Camas Public Library

625 NE 4th Avenue

Camas, WA 98607

360-834-4692

www.ci.camas.wa.us/library/index.htm

library@ci.camas.wa.us

General Information

Founded: 1922 by the Camas Women’s Club.

Mission: The mission of the Camas Public Library is to enrich lives, encourage self-education, and promote an enlightened citizenry by providing free access to diverse and expansive collections.

Form of Government

Appointed Board of Trustees

The trustees are appointed by the Camas City Council, and are authorized by the city’s charter to be the policy-making board of the Camas Public Library.

Appointed Officials

The Camas Public Library is managed and controlled by the City of Camas, by and with the consent of the Library Board of Trustees (Camas Municipal Code 2.44.010). The five trustees adopt by-laws and all policies, rules and regulations for the library. The board of trustees of the library has exclusive control of expenditures from monies appropriated for the library (Camas Municipal Code 2.44.040).

Trustees

Barb Baldus (2010 Chair)
Leesa Bequette
Brian Christopher
Laura McBride Felter
Mike Buzan

Engagement Opportunities

Trustee meetings for 2007 are scheduled for January 4, February 8, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 22, July (TBD), September 6, October 4, November 1 and December 6. Meetings are at 4 pm and are held in the library. Call the library for details. All meetings are posted in advance, in public places, and noted in the local newspapers.

Staff

David Zavortink, library director
Sandy Glover, assistant director
Dianne Skinner, business office
Dianne Morgan, interlibrary loan
Ellen Good, youth services librarian

Notes of Special Interest

In 1922, the Camas Women’s Club conceives idea of public library. “Each was to buy for own reading three standard books and when these were read, the books were either resold for the library fund or presented to the library outright.”
The library opened in 1923 with 150 State Library books in space donated by Thayer’s drugstore.
In 1992 an online card catalog installed and circulation is automated. Volunteers donate 100’s of hours to barcode collections. System also provides access to collection of Fort Vancouver Regional and Clark College libraries.
Board of Trustees and City Council resolved in 1994 that the Camas Public Library remain an independent public library.
In 2000, voters passed a $7.9 million bond in March 2000. Architects Fletcher, Farr, and Ayotte were hired to do the design work and DPR construction was awarded the contract to build and renovate the facility.
In September 2001, the library moved books and all, to temporary quarters at the Camas National Guard Armory on NW 10th.
The Library moves back to its renovated and expanded home in April 2003. The Grand Opening was celebrated on May 10, 2003.