Kids can get even MORE PRIZES at the Whitman County Library! FIND OUT HOW!

Kids already finished their Whitman County Library Summer Reading: 10 books or 10 hours? Not to worry! Come to the library for even more reading challenges & prizes!

6th graders & younger: read 10 hours and get a *FREE* flight pass for Planet 3 Extreme Air Park Moscow!

K-8 graders: read 20 minutes per day for 30 days over summer and receive a certificate and EWU hat!

Pick up your reading logs at the Colfax Library!

Click here to learn more about Colfax's Summer Reading Events & Challenges!

For more information, contact Children's Librarian & Associate Director,  Sheri Miller at 397-4366 *while supplies last*

Community Food Meeting & Scavenger Hunt

The Colfax Community Food Meeting will be a discussion about where the future of Colfax's food is going. We will talk about what programs work, what we would like to see, and how to get it done. Everybody is invited: food growers, food processors, food distributors, food consumers (everyone), educators, volunteers, community members! Free food will be provided.

The community meeting will be prefaced by a scavenger hunt of community food resources. Prizes will be awarded! Great family friendly day with activities at each site! Scavenger Hunt at 1 PM, Discussion at 2:30-4:30 PM on Saturday, June 30.

The Palouse Tables Project is a community food planning project for Whitman and Latah Counties. This planning project includes reaching out to several towns in both urban and rural areas and asking communities what their dreams about food include. This might be making sure everyone has enough healthy food to eat, sustainable local food production, the capacity to process food, or greater partnerships across the region. Accomplishing these dreams can include projects like farm-to-fork programs, edible landscapes, or community or school gardens. We are inviting community members in Colfax to this community meeting to share their dreams with us and network with others with similar dreams.

VISIT LIBRARIES, WIN PRIZES!

PASSPORT TO WASHINGTON LIBRARIES

Are you traveling around Washington this summer? Why not explore our state’s libraries? Stop along the way and discover what our wonderful libraries have to offer! Take a photo at each library you visit and enter the Passport to Washington Libraries drawing! Learn more!

Visit 5 libraries between Jun.15 - Sept.15 & be entered to win up to a $100 gift card!

Click here to see the Colfax Library Stop on the map!

DID YOU KNOW…

•  Andrew Carnegie helped Washington build 43 libraries?
•  A Washington library has a jail cell inside?
•  There is a library in Washington that used to be a bank and contains a vault?

Click here to learn more about Passport to WA Libaries!

Nutrition FUN for Families!

Plant it, Grow it, Eat it! 

Come to the Colfax Library Thursday, June 28 10:15-11 AM for Nutrition Health & FUN for the entire family! Great for preschoolers and up. Sponsored by the Whitman Hospital & Medical Center.

Join Kaytlin and learn about the plants we eat and why they are good for us! We’ll read a story, chat about eating colors of the rainbow, and even get our hands dirty! Kiddos will take home a vegetable seed planted in their very own cup. Can’t wait to see you at the Colfax Library!

L-Bow the Clown returns to Whitman County!

Yes folks, he’s back...by popular demand to entertain kids of all ages at Schmuck Park in Colfax on Tuesday, June 26 at 4-5 p.m. It’s jaw-dropping, knee slapping outdoor entertainment with juggling, uni-cycling, ballooning, and good old clowning around!

L-Bow the Clown has a hilarious, fast-paced 45 minute performance set to family friendly music. If you’re looking for a free, acrobatic, and enjoyable show, you won’t be disappointed!

Click here for a full schedule of Summer Reading Performances & Events for families! For details about these Friends of the Library sponsored events and many more, please go to www.whitco.lib.wa.us or call the Whitman County Library toll-free 1-877-733-3375.

Summer Reading for ALL AGES! Signup today! Libraries ROCK!

L-Bow the Clown performing in Garfield Park

Summer Reading starts now! Everyone's invited! Residents of ALL AGES are invited to participate in reading challenges & fun, free community programs!

Colton kids having showing off their crafts with librarian, Holly!

Libraries Rock! Summer Reading is offered at all 14 Whitman County branch libraries with reading challenges for all ages & events that everyone can enjoy! Children, teens, adults, and seniors will enjoy a fun lineup of performers and rockin' events this summer! Click here to see Colfax's Summer Reading events!

Whitman County librarians rocking out

Sign up for Summer Reading at your local library or online to WIN fantastic prizes!

  

THANK YOU to our 2018 Summer Reading sponsors! Summer Reading prizes are generously donated by local businesses,  residents, and Friends of the Library! Thank you to these "rock star" community supporters!

Little ones & grownups sign up for Summer Reading at
Colfax's June First Thursday Event

Rock N' Read!

St. John kids with rock the library with librarians, Clancy & Trinette

Stay hydrated for the Summer Reading FUN IN THE SUN!

Keep kids learning all summer with FUN, educational activity packs from the library!

Keep Kids Learning all Summer! Stop by any WCL branch this break for coloring, toys, puzzles, ABC Mouse, educational activity packs, and books galore! 

Families can check out Bonnie Belle Backpacks & STEM Bags chock full of books, toys, crafts, costumes, and other goodies! Bags have themes including Robotics, Dinosaurs, All Around the World & more!


Lots of learning and FUN to be had at Whitman County Library! Stop by this summer!

Whitman County Library can help reduce screen time with fiction and non-fiction baby board books, beginning readers, picture books, STEM themed bags, Bonnie's Book Bags, playgroup, and summer programs! We can also encourage educational screen time with ABC Mouse and eReaders! 

Check out our collection!

 - Bonnie Belle Backpacks

 - STEM Bags

 - Family Exploration Packs

 

Open Lab Time for Kids & Teens

Discover, create, and tinker during Open Lab @ TEK Center. Kids 1st grade & up are invited to drop-in from 10-11 AM to explore robotics, engineering and more!

Wired Wednesdays @ 10-11 AM

June 13, 20, 27 & July 11, 18, 25

Kids 1st grade and up drop-in to explore: 

• Makey Makey - turn anything in a keyboard: bananas, play-doh & more!
• Snap Circuits - build a working electronic circuit with 3D illumination!
• Ozobots - code to control a mini robot!
• LEGO Robotics - build a structure, explore robotics! 
• Magnetic Fun - 3D shapes and structures!

For additional information on this program or other TEK Center events call Nichole at 397-4366.

Tribal Battles Presentation by Richard Scheuerman - June 27

Richard Scheuerman, acclaimed author and historian, comes to The Center at Colfax Library on Wednesday, June 27 at 7 p.m. in a presentation about the history of Native American peoples on the Palouse including the infamous Tribal Battles of 1858. This presentation is provided in cooperation with an exhibit titled the “Indian Wars of 1858” by Nona Hengen. That exhibit runs through June in The Center.

Born and raised on a farm between Endicott and St. John, Scheuerman has long studied local history and tribes. His book Finding Chief Kamiakin is based on extensive interviews with Columbia Plateau tribal elders and the military campaigns of Edward Steptoe and George Wright.

Scheuerman has twice been named a Washington Governor’s Author and was recipient of the 2000 State Excellence in Education Award. After a forty-year career in education, he has recently completed a three-volume work on agrarian themes in art and literature in his retirement.

Nona Hengen shares an exhibit comprised of two over-sized paintings titled the “The Battle of Steptoe” and “Horse Camp Slaughter”, along with 15 colorful prints from her Indian War series. These prints show in graphic detail the brutality of the wars while explaining the history. The films, The Spokane Tribal Battles of 1858 produced by the Spokane Tribe and Painting in the Details: Indian Wars of 1858 by Nona Hengen are also showing as a part of the exhibit. 

Nona was inspired to paint this series more than 30 years ago when she was presenting a class about cultural conflicts. It was from her study of Manifest Destiny and the resulting Steptoe/Wright Campaign of 1858, that the large, colorful paintings were born.

Hengen is an artist, writer, and teacher. Her interpretive canvases feature eastern Washington subject and scenery. Nona's written works have been featured in "Wheat Life" magazine and she has self-published 16 titles under “Palouse Press.” Hengen, was born and raised in the Spangle. 

For more information, call 397-4366 or visit us at www.whitco.lib.wa.us. Exhibit hours are M-W 10 to 8, Th-F 10 to 6, Sat-Sun 1 to 5. The Center is located at 102 S. Main Street.

Comedy, Juggling, Stunt Show at 4 WCL Locations!

June 19 & 20 - Comedy Show at 4 WCL Locations: Colfax, Palouse, St. John & Malden Libraries or Parks

At first, it's hard to wrap the mind around what Matt Baker calls a job. Imagine a job description that involves making people laugh while escaping handcuffs and juggling with your mouth. That is what Baker of the aptly named, "Matt Baker Comedy Stunt Show" has chosen as his profession for the past 14 years. You and your family can experience this FREE extravaganza on June 19 & 20!

Far from the jugglers you might see at a children's birthday party, Matt's resume boasts a Guinness World Record, appearances on America's Got Talent and Last Comic Standing, plus performances in 14 countries and in all 50 states. It is not difficult to see why this show is one of the hottest variety acts in North America. It's as much vaudeville as it is stand-up comedy, but one thing is certain, it appeals to all ages.

Everyone is invited to see Matt Baker in action at the Colfax location at Schmuck Park on Tuesday, June 19 at 4 p.m., or enjoy the Wednesday, June 20 locations at the Palouse Library at 10 a.m., St. John Library at 1 p.m., or the Malden Library at 4 p.m.

For details about these Friends of the Library sponsored events and many more, please go to www.whitco.lib.wa.us or call the Whitman County Library toll-free 1-877-733-3375.

Trivia Night is almost here! Get your team ready!

It's Trivia Night in Colfax!

Come on down to the Hyde Out Thursday, June 21 @ 6:30 p.m.

Congratulations to our May Colfax Champions!

YOU ARE INVITED for a night of laughter and friendly competition at our exciting trivia contest ...featuring TV theme songs, Happy 4th of July trivia & more!

 Bring your team, test your knowledge, and WIN *free* food & drinks! Extra points are awarded to teams who present their library cards! WCL Trivia Night is the most fun you can have while learning! 

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

 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 toll free 877-733-3375. 

Contact Sarah Phelan at (509) 397-4366 or sarahp@whitco.lib.wa.us for more info!

Public hearing on Steptoe Butte Natural Area Boundary at Colfax Library TODAY

Click here to see a map of the proposed Steptoe Butte Natural Area          

It's a party! And you're invited!

All ages are invited to our Storytime Party in the Schmuck Park in Colfax! Come hear a fun story, sing, rhyme, and play with the parachute! June 14 @ 10:30 AM

 

Summer Reading is for Grownups too!

Rock N' Read!

Grownups! Read 3 books or complete 3 tasks by Aug. 31 to collect your local prize. Grand prize entry for every item checked off! Earn as many as 14 chances to WIN grand prizes sponsored by...

Sam Dial Jewelers

Colfax Golf Club

Merry Cellars

The Hyde Out 

165* Brew

Fonk's Coffee House

JP's Pies

Main Street Cafe

Alex McGregor

Friends of the Library 

...and many more!

Wired Wednesday - Open Lab @ TEK Center

Discover, create, and tinker during Open Lab @ the TEK Center.  Kids 1st grade and up are invited to drop-in from 10-11 to explore robotics, engineering and more with our Ozobots, Snap Circuits, and Lego EVO Robotics kits.  

Open Labs @ 10-11 AM

June 13, 20, 27 & July 11, 18, 25

Kids 1st grade and up drop-in to explore:

• Makey Makey - turn anything in a keyboard: bananas, play-doh & more!
• Snap Circuits - build a working electronic circuit with 3D illumination!
• Ozobots - code to control a mini robot!
• LEGO Robotics - build a structure, explore robotics! 
• Magnetic Fun - 3D shapes and structures!

For additional information on this program or other TEK Center events call Nichole at 397-4366.

Thank you to everyone who donated to the WCL Penny Drive!

Friends of Whitman County Library collected $918.16 in coins during the 2018 Penny Drive in celebration of National Library Week. Each library branch designated a special project for the money collected, with funds being used for everything from Summer Reading goodies to library projects.  Many groups including daycares and church youth, to classes in several grade schools made a strong showing in their efforts to win prizes and a celebration party for the most coins collected.

 


A BIG THANK YOU to all community members and their donations of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters too!!!!  Another BIG  THANK YOU to all for collecting and counting!!! 



First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country. Whitman County Library began commemorating the event with a Penny Drive in 2006 with outstanding participation from all 14 library locations.











For information about events and programs at the Whitman County Library, please visit www.whitco.lib.wa.us or call (509)397-4366.

TAKE A HIKE! Or a walk, road trip, or camping trip with these spectacular local + national outdoor books!

The Creaky Knees Guide to PNW National Parks & Monuments by Seabury Blair
Creaky Knees hiking guides are perfect for aging baby boomers, seniors, those traveling with small children, and anyone else interested more in a stroll than a climb!

The Pacific Northwest's Best Trips by Lonely Planet
Whether exploring your own backyard or somewhere new, discover the freedom of the open road, from 2-day escapes to 2-week adventures! Cruise the coast or explore Mt. St. Helens' volcanic landscape. Jump in the car, turn up the tunes, and hit the road!



The National Parks of the United States by Andrew Thomas

A spectacular photographic journey through all 59 U.S. National Parks, plus the de-listed and forgotten three & national parks in the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa! From the peaks of Colorado to the glaciers of Alaska, from the volcanoes of Hawaii to the everglades of Florida, this book has it all! Breathtaking photos, coordinates, nearest cities, maps, wildlife, and more! 

Click here to request a book today!

Did you know...you can now check out hiking, fishing, and birding outdoor activity packs from the library!

• Fishing backpack - two fishing poles, tackle box, bait, first aid kit, & angling books
• Hiking backpack - maps and trail guides of our area, plant + bird identification manuals, compass, binoculars & first aid kit.
• Bird watching - binoculars & birding books