Upcoming Closure

All 14 branches of Whitman County Library will close August 7-13 for annual maintenance week. During this closure, a number of projects will be performed that are difficult to complete when the library is open, including a major system upgrade that will interrupt library catalog access from the library's website August 8-10.

When complete, the online catalog will look and operate as it did before the upgrade since it is mainly hardware based. Normal catalog service is expected to resume sometime after mid-day on August 10th. Watch the website for status updates on this project.

While the catalog will be unavailable during the upgrade, many online services remain unaffected from the library website at www.whitco.lib.wa.us. These include downloadable audio and eBooks from Overdrive, Consumer Reports, Heritage Quest, and a wide variety of helpful databases. Internet access through the wireless networks also remains available from outside the buildings.

During the weeklong closure, due dates for library materials have been extended and no late fines will be charged. Bookdrops will remain open in all locations for customer convenience. 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

August 2017 First Thursday

First Thurs. August 3rd in Downtown Colfax! On Thursday, August 3rd visit downtown Colfax to hear the world famous blues performer Sammy Eubanks from 5-7 p.m on West Spring Street. Shop a variety of vendors from 3-7 p.m. as part of Colfax's first Thursday celebration. 

At the Colfax Library we'll celebrate this "Blast from the Past" by featuring the Rural Heritage exhibit, "Colfax Yesterday and Today." The library is also hosting a giant booksale both inside and outside the library, so stop in for reduced pricing and a chance to win prizes from the Colfax Chamber of Commerce. Call Colfax Chamber of Commerce at 553-9729 for details. Sponsored by Colfax Chamber of Commerce.

Visit the Colfax Library's outdoor/indoor book sale, Thursday August 3rd ALL DAY and see what hidden gems you might find! Lots of cookbooks, quilting and popular fiction books, movies and more!

For more information on this or future library events please visit our online calendar or call us at (509) 397-4366. First Thursday events are sponsored by the Colfax Chamber of Commerce. Contact the Chamber for details at 509-553-9729 or visit www.explorecolfax.com

Voices of Colfax

 The "Voices of Colfax" documentary is available for check out from Whitman County Library! "Voices of Colfax" explores the history of our town. It was created by the Jennings Elementary Community Outreach Committee, the 2016-2017 sixth grade students, and their teachers: Mr. Tim Young and Miss Mollie Krame.

The video also features long time Colfax residents, including library staff: director, Kristie Kirkpatrick and Rural Heritage Project Coordinator, Patti Cammack!

Suggested Reads from Rachelle

Books to help you overcome adversity and  be successful in all aspects of life and become the best YOU you can be!

Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven

Written by a retired U.S. Navy Admiral this book will show you little things that you can do every day that will change your life and maybe the world. 

Giving It All Away & Getting It Back Again by D. Green

This book will show you how living generously will give you more of what you really want in life such as family, faith and friendship.  

Option B by Sheryl Sandburg

This book will show you concrete steps you can take to overcome adversity and bring joy back into your life. 

These books are available through your local library and can be reserved over the phone (509) 397-4366 or online through our catalog. 

Everybody Reads 2017

The Everybody Reads 2017 book is "Black River" by S.M. Hulse. The author visits Colfax, Tues. November 7 at noon at the Whitman County Library. Come to listen, ask questions, bring a lunch or reserve lunch for $13 by calling 509-397-4366. Hulse will also be visiting Dahmen Barn in Uniontown on Mon. November 6 at 1 p.m.

As part of the Everybody Reads Program, citizens from across the Palouse, Lewiston and Clarkston Valley have been reading Black River in anticipation for the author's visit in November multiple presentations by the author.

Black River by S.M. Hulse 

"A tense Western and an assured debut, Black River tells the story of a man marked by a prison riot as he returns to the town, and the convict, who shaped him." 

When Wes Carver returns to Black River, he carries two things in the cab of his truck: his wife’s ashes and a letter from the prison parole board. The convict who held him hostage during a riot, twenty years ago, is being considered for release.

Wes has been away from Black River ever since the riot. He grew up in this small Montana town, encircled by mountains, and, like his father before him and most of the men there, he made his living as a Corrections Officer. A talented, natural fiddler, he found solace and joy in his music. But during that riot Bobby Williams changed everything for Wes — undermining his faith and taking away his ability to play.
How can a man who once embodied evil ever come to good? How can he pay for such crimes with anything but his life? As Wes considers his own choices and grieves for all he’s lost, he must decide what he believes and whether he can let Williams walk away.
With spare prose and stunning detail, S. M. Hulse drops us deep into the heart and darkness of an American town.

Reviews
"Black River is such a vivid, compelling debut novel. S. M. Hulse is an astute guide to an implacable western landscape of grief, violence and redemption." —Jess Walter, NYT bestselling author of Beautiful Ruins, The Financial Lives of the Poets, and others

"This powerful, character-driven novel of family, suffering, mistakes, forgiveness, and atonement begs you to put on a classic bluegrass album and savor the very real world that Hulse has captured on the page. This is a new Montana story, a story of the West that eschews romantic imaginings and instead lives in the grit and complexity of the modern West." —Ariana Paliobagis, Country Bookshelf (Bozeman, MT)

"A lovely austerity infuses this story of damage and redemption, and makes it glow. Hulse is a wise and compassionate writer who understands the tricky and heartbreaking borders between principle and rigidity, justice and revenge. Her debut novel is provoking and memorable." —Deirdre McNamer, author of Red Rover and My Russian

Awards

Winner of the 2015 Reading the West Book Award

A 2016 PEN/Hemingway Finalist

An ABA 2015 Indies Introduce Title

An Amazon Best Book of the Month for January 2015

A February 2015 Indie Next List Pick

Long-listed for the 2015 Center for Fiction First Novel Prize

​A 2016 ALA Notable Book

A 2015 Montana Book Award Honor Book

Blood Drive Thursday, July 27 1:30 - 5:30 pm

The gift of blood is the gift of life. You can save the lives of three people by donating blood Thursday, July 27, 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. Appointments are being taken by contacting the library at 509-397-4366 or the Inland Northwest Blood Center at www.inbcsaves.org. Present to donate blood at the Colfax Library, and enter to win a BMW e bike!

According to the Inland Northwest Blood Center, here are a few facts about donations: 

1. Every 2 seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood product. 

2. Although 60% of Americans are eligible to donate blood, only approximately 5% actually do. 

3. It is estimated that one in three individuals will need a blood product sometime during their life.

Make your appointment online at www.inbcsaves.org or call 800-423-0151. Walk-ins will be seen on a first come, first serve basis with photo I.D. required. Donors should drink plenty of fluids and eat a meal at least two hours prior to arrival. The entire list of eligibility criteria can be found by  contacting the Inland Northwest Blood Center at www.inbcsaves.org or by calling toll-free 800-423-0151.

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

August 2017 Coding Camps

Kid/Adult Coding Camp @ the Colfax Library

Wednesday, Aug. 2, 6-8PM

Kids and adults ages 9-99 join us for Coding Camp Part 3: More Arduino Projects!!  During this 2 hour camp learn to code an LED to send Morse Code messages, code and play a Randomly Influenced Finger Flute, and code to play a song! Space is limited must register to attend, call Colfax Library 397-4366 to reserve your spot!

Coding Camp Part 3 @ the Colfax Library

Monday, Aug. 14, 1-3PM

Kids age 12 and up join us for Coding Camp Part 3: More Arduino Projects!!  During this 2 hour camp learn to code an LED to send Morse Code messages, code and play a Randomly Influenced Finger Flute, and code to play a song! Space is limited must register to attend, call Colfax Library 397-4366 to reserve your spot!

Sponsored by Washington State Library and Institute of Museum and Library Services.


For questions or information on future events please visit our events calendar, follow us on facebook, call us at (509) 397-4366, email us at info@whitco.lib.wa.us, or stop by any of our 14 library branches.

Recommended Reads for Healthy Eating!

Thug Kitchen 101 by Matt Holloway

This cookbook will show you how to stop wasting money on unhealthy takeout food and cook delicious and healthy meals that are guaranteed to be faster than delivery. 

100% Real by Sam Talbot

Packed with vibrant photos and over 100 recipes this cookbook will inspire you to make wildly delicious, nourishing food using healthy wholesome ingredients. 

Superfoods for Seniors by FC&A Medical Publishing

This book will show you the best foods for reversing the signs of aging, rejuvenating your veins and arteries, and keeping your brain sharp in your golden years.

Total Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017

Get your solar eclipse viewing glasses at Whitman County Library TODAY! 

WHITMAN COUNTY LIBRARY JOINS NASA AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS IN CELEBRATING THE CELESTIAL EVENT OF THE CENTURy

Safely observe the eclipse with your very own glasses. Stop at any Whitman County Library branch location and grab a pair while supply lasts. For more information about the eclipse or other upcoming events please visit www.whitco.lib.wa.us or call 509-397-4366.

During this national event, the shadow of the moon will sweep across the United States in a narrow band from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean in a spectacle that has not occurred in decades. The last total solar eclipse for the United States was nearly 40 years ago. The rest of the U.S. and North America will see a partial eclipse, with the Moon covering up only part of the Sun. It is aptly named the Great American Eclipse. 

This will be a great opportunity for our community to celebrate science, with fun, hands-on and multimedia activities, culminating in the eclipse event on August 21, 2017. “We are proud that the Whitman County Library is participating in this national program,” said Sheri Miller, Youth Services Manager. “We think people of all ages and backgrounds will find the solar eclipse to be an experience they will remember the rest of their lives.

Path of Total Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017 

Whitman County Library has joined the STAR Library Education Network (STAR_Net) and its NASA@ My Library initiative, which is providing resources and STEM activities to libraries across the nation related to the eclipse. Partners include NASA, the American Library Association, and many other organizations. This project was made possible through support from the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Google, and the National Science Foundation. 

There is Still Time to Complete Whitman County Library Summer Reading and WIN!

T'ai Chi in the Colfax Library Center

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention presented by Whitman Medical Group. Join us to learn about the benefits of Tai Chi with Bonnie Kirkpatrick from Whitman Medical Group. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Classes will be available Thursday July 20 & 27 at 9:30 a.m. For additional information, please contact Whitman County Library at (509) 397-4366.

Every Donation Can Save Three Lives!

INBC Blood Drive at the Colfax Library 

Thursday, Jul. 27, 1:30-5:30 p.m.

Find The Hero In YOU! Give blood 3 times a year! Join us for the INBC Colfax Community Blood Drive at the Colfax Library. Make your appointment online at www.inbcsaves.org or call 800-423-0151. Complete your Fast Track Health History online the day of donation. Present to donate and be entered to WIN a prize. For more information, please call the number above or 509-397-4366.  

Trivia Night in Colfax Thurs. July 20 6:30 pm!!!

WCL Trivia Night is almost here! Come celebrate SUMMER with an evening of friendly competition, fun facts, and time with friends!

We have some FANTASTIC questions lined up for you, including a special SUMMERTIME SURPRISE category! So bring your team, test your knowledge, and WIN great prizes at the next WCL Trivia Night Thursday July 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Colfax Hyde Out! 

Upcoming WCL Trivia Nights in Whitman County

• Colfax Hyde Out - Thursday July 20, 6:30 p.m.
• St. John Rialto - Saturday July 22, 6:30 p.m. 
• Colfax Hyde Out - Thursday July 17, 6:30 p.m.
• Rosalia Brass Rail - Saturday July 19, 7 p.m.

Community Reception Wed. July 19, 5 - 7 p.m.

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.” Come see why at the community reception tomorrow!

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.

Kids, Teens, Families, EVERYONE Come Build a Better World Tuesday, July 18th!!!

Tinker Tech Time @ the Colfax Library Tuesday, Jul. 18, 3-4 pm

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 every Tuesday from June 20-July 18 (library is closed on July 4).  Kids are welcome to stay after this program to attend our fun summer reading programs from 4-5pm.

Summer Reading FUN @ the Colfax Library Tuesday, Jul. 18, 4-5 pm

Readers of ALL ages are encouraged to visit the Colfax Library as we present, "Build a Better World" during summer programs. This program includes earth science and a building 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. 

Sponsored by Friends of the Colfax Library. For more information on this program contact Sheri or Nichole 397-4366. Please note, these are the final Tinker Tech Time & Summer Reading Programs for Summer 2017.

Tech Tuesday: Microsoft Imagine Academy

It's almost Tech Tuesday! Tues. Jul. 18, 12 pm

Need to learn computer basics, brush up on your MS Office skills or want to tackle computer programming? From beginner to advanced skill level Microsoft Imagine Academy offers FREE access to online courseware for technology training on a variety of Microsoft products.  Come to  the TEK Center on Tuesday July 18 from 12-1 for an overview of this valuable online resource.

For additional information contact TEK Center Coordinator, Nichole at 397-4366.

Board of Trustees Meeting Coming Up!

Board Meeting Mon. July 17 5 p.m. in Uniontown

The Whitman County Library Board of Trustees generally meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 4 p.m. in the Colfax Library. These meetings are open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend. See you there!

Please note there will be no board meeting in August. For more information please call the library at 509-397-4366.

Upcoming WCL Trivia Nights

 "Test your knowledge, bring your team, and WIN great prizes!"

Sat. July 15 at 7 p.m. @ Rosalia Brass Rail 

"Teen Trivia" Mon. July 17 at 7 pm. @ Palouse Library 

Thurs. July 20 at 6:30 p.m. @ Colfax Hyde Out 

Sat. July 22 at 6:30 p.m. @ St. John Rialto

Contests over the past few months have been extremely popular. Participants often come in groups or are placed in teams upon arrival. They answer a wide variety of questions as a fun and entertaining way to improve knowledge, support local business and interact with other members of the community. Whitman County Library provides the information expert while the hosting group provides the prizes. 

The library only schedules a select few contests each month so interested parties are encouraged to contact Sarah Phelan at Whitman County Library, 509-397-4366 or sarahp@whitco.lib.wa.us. Due to limited resources, scheduling priority will be given to first time participants.

Inspired Palouse Art Contest & Reception

HAPPY SUMMER TO LOCAL ARTISTS, RESIDENTS, AND FRIENDS!

Everyone loves summertime on the Palouse. We all enjoy the small town lifestyle offered in Whitman County - and the arts especially! The Colfax Arts Council is offering a great opportunity for artists in the region to participate in a juried exhibition titled Inspired Palouse.

IF YOU ARE AN ARTIST:
APPLY TO WIN $700 IN PRIZES!
ARTWORK DEADLINE FOR JPEGS: JULY 24, 2017
Go to https://www.explorecolfax.com/copy-of-banner-competition for more info and entry forms

IF YOU LOVE FREE FOOD, CULTURAL EVENTS AND FUN:
PUT THIS EVENT ON YOUR CALENDAR AND JOIN US DOWNTOWN IN COLFAX AT THE CENTER, NEXT TO THE LIBRARY!
WHAT: Inspired Palouse 2017 | A Plein Air Inspired Art Competition | $700 worth of Prizes
ALL MEDIA AND ALL AGES WELCOME!

SAVE THE DATE! | Artist Reception, Exhibition, Art Sale | SAT. AUGUST 26, 2017
Free and open to the public with complimentary refreshments and no-host beer and wine
WHERE: The Center, next to the library, Colfax, 5:30pm, awards announced at 7pm

Being Mortal Frontline

Community Documentary Screening & Discussion Wed. Jul. 19, 6-8 p.m.

If you thought you were dying, what would matter most? Join us for a community showing of the documentary, Being Mortal, by Dr. Atul Gawande on Wednesday, July 19 at 6 p.m. in the Colfax Library's meeting room. The film features the hopes of patients and families facing terminal illness and illustrates the importance of Advanced Care Planning. Following the film there will be an opportunity to come together as a community to have an interactive group discussion with trained Advance Care Planning facilitators. 

This event is free and open to the public with refreshments served. It is sponsored by Whitman Hospital and Medical Center, Whitman Medical Group and Friends of Hospice. Advanced Care Planning is for all adults 18 and older. It is about having the meaningful conversations about the care you would want to receive if you became unable to speak for yourself. For additional information, please contact Friends of Hospice at at (509) 332-4414 or Whitman Medical Group at (509) 397-4717.

Sponsored by Friends of Hospice, Whitman Hospital and Medical Center, and Whitman Medical Group.

Pajama Storytime & Family Yoga TOMORROW!

   Pajama Storytime & Yoga Wednesday July 12, 7 pm

Families are invited to an evening of Storytime learning with a theme of earth science as we gather under the tree in Hayden's Corner for stories, fingerplays and more! Don't forget to wear your PJ's and bring along your favorite stuffed animal! A special guest joins us for some relaxing Yoga the last 10 minutes of storytime. Call Sheri or Nichole 397-4366 for additional details.

Senior Programs at Whitman County Library

New line-up of classes & services for Whitman County Senior Citizens!

Seniors...if you are looking for fun activities like BINGO, Yoga, Gentle Aerobics, or Computer help - just head down to the Whitman County Library! 

WCL provides a wide range of free services for local senior citizens, including a generous collection of large print books, one-on-one assistance with eBook readers and technology, Low Vision Readers, outreach services to local senior living facilities, direct home mailing and a unique array of classes and programs countywide. Check our events calendar for programs at your branch library.

Colfax Senior Activities:

 

Color Me Crafty - 1st, 3rd, & 5th Tuesday of each month, 2-4 p.m. Adults of all ages are invited to color and enjoy coffee, cookies, and conversation with relaxing music. Note time change to 10 - 11:30 a.m. during July 2017.

Caregiver Coffee and Support Group - 1st & 3rd Monday of each month, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Led by Rural Resources, family, and in-home caregivers share advice and support.

Bingo & Pie - 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month, 2-4 p.m. Prizes, pie and other goodies for free courtesy of Colfax Rosauers and Friends of the Library. Note time change to 10 - 11:30 a.m. during July 2017.

Fit & Fun - Mondays & Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. Low impact, gentle aerobic exercise with old time dance moves that improve mobility and balance. 

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

Technology Help Saturdays & Last Tuesday of Every Month, 2 - 4 p.m. Get one-on-one, hands on help with computers, tablets, smartphones, email, social media, and more!

Thank you Molly Overby!

Fitness classes at the library are free to Whitman County seniors 65+ thanks to a local donor. For more information about any of these services contact Molly Overby, Whitman County Library Senior Services Coordinator at (877)773-3573, at overbym@whitco.lib.wa.us or by visiting our Events Calendar at www.whitco.lib.wa.us.