Happy Hour Yoga benefits St. Baldrick's

HAPPY HOUR YOGA benefits St. Baldrick's
children's cancer research on Thursday, May 3 at 6 pm!

Yoga practice is offered from 6 to 7 pm and after class, the “Happy Hour” includes mingling, tasty treats, fun beverages, and all donations benefit a different charity each month! Cost is $10 or one punch from a discount Yoga card.

May Happy Hour Yoga benefits the St. Baldrick's Foundation. The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a non-profit supporting research to cure children's cancer.

Taught by certified instructor, Suzy McNeilly, Tuesday’s Yoga class and is ideal for beginners and experience yogis. For more details, contact Suzy at 397-4709.

SPRING IS FINALLY HERE! Go out & enjoy the sunshine with this new library collection!

Backpacks are NOW available for patron checkout to encourage outdoor activity!

Hiking, Birding, and Fishing Backpacks are now available for checkout from Whitman County Library as part of the Bonnie Bell collection. The three outdoor themed backpacks were developed as a way of encouraging participation in outdoor activities and were made possible by donations from Maribeth Kjack, the Whitman County Parks Department and the Tom Bihn Company.

HIKE, FISH, WALK, BIRD...at the library!

The bird watching backpack contains binoculars and birding books for adults and children.

The fishing backpack includes a fishing pole, tackle box with fishing gear, bait, extra line, first aid kit, and fishing related kid’s books.

The hiking backpack is filled with maps and trail guides of our area, plant and bird watching manuals, children’s books on hiking, a compass, binoculars, and a first aid kit.

Click here to request a backpack today!
 

For more information on these backpacks, please contact Shirley Cornelius at Whitman County Library (509) 397-4366.

GOOD GAME: The Moral Value of Sports

The Good Game, the Moral Value of Sports comes to the Colfax Library on Wednesday, May 2 at 6 p.m. thanks to sponsorship from Humanities, Washington.

Sports are far more than a game—they have a tremendous impact on our culture, and lay claim to playing an important role in developing moral values like courage, teamwork, and sacrifice.

Join philosopher Mike VanQuickenborne for a deeper exploration of our obsession with sports. What makes something a sport? Is competition more helpful or harmful? What makes sports admirable? Is being a fan really a good thing? Should video games be considered a legitimate sport? What are the implications if genetic engineering enables us to create genetically enhanced athletes? Explore the philosophical implications of sports, what they say about our culture, and the ways in which they can reveal our full humanity.

SPRING READING!

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE A COPY TODAY! HAPPY READING!

Whiskey by Bruce Holbert

"Whiskey" is the story of two brothers, their parents, and three wrecked marriages, a searching book about family life at its most distressed—about kinship, failure, enough liquor to get through it all, and ultimately a dark and hard-earned grace. Written by local author and former St. John & Endicott school teacher.

Meet the Author May 7th at St. John Library!

 

The Teahouse Fires by Ellis Avery

The story of two women whose lives intersect in late-nineteenth-century Japan — as it opens its doors to the West. Wearing a different color kimono made a political statement, women stopped blackening their teeth to profess allegiance to Western ideas, and Japan’s most mysterious rite—the tea ceremony—became a ritual battlefield.

Electric Dreams by Philip K. Dick

Though perhaps most famous as a novelist, Philip K. Dick wrote more than one hundred short stories over the course of his career, each mind-bending and genre-defining. "Electric Dreams" collects ten of the best—strange, funny, and powerful!



The Romanovs by Simon Sebag Montefiore

The Romanovs were the most successful dynasty of modern times, ruling 1/6 of the world’s surface for three centuries. How did one family turn a wartorn principality into the world’s greatest empire? And how did they lose it all?

It's Almost TRIVIA NIGHT in Colfax!

WCL Trivia Night

Come on down to the Hyde Out Thursday, April 26 @ 6:30 p.m.

*Special, EXTRA FUN Music Category*

Congratulations to our March Colfax Champions, "The Deep Fried Dill Pickles"

St. John Winner:

Wards of the State

Rosalia Winner:

Killer Cobras

YOU ARE INVITED for a rousing trivia contest...featuring science, history, pop culture, geography, and just-for-fun questions PLUS music clips!

Having FUN isn't hard when you have a LIBRARY card!

Don't forget your spare change to donate to our 11th annual WCL Penny Drive!

For more information, contact: Sarah Phelan at 509-397-4366 or sarahp@whitco.lib.wa.us.

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

Brilliant, Brave & Breezy Spring Reads

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly 

The lives of three women are set on a collision course in this WWII-era novel, based on true events. Caroline Ferriday - a New York socialite, Kasia Kuzmerick - a Polish political prisoner, & Herta Oberheuser - a Nazi doctor at Ravensbrück concentration camp. Their stories reveal the power of unsung women to change history.


Caroline: Little House, Revisited by Sarah Miller

Let yourself be whisked away to the beauty, hardship, and joys of the frontier in a dazzling work of historical fiction, a captivating story that illuminates one courageous, resilient, and loving pioneer woman as never before--Caroline Ingalls, "Ma" in Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved Little House books.

A Hope More Powerful than the Sea: The Journey of Doaa Al Zamel 

Adrift in a frigid sea, only debris from the ship's wreckage and floating corpses in sight, 19-year-old Syrian refugee Doaa stays afloat, clutching two little girls―barely toddlers. For days as Doaa drifts, she prays for rescue and sings to the babies in her arms. She must not lose hope.


Icy, Creamy. Healthy, Sweet by Christine Chitnis 

75 recipes for yummy yet healthy frozen desserts, from ice pops, slushies, and granitas to floats, sorbets, and dairy-free ice cream! As the days get hotter, cool off with one of these guilt-free treats!

Click here to request a book today!

Meet Local Author Diane Nebel Tomorrow!

YOU ARE INVITED to meet and greet Rosalia's new children’s author of "The Land of No See Em's” on Tuesday, April 24, 2 - 4 PM at the Colfax Library!

The message focuses on how important hand washing is with the big influenza outbreak we are all faced with. Diane's mission, as a retired health inspector for the Whitman County Health Department and the Spokane Regional Health District, is to spread the word about the importance of hand washing.

Hungry for a Good Read?

Fictitious Dishes by Dinah Fried
This fabulous cookbook serves up a delectable assortment of recipes that are inspired by fifty iconic culinary scenes from your favorite literary classics.  It is sure to delight readers and foodies alike. 

World of Warcraft: The Official Cookbook by Chelsea Monroe-Cassel
This cookbook is a compendium of sweet and savory recipes inspired by the hit game that teaches apprentice chefs how to conjure up food & drink from across the realm of Azeroth! 

Tequila Mocking Bird by Tim Federle
This book is the world’s best-selling cocktail book for the literary obsessed.  It features 65 drink recipes paired with wry commentary on history’s most beloved novels. 


















Click here to request a book today!

Stunning local barn photography on display now at the Colfax Library! Don't to miss it!

"Barns of the Palouse" Exhibit April 3 - 27 at the Center in Downtown Colfax

Postcards of beautiful local barns for sale to support Whitman County Library - $4 each! 

Photographer George Bedirian shares a breathtaking collection of black and white images, while Ken Carper contrasts with beautiful color photos. As a bonus, Steve Van Vleet will exhibit barn images that have been included in the popular Barns of Whitman County calendars.

George Bedirian chose the images for this exhibit from photos he took during the 1980s. George was enthralled by the beauty of the Palouse and made it his mission to document not just the landscapes, but also the built environment, which included towns, grain elevators, and barns.

Of the 18 barns George will include in the show, at least half have disappeared.  Another is on the verge of collapsing.  Seven of the images have appeared in one or both editions of Palouse Country while eight are being shown for the first time.

Most of Ken Carper’s photographs feature the unique landscapes found in the Palouse, a place he sees as one of the world’s most beautiful environments. For this exhibit, Ken has selected images of some of his favorite agricultural structures because they have been integral to the region’s economy and history. Unfortunately, many of these historic agricultural buildings are being lost each year to deterioration and are being replaced by pre-engineered metal and concrete buildings. It is costly to preserve our heritage so Ken hopes the images that he and George present for this exhibit will contribute to the legacy of Palouse memories. Ken’s photography website is:  kencarperphotos.com.

Steve Van Vleet is the WSU / Whitman County Extension Educator in Agriculture & Natural Resources. Steve has photographed most of the county’s barns while traveling around the county for work. Each year, he compiles and donates the Barns of Whitman County calendar that has raised thousands of dollars for Whitman County Library programs and services.

Try out a ukulele OR take one home!

Ukulele Checkout Monday, April 30, 5 to 6 p.m.

Ukuleles are now available for checkout from Whitman County Library thanks to a generous donation from The Ukulele Players of the Palouse (UPOP). As part of the new loan program, residents are invited to test drive the instruments on April 30 at the Colfax Library. During the orientation, Scott Hallett, local ukulele instructor will demonstrate basic techniques for playing the instrument, how to use the tuner and how to follow the beginning instructional booklet that is included with each ukulele.

Besides the April 30th event, Scott will be available throughout the year to entertain and assist residents interested in the ukulele. He’ll perform in a number of library locations as part of the "Libraries Rock" summer reading program and later this fall, Scott will teach a Ukulele course for Community College’s ACT 2 enrichment program at the Colfax Library.

UPOP members Scott Hallett, Janice Enos, Sandy Holtzheimer, & Janis Behymer
deliver donated Ukuleles to Whitman County Library director Kristie Kirkpatrick

To checkout a Ukulele, contact any Whitman County Library Branch. Call 288-2208 if you are interested in Scott Hallett’s classes or UPOP.

Learn About Serenity House

Serenity House: Comfort & Care at End-of-Life

Learn More at the Colfax Library Center on Sunday April 22, 2 PM

What is a Community Home for the Dying?
Community homes for the dying, sometimes called social model hospice houses, have been around for more than 25 years in our country. They are rooted in the origins of hospice – serving the dying through a community network of care. These homes are run by not-for-profit community-based collaborative organizations that partner with existing local resources.

These homes, located in our neighborhoods and part of the community we live in, focus on the unique needs of those in the last days of their life, and their families. The desire for deep connection, meaning, and purpose are honored while families are supported. Staff and volunteers are trained specifically in end-of-life care.

Why A Community Home for the Dying?
Often a person cannot stay in their home at the end of their life. Perhaps the home is not well set up, there is no family caregiver, or they are unable to assist with the care needed. Maybe it’s too hard physically or emotionally. Or the family or individual is not comfortable with the idea of dying at home. We want to honor and respect the unique needs of both the individual and the family offering a home that specifically serves those at the end of life.

A New Way to Serve the Dying and Their Families
Friends of Hospice has been augmenting and supporting end-of-life care since 1994. Our services and support have expanded as new needs are identified: Advance Care Planning, Music & Memory, Threshold Choir of the Palouse, Living Legacy, Massage Therapy, and Grief Support groups. We have in place many services that augment a community home for the dying project.

Now we have a house! Friends of Hospice has purchased a 3 bed, 2 bath home at 1125 SE Sandalwood Drive in Pullman. We are filled with gratitude for the financial contributions that have made this dream a reality.

Our goal is to make Serenity House an integral part of end-of-life care on the Palouse. This home does not replace any services currently offered. Our home will fill a gap in services and we pledge the following for the dear souls who will live with us for a short while:

• A place of welcome and support in the last weeks of life, with a gentle, guiding hand for the individual and their family to reach out for reassurance and comfort.
• Loving support and assistance with daily needs, meals, and 24-hour wake staff in a warm, inviting home setting by dedicated, caring staff and gifted volunteers.
• The licensed hospice agency provides all the Medicare hospice benefits and medical treatment, just like they do for any hospice patient, including symptom and pain management.
• Admission requires the person be enrolled and remain in hospice and be in the last month of life.

Click here to learn more

Are you really as smart as you think you are? PUT IT TO THE TEST!

It's almost WCL Trivia Night!

Thursday, April 26 at 6:30 PM at the Colfax Hyde Out

Having FUN isn't hard when you have a LIBRARY card! 

YOU ARE INVITED for a rousing trivia contest...featuring science, history, pop culture, geography, and just-for-fun questions PLUS music clips!

Answer questions, identify music clips, compete with friends, and see what you know! Bring your team of up to 8 people or join one on arrival. Extra points are awarded to team members who present their library card. For more information, contact Sarah Phelan at 397-4366 or sarahp@whitco.lib.wa.us!

It's a GREAT week to be a KID!

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

Make & Take Your Own ART BOT Wed. April 18, 3 - 4 PM

 Sign up today at 397-4366!

Construct a bot that can draw using a can, motor, battery, and markers! During this hands-on robotics activity, young engineers create a simple circuit, explore motors, and practice troubleshooting. The fun doesn't end there because you can take the bot home!

K-9 & Sergeant Cooper
Thurs. April 19, 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Join us for a day in the life of a K-9 police dog! Kids in grades 1-4 (and families too) are invited for fun and learning with dog, Unix and Sergeant Keith Cooper. 

Storytime - Thursday Mornings, 10 -11:30 am
Storytime is a FREE listening and pre-reading experience for children birth to age 5. Kiddos and parents/ caregivers enjoy engaging stories and imaginative activities that include songs, crafts, puppets, and more!

Baby Time (0-2) 10:10-10:30 AM

Toddler Time (2-3) 10:30-11:00 AM

Preschool Time (4+) 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 these or other children's programs.

Wales Travelogue on Monday, April 16!

Handouts and a map of Wales identifying the location of sites being discussed will be available during this lively presentation!

Last fall, Jolie Haug's daughter-in-law, a successful novelist, invited her and her husband, Peter, to Wales as she travels there frequently researching material for her books. During this visit, Jolie learned a lot about Wales’s history, culture and sites.

Its FRIDAY THE 13th! Celebrate by checking out a scary book from the library...if you dare.

Happy Friday the 13th from Whitman County Library! 

Check out a chilling children's story, terrifying teen tale, or bloodcurdling adult fiction book...IF YOU DARE!

EMAIL BASICS TODAY!

Email Basics @ the TEK Center at Colfax Library Thursday, April 12, 2-4 PM

Need help setting up an email account? Or have questions about using your existing email account? Then JOIN US in the Colfax Library TEK Center for this "Email Basics" class from 2-4 PM today!



Space is limited call Nichole Kopp, TEK Center Coordinator, today and reserve your spot (509) 397-4366.

Support Youth Programs with your Spare Change!

WANTED: Pennies, Dimes, and Dollars too!
REWARD: Children & Youth Programs in your Community! 

The Whitman County Library System holds its 11th annual Penny Drive April 8 - 25 in honor of National Library Week, which runs April 8 - 14.

Daycare children in Colfax celebrate
the Penny Drive with the Reading Bear

All 14 library branches are collecting change to fund vital programs. Last year, we raised $1922.12!

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is an observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country. Whitman County Library celebrates the contributions of its loyal customers and dedicated staff during this special annual event.

For details, contact youth services manager, Sheri Miller at 397-4366

Make & Take Your Own Art Bot!

Make and take your own ART BOT @ the TEK Center at Colfax Library, Wednesday, April 18 from 3 to 4 PM!  Construct a bot that can draw using a can, motor, battery, switch, and markers.

All supplies are provided, all you need is your creativity! 

Tweens & teens create and decorate an ART BOT that bounces, spins, and bumps its way across the page leaving a colorful trail! During this hands-on robotics activity, young engineers will create a simple circuit to power the bot, explore movement with motors, and practice troubleshooting skills. The fun doesn't end after the program because you can take the bot home and enjoy!

Space is limited, please call Nichole to register at (509) 397-4366. This project is for students in grade 5 and up.

Check out vegetable, legume, and even flower seeds at the library!

BORROW, HARVEST, SHARE
Learn how a seed library works, how to plant and harvest your own seeds, and join in the gardening excitement at the Colfax Library​!

 

WCL's Seed Library is Open for Gardening!

Spring is here and it's time to plant your garden! The Colfax Library invites you to visit our Seed Library 7 DAYS A WEEK! *during regular business hours

The Concept of the Seed Library is simple. Residents borrow seeds from the library, plant their gardens, harvest their crops and then return some of the harvested seeds to The Seed Library for use the following growing season. The Seed Library welcomes and shares a variety of seeds that are organic certified, open pollinated, or heirloom seeds. This ensures that our library is doing its best to provide seed that is high quality and can produce a plant true to its variety.

Check out our extensive collection of gardening books from roses to rutabagas!

For more information about Whitman County Library’s Seed Library, call (509) 397-4366. Colfax Library Hours are Monday - Wednesday 10 am to 8 pm, Thursday & Friday 10 am - 6 pm, and Saturday & Sundays 1-5 pm.

1. Borrow
2.Plant
3. Harvest
4. Return