2008 Letters About Literature Winners

Congratulations to this year’s Letters About Literature award winners!  Today at the Washington State Capitol Rotunda, 181 Semi-finalists, 23 Honorable Mentions, and 3 Champions will be honored by State Librarian Jan Walsh and Secretary of State Sam Reed. These talented students were selected by the judges from the over 2500 letters submitted this year.  The list of those honored is online at the Washington State Library’s website.  This year’s Champions are:

McKenzie Dent from Zieger Elementary School in Puyallup.  McKenzie wrote to Alice Mead, the author of “Soldier Mom.”  Read her letter here.

Jessica Jang from NOVA School in Olympia.  Jessica wrote to Richard Adams, the author of “Watership Down.”  Read her letter here

Alayna Chamberland from Capital High School in Olympia.  Alayna wrote to Wally Lamb, the author of ”She’s Come Undone.”  Read her letter here.

Congratulations McKenzie, Jessica, and Alayna!  Their letters will also be submitted to the national Letters About Literature competition. Thank you to all the students, teachers, and families who participated in Washington’s Letters About Literature program. Keep reading and writing!

Washington Reads…with the Mariners!

At the event last week, Washington State Librarian Jan Walsh showed off the latest Washington Reads poster.  This time we’re extremely lucky to feature Mariners starting pitcher and author/poet Miguel Batista!  Miguel is the author of a recent book of poetry entitled “Sentimentos en Blanco y Negro,” as well as thriller called “The Avenger of Blood.”  In the poster, Miguel poses with his book of poetry and encourages kids around Washington to READ!  Jan Walsh will be present on Monday, March 31 for Mariners’ Opening Day at Safeco Field to do an official unveiling of the poster during the pre-game festivities.  Thanks, Miguel, for encouraging fans all over Washington State to READ!

Update: The link to order copies of the Miguel Batista poster can be found here.  Please note that posters can ONLY be sent to Washington State residents.

Event Rewind: Arts and Crafts in the Pacific Northwest

Over 50 folks joined us last Thursday night to hear author and Program Director for Historic Seattle Lawrence Kreisman present on his latest book, “The Arts and Crafts Movement in the Pacific Northwest.”  The appreciative audience got an intimate look at some of the artisans and events that shaped this important movement, as well as view a stunning slideshow featuring pictures of arts and crafts architecture, furniture, jewelry, glass, and pottery.  Lawrence was also kind enough to answer questions and sign copies of his book!

And before Lawrence’s presentation, State Librarian Jan Walsh presented this quarter’s Washington Reads.  Winter 2008’s theme is “Of the Beach and the Sea.”  You can locate these books in our library catalog, or you can browse the selections on LibraryThing.

A very special thanks to Lawrence and everyone who attended and made this event so memorable!  Pictures from the night can be found on Flickr.

Event Rewind: Ice Age Floods

The Ice Age Floods event was a rousing success!  Over 80 folks met last Wednesday at the State Library to hear author Bruce Bjornstad speak about the catastrophic flooding of eastern Washington by Glacial Lake Missoula at the end of the last ice age.  Bruce was also happy to sign copies of his book, “On the Trail of the Ice Age Floods,” and take questions from our knowledgeable audience.  Thanks, Bruce for a fascinating talk and for being so generous with your time.

In addition, State Librarian Jan Walsh rolled out the Spring 2007 Washington Reads selections, this time focusing on “Hidden People.”  Jan spoke about books which shed light on hidden populations in society: those afflicted with mental or physical illness, or who are dealing with incarceration.  For the very first time, the author of two of the books on this quarter’s list (”Dancing to the Concertina’s Tune: A Prison Teacher’s Memoir” and “An Inmate’s Daughter”) was able to join us at our rollout event!  A very special thanks goes to author Jan Walker for joining us last Wednesday.

Finally, a large number of our guests were first time event attendees, and we especially want to thank them for coming.  Pictures from last Wednesday can be found on our Flickr account, here.  We hope all of you enjoyed our events this year, and we’ll see you back here next fall!

New Washington Reads Poster featuring Kasey Kahne!

The Washington State Library proudly unveiled its latest Washington Reads poster, “Washington Winners Read to Finish First.”  Joining the ranks of famous Washingtonian readers is none other than NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne of Enumclaw!  Washington State residents can order a copy of the new poster by clicking here.  Thanks, Kasey, for supporting Washington Reads!

Fall 2006 Washington Reads

Washington State Librarian Jan Walsh has released her selections for this fall’s Washington Reads program: Mysteries of Washington State.  Read the official announcement here, or download the handout or poster here.
 

Summer 2006 Washington Reads

Washington State Librarian Jan Walsh has released her selections for this summer’s Washington Reads program: The Tastes of Washington.  Read the official announcement here!