Happy New Year's Eve from WCL!

All 14 branches of Whitman County Library will close December 31 & January 1 to ring in the New Year. Due dates have been extended, drop boxes remain open, access to the library’s catalog, downloadable audio and ebooks on Overdrive or Libby, Rural Heritage and the library’s Events Calendar remain available at www.whitco.lib.wa.us. Happy Holidays from Whitman County Library!

NPR's Best Books of 2017

NPR’s Book Concierge

Our Guide To 2017’s Great Reads

Click here to request these books today!

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

Did you, your child or teenager receive a new tablet or eReader 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 Drop-in Tech Time on scheduled Tuesdays and Saturdays from or Book-a-Librarian ANYTIME!

Drop-in Tech Help is available the first and last Saturdays of the month and as well as some Tuesdays. In January, drop-in for individualized, hands-on assistance from 2 to 4 p.m. on January 2, 6, 27, or 30!

Through Book-a-Librarian you receive one-on-one help with your device! Appointments may be made Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To Book-a-Librarian, simply call (509) 397 - 4366 or book your appointment online the days and times you desire and how we can assist you. Library staff will follow up quickly to schedule your appointment.

Ignite your Child's Mind!

Mark your calendars each Thursday during the school year for Early Learning Storytime at the Colfax Library!

Storytime at the Colfax branch is divided into three age groups:

• baby time for ages 0-2 from 10:10-10:30 a.m. 
• toddler time for ages 2-3 from 10:30-11:00 a.m.
• preschool time for ages 4 & Up from 11:00-11:30 a.m. 

Early Learning Storytime at the Colfax Library is a FREE program that offers a valuable listening and pre-reading experience for children birth to age 5. Children, parents/caregivers will enjoy engaging stories and participate in imaginative activities that include songs, fingerplays, action activities, crafts, puppets, and more each Thursday (unless library closed). Storytime promotes reading readiness through stories, sharing, rhymes, and songs children acquire information as well as an appreciation for the written word and fine illustration.

Storytime allows each child time to share stories and to express him or herself. At Storytime, children participate in a variety of imaginative activities that include finger plays, games, crafts, puppets, and creative dramatics. These activities help promote cognitive development and reading readiness along with maximizing the critical years in a child’s brain development.

Don't Forget about Play & Learn Fridays at the library, every Friday morning 10:00-11:30 am 

For more information about the Whitman County Library’s 14 branch Storytime line-up, visit www.whitco.lib.wa.us or call toll free 1-877-733-3375.

Volksmarch

American Volkssport Walk coming to Colfax

This January, Colfax becomes an official site for a walking tour from the American Volkssport Association (AVA). The year-round six mile walk guides participants to some of the most historic sites of Colfax including the Perkins House, St. Ignatious Hospital, and the unique architecture of the downtown core. More details on the Colfax walk can be found at the Lilac City Chapter of AVA at http://www.lilaccityvolks.com/colfax.html.  

The Colfax walk is be open to the general public and begins at Colfax Library where participants pick up an official AVA guide. The walk can be completed for fun or can be recorded by AVA members to meet their exercise goals. Those wanting official AVA points must conclude their walk at the library to record their completion.

Library staffer, Shirley Cornelius, has been an AVA member since 1989 and hopes local walks will draw more visitors to our region. Cornelius is also focused on a guided historic walk for this spring along with developing other courses throughout rural Whitman County.

AVA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting physical fitness and good health by providing fun-filled, safe exercise; including noncompetitive walks and hikes, bike rides, swims, and in some regions cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. This movement, called volkssporting, began in Europe in 1968 and today has spread to 28 countries worldwide.

Walking is the most popular of all U.S. volkssporting activities and has been identified by the U.S. Surgeon General as the most beneficial form of exercise.  Since its first U.S. event in 1976, AVA now boasts of a nationwide, grassroots network of chartered sports clubs. The number of sanctioned events annually has grown from one in 1976 to more than 3,000 today!

Many people adopt volkssporting as part of their lifestyle, and have completed hundreds of events and thousands of kilometers. While many begin walking for fitness (that inevitable medical wake-up call), most continue because of friendships and social benefits offered through local clubs.

The unique aspect of volkssporting is the achievement awards program whereby participants are recognized for the number of events completed and for the distance accomplished.  Record books are stamped when the events are completed and incentives given to members as motivation for further activity.

For additional information, contact Shirley Cornelius at Whitman County Library 509-397-4366.

For additional information about the club and other local walks visit www.lilaccityvolks.com or the 

national AVA website address is www.ava.org.  

Idaho by Emily Ruskovich

Everybody Reads 2018 "Idaho" by Emily Ruskovich

For Everybody Reads 2018, join us in the reading of "Idaho" a stunning debut novel about love and forgiveness, about the violence of memory and the equal violence of its loss—from O. Henry Prize–winning author Emily Ruskovich.

Ann and Wade have carved out a life for themselves from a rugged landscape in northern "Idaho,"where they are bound together by more than love. With her husband’s memory fading, Ann attempts to piece together the truth of what happened to Wade’s first wife, Jenny, and to their daughters. In a story written in exquisite prose and told from multiple perspectives—including Ann, Wade, and Jenny, now in prison—we gradually learn of the mysterious and shocking act that fractured Wade and Jenny's lives, of the love and compassion that brought Ann and Wade together, and of the memories that reverberate through the lives of every character in "Idaho."

The author will appear throughout the Palouse and LC Valley in November 2018. More details TBA. For more info, contact Kristie Kirkpatrick at kirkpatr@colfax.com. 

Happy Holidays!!

All 14 branches of Whitman County Library are closed Monday, December 25 for the winter holidays. 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 other online resources including Consumer Reports 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 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. Call the Colfax Library toll-free at 1-877-733-3375 for information, details regarding the closure or renewal of materials.

For more information, contact: Kristie Kirkpatrick 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 or the library's events calendar or call the library at 397-4366 or 877-733-3375 toll-free.

Happy Holidays...Whitman County Library is closed but our Little Free Libraries are ALWAYS OPEN!

Little Free Libraries are designed to inspire a love of reading, build community, and spark creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges. Residents are encouraged to "take a book and leave a book,"  but individuals may take as many books to read as they like or leave a few of their personal books for others to enjoy. To learn more about the Free Little Libraries nationwide visit littlefreelibrary.org 

Jan Hansen, called the Little Library builder in Spokane installed Colfax's Little Free Library in November of 2016. We have one door for adult books and one for children's. At times there are even audiobooks or DVDs available. Click here to learn more about Colfax's Little Free Library's design and construction.

All 14 branches of Whitman County Library will close Dec. 24 & 25, but our Little Free Libraries are always open!

ROSALIA Little Free Library

Location: Legacy Park

TEKOA Little Free Library
Location: Ruhl Park

Whitman County Library

PALOUSE Little Free Library

Location: Heritage Park

Call Us - 509-397-4366

Email Us - info@whitco.lib.wa.us

Visit us - 102 S. Main St. in Colfax

online - www.whitco.lib.wa.us 

We have 14 library branch locations:

Albion, Colfax, Colton, Endicott, Farmington, Garfield,

LaCrosse, Malden, Oakesdale, Palouse, Rosalia St. John, Tekoa, & Uniontown

Event raises funds for Center roof and assists family in need

The community came out in force to support Art among the Trees on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at The Center at Colfax Library. The open house celebration featured the announcement of Festival of Trees winners, artwork, music by John Elwood and complimentary hors d’oeuvres provided by the Friends of Whitman County Library.

Nearly $2500 was raised for a new roof at The Center through art sales, community donations and a raffle sponsored by Pioneer Title Company. Library officials recently learned that The Center roof is failing and needs immediate replacement at a cost of $24,000. The Friends of the Library are working to raise the funds.

With more than 400 votes tabulated, winners of the Festival of Tree  are:

• JP Pies – People’s Choice
• Whitman County Library – Most Creative
• Kid’s Choice – Jennings Elementary
• Judge’s Choice (2 awards) – Hennigar Trucking and Bryan Johnson

Winner of the themed holiday raffle tree was Toni Blackwell of Thornton. In the spirit of the holidays, Toni donated the tree back to a local family in need.

Art Among the Trees was sponsored by Colfax Chamber of Commerce, Colfax Downtown Association and Friends of Whitman County Library. For more information, contact Kristie Kirkpatrick at 509-397-4366.

Recommended Reads for the Season

Frosty titles to curl up with while the snow is falling and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa.

Click here to visit our catalog

Please VOTE!

Whitman County Rural Library District Restoration of the M&O levy rate 2018

Are we voting for a new tax and what will it cost?

No, this is not a new tax. This vote restores .4 cents in funding, returning the library tax rate to .50 cents per $1000 of assessed property value.

Why does the library need to restore its levy rate?

The Library’s tax levy rate has dropped, causing the library's budget to lose pace with operational costs. As a result, levy restoration is needed to sustain library services.

What will happen if the levy rate is not restored?

For 2019, large cuts to open hours, staffing, materials and/or public programs will occur.

What do I get for my money?

Award-winning library services and dedicated staff in 14 countywide locations providing programs for all ages, books, movies, music, eBooks, Internet and Wi-Fi hotspots, online products, computer instruction, Robotics, Internet Safety, literacy, programs to schools, services to daycares, senior facilities, homebound residents, and so much more!

WCL services are popular!
WCL loaned 163,467 books, movies and music 33% more than state average*

WCL children/ teen programs drew 23,475 attendees 68% above state average*

WCL adult program attendance was 15,471  83% above average*

*When compared with WA State libraries of similar population.

If approved, what will the levy lid lift cost the average taxpayer?

The owner of a $150,000 home will increase approximately $6 per year, with the overall tax rising from $69 to $75. Farmland will increase from 0-.5 cents per acre.

Will this levy fund The Center or branch library renovations?

No. This levy funds services and operations. The Center at Colfax Library, along with upgrades to other branches were funded through grants, donations, and volunteers.

How much will the levy add and what will it provide?

The levy should add about $90,000 to the annual budget. That would cover 2-3 branch locations, 20% of the staff, or all of the library materials, catalog and Internet access.

Who will vote?

All residents living within the unincorporated Whitman County and within the cities of Albion, Colfax, Endicott, Farmington, Garfield, Lacrosse, Lamont, Malden, Oakesdale, Palouse, St. John and Tekoa will vote. (Towns not voting but paying the same rate through contract fees are; Colton, Rosalia, Uniontown.)

For more information, contact Kristie Kirkpatrick, WCL Director at 509-397-4366.

Art Among the Trees is TONIGHT!

Festival of Trees & Raffle Tree winners will be announced at 7 pm

 

Enjoy friends, neighbors, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, and fine art, along with a no-host beer & wine bar!

Socialize and browse the amazing works of talented local artists: Vicki Broeckel, Ken Carper, Greg Kessler, Bob Krikac, Nancy Rothwell, Rob Smith, Henry Stinson and Carrie Vielle.

“Art Among the Trees,” an open house and community celebration featuring local artwork and photography, viewing The Festival of Trees and complimentary hors d’oeuvres comes to the Center at Colfax Library on Wednesday, December 20 from 5-8 p.m.

This year’s Festival of Trees boasts a traditional and eclectic collection of trees decorated by community groups. All month long visitors have voted for their favorite trees with the winners being announced during this event! Pioneer Title Company donated a lovely movie-themed tree to be raffled off. Tickets will be on sale throughout the event and the winning ticket drawn!


Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served at the event along with a no-host bar all sponsored by Friends of the Library. For more information, contact Kristie Kirkpatrick at 509-397-4366.All sales of artwork, raffle tickets, and alcohol will help fund a new roof for the Center.

Get FIT at the LIBRARY!

Whitman County Library Fitness Classes

Instructors: Nancy Stanard, Carissa Little, & Suzy McNeilly

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 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. 

Join Fitness Boot Camp at the Colfax Library! Fitness instructor, Carissa Little, leads the session and will whip you back into shape with fast results! High intensity workouts focused on cardio, muscle building, and coordination. Please bring hand weights, a yoga mat and water! Punchcards are available at a cost of $60 for 10 punches, or $35 for 5 punches. For more information or to register, please contact Carissa Little at purefitpersonaltraining@gmail.com. Ask about Wednesdays FREE sessions!

YinVasa Yoga - Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m.. End your day feeling calm and grounded designed to open the connective tissue that surround the muscles and joints, to increase circulation, and to help you become more present. Cost is $10 per class. Punch cards available for purchase. For more information, contact Suzy at (509) 397-4709.

Flex & Flow - Thursdays, 12:05 - 12:55 p.m. Flex & Flow is suitable for all levels. Poses focus on foundation, alignment, and breath; while building strength, flexibility, and focus. This class introduces Sun Salutations, linking movement with breath. It includes breath work (pranayama), joint opening, standing and seated poses, meditation, and relaxation. Modifications are offered to personalize your practice to your desired level. Cost is $10 per session. Punchcards are available for purchase. For more information, contact Suzy at (509) 397-4709.

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, 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 

Events for Kids at the Colfax Library

Colfax Library has lots of fun, kid-friendly activities happening this week!

PG Movie - Wednesday, Dec. 20, 12:45 - 2:30  pm

Ready, Set, Action! You're invited to the Colfax Library to see, LEGO Ninjago. Children 7 and under need an adult present, kids ages 8-12 need parent permission. (PG movie rating stands for Parental Guidance, as some material may not be suitable for children. There may be mild strong language and some violence) 

Third Thursday: Holiday FUN! - Thursday, Dec. 21, 3:30 - 4:30 pm

It's 3rd Thursday fun & learning at the Colfax Library! Kids in grades 1-4 are invited to the library for holiday crafts, STEM engagement activities with stories, games, & more! Every 3rd Thursday of the school calendar months.

Storytime Thursday Mornings, 10 -11:30 am

Early Learning Storytime is a FREE program that offers a valuable listening and pre-reading experience for children birth to age 5. Children, parents/caregivers will enjoy engaging stories and participate in imaginative activities that include songs, fingerplays, action activities, crafts, puppets, and more!

Baby Time, Ages 0-2, 10:10-10:30 am

Toddler Time, Ages 2-3, 10:30-11:00 am

Preschool Time, Ages 4 and up, 11:00-11:30 am

Play & Learn Friday Mornings, 10-11:30 am

Join WCL for family, friends, and neighbors playgroup each Friday from September through June. Parents/caregivers bring your children for free play and socialization.

Call Sheri Miller or Nichole Kopp at 397-4366 for details on children's programs.

What do you know about Slovenia?

Art Among the Trees

Enjoy friends, neighbors, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, and fine art, along with a no-host beer & wine bar!

Socialize and browse the amazing works of talented local artists: Vicki Broeckel, Ken Carper, Greg Kessler, Bob Krikac, Nancy Rothwell, Rob Smith, Henry Stinson and Carrie Vielle.

Festival of Trees & Raffle Tree winners will be announced at 7 pm

 







“Art Among the Trees,” an open house and community celebration featuring local artwork and photography, viewing The Festival of Trees and complimentary hors d’oeuvres comes to the Center at Colfax Library on Wednesday, December 20 from 5-8 p.m.

This year’s Festival of Trees boasts a traditional and eclectic collection of trees decorated by community groups. All month long visitors were encouraged to vote for their favorite trees with the winners being announced during this event. Pioneer Title Company donated a lovely movie-themed tree to be raffled toward the Center’s roof project as well. Tickets will be on sale throughout the event and the winning ticket drawn that evening.


Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served at the event along with a no-host bar all sponsored by Friends of the Library. For more information, contact Kristie Kirkpatrick at 509-397-4366.
All sales of artwork and alcohol will help fund a new roof for the Center.

WCL Trivia Night: Holiday Edition

Thursday, Dec. 14, 6:30 pm at the Colfax Hyde Out - Bring your team, test your knowledge, and compete with friends to WIN!!

We will be accepting donations of toys and children's books for charity (plus bonus points and entry into a raffle!)

WCL Trivia Nights are the most fun you can have while learning! 

Bring your team of up to 8 individuals or join one upon arrival. Extra points will be awarded for teams that bring their library cards! Answer questions, enjoy friendly competition, and see what you know! All donations go to Friends of the Library for local library programs and projects. For more information, contact our WCL Trivia Coordinator, Sarah Phelan, at 509-397-4366 or sarahp@whitco.lib.wa.us

*Special Holiday Categories* 

Whitman County Library wishes you luck!

Tech Tuesday: Quickbooks Basics

Learn about Quickbooks TODAY, 6 - 7 PM 

Are you currently using Quickbooks financial software for your business but still have questions? Or are you a small business owner wanting to explore financial software options! Instructor, Shirley Cornelius, will draw upon her 30 years of Quickbooks experience to provide a review and answer questions on Quickbooks during this FREE class.

If you already have Quickbooks installed on a laptop or device please bring to class so we can answer your individual questions.

Art Among the Trees

Join us for this open house event featuring the work of  local artists along with community viewing of The Festival of Trees comes to the Center at Colfax Library on Wednesday, Dec. 20 from 5 to 8 pm

Among the artists exhibiting their work are Vicki Broeckel, Ken Carper, Greg Kessler, Bob Krikac, Nancy Rothwell, Rob Smith, Henry Stinson, and Carrie Vielle. 


The Festival of Trees lights the space with a traditional and eclectic collection of trees decorated by community groups. The trees have been voted upon for nearly a month by area residents with the winners being announced at 7 pm. Raffle tickets for the beautiful holiday tree sponsored by Pioneer Title Co. will be on sale throughout the event and the winning ticket drawn at 7:30 pm.

Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served at the event while a no-host bar featuring the popular bartending duo Sheri and Gary Miller will serve beer and wine.

“Art Among the Trees” is sponsored by the Friends of Whitman County Library and all proceeds will benefit The Center. For more information, contact Kristie Kirkpatrick at 509-397-4366.

Winterfest: A Huge Success

Thanks to everyone for coming out to Winterfest and supporting the library! It was an amazing community event with over 200 attendees! Happy Holidays!