Congratulations to the Howards & the St. John Rialto, Honored as Library Supporters of the Month for October

Thank you to the St. John Rialto and Owners, Kayla & Marc Howard for Supporting Your Library & Community!

The Board of Trustees sponsors this award as a way of thanking community members for their time and generosity

Trivia combines knowledge, community, and fun!

Whitman County Library trustees, Friends, and administrators sponsor the library supporter award to recognize individuals and groups who play a key role in forwarding the library’s activities, improving cultural offerings within our communities and supplementing a limited budget. Click here for a full list of Whitman County Library supporters

Our Town's Living Room...

The Library, Our Town's Living Room

by Sue Hallett

When I was a kid, the first thing that drew me into the public library was the air conditioning. In my home on hot summer days, we kept cool, or cool-ish, by shutting the window shades, running electric fans, and whining. The library was a lusciously cool haven, where I could wander around as long as I liked. I spent a lot of time standing in front of bookshelves, pulling down a particular book, scanning the dust jacket. Soon I was lost in the world that the book created in my head.

I’m in my sixties now, and retired. I can track down any book in the world on the internet and my house is air-conditioned. But my local library holds me captive in different ways. It’s the place where I can stop in downtown to browse the new book section or use the bathroom or write out a greeting card that I just bought, so that I can mail it before I go home. I usually see people I know while I’m there. I sometimes think of the library as our town living room.

This past summer I attended a community college class at the library taught by an archaeologist who told us about excavating underground chambers on the island of Sardinia, which no one had entered since the Bronze Age. The thought of that gave me shivers. He described the Anasazi ruins at Chaco Canyon in the American Southwest, where Great Houses and roads as well-built as those of the ancient Romans still run through the high desert, for what purpose, no one is quite sure. For three hours I sat with my classmates, entranced. I lost all track of the passage of time. I could hardly wait to get home, and make my husband sit and listen to the pages of notes I’d taken.

My childhood experience of the library was a private one, just me and a book. Our library still offers the magic of books, but it has grown into a public space, too. There are things we can only understand when we take a look at them together. At this point in my life, the library is doing it all again in a new, more collaborative way, taking me to faraway places along with my neighbors, opening up larger worlds, making time stand still. I can’t wait for the next Chaco Canyon.


Sue Hallett is the President of the
Whitman County Friends of Library and
a dedicated volunteer. We appreciate
her submission of this great story to
the Moscow Pullman Daily News,
September 14-15 edition

Library Closure November 28 & 29

All 14 branches of Whitman County Library will close November 28-29 for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Due dates for library materials have been extended in anticipation of these closures and no late fines will be charged for these days. Drop boxes will remain open at all locations for returned items. Access to the library’s web resources including the catalog, Washington Anytime Library, NewsBank, and our the Events Calendar remain available at www.whitco.lib.wa.us.

Libraries affected by the closure are: Albion, Colfax, Colton, Endicott, Farmington, Garfield, LaCrosse, Malden, Oakesdale, Palouse, Rosalia, St. John, Tekoa, and Uniontown. Residents may call the library at 397-4366 or toll-free at 1-877-733-3375 for information, details regarding the closure or renewal of materials.

Turkey Leg Fun Run

Palouse Library's 15th Annual Turkey Leg Fun Run, Thanksgiving Morning

Be a part of the Thanksgiving Day Tradition in Palouse by participating in the Turkey Leg Fun Run! While your turkey roasts, you can run, jog or walk, and help raise money for a great cause. All proceeds fund new children’s books and fun activities for the Palouse Library.

The race begins at the Roy M. Chatters Newspaper & Printing Museum, 117 E Main St., Palouse, WA on Thursday, Nov. 28 at 7:45 a.m. with homemade donuts, hot cider and cocoa

















Donations are collected the morning of the race or they can be made at the Palouse Library. Over the past 15 years, the Turkey Leg Fun Run has raised well over $15,000, purchasing hundreds of children’s books, funding Summer Reading, and more.

For more information on the event, contact Beverly Pearce at the Palouse Library at (509) 878-1513, like the library’s Facebook page, or visit the our Events Calendar. The Palouse Library is open Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays 2 to 6 p.m. & Fridays 12 to 6 p.m.

Rightfully Hers, Women's Suffrage

Rightfully Hers Popup Exhibit
at Local Libraries

This exhibit commemorats the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment and is now on display at the Colfax, Colton, Endicott, LaCrosse, Malden, Palouse, Rosalia, St. John, Tekoa and Uniontown branches of Whitman County Library.

The exhibit, organized by the National Archives and Records Administration, contains simple messages exploring the history of the ratification of the 19th amendment, women's voting rights before and after the 19th, and its impact today. Despite decades of marches, petitions, and public debate to enshrine a woman's right to vote in the constitution, the 19th Amendment - while an enormous milestone - did not grant voting rights for all. The challenges of its passage reverberate to the ongoing fight for gender equity today.

Rightfully Hers co-curator Jennifer N. Johnson states: "The ratification of the 19th Amendment was a landmark moment in American history that dramatically changed the electorate, and although it enshrined in the U.S. Constitution fuller citizenship for women many remained unable to vote."

The exhibition is presented in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of Unilever, Pivotal Ventures, Carl M. Freeman Foundation in honor of Virginia Allen Freeman, AARP, and Denise Gwyn Ferguson.

For further details, contact the Colfax Library toll free at (877) 733-3375 or visit the library's Events Calendar . The pop-up exhibits are on display now through November 30 during regular open hours

Census 2020

Census Hiring Fair at Local Libraries

The Census Bureau is hiring for a variety of temporary jobs, including census takers, recruiting assistants, office and supervisory staff with most jobs beginning at $14.50 to $25 per hour. Earn extra income while helping your community. For more information, visit us online, call (855) 562-2020, or attend one or the library hiring fairs listed below:

Tekoa - Nov. 19, 3 to 5 p.m.
Colfax - Nov. 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Endicott - Nov. 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Albion - Nov. 26 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Census data impacts out daily lives, informing important decisions about funding for services and infrastructure in our community, including health care, jobs, political representations, roads, schools, and businesses. DID YOU KNOW...on average, the state of Washington loses about $2000 for each person who is not counted in the census every year?

Entries being accepted for 2019 Festival of Trees in The Center at Colfax Library

A youngster enjoys the festive tree entry from
Palouse Knot Barn last year

Brighten Colfax this holiday season by entering the 2019 Festival of Trees this December in The Center at Colfax Library. Businesses, community agencies, and individuals are encouraged to enter.

Festive trees from our 2018 contest

This year’s trees will be judged in 4 categories, 3 of which will be voted on by the public. Categories include most creative, people’s choice, kids’ choice and judge’s choice. Thanks to funding from Colfax Chamber of Commerce, winners in these categories will receive $75 gift certificates to the Colfax business of their choice.

Pioneer Title Company will again sponsor a raffle tree titled “The twelve days of Christmas.” Tickets are just one dollar and all proceeds will benefit children’s programs at the library.

Last year's Festival of Trees

Two fun opportunities to view the trees are "Colfax Winterfest" on Thursday, December 5 and at the "Jingle and Mingle" community holiday party and awards ceremony on Wednesday, December 18.

Space fills quickly so call the Whitman County Library at 509-397-4366 or catalina@whitco.lib.wa.us if you have questions or want to reserve your spot.

2020 Barn Calendars are in!

Popular Barn Calendars Now Available

Sales benefit Whitman County Library programs 

and services in 14 locations

The 2020 Barns of Whitman County calendars are now on sale for $10 each, with all proceeds benefiting countywide library programs and projects. Calendars are available from Rosauers and Tick Klock Drug in Colfax, Pullman Chamber of Commerce, and as well as any branch of Whitman County Library.

This year’s images were contributed by many local photographers including Ken Carper, Carol Evans, Beverly Brantner, Ric Hall, Teresa Myott, Murali Narayanan, Kelly Marley, Eric Thompson, Mike Kammeyer, Dan Codd, Sharon Lindsay, and Shawn Smith.

For the past nine years, Steve Van Vleet of WSU Extension has generously compiled and donated the calendars as a major fundraiser for the Friends of Whitman County Library.

For more information or to have calendars mailed to you, please contact

Whitman County Library at 509-397-4366 or toll free at 877-733-3375.

Books to Honor our Veterans

Library Closed for Veteran's Day

All 14 branches closed Monday, November 11

While we are closed, our website, catalog, downloadable books, and online resources are always available at your convenience at www.whitco.lib.wa.us

Thank you for your service

Books to honor our veterans Browse our online catalog

BOOK ART at the Library November 15

YOU are invited to create Book Art at Colfax Library Friday, Nov. 15, 6 to 8 p.m.

Transform a book into a work of art! With simple folds you can create an infinite number of patterns by repeating the folds on book pages. After attending the workshop, all you will need to continue this technique is a book, pencil, ruler, and a little bit of imagination. Books, patterns, and guidance provided. Bring a friend and enjoy a night out while learning something new. FREE, Adults & teens. Questions? Call Nichole 397-4366.

Community Blood Drive, SAVE A LIFE Thursday, Nov. 7, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Step up and help SAVE the HUMANS by donating blood at the Colfax Library location.

Go to www.vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL for details or to schedule an appointment. Vitalant, one of the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit community blood service providers, supplies comprehensive transfusion medicine services to nearly 1,000 hospitals and health care partners for patients in need across 40 states.

Call the Colfax Library 509-397-4366 for additional details.

Sounds Great, P1FCU!

Thank you to everyone at P1FCU for providing the incredible sound system in The Center
What a generous way to support our community!

Besides traditional presentations, we’ve been using the sound amplification in some exciting new ways. Pictured above, “Adult Scary Storytime” participants enjoyed hearing spooky tales, sound effects, and music through the new sound system. We’ve had so many compliments from the community and our staff.

Pictured below, you’ll see kids from “Prime Time Family Reading” who are hearing stories more clearly through amplification AND LOVE answering the librarian’s questions through a real microphone! Both groups are holding the new P1FCU signs we’ve posted throughout the facility.



Please join us on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 3-6 p.m. to celebrate Colfax Winterfest with our Festival of Trees and on Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 5-8 p.m. for Jingle & Mingle a community holiday party, complete with food, spirits, and we’ll be showing off our great new sound system – thank you for supporting our community! Click here to view our December Events Calendar

Carlin Gold Trend Talk: History, Mining & Murder

 
Gold Mine History:
Murder, Mayhem & Geology too!

 Mine History Presentations by author, geologist, and Tekoa native Dean Heitt at local libraries

 Dean Heitt, returns to our region to share his new book, “Before the Gold: Early Mining History of the Carlin Trend 1874-1961”. Free community presentations are Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Tekoa Library and Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Colfax Library.

 

Heitt’s book details the long and storied past of The Carlin Trend, including the colorful stories of the people who worked there and their connection to the murder of a local constable.

Overlooked by the ‘49ers in their rush for California Gold, The Carlin deposit was not significantly mined until 1965. Today, The Carlin Trend is one of the largest mining districts in the world, producing over 90M ounces of gold, “Spirit Ore” and the largest turquois nuggets found in Nevada.


Dean Heitt in the north area of the Carlin Trend, Mining Quarterly

Dean Heitt graduated from Tekoa High School, then studied geology at Eastern Washington University receiving his Bachelor and Master’s degrees. He began working for the Newmont Mining Corporation on the Carlin Trend in 1988 working briefly as an open pit mine geologist and an underground geologist before moving into project development. Heitt concluded his career with Newmont this year as Manager for Near Mine Exploration and Project development in Nevada. In retirement, he is enjoying on woodturning, woodworking, photography, and researching future projects.

Copies of Heitt’s book will be available for cash purchase or you can learn more at shop.southernnevadaconservancy.org. For more information about the presentations, contact Whitman County Library at 509-397-4366 or toll free at 877-733-3375.

Hear Talented Author & Orator, Luis Alberto Urrea Speak November 12-15

Meet Author, Luis Alberto Urrea

Libraries and bookstores from across the region announce their 2019 community reading selection, "The House of Broken Angels" by bestselling author Luis Alberto Urrea. The announcement comes early to allow residents ample time to read the book in preparation for Urrea's appearances set for Nov. 12-15 across the Palouse and Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.

Inspired by the death of his brother, Urrea describes "The House of Broken Angels" as "the story of an American family, one that happens to speak Spanish and admire the Virgin of Guadalupe. Imperfect and glorious, messy and hilarious, sometimes heroic." The novel provides a closer look at the daily lives, trials and triumphs of Mexican-Americans, insights that are especially important today.

Luis Alberto Urrea was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in nonfiction for "The Devil's Highway," a harrowing story of 26 men attempting to cross the Mexican-American border. Urrea is a critically acclaimed, best-selling author with 17 books, and numerous awards for his poetry, fiction and essays. He is a member of the Latino Literature Hall of Fame.

Born in Tijuana to a Mexican father and American mother, Urrea is recognized as a border writer, though he says, "I am more interested in bridges, not borders."

Tuesday, November 12

12 p.m., Artisans of Dahmen Barn in Uniontown

7 p.m., Nezperce Community Library

Wednesday, November 13

12 p.m., Asotin County Library at Basalt Cellars, 906 Port Drive, Clarkston

7 p.m., Lewiston City Library

Thursday, November 14

12 p.m., Whitman County Library, Colfax

Optional: RSVP at 397-4366 to order lunch

7 p.m., Neill Public Library, Pullman

Friday, November 15

12 p.m., WSU Holland Library, Pullman

7 p.m., Latah County Library at the 912 Center, Moscow

For information about any of these events, contact your local library or visit the Everybody Reads website