Whitman County Rural Heritage

Whitman County Heritage is a project of Washington Rural Heritage, a collection of historically significant materials residing in libraries, heritage institutions, and private collections throughout Washington State. The collection includes photographs, documents, and artifacts which tell the stories of Washington's small and rural communities.

 

Whitman County Heritage documents the early culture, industry, and community life of Whitman County, Washington and locations throughout Washington’s Palouse Region.  The collection is a project of the Whitman County Library and local partners, funded by a grant from the Washington State Library.

To view the entire Whitman County Rural Heritage Collection, visit  www.whitco.lib.wa.us and choose Rural Heritage.

Meet & Greet

City Of Colfax invites you!

Administrator Candidate Meet & Greet June 29-30 at the Colfax Library

Dodd Snodgrass, Economic Development Specialist, Port of Bellingham Thursday, 6:30-7:30pm

(Debra) Sam Hughes, City Administrator, City of North Bonneville Friday, 6:30-7:30pm

Colfax: Great Things are Growing Here

For more info, contact City of Colfax at 397-2902

Two More Weeks of Tinker Tech Time!

Tinker Tech Time @ the Colfax TEK Center

Control a mini robot, build an electronic circuit, construct a Lego masterpiece and more during this hands-on STEM Tinker Tech Time.  Kids grade 2 and up are invited to this fun program on Tuesday July 11 & Tuesday July 18 from 3 - 4 p.m. Kids are welcome to stay after this program to attend our fun summer reading programs from 4 - 5p.m.

 

 

For more information on this program contact Sheri or Nichole at (509) 397-4366

Thank You to All Local Businesses that Donated Prizes to the Library's Summer Reading Program!

June Library Supporter of the Month is WSECU! Washington State Employees Credit Union and Community Relations Coordinator Josh Bergman were honored as June’s Library Supporter of the month. WSECU has generously supported Summer Reading programs across the county and this year donated two Galaxy Tablets as incentive to read. The Friends, Board and staff at Whitman County Library present Library Supporter of the Month as a way to thank the community members for supporting quality library service and helping WCL stretch its relatively small budget. For a complete list of those who have been honored so far, visit the library’s website at http://www.whitco.lib.wa.us/support/library_supporters.asp.

Whitman County Library would also like to thank J.P. Homemade Pies, Merry Cellars, WSU, Webb's Slough, Fonks, Palouse Empire Fair, Pizza Hut, and the Friends of the Library for their generous donations! 

Free Audiobooks Available ALL SUMMER!

What is AudioBookSync?

SYNC is a free summer audiobook program for adults and teens 13+. SYNC will give away two complete audiobook downloads a week - pairs of high interest titles, based on weekly themes that teens can keep on their device forever! In partnering with AudioSync we are giving away 30 audiobooks this summer!

Why? SYNC is dedicated to introducing the listening experience to the teen audience and demonstrates that Required Reading can be completed by listening. 

Who? SYNC is sponsored by AudioFile Magazine and titles are delivered through the OverDrive app. Download the app in advance to whichever device you anticipate listening on and be ready to go!

How? Simply sign-up to get notifications when the FREE audiobook downloads are available. You can receive alerts by text message, email newsletter, or by visiting www.audiobooksync.com. Titles change every Thursday at 7am ET when the program is running.

Contact Teen Librarian & TEK Center Coordinator, Nichole Kopp at 509.397.4366 with comments or questions. 

Pacific Northwest Farmers Cooperative Completes Funding Drive for The Center at Colfax Library

Thanks to a $2500 donation from Pacific Northwest Farmers Cooperative (PNW), the Friends of Whitman County Library have now raised the funds needed to complete the renovation of The Bettie Steiger Community Enrichment Center. PNW officials Bill Newbry and Keith Becker commented, “It was such a pleasure to contribute funds to this grassroots community project.” To date, the Center has been funded completely through donations, grants and volunteers whose grand total will exceed $500,000.

Just last month, the Whitman County .09 Economic Development committee awarded the project a grant of $100,000 with the stipulation that $34,000 in matching funds come from the library. Using existing donations to the restroom project along with a $1000 donation from Inland Northwest Bank (INB), a $5000 check from the Thrifty Grandmothers Club and this $2500 donation from PNW the goal was met in less than one month’s time.

Library officials report that restroom construction is slated to begin in mid-July while other phases of the project are in the final planning stages, including a technology lab, signage and a safer back entrance. Contact Kristie Kirkpatrick, Whitman County Library Director for more information at 509-397-4366.

Friends and staff of Whitman County Library receive PNW’s donation during their June Meeting at The Center

Need Technology Help? Just Stop by the library's new TEK Center!

Drop-In Tech Help the Last Tuesday of Month and the First & Last Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.

June 27 Tech Tuesday: Drop-in Tech Help 2 - 4 p.m.

Every Saturday from 2 to 4 pm! DROP-IN TECH HELP @ The Colfax Tech Center 

Need tech help?  It's Drop-in Tech Day! Drop-into the TEK Center to get hands on help with basic computer skills, internet, email, social media, OverDrive and more!  Bring your phone, laptop, or tablet  and your questions to our WSU volunteer Tara every Saturday from 2-4 pm.   Sponsored by WSU Center for Civic Engagement.

For more information, contact Nichole, Technology, Education, Knowledge (TEK) Center Coordinator, WCL 397-4366.

Children's Summer Reading FUN at Colfax Library

Traveling Lantern Theatre Family Show Tuesday!

Tuesday, June 27, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Kids of all ages are invited to interactive Traveling Lantern Theater! Traveling Lantern has been educating and entertaining children nationwide since 1985. Our mission is to bring great stories to children, to draw them into an active theater experience, to excite their minds and to tickle their imaginations. Check it out...http://travelinglantern.com/index.php. Sponsored by Friends of the Colfax Library.

Readers of ALL ages are encouraged to visit the Colfax Library as we present, "Build a Better World" during summer programs. Activities in upcoming weeks include games, art, science, engineering experiments, and more. Families are always welcome!

Children's Summer Reading Challenge: Kids ages 0-12 need only read 10 books or 10 hours during the summer months to complete the program for a FREE book of their choice. For details contact the Colfax Library at 509-397-4366.

Get Fit & Healthy For Summer with Help from Whitman County Library

Whitman County Library Fitness Classes

Whether your goals are to get in better shape, improve flexibility, balance, and coordination, or you simply want to improve your overall health & happiness...just head down to the Whitman County Library!

Fit & Fun - Mondays & Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. Low impact, gentle aerobic exercise with old time dance moves that improve mobility and balance. Instructor, Nancy Stanard invites you to try your first class free!

Boot Camp - Mondays & Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. High intensity workouts focused on cardio, muscle building, and coordination. Classes will be held in Schmuck Park all summer! Ask instructor, Carissa Little about *Free Wednesday Sessions* 

Potpourri Yoga - Tuesdays, 12:05 - 12:55 p.m. Fifty minute yoga class designed to energize your day.

Align & Refine - Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Alignment based class with yoga pose progression.

Yoga for Balance & Aging -  Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Gentler approach to yoga that can be  tailored to meet the participant’s fitness, balance, or rehabilitation needs. 

Flex & Flow - Thursdays, 12:05 - 12:55 p.m. Poses focus on foundation, alignment, strength, and flexibility. 

Yin Yoga - Thursdays, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. End your day feeling calm and grounded, increase circulation and become more focused.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga - Mondays in ROSALIA 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
People of all skill levels are invited to explore Yoga with a licensed instructor during this weekly class at the Rosalia Park (near the pool) each Monday this summer

If you have any questions, please call or stop in the Rosalia Library Tuesday or Saturday from 10-2 p.m. or Thursday from 3-7 p.m. or you may leave a message at 523-3109. Sponsored by Friends of the Rosalia Library.

Instructors: Nancy Stanard, Carissa Little,
Crystn Guenthner & Suzy McNeilly

WCL Fitness classes vary in price from ~$5 to $10 per class, with punch cards and other incentives available. Exercise classes at the library are currently free to Whitman County seniors 65+ thanks to a local donor. For more information about Yoga contact Suzy McNeilly (509) 397-4709 or Crystn Guenthner (208) 305-0057, email Carissa Little at purefitpersonaltraining@gmail.com about Boot Camp, or call Nancy Stanard at (509) 288 -1117 if you are interested in Fit & Fun. View our complete list of events at www.whitco.lib.wa.us. or call (509) 397-4366 for details. 

Adult Summer Reading is Here!

Adults are encouraged to "Build a Better World" by reading! 

Adult readers who finish three books between the beginning of June and the end of August win a summer reading prize! Readers who finish seven books or more will be entered into the grand prize drawing! 

Please pick up summer reading challenge forms at any of our 14 branches or at www.whitco.lib.wa.us. Contact Whitman County Library at 509.397.4366 or info@whitco.lib.wa.us with questions. HAPPY READING! 

Yoga, Wine, & Chocolate - June 22. 6:30 p.m.

“Class and a Glass” wine and yoga at the Colfax Library

To celebrate The International Day of Yoga, community members are invited to “Class and a Glass,” wine, yoga, and chocolate at the Colfax Library on Thursday, June 22 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is just $15 with refreshments served, including spirits for those over 21 years of age.

Instructor Suzy McNeilly, RYT200 certified will guide participants through Yin Yoga poses that release tight fascia, hamstrings, hips and backs while providing a much needed tonic of wine and chocolates to further relax and soothe the soul.

To register, please contact Suzy McNeilly at 509-397-4709 or the Colfax Branch of Whitman County Library at 509-397-4366.

Family Variety Program with Henrik Bothe!

If you like fast paced juggling, mystifying magic, and laugh-out-loud comedy...THIS is for you! Entertainer Henrik Bothe has performed in 50 states and 22 countries with an appearance on many TV shows including the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Check it out...http://www.nwcorporatecomedy.com/ 

Tuesday, June 20, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Come to our Family Variety Program with Henrik Bothe at Whitman County Library for Mystifying Music, Juggling & Laugh-Out-Loud Comedy! 

Readers of ALL ages are encouraged to visit the Colfax Library as we present, "Build a Better World" during summer programs. This activity is most suitable for ages 3-12, but families are always welcome! Activities in upcoming weeks include games, art, science, engineering experiments, and more.

Children's Summer Reading Challenge: Kids ages 0-12 need only read 10 books or 10 hours during the summer months to complete the program for a FREE book of their choice. For details contact the Colfax Library at 509-397-4366.

Staff Picks!

Whitman County Library is encouraging readers to "Build a Better World" this summer by reading and giving back!

Librarian, Rachelle Ledbetter, shares her recommendations on books to help their "Build a Better World" by hiking, exploring, and enjoying nature!

Hiking Washington’s History by Judy Bentley

If you love to hike and you love history this handy guide is for you!  It details forty historic trails from across the state ranging from short day hikes to multiday backpacking trips. 

Washington’s Channeled Scablands Guide by John Soennichen

This handy guide details 46 distinct destinations for hiking, climbing, biking, swimming, boating and fishing Washington’s spectacular geological sites. 

A Backpacker’s Guide to Making Every Ounce Count by Steven Lowe

Written by an avid outdoorsman this book will show you tips and tricks for shaving as much weight off your backpack as possible. 

Tech Tuesday June 20, 7 p.m. LEARN ABOUT THE CENTER!

The Center: From Drug Store to Community Center

Tuesday, June 20 from 7-8 p.m.

When The Hamilton Drug Store was donated to Whitman County Library in 2009, nobody anticipated how busy it would be or the transformation that would take place. Today, the Bettie Steiger Community Enrichment Center is a vital community center and annex to the Colfax Branch Library whose usage and potential continues to grow.

Join library director Kristie Kirkpatrick on Tuesday, June 20 at 7 p.m. as she takes you on a journey through the development, funding and future plans for The Center. 

For more information, contact Nichole Kopp, Technology, Education, Knowledge (TEK) Center Coordinator, Whitman County Library, 509-397-4366.

Get Creative with Robotics, Innovative with Electrical Circuits, and Inventive with STEM Kits!

Tinker Tech Time

For more information, contact: Nichole Kopp or Sheri Miller at 509-397-4366

For a complete list of events and programs happening in all fourteen Whitman County Library
branches, visit the Whitman County Library website, the library's events calendar,
Facebook, Twitter,  Blog, or call the library at 397-4366 or 877-733-3375 toll-free. 

TRIVIA NIGHT TONIGHT AT 6:30!!

Don't Miss WCL Trivia Night today, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Colfax Hyde Out! 

Join us for TRIVIA NIGHT at the Hyde Out tonight! Test your knowledge and win great prizes! Teams may be up to eight people - bring your group or join one upon arrival. Extra point for teams that bring their library cards! Must be 21 and over to attend. We have a special line up of questions for you this evening! Tonight's winner will also receive a ceiling tile in their honor at the Hyde Out!!

Trivia contest hosted by your information professional, Whitman County Library. Sponsored by the Hyde Out. 

Wine & Yoga

Whitman County Library Presents "Class and a Glass"

Yoga, Wine & Chocolate on Thursday, June 22 at 6:30 in the Colfax Library's Center with instructor, Suzy McNeilly, 200RYT. Class is just $15. Sign up today! Contact Suzy at (509) 397-4709 or Whitman County Library at (509) 397-4366.

"Release tight fascia, hamstrings, hips, and backs while enjoying a much needed tonic of wine and chocolates to further relax and soothe your soul." 

Why I Moved to Colfax: Chapter 2

Why did Tom Mohr move to Colfax? That was the question everyone wanted to know, so last March, Mohr responded with a photo exhibit at the Center at Colfax Library called “Why I moved to Colfax

.”

Because that exhibit was so popular, Mohr has updated and expanded it with, “Why I moved to Colfax, Chapter II.” This new exhibit features updated landscape panoramas and images from the McNeilly Cattle Roundup. The exhibit runs from June 12-August 4th at The Center.

Inspired by the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Tom Mohr, a long time artist and photographer altered his life’s course and began traveling extensively, photographing the new locations and people he met. Mohr and his wife Jil came to Colfax last fall and plan to stay through the summer before resuming their life of travel and photography.

The Center at Colfax Library is located at 102 S. Main and the exhibit is open Mondays – Wednesdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thursdays – Fridays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 1-5 p.m.  For more information about the exhibit contact Whitman County Library at 509-397-4366 or Tom Mohr at 212-300-3694.

Tech Tuesday: Learn a New Language!

Tech Tuesday! Learn a new language using 

Powerspeak Tuesday, June 13 from 12 - 1 p.m.

Want to learn Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese or Korean?  Whitman County Library can help!  Join WCL librarian Sarah Tuesday, June 13 from 12-1 at the TEK Center for a guided tour of our online resource Powerspeak Languages.  

The Powerspeak Languages online learning program provides a rich cultural and language experience that uses audio, video, and interactive lessons to take users beyond rote memorization to a deep understanding of how to communicate in a new language.  

For more information, contact Nichole Kopp, Technology, Education, Knowledge (TEK) Center Coordinator, Whitman County Library, 509-397-4366.

Upcoming Tech Tuesdays in June

• June 20, 7 - 8 pm *The Center: From Drugstore to Community Center*
• June 27 & Every Saturday, 2 - 4 pm *Drop in Tech Help*

Upcoming Children's Summer Reading Programs

BOOK TIME with Ronald McDonald on Tues. June 13

Tuesday, June 13, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Come "Book IT" With Ronald McDonald at the Whitman County Library for Music, Magic & Stories! 

Readers of ALL ages are encouraged to visit the Colfax Library as we present, "Build a Better World" during summer programs. This activity is most suitable for ages 3-12, but families are always welcome! Activities in upcoming weeks include games, art, science, engineering experiments, and more.

Children's Summer Reading Challenge: Kids ages 0-12 need only read 10 books or 10 hours during the summer months to complete the program for a FREE book of their choice. For details contact the Colfax Library at 509-397-4366.