It’s November already, and the King County Library System plans to honor and reflect on a number of important dates and monthly celebrations.
In this busy month, KCLS will celebrate Veterans and caregivers, mark a momentous anniversary, hold a public hearing on our 2024 budget–and much more.
While I prefer to devote this blog to a single theme, there is so much going on, it seemed appropriate to let patrons know about their many options.
First, a fun fact: KCLS was established as the King County Rural Library District after voter approval in 1942. That makes us 81 years old. However, some of our libraries are older than that. The public is invited to help Enumclaw Library celebrate its 100th Anniversary at an Open House November 8, featuring historical tributes and activities. Find more information on our website.
On the national holiday of Veterans Day November 11, KCLS libraries will be closed in honor of the many men and women who are serving or who have served and sacrificed for their country. Throughout the year, KCLS offers books, DVDs, resources and assistance to the many active and retired Vets living in our area. For more information, visit kcls.org/veterans. Tying in with Veterans Day, a November 8 event will feature author Eileen A. Bjorkman, who will discuss her new book, The Fly Girls Revolt, about how women overcame challenges to become military pilots. Event information and registration can be found on our website.
This month, we also are honoring Native American Heritage Month with several fun and informative events.
The Muckleshoot Library will host a special event for teens, demonstrating how local native plants can be used to make dyes and dyed crafts. The library also will highlight the library’s Native American collection with various displays.
Kirkland Library will have a special exhibit on Native Peoples & the Environment of Washington. Artifacts from the Burke Museum also will be on display.
Local historian Richard Miller will give an in-person talk at Maple Valley Library called A Nation of Widows and Orphans: The Devastation of the Cherokees, 1861-1865, discussing how intra-tribal rivalries contributed to the ruin of the Cherokee homeland.
KCLS also provides resources for caregivers throughout the year. November is National Family Caregivers Month–a great time to highlight the support and inspiration that is available online and at our libraries. A good starting point is www.kcls.org/caregiving.
Finally, I’d like to offer a few important notes and reminders.
Please remember to vote in the General Election November 7 by 8pm. In partnership with King County Elections, KCLS has installed ballot boxes at 24 libraries to make voting more convenient. For a complete list of ballot boxes throughout the county, visit the King County Elections website.
Speaking of participation, we are excited to offer the first Patron satisfaction survey since 2019, delayed because of the pandemic. Please take about 10 minutes to share your thoughts with us about your KCLS experiences; what you love about your libraries, and what you think we can do better. The survey is a valuable guide for future services, programming and staff efforts.
Last but not least, KCLS will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2024 budget at the Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday November 15. The meeting, to be held at the KCLS Service Center as well as online, will begin at 5pm.
As the weather turns amid a month of meaningful dates, and as we look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday November 23 (libraries will be closed that day), KCLS invites you to come join the fun, learn something new, find assistance and meet others in your community at your local library.
