February is Food For Fines month!

It’s Food for Fines time at the Whitman County Library.  The 16th annual “Food for Fines” drive begins Monday, Feb. 1st and continues through Monday, Feb. 29th at all 14 library branches.  Our library patrons may exchange non-perishable food items or unopened household paper products for up to $10 in outstanding library fines.  All items will be given to the food bank used in the community where it is collected.

Last year, the Whitman County Library collected $700 worth of non-perishable foods and toiletry items.  At the request of local pantries, WCL will honor toiletry items again to the list of accepted donations. Many of the food bank clients receive large heating bills in February and it is wonderful that the library’s food drive allows local agencies to put something extra in their grocery box.

Non-perishable food may be donated at library branches in Albion, Colfax, Colton, Endicott, Farmington, Garfield, LaCrosse, Malden, Oakesdale, Palouse, Rosalia, St. John, Tekoa and Uniontown.  Those patrons whose accounts have been sent to collection do not qualify for this waiver.  For further details, contact the Colfax library branch, 397-4366 or toll-free at 1-877-733-3375.

County Library Calendar January 28-Feb. 4

Thursday, January 28

Colfax, Lacrosse & Tekoa – Storytime - Bring in the littles ones for stories, crafts and more. Visit online calendar for times and themes

Malden – 10:30 a.m. – Play & Learn – Creative play and sharing for toddlers, preschoolers and parents.

Farmington – 6:30 p.m. – Computer Help – Individual assistance with basic computer help

Friday, January 29

Colfax – 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Play & Learn – Creative play and sharing for toddlers, preschoolers and parents.

Endicott, Malden, Palouse, St. John & Uniontown – Early Learning Storytime – Bring in the little ones for fun stories, songs and more every Friday. Visit the online calendar for times.

Rosalia – 7 p.m. – Family Game Night – Bring your favorite board or card game or just come join in the fun!

Monday, February 1

Colfax – 3:30 p.m. – Caregiver Coffee Group – Free caregiver support group every 1^st and 3^rd Monday. Colton- 10:30 a.m. – Storytime – Join in the fun as we read and sing about jungle animals.

Lacrosse-10:30 a.m. – Play & Learn – Creative play and sharing for toddlers, preschoolers and parents.

Tuesday, February 2

Endicott – 3 to 5 p.m. – Rural Heritage Display – Reminisce about the past as library staff shared historic photographs from the popular collection. Funded by Empire Health Foundation

Colfax – 6 p.m. – Ukulele Plus with Scott Hallett – For all skill levels, cost is $16 for four class sessions. For more information or to register, visit www.sccel.spokane.edu/ACT-2.aspx  or call (509) 279-6027.

Wednesday, February 3

Albion, Garfield & Oakesdale – Storytime – Fun stories, finger plays, rhymes, songs, and crafts every Wednesday.

Malden – 2 p.m. – Needle Nuts – Work on your knitting or other needle work while relaxing and visiting with others.

Thursday, February 4

Colfax – Yoga – Four classes for different fitness levels and schedules. Check the online calendar or call 397-4366 for more information.

Albion – 4 p.m. – Afterschool Art – Make a special card for a special person in your life.

 

It’s Food for Fines at Whitman County Library. Library users are invited to exchange nonperishable food and toiletry items for up $10 in outstanding library fines. Visit any of WCL’s 14 locations, call (509) 397-4366 or online at www.whitco.lib.wa.us for details.

Library expects less IRS tax forms to arrive this year

The Whitman County Library will have a limited  supply of tax forms this year. The IRS will not send many tax forms to the library. We are expecting

Instruction booklets (1040, 1040A and 1040EZ) - by late January through late February.

 These will ship as they become available. 

Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals) - early January.

Forms and instructions are available at www.irs.gov and library staff are happy to assist you.

Coffee With Val

Coffee With Val! Takes place Thursday, January 21 from 7-8 a.m. at the Colfax Library. 

Topics include startup Whitman, Main St. tax incentive program, and follow up business ideas for Colfax. Coffee & donuts provided, free event and open to the public! 

Questions? Please contact Val at Colfaxdirector@gmail.com

County Library Calendar January 21-28

Thursday, January 21

Colfax, Colton & Farmington – 3^rd Thursday – Exciting after school program in three locations. Check the calendar for times and themes.

Albion – 5 p.m. – Fireside Chat – Visit around our “fire” with friends over tea and cocoa

Colton – 6 p.m. – Book Club – Join the discussion of State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. Everyone is welcome.

Friday, January 22

Endicott, Malden, Palouse, St. John & Uniontown – Early Learning Storytime – Bring in the little ones for fun stories, songs and more every Friday. Visit the online calendar for times.

Colfax – 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Play & Learn – Creative play and sharing for toddlers, preschoolers and parents.

Saturday, January 23

Colfax – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Intensati: Envision Your Life – Come dressed in your workout gear for a morning of fun. Train your body, mind and spirit with this powerfully invigorating practice. Water and snacks provided. For more information, contact Kandice Held at 509-715-7650.

Oakesdale – 6 p.m. – Family Game Night – Bring your favorite board or card game or just come join in the fun!

Monday, January 25

Colfax – Fitness Programs – Yoga, Bootcamp, Fit & Fun programs for all abilities. Check the calendar for call the library for more information.

Colfax – 4 p.m. – Library Board Meeting – Meetings are open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend.

Tuesday, January 26

Endicott – 11:30 a.m. – Play & Learn – Creative play and sharing for toddlers, preschoolers and parents.

Colfax – 2 to 4 p.m. – Bingo & Pie – Seniors are invited for Bingo & Pie on the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday. This event is free thanks to funding from Empire Health Foundation.

Wednesday, January 27

Colfax – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – WA Wheat Growers – All day event sponsored by Washington Wheat Growers. Open to members and the public. Contact Lori (509) 650-7018 for more information.

Endicott, LaCrosse & St. John – Early Release Wednesday – Afterschool fun with crafts and activities for grades K-6. Check the calendar for times.

Malden – 3 to 5 p.m. – Rural Heritage Program – Reminisce about the past as library staff shared historic photographs from the popular collection. Funded by Empire Health Foundation.

Thursday, January 28

Colfax – Yoga – Four classes for different fitness levels and schedules. Check the online calendar or call 397-4366 for more information.

 

For a complete list of events, stop by any Whitman County Library branch, visit the Events Calendar at www.whitco.lib.wa.us, like the library on Facebook or call (509) 397-4366.

 

Thinking of traveling? Use our amazing books for insight!

By Rachelle Ledbetter

Philippines by Insight Guides

Insight Guides will help you plan your winter get away to fabulous destinations like this little-known island nation on Asia’s Pacific Rim.  Guides include hundreds of color photos and top attractions. 

Greece by Insight Guides

One of Europe’s most popular destinations Insight Guides gives you a vivid portrait of Greece including an in-depth history and culture section, a detailed places section and full-color maps. 

Southeast Asia by Insight Guides

Insight Guides will help you select your itinerary, plan your trip, get you informed about Southeast Asia and inspire you to travel somewhere you might never have thought of traveling to before. 

Improve your eating habits, emotional health and mobility with 3 new books!

By Rachelle Ledbetter

Better Homes and Garden’s Calorie Smart Meals

Whitman County Library is here to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions with great cookbooks like this one that is filled with a collection of tasty meals that don’t break the calorie bank. 

50 More Ways to Soothe Yourself without Food by Susan Albers

If you’re ready to stop using food as an emotional crutch this book will show you how to stop all that eating and start feeling healthy, happy and truly fulfilled. 

Core Strength Training by DK Publishing

Get fit with this book that features 150 core exercises that will help improve mobility, correct poor posture, relieve pain and add to your overall fitness. 

Crazy 8's Math Club is back, sign up soon limited space!

To sign children up please call Sheri at 397-4366, must preregister as space is limited.

WCL Closure Jan 17-18

Whitman County Library closure Jan 17-18, 2016

 

   All 14 branches of Whitman County Library will close Sunday-Monday, January 17-18 for Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.  Due dates for library materials have been extended in anticipation of the closure 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 catalog, downloadable audio and eBooks, and databases for the online librarian, genealogy, foreign language instruction and other services remains available by visiting the library’s website at www.whitco.lib.wa.us. For more information about library closures or upcoming community programs, the Library Events calendar is also accessible from the library website 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.

WCL Calendar Jan. 14-21

Thursday, January 14

Colfax- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Rural Alliance Art Show – See the creations of more than 100 high school students from across Whitman County.

Palouse – 3:30 p.m. – Crazy 8’s Math Club – Fun ways to improve your math skills. Kids in grades K-2 contact Palouse library to register.

Albion - 5 p.m. -Fireside Chat- visit around our “fire” with friends over tea and cocoa.

Friday, January 15

Colfax – 10 a.m. to Noon – Rural Alliance Art Show – Last day to browse the exhibit featuring work of local high school students.

Endicott, Malden, Palouse, St. John & Uniontown – Storytime – Join us for stories, crafts, and songs. Visit online calendar for times.

Rosalia- 7:30 p.m. – Teen Movie Night – Bring your friends and a treat to share.

Saturday, January 16

Center in Colfax – 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Watercolor Flowers – Learn tricks and techniques to address the unique challenges of plant life. Pre-registration is required and cost is only $16. Sign up at sccel.spokane.edu/ACT-2.aspx or by phone at (509) 279-6030

Uniontown – 2 to 4 p.m. – Free Portrait Day – Come get your portrait, glam, or silly pose done by Zenna Crawford. Crafts and snacks will be available.

Sunday, January 17

All Branches are closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Monday, January 18

All Branches are closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Eddy’s in Colfax – 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Caregiver Coffee Group meeting at Eddy’s Restaurant in Colfax

Tuesday, January 19

Endicott 11:30 a.m. – Play & Learn – Creative play and sharing for toddlers, preschoolers and parents

Tekoa – 3 p.m. – Crazy 8’s Math Club – Improve your math skills using fun games. Kids in grades 4 to 5 must preregister with Diane at (509) 284-3121.

Wednesday, January 19

Tekoa & Uniontown –After School Program – Join your friends at the library for a fun after school craft.

Malden – 6:30 to 8 p.m. – FAFSA Help Night – Parents and students meet with representatives from WSU and Rosalia Schools for help completing forms. For more details, contact Charlotte Schindler at (509) 523-3061.

Thursday, January 21

Colfax – 7 a.m. – Coffee with Val – Voice your ideas for economic growth and development for Colfax

Colfax – 2 to 5:30 p.m. – Community Blood Drive – Roll up your sleeve and donate blood. Appointments are being taken by Inland Northwest Blood Center at www.inbcsaves.org

Endicott- 7 p.m. – Book Club – Join the discussion of Fires of Destiny by J.D. Mathia. Everyone’s welcome.

 

For a complete list of events, stop by any Whitman County Library branch, visit the Events Calendar at www.whitco.lib.wa.us, like the library on Facebook or call (509) 397-4366.

Don't miss cooking with Kelli Collins!

Signups are underway for great new classes - WWII, eBay Basics, Ukulele, Advanced Care Planning, Watercolor art classes and Savory Soups with Kelli Collins! Call 800-845-3324 or www.sccel.spokane.edu/ACT2.

WCL Calendar Jan. 11-14

Monday, January 11

St. John – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Tech Monday – Drop in for help with your basic computer and digital device questions.

Colfax – 5 to 7 p.m. – Meet the Artists & Open Reception – Celebrate the art of high school students with an open reception (5-7 p.m.), live music, refreshments, and listen to featured teen artists speak about their work at 6 p.m.

Albion – 7 p.m. – Book Club – Everyone’s invited to discuss about a book you liked sometime in the past. Bring a book you would be willing to loan with someone.

Tuesday, January 12

Endicott – 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Play & Learn – Parents/caregivers drop by with your young children for free play and socialization.

Tekoa – 3 p.m. – Crazy 8s Math Club – An over the top club designed to get kids fired up about math. Kids in grades 4^th to 5^th must preregister ahead with Librarian Diane at (509) 284-3121.

Wednesday, January 13

LaCrosse, Malden & Rosalia – Afterschool Fun – Social and educational time for elementary students. Check the online calendar for times.

Uniontown – 3 to 6 p.m. – Energy Assistance – Need help with your energy bills? Visit the library to apply for assistance. A representative will be on hand.

LaCrosse – 7 p.m. – Book Club – Join the discussion of Sugartime by L.A. Malby. Everyone’s invited!

Thursday, January 14

Colfax – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Rural Alliance Art Show Exhibit – See the creations of more than 100 high school students from across rural Whitman County as they exhibit their work throughout the library.

Palouse – 3:30 p.m. – Crazy 8s Math Club – Attention kids in grades K-2! Join us for another fun round of math. Call Librarian Bev at (509) 878-1513 for more information.

 

For a complete list of events, stop by any Whitman County Library branch, visit the Events Calendar or at www.whitco.lib.wa.us, like the library on Facebook or call (509) 397-4366.

After School for Grades 1-4

After School Math at the Colfax Library

WCL Closed Jan. 17-18

Upcoming Library Closure

All 14 branches of Whitman County Library be closed Sunday and Monday, January 17 and 18 in observation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Due dates for library materials have been extended in anticipation of the closure 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 Wi-Fi, catalog, downloadable audio and eBooks, and other online resources including Chilton’s Auto Repair are available by visiting the library’s website at www.whitco.lib.wa.us. For more information about library closures or upcoming community programs, the library's events calendar is also accessible from the library website.   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.

Are you a caregiver who needs a break?

Caregiver Coffee Support Group meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at The Center (adjacent to Colfax Library) from 3:30-4:30 p.m. We offer coffee and an employee from Rural Resources will work with you to provide support and answer your questions. Bring your loved one and a WCL staff member will interact with them doing craft activities. For more

information senior programming please contact Sarah at 397-4366.

Popular classes back at Whitman County Library!

Back by popular demand, Steve Balzarini, Gonzaga History professor teaches 

a course on WWII. Also available are Savory Soups, Ukulele, eBay Basics, Advanced Care Planning and Watercolor painting. Call 800-845-3324, www.sccel.spokane.edu/ACT2 or visit the library to register.

Fun activities for seniors!

Palouse Rural Heritage discussion at senior lunch

Seniors ... are you looking for fun activities like music entertainment, Bingo, gentle fitness classes or computer help? Thanks to funding from Empire Health Foundation, we are here to assist. Call Sarah at 509-397-4366 for details.

Knitting Lovers we have great books for you at WCL!

By Rachelle Ledbetter

The Sock Knitter’s Workshop by Ewa Jostes

Baby its cold outside!  But your feet will be toasty and warm in socks with cuffs, heels, and toes uniquely designed to fit just right!  Step-by-step instructions and hundreds of illustrations are included. 

Sequence Knitting  by Cecelia Campochairo

This book offers a radical and simple approach for creating amazing projects by working a sequence of stitches over and over.  It’s the perfect solution for those times when a complex project just isn’t practical due to travel, limited time or inexperience.     

Knitting for Tommy by Lucinda Gosling

Knitting for Tommy explores the knitting craze of WWI through magazine articles, posters, and photographs of the day as women everywhere picked up their needles and knitted everything they could think of to keep their soldiers warm.  40 Knitting patterns are included.