Coming soon to a library near you...

All 14 branches of Whitman County Library are busy hubs of activity with programs and events for all ages and interests. For kids, each branch hosts educational storytime classes and annual Summer Reading programs. Additionally, many locations provide programs for babies, at daycares, in schools, with special guests, and afterschool.

For teens and adults, Whitman County Library branches offer everything from bookclubs and craft workshops, to fitness classes and bird-watching. A complete schedule can be found at the library’s Events Calendar at www.whitco.lib.wa.us or by calling toll-free 877-733-3375.

One of the great new classes being offered is called “Climb Your Family Tree with a Computer.” Taught by experienced genealogy trainer Carolyn Arnett, the class explores on-line resources for family history research including a number of free products available from the Electronic Resources page of our library’s website. Climb Your Family Tree will helps you start the genealogy process or move past roadblocks that have you stumped. Individual help sessions can be booked after the program by calling 509-397-4366. This program is made possible thanks to Technology Made Easy funding provided to the Washington State Library by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Singer, songwriter Hank Cramer brings “Music Across the Palouse” to eleven library locations the last week of March.  With his booming bass voice, vintage flat top guitar, and a wry sense of humor, Hank’s shows are an experience you won’t want to miss. Hank’s programs are geared to all ages in partnership with Humanities Washington.

 In “Music Across the Palouse,” Hank is providing three different programs. “The Seven Tongues of Flame: Ireland’s Easter Rebellion of 1916,” shows the power of music and poetry to change government when violence fails. In “Through a Soldier’s Eyes: Wilson Cramer’s Civil War,” Hank portrays his great-grandfather, a Civil War veteran, as he shares  battle experiences, thoughts on the causes of the conflict, and the lessons learned in the war. “The Family Concert” is an acoustic blend of folk and country music popular with all ages that includes the historical events that shaped these genres.

 Finally, I’d like to tell you about an amazing film called Dryland that will screen in LaCrosse on Thursday, March 26th at 7 p.m. at The Gathering Place.  Set in Eastern Washington and the community of Lind, “Dryland” is an intimate portrait of rural America in transition, as seen through the eyes of a young man pursuing his dream and a town fighting to survive. The film’s directors and cast members including Alex McGregor will participate in a panel discussion following the film. Admission is free thanks to funding from Humanities Washington and in partnership with Whitman County Library. You can learn more at Dryland Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com