Creative writing workshop ... just $7. Register today...

Using the Energy Method techniques from Roberta Allen’s The Playful Way to Serious Writing, Cathy Ensley offers a Creative Writing class on Saturday, February 1 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Colfax Library.

Whether you are interested in writing fiction, poetry, journals or short stories you’ll be surprised and delighted with the surprisingly simple process. Cost for the Creative Writing class is just $7. To register for this or a complete lineup of Enrichment Classes being offered in Colfax, visit www.iel.spokane.edu/ACT2

 

 

Need Help With Your New Electronic Device? Contact WCL For Assistance

Did you, your child or teenager receive a new Kindle, Sony, iPad, Nook or other electronic device for Christmas? Would you like to learn how to download FREE eBooks and audiobooks to your new device? The Whitman County Library offers help through Book-a-Librarian.

Through Book-a-Librarian you may get one-on-one help with your device. Appointments may be made Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To Book-a-Librarian, simply call toll free 1-877-733-3375 or e-mail info@whitco.lib.wa.us the days and times you desire and how we can assist you. Library staff will follow up quickly to schedule your appointment.

 

 

 

Amazon Shopping today can benefit Friends of WCL

Shop at smile.amazon.com between now and December 31, 2013, and Amazon will donate an extra $5 to the charity of your choice, including Friends of Whitman County Library .... even if your purchase is a free audio book! This is in addition to the regular donation of 0.5% of the purchase price. Up to $1,000,000 extra will be donated to eligible charities as a result of this promotion. Restrictions apply 

WCL Calendar Sampling Jan. 2 - Jan. 9

Thursday, January 2

Colfax, LaCrosse & Tekoa – Storytime – Bring in the little ones for fun stories, songs and more every Thursday. Visit the online calendar for times.

Friday, January 3

Colfax – 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Play & Learn – Creative play and sharing for toddlers, preschoolers and parents every Friday.
Uniontown – 10:30 a.m. – Storytime – Bring in the little ones for fun stories, songs and more every Friday.
Colfax – 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Dance Class – Child and teen dance, ballet, jazz and more by Ana Maria Sears. For cost and registration, please call (509) 338-0809.

Saturday, January 4

Colfax – 1 to 2:30 p.m. – Children’s Tumbling Class offered by Ana Maria Sears. For cost and registration, please call Ana at (509) 338-0809.
Albion – 2 p.m. – Storytime and Craft – Fun stories and craft projects every Saturday.

Sunday, January 5

Colfax – Our Palouse Photography Exhibit – Featured at last summer’s Concrete River Festival, this exhibit contains at least one image from each of the 10 participating photographers. The exhibit is on the library’s main floor during open library hours for the entire month.

Monday, January 6

Colfax – 10 a.m. – Senior Sneakers with Karen Lindgren – For cost and registration, contact Karen at (509) 285-4673 or kklindgren23@gmail.com
Colfax – 6 to 8 p.m. – Boot Camp with Carissa Little – For cost and registration, please email Carissa at purefitpersonaltraining@gmail.com

Tuesday, January 7

Colfax – 5:30 p.m. – Bliss Yoga with Dawn Bennett – For cost and registration, call Dawn at (509) 397-3777.

Wednesday, January 8

Colfax – 10 a.m. – Senior Sneakers with Karen Lindgren – For cost and registration, contact Karen at (509) 285-4673 or kklindgren23@gmail.com

Thursday, January 9

Tekoa – 3:30 p.m. – Kids Club – Kids are invited to a fun after school craft project.
Colton – 6 p.m. – Colton & Uniontown Book Club – Join the discussion of Jonathan Franzen’s, “Freedom”. Everyone is welcome!

This is just a sampling of the community programs for all ages in Whitman County Library’s 14 branches. Visit the Events Calendar at www.whitco.lib.wa.us, like the library on Facebook or call (509) 397-4366.

WCL Calendar Sampling Dec. 27-Jan. 2

 

Friday, December 27
Colfax – 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Play & Learn – Creative play and sharing for toddlers, preschoolers and parents every Friday.
Uniontown – 10:30 a.m. – Storytime – Bring in the little ones for fun stories, songs and more every Friday.

Saturday, December 28

Colfax – 1 to 2:30 p.m. – Children’s Tumbling Class offered by Ana Maria Sears. For cost and registration, please call Ana at (509) 338-0809.
Albion – 2 p.m. – Storytime and Craft – Fun stories and craft projects every Saturday.

Monday, December 30

Colton – 10:30 a.m. – Storytime – Bring in the little ones for fun stories, songs and more every Monday.
Colfax – 3 p.m. – Downtown Association Roundtable – Does Colfax need a Downtown Association? If you like to take part, please contact Debi Anderson at the Colfax Chamber at (509) 397-3712.

Tuesday, December 31

Farmington & Palouse – Storytime – Fun stories, finger plays, songs and crafts every Tuesday. Check the calendar for times.

All Branches close at 3 p.m. in celebration of the New Year.

Wednesday, January 1
All Branches closed in celebration of the New Year.

Thursday, January 2

St. John – 2 to 4 p.m. – Wii Party – Kids grades 6-12 are invited to play Wii games, enjoy crafts and snacks! The library has a new television provided in memory of Farroll Knott.

This is just a sampling of the community programs for all ages in Whitman County Library’s 14 branches. Visit the Events Calendar at www.whitco.lib.wa.us, like the library on Facebook or call (509) 397-4366.

Senior Sneakers is back starting Monday, January 6th!

Great news ... Senior Sneakers - Gentle stress and motion (for any age) returns for a 7 week session beginning on Monday, Jan. 6th. Class is each Mon. and Weds at 10 a.m. in the Colfax Library, except January 20th when the library is closed. Cost is $35 but drop ins are welcome. Certified instructor Karen Lingren from the Fit Farm in Oakesdale.

Please vote LIBRARIES on Feb. 11th!

By a vote of the people, Whitman County Library District formed in 1945. Since that time, we’ve worked hard to provide you the very best in staffing and services.

 

On February 11, voters will be asked to reset the library's levy. Below are the answers to some questions you may have but don't hesitate to email Kristie Kirkpatrick, Library Director at kirkpatr@colfax.com with any others.

Why does the library need to reset its levy?

Since the passage of Initiative 747 in 2001, the levy rate continually drops causing the library’s budget to lose pace with costs and inflation. As a result, a vote is required to reset the library’s levy rate to 50 cents per $1000 of property value.

What do I get for my money?

The library provides valuable social, educational, recreational and economic impact! 14 countywide locations offer top quality staff, the latest books, eBooks, movies, music, Community and educational programs, Internet, Wi-Fi hotspots, free Microsoft coursework, outreach services to schools and seniors, Whitman County Rural Heritage and so much more!

What will this cost me?

A household valued at $100,000 will pay an additional $7 per year for a total of $50 per year for library services.

Happy Holidays from WCL!

Happy Holidays from all of us at WCL! Thanks again to this talented group of 5th grade girls from Jennings Elementary who entertained us with their festive carols during the Winter Celebration.

WCL Calendar Sampling Dec. 19-26

 

Thursday, December 19

Colfax – Noon – Gentle Yoga with Suzy McNeilly – Pay by the month or by the class.

Farmington – 4 to 6 p.m. – Individual Assistance with the Healthcare Exchange – Chelsea Fanara from Pullman Rural Resources will be available in helping you find your best option for health insurance.
Endicott – 7 p.m. – Book Club – Join the discussion of M.L. Stedman’s, “The Light Between Oceans.” Everyone’s invited.
Rosalia – 7 p.m. – Picture Books with Katie Wilkes – Learn how to introduce difficult topics and encourage reluctant readers.

Friday, December 20

Colfax – 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Play & Learn – Creative play and sharing for toddler, preschoolers and parents every Friday.
Endicott, St. John & Uniontown – Storytime – Bring in the little ones for fun stories, songs and more every Friday. Visit the online calendar for times.
Colfax – 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Dance Class – Child and teen dance, ballet, jazz and more by Ana Maria Sears. For cost and registration, please call (509) 338-0809.
Oakesdale – 6 p.m. – Cookie Decorating Extravaganza – Join Brianna Reynolds and Librarian Michelle for a fun evening full of cookies, royal icing and a variety of edible decorations.

Saturday, December 21

Colfax – 1 to 2:30 p.m. – Children’s Tumbling Class offered by Ana Maria Sears. For cost and registration, please call Ana at (509) 338-0809.
Albion – 2 p.m. – Storytime and Craft – Fun stories and craft projects every Saturday.

Monday, December 23

Colton – 10:30 a.m. – Storytime – Bring in the little ones for fun stories, songs and more every Monday.

Tuesday, December 24

All branches closed for the Christmas Holiday.
Wednesday, December 25
All branches closed for the Christmas Holiday.

Thursday, December 26

Colfax & Tekoa – Storytime – Bring in the little ones for fun stories, songs and more every Thursday. Visit the online calendar for times.

This is just a sampling of the community programs for all ages in Whitman County Library’s 14 branches. Visit the Events Calendar at www.whitco.lib.wa.us, like the library on Facebook or call (509) 397-4366.

Afterschool Program-Colfax-Dec. 19 @ 3:30pm

Beat the winter blues with these fun classes...

Adult Classes at the Colfax Library

Call 800-845-3324 or visit www.iel.spokane.edu/ACT2 for cost and registration through

ACT 2, Community Colleges of Spokane

• Art classes include: Watercolor Painting, Intro to Chalk Pastels, Intermediate Chalk Pastels, Pastel Portraits, and Garden Mosaic Sculptures.
• Microsoft Excel and iPad classes, time/date TBA
• Creative Writing, Sat, 2/1, 10-noon
• Playwriting, Weds, 2/12, 5-8 pm
• Beginning Ballet, Weds, 1-3 pm, beg. 1/22
• Intro to Ukulele, Tues, noon -1:30, beg. 1/7
• Play Music Again, Thurs, 3-5 pm, beg. 1/23

Perfect Christmas gifts at the library...

Visit the library to complete your Christmas shopping:

• Booksale items ALL 1/2 price and most are just like new!
• One-of-a-kind journals made from books only $9.99.
• Barn Calendars ... just $6.
• Friends of WCL cookbooks $5.

Sign up today!

Signups are now being accepted for winter enrichment classes at the Colfax Library. These non-credit classes require no studying or tests and are provided at a very low cost to keep adults informed, active and engaged. Sponsored by Community Colleges of Spokane, registration is available at the Colfax link at www.iel.spokane.edu/ACT2 or by calling 1-800-845-3324.

Classes start in January and include iPads, Microsoft Excel, chalk and pastel arts, garden design, Ukulele and other instrumental music, beginning ballet, creative and playwriting. Some classes consist of one-time instruction while others are scheduled as a series. For more information, contact Kristie Kirkpatrick at 509-397-4366.

 

 

Santa photos are here!

Santa photos are now available for pickup. Happy Holidays!!

Soccer fans take note...

Kids and families ... come play Kickshot on Weds, Dec. 11 from 6-8 pm in the Colfax Library. On sale at Tick Klock Drug ... this new game was developed in Moscow, ID and is fun for all ages. Visit www.kickshot.org for more info!

Barn Calendars just $6...

Barns of Whitman County Calendars are just $6 with proceeds benefitting all 14 WCL locations. Available at Ace Hardware, Rosauers, Pullman Chamber and any WCL library location. Thanks to Steve Van Vleet who photographed the barns and donated the calendars along with Barry Folsom, and Shawn McAdams for being AMAZING library and community supporters!

Visit YOUR nice warm library today...

BRRRR .... it's cold outside but warm in the library. Come find books, movies, music, public Internet, Wi-Fi and computers, free Microsoft classes and online resources like Consumer Reports and Ancestry.com just to name a few! Colfax hours are:

Mon-Weds 10-8
Thur - Fri 10-6
Sat - Sun 1-5

For a complete list of days/times in all 14 WCL locations, visit www.whitco.lib.wa.us.

Great Christmas gift ... signed copies of Harvest Heritage...

 

We are pleased to announce local appearances by Richard Scheuerman, Alex McGregor and John Clement, Dec. 6-7 as they release their new book Harvest Heritage. Friday’s book signing is scheduled from noon-2:30 in the Lacrosse Market/Library and 3-5:30 in the Colfax Library. On Saturday, the three appear from 11-noon at the Endicott Food Center and 1-3 at the St. John Museum/Library. Copies of Harvest Heritage will be on sale at the events for $32.95 plus tax.

Harvest Heritage is the story of the remarkable transformation of the rolling hills of the Inland Northwest from sheep and cattle range to become one of the most productive wheat and barley growing regions in the world.  It is a story of pioneer settlers, who brought with them seed varieties from their homes across the continent or across the ocean, who worked hard beginning with horse and mule powered equipment and who adapted and persevered.  A story of dedicated agricultural scientists—particularly wheat and barley breeders—who started with early grain varieties brought haphazardly to the land, and developed varieties that brought improved yields, disease resistance, and quality.

Local businessman and author Alex McGregor says, “Harvest Heritage is an account of what one veteran wheat grower, my cousin, Bill McGregor, recalled as the values pioneers brought west with them—dyed-in-the-wool optimism, a wry, self- deprecating sense of humor that helped them overcome adversity, and “a tenacity verging on stubbornness” — qualities that Bill noted were useful then, useful now, and will be useful in the future.  It is a story of farm families, agricultural scientists and a remarkable land, described in prose and illustrated with striking photographs of a land where so many farm families have put down deep roots.”

For more information contact Kristie Kirkpatrick at Whitman County Library, 509-397-4366 or Main Street Books at 397-3334.

Tonight in Colfax ... Music, food, Santa, parade ....

Special surprise for today's Winter Celebration at the Colfax Library ... 5th grade carolers at 3:45, Erica Eng & Katie Largent at 4:10 and Nicole Wiley at 4:30. Also, Santa, kids crafts and refreshments from 3-5:30 with Mill Street Parade at 6 pm!

Soccer game for kids...

Hey Kids ... come play Kickshot, a fun soccer board game at the library on Weds, Dec. 11 from 6-8 p.m. For more info, contact Nichole at 509-397-4366. or see http://kickshot.org/game-overview/

WCL Calendar Sampling Dec. 5-12

Thursday, December 5

Farmington – 4 to 6 p.m. – Individual Assistance with the Healthcare Exchange – Chelsea Fanara from Pullman Rural Resources will be available in helping you find your best option for health insurance.

Friday, December 6

LaCrosse – Noon to 3 p.m. – Harvest Heritage Book Signing – Meet local authors Richard Scheurman and Alex McGregor, and photographer John Clement.
Colfax – 3 to 5:30 p.m. – Harvest Heritage Book Signing – Meet local authors Richard Scheurman and Alex McGregor, and photographer John Clement.

Saturday, December 7

LaCrosse – 10 a.m. – Family Fun with Santa – Visit with Santa, create holiday crafts and enter for a drawing of presents.
Endicott – 11 a.m. to Noon – Harvest Heritage Book Signing – Meet local authors Richard Scheurman and Alex McGregor, and photographer John Clement.
St. John – 1 to 3 p.m. – Harvest Heritage Book Signing – Meet local authors Richard Scheurman and Alex McGregor, and photographer John Clement.
Rosalia – 1 p.m. – Winter Fest Craft – Create a holiday themed bookmark and ornament.
Colfax – 1 to 5 p.m. – Individual Assistance with the Healthcare Exchange – Chelsea Fanara from Pullman Rural Resources will be available in helping you find your best option for health insurance.

Monday, December 9

LaCrosse – 4 to 6 p.m. – Individual Assistance with the Healthcare Exchange – Chelsea Fanara from Pullman Rural Resources will be available in helping you find your best option for health insurance.

Tuesday, December 10

Oakesdale – 6 p.m. – Christmas Craft – Create homemade cards, gift tags and center pieces with Juni Dunn-Gray.

Wednesday, December 11

Endicott, Malden, St. John & Tekoa – Early Release Wednesday – Bring a friend and enjoy crafts, stories, games and more. Visit the online calendar for times.
Tekoa – 4 to 6 p.m. – Individual Assistance with the Healthcare Exchange – Chelsea Fanara from Pullman Rural Resources will be available in helping you find your best option for health insurance.
Colfax – 6 to 8 p.m. – Meet & Greet Aziz Makhani the creator of KickShot, a soccer strategy board game.

Thursday, December 12

Colton – 4 p.m. – Teen Craft – Create colorful magnetic picture frames using popsicle sticks and duct tape with Teen Librarian Nichole Kopp. Kids in grade 6-8 are welcomed.

This is just a sampling of the community programs for all ages in Whitman County Library’s 14 branches. Visit the Events Calendar at www.whitco.lib.wa.us, like the library on Facebook or call (509) 397-4366.

Your invited to the Colfax Library...

·         Cool retro craft and bring your own lunch Weds, Dec. 4 at noon. Preregistration required.

·         Tree of Lights, Hospice ceremony remembering our friends and loved ones on Weds, Dec 4 at 5:30.

·         Santa at library, Thurs, Dec. 5, 3-5:30. Photos available with Lighted Mill Street Parade at 6 pm. (Thanks to Rosauers for providing candy canes every year!)

·         R. Scheuerman, A. McGregor and J. Clement, sign their new book Harvest Heritage on Fri, Dec. 6 from 3-5:30.

·         Assistance with new affordable care act and website, Sat, Dec. 7 from 1-5 pm.

·         Palouse Cares Food Collection and Fireman’s Toy Box children’s book collection ongoing in the library foyer.

·         Yoga, Bootcamp, Senior Fitness, Zumba, children’s dance, tumbling, and always educational programs for kids and adults.

Call 397-4366 or visit the Events Calendar at www.whitco.lib.wa.us for details!