future holds for the library (this new library will replace the current White Center Library that is on 16th Ave, and is being built with funds from the voter approved 2004 Library Bond Levy).

Tricia Davis, King County Budget Analyst, will also be on hand with a presentation on problems with polluted storm water run-off, what the King County Storm Water program does, and issues being considered as they develop the storm water fee for 2016-2017.

Our WC storefront deputy, Bill Kennamer, will provide the latest crime stats and discuss general community safety concerns.

Have you noticed more illegal dumping throughout our community? Find out how you can help and what assistance is available for this problem.

See you there.

Please see NHUAC website for the agenda: northhighlineuac.org
Questions – email: bdobkin@northhighlineuac.org

Friday and Saturday, don’t miss the White Center Library Guild‘s Holiday Bazaar and Book Sale – which helps the guild raise money for extra programs at the library. The new library remains under construction, so this one’s at the “old” branch, 11220 16th SW – 11 am-4 pm on Friday (November 13th), 11 am-3 pm on Saturday.

Announced today by the county library system:

The King County Library System (KCLS) will host a community-wide Big Read program this fall to explore and discuss the immigrant experience in the communities of SeaTac, Tukwila, and White Center.

With more than 60% of the population being persons of color, 30% foreign born, 40% speaking a language other than English at home, and more than 70 languages represented in the area’s school districts, SeaTac, Tukwila, and White Center are the most diverse in King County.

Immigrants and refugees have contributed to King County’s sweeping demographic change in the last 20 years. In these neighborhoods, the increase in immigrant-owned businesses, religious centers, and organizations addressing new residents’ unique needs, has generated cultural division and tension as well as great opportunities for building cultural awareness and new social competencies.

Presented by KCLS, the Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA), Highline Public Schools, Highline College, King County Housing Authority, and the White Center Community Development Association/White Center Promise, The Big Read will engage residents in conversations about their experiences, and give the entire community a welcoming and safe environment to explore issues that are close to home in these areas, including gentrification and racial tension.

The program will begin this fall, offering free copies of the novel The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears to encourage all residents to read the book and join in the conversation. Author Dinaw Mengestu drew on his own experience having fled Ethiopia to The Other Washington: D.C.

The community read and related activities will begin a cross-cultural dialogue about how we are different, but more importantly, our common experiences and desires for a thriving community.

The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, designed to revitalize the role of reading in American culture by exposing citizens to great works of literature and encouraging them to read for pleasure and enrichment. King County’s southwest corridor is one of 75 communities nationwide participating in The Big Read from September 2015-June 2016. The national Big Read is managed by Arts Midwest.

For more information, please contact Jo Anderson Cavinta jacavinta@kcls.org 425-369-3454. This fall, there will be a full calendar of events for The Big Read in SeaTac, Tukwila, and White Center available online at kcls.org.

After a bit of an unscheduled break, we’re back. Big day at the White Center Library, in case you are looking for things to do – three events on the schedule: Game On! 3-5 pm, Homework Help 5-7, Somali Story Time for all ages, 6:30-7 pm. P.S. All branches of the library will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday.

New year, new month, new list of fun and educational programs ahead at the White Center Library – here’s the flyer they shared:

White Center Library programs for January 2014

One more reminder – if you want to be among the first to see (and comment on) the newest design renderings for the White Center Library project, be at Mount View Elementary School (10811 12th SW; next to the future site of the library) at 6:30 pm tonight. Architects and King County Library System reps will be on hand.

As announced – happening today and tomorrow at White Center Library:

Friday, Nov. 15th & Saturday, Nov. 16th!

Friday, November 15, 11 am-4 pm
Saturday, November 16, 11 am-4 pm

Free Activities

Friday
Beginning Crochet,starts at Noon
Beginning Knitting, starts at 3 pm

Saturday
Holiday Gift Towels Crochet Craft, starts at Noon
Beginning Knitting, starts at 2 pm
Holiday Crafts for Kids, starts at Noon in the meeting room

The White Center Library Guild uses the money raised to help fund programs at the library throughout the year. Most of these funds are used to support children/teen activities that can be life changing for those living in our great community. Come and support this community, find some great Holiday bargains, learn new skills and help your kids learn new craft making.

The library is at 11220 16th SW.

Just in – the announcement of the second public meeting about the new White Center Library:

That’s from the King County Library System, announcing the meeting at Mount View Elementary School (10811 12th SW), 6:30-8 pm on Tuesday, November 19th. Here’s our coverage of the first meeting back in July.

Lots of new information emerged about White Center’s new library at the first big public meeting about the project – including three potential configurations for the site. The library could be sited on the northwest corner, with the parking lot to its south:

Or, on the northwest corner with the parking lot to its east:

Or, on the northeast corner with the parking lot to its west:

If all goes well, the project team said at Thursday night’s meeting – billed as an open house but really a presentation with Q/A – construction could start in about a year. More than 50 people were there, and these are the key points they heard from project-team reps including King County Library System director Bill Ptacek:

*The library is still planned for 10,000 square feet, likely one story, with at least one large meeting room (the current WC Library is 6,000 sf). “We feel comfortable (10,000 sf) will be a good size for this community,” said Ptacek. It’ll have about 50 parking spaces, about twice what the current library has.

*The project team hopes to build it at least to “LEED silver” for sustainability

*The construction budget – not including design – is $4.2 million for the building and parking lot

*It’s not expected to have anything resembling a coffee shop; just a vending machine, said Ptacek, who noted that they once talked with Starbucks about the possibility of library/coffee-shop partnerships, but Starbucks just didn’t think there was much in it for them.

*Major attraction: It will be close to Mount View Elementary, where the meeting was held; the school is just to the east of the site. And the closer the better, indicated many who spoke.

*The site has its challenges, it was acknowledged, including changes in grade, but the new library’s location is not up for discussion, Ptacek said firmly.

*Staff members – some of whom were at the meeting – do get input into the project, especially the floor plan.

*Future users are getting input too; one librarian said they hope to have focus groups with teenagers, and possibly even talk with elementary students at Mount View once next school year starts.

*One attendee said she had spoken with Cascade Middle School students, who told her that computer access was their highest priority for the new library, and that they hoped it would have room for them to do homework – many, the attendee said, might have large extended families and no room at home to work.

One big caveat about the hoped-for timeline of starting construction around this time next year: Hard to tell how long it will take to get permits. The Vashon library project took more than a year, it was noted. But, KCLS reps say, County Executive Dow Constantine‘s office is “interested in getting the project going as fast as possible.”

In the meantime, they hope to have design renderings ready to show in October.

And once they have the site layout locked in, then they can get busy with another key part of the plan – finding a partner to use the rest of the land on the site, which is expected under terms of the deal to buy it from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Housing is a possibility on whatever part is not used for the library.

It’s not AT White Center Library, but it’s about the NEW White Center Library – tonight’s the open house we first told you about two weeks ago, so you can get a look at what King County Library System is working on, and offer your opinion(s). The open house is at 6:20 pm at Mount View Elementary (10811 12th SW).

Announced by the King County Library System:

A library design Open House for the new White Center Library will be held on Thursday, July 18, from 6:30 – 8 PM at Mount View Elementary School. This meeting is an opportunity for the community to meet the architects and library staff who will be working on the project and to offer input on the design of the library. Please come and share your thoughts!

The latest KCLS newsletter for this area also mentions this:

The White Center Library Guild will be hosting their annual sidewalk sale on Sunday, July 21st starting at 10 am. The sale is held in the parking lot at 10009 16th Avenue SW. The guild will have lots of books and other fun stuff to shop.

You’re invited tonight – 7 pm, North Highline Fire District HQ at 1243 SW 112th, as the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council takes on this busy agenda:

7:00 pm Call to Order – Flag Salute – Roll Call –
Approval of Agenda – Approval of Minutes
7:05 pm Public Announcements
7:10 pm Public Comment
3minutes for Individuals
5 minutes for Groups

7:15 pm Election of Officers

7:20 pm Bill Ptacek, King County Library System Director

7:40 pm Deanna Martin, Community Relations Planner
King County Department of Transportation

8:00 pm Deputy William Kennamer, King County Sheriff’s Office
Special Operations Section

8:10 pm Committee Reports

8:15 pm Unfinished Business/Old Business
• Jubilee Days
• Storefront Deputy Petition

8:20 pm New Business
• Napa Building – 16th Avenue

Received from Astha Tada, who wants to share her thoughts on the White Center Library decision far and wide:

Hoorah! It’s been decided! Our new, larger 10,000 square foot library will be built right behind Mount View Elementary at S.W. 107th Street and 14th Avenue S.W. This will be a welcomed resource since effective early elementary education is crucial for school success. It is also still within walking distance from Cascade Middle School/ Evergreen campuses, closer to White Center Heights Elementary and low income facilities.

The requests to delay the decision to understand the full impact of the sites and get greater community involvement were denied by KCLS Trustees who felt rising building costs, long delays, generous loan allowances and another interested buyer compelled them to make this choice.

Like planning a home, the White Center community needs to be sure that the King County Library System (KCLS) has our input in designing our library so that it meets the needs of our diverse White Center patrons. For example, our teens need more access to computers and other technology not found in their homes. Many of our adult citizens rely solely on the library for job applications and searches.

Gratitude! Before we begin the building process, recognition is needed for the hard work, diligence and perseverance of those who fought to keep our library from closing. If not for their efforts, we would not be celebrating right now!

Comments that the library closure was a ploy for annexation are not correct. As one who participated in the long battle to keep both Boulevard Park and White Center libraries from closing, annexation was definitely a key issue presented by KCLS as a reason for consolidation and closure of our smaller libraries. Thank you to those who sacrificed much personal time by attending numerous KCLS Issaquah meetings to testify, monitoring diligently KCLS agendas that listed our libraries, writing letters and editorials, gathering over 2000 petition signatures, informing organizations and citizens, etc.

When the KCLS Board of Trustees was going to vote for consolidation, those who attended would not leave unless the decision was delayed, pending the annexation vote. It was a face-to-face standoff! If you were there, you would have been proud of our supporters’ combined grit and determination to keep our beloved libraries open!

Credit for the hard work include members of the White Center Library Guild, North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, Burien City Council, King County Councilman Joe McDermott, Highline School District, White Center Community Development Association and numerous citizens from Boulevard Park, White Center and elsewhere whose individual actions collectively made a significant difference. The Highline District Board of Directors passed a 2-page formal Resolution 2479 unanimously opposing the closure of our libraries.

I want to, especially, recognize one individual whose passion and commitment were crucial in saving our two libraries. Rachael Levine, former White Center Library Guild president, never wavered in leading the fight, even when many were ready to give up. She was willing to bring her sleeping bag and camp out with me in front of our library to keep it open. Her integrity in how she battles on, the respectful manner in dealing with opposing individuals, and her wisdom and continued service after years of participating in many humanitarian and social organizations make her a true White Center warrior!

Let’s begin the building process by coming together, collaborating and cooperating to build the best library for our White Center community. Time keeps ticking and our high-potential, high-need students are counting on us to help them climb out of poverty. The building bond for this project was approved in 2004. KCLS needs to host planning sessions in our community so that many of you can give input. The Highline School District has offered KCLS school space for these events. Everyone is welcome! All aboard! ONWARD!

Gracias, cam on, ar kun, mahad sanid, fa’afetai, arigato, thank you,

Astha Tada
Community volunteer
Retired Cascade Middle School librarian
2nd Vice President of Beta Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, an organization focused on educational excellence

Two days till a chance to shop for gifts while supporting the community group that supports your White Center Library: 11 am-3 pm this Saturday (December 8th), the White Center Library Guild Holiday Bazaar will include “cookies, breads, and gently used items” – plus creations by the Burien Knitters group (for the first time!) and entertainment by magician Jeff Evans at 2 pm. Find it in the meeting room at the library, 11220 16th SW.

ORIGINAL REPORT, 12:26 PM THURSDAY: Quick update, longer story to come – the King County Library System’s Planning Committee has just been briefed by staff on its recommendations on what to do with White Center library services now that annexation to Burien has been turned down by voters. The recommendation: Find a new site slightly to the north, still on 16th/Ambaum, and build a new library for White Center. They believe they have the money and that they can be under construction by 2014 on a yet-to-be-determined site. The new library would be about 10,000 square feet – up from the current 6,000 square foot branch, which could remain open while the new one is under construction, since it won’t be torn down for a rebuild. Many details to be worked out, but planning committee members expressed initial support for the idea. They also wanted to hear more from the jurisdictions that have interest in that area – King County and potential future annexers Seattle and Burien. More to come.

ADDED EARLY FRIDAY: More details from the meeting, though this was only one item on the agenda and it lasted less than 20 minutes: Read the rest of this entry »

Remember the furor over the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries, and whether they would be closed, merged, or … The King County Library System Board put a decision on hold, to see how annexation turned out. Now, annexation has gone down to defeat, and this item is back on the front burner. Tomorrow (Thursday) at noon, the KCLS Planning Committee meets at the Burien Library (4th/156th), and the North Highline libraries are at the top of the agenda. Public welcome.

Till 3 pm, the White Center Library Guild is presenting its annual holiday bazaar – just days after the library won another reprieve from closure, with supporters including Guild members taking their case to the King County Library Board in Issaquah. The library’s at 11220 16th SW.