For Immediate Release

September 21, 2012

New Camille Wade Children’s Library project under way at the Wenatchee Public Library

Wenatchee, Wash. -- Construction on the new Camille Wade Children’s Library began on Monday, September 17^th. The project will result in an expanded, modern, and beautiful children’s area on the lower level of the Wenatchee Public Library located at 310 Douglas Street in Wenatchee. The project will expand the children’s area to approximately 4,000 square feet and will feature apple trees with built in bookshelves and seating, a large storytime area, an expanded collection, a new restroom, and graphics that evoke Wenatchee’s orchards and mountains. Paul R. Coppick’s architecture firm DOH Associates designed the new area with Gail Britt acting as lead architect. Another Wenatchee firm, Whitebird Construction Company, which President Randy Zielinski named after a popular song by preforming artists “It’s a Beautiful Day,” is the project’s general contractor. The library’s ancient elevator will be replaced as part of the project, welcome news to parents with strollers and people with physical disabilities. The new children’s library is scheduled to be complete by December 31, 2012. Work on the elevator is scheduled for November 26, 2012 through January 31, 2013. The new children’s library is made possible due to a generous donation from James Wade, President of Columbia Fruit Packing located in Wenatchee. Mr. Wade’s gift is in honor of his wife, Camille Jones Wade, who passed away in December 2011. Ms. Wade was a loving wife and mother, a world traveler, and a member of one of Wenatchee’s oldest book clubs, the Zetetic Book Club. The Friends of the Wenatchee Public Library donated $6,000.00 to the project. Library employees were overwhelmed when they learned Mr. Wade stepped forward to fund this new children’s library. “I am deeply moved by James Wade’s incredible gift. We couldn’t have done this without him. Kids and parents will benefit from this amazing new children’s library for years to come. We will honor James and Camille Wade by being excellent stewards of these funds,” said Dean Marney, Executive Director for the North Central Regional Library.

Contact:                    

Dan Howard, Director of Public Services

509-663-1117 x122
dhoward@ncrl.org

News Release:

LIBRARY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AND APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR

The Board of Trustees of the North Central Regional Library has announced the retirement of Dean Marney at the end of December 2012.   In a unanimous vote they have appointed Dan Howard as the new Director of the largest library system in the state.

Dean has been with the North Central Regional Library for 35 years. “I am so fortunate.   What an extraordinary thing to be able to work for the communities I love promoting my passion for reading and lifelong learning.   I’ve worked for the strongest and most visionary Board of Trustees ever and with the most dedicated staff of Librarians in the world.   It doesn’t get better than that.”

Dean recently passed the ACE Personal Trainer exam and will be training individuals and teaching yoga classes at the WRAC in Wenatchee.  

Dan Howard is the current Director of Public Services, heading up the 28 Branches of the library system and the Mail Order program.   He will become the fourth Director in the history of the library district.  Dan has a BA in History and a MLS from the University of Washington.   As Dean said, “Dan knows this area and the people who live here.   He loves this part of state and this library.   He is passionate about the role we play in helping kids reach their educational goals and helping adults to be lifelong learners.  He is also the best-read person I know!  The library is in very good hands.”

Contact:

Dean Marney, Director

663-1117 x121

dmarney@ncrl.org