Newcastle Finally Getting a Library

The Newcastle News reported that the developer that was going to build condos along side the new Newcastle Branch Library is no longer on the project. The agreement was that they had to find financing by June and it won’t happen. That means a library all by itself. Kind of like the old plan years ago before all the “what if we add a… waterpark?” diversions that delayed everything.


The KCLS person made a “management doublespeak” remark about the area that won’t be used for condos. Something like “realize that asset” meaning more parking for library patrons. But since the current approved site plan doesn’t designate that area as anything he can’t say “more parking” he has to make it sound as if some huge management effort has to happen, thus assuring another day on the job.

Wow, did I reveal my disdain for obtuse management verbalizations? I hope so.

The plan is to have it done by fall of 2011.  Another fun construction project that will disrupt traffic in the main intersection in Newcastle.

The new library will have seven times the amount of space of items put on hold. That means you can log on to the library from home and put a book on hold. When it arrives they send an email and you go pick it up. They also keep track of the books you checked out so you don’t keep getting the same ones over and over. It also keeps the library from overcrowding.

They will have 20 fixed computer stations and cyber bars where you can connect your own computer. How cool is that?

They’ll have a 10,000 gallon water retention tank but I have no idea why. Maybe it’s to flood the tunnel to the rapid transit station in case of overwhelming numbers of commuters. They need to explain that tank.

Outside there will be parking for 44 cars. This doesn’t count paving over the realized asset at some future point. And just because the car wash was removed from the so called “multiuse” plan there will be a rain garden along one side. Maybe this is what the 10,000 gallon water tank is for. On sunny days (we get 3 per year) they will simulate rain out there.

This is one more step in the grand plan. King County Library System is already huge. Oddly people still read books in large numbers. The Kindle and iPad (OK Sony has one as well plus some others too) have not eliminated the old time physical book. The Seattle Public Library is on the list for hostile takeover.

I think at some future point KCLS will mount a charge and storm the gates of the Seattle libraries. Then a meeting between their doubletalking managers will take place at a plush Hawaiian resort for a couple of weeks. Once that’s over and some incomprehensible agreement is announced the real workers will take over and arrange a merger. Should be easy.

Then KCLS will begin to eye neighboring counties. They’ll take over the Pierce and Snohomish County Libraries. KCLS will have about the same territory as Sound Transit. They won’t stop there. At some point in the future, possibly before the new SR 520 Bridge is built, KCLS will control all the libraries in Washington state. They’ll change the name to “THE LIBRARY” and if you want a book you have to have an enhanced rfid Washington State Driver’s License. You heard it here first.

Al