THE GREAT AMERICAN READ: Find Out America's #1 Best-loved Book

What's YOUR favorite book on PBS's Top 100 list? Vote & join in the community discussion! 

Librarian, Sheri Miller, voted for "Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!

What is THE GREAT AMERICAN READ? A PBS television series, competition, and nationwide campaign that explores the power of books and the joy of reading through the lens of America’s top 100 novels, ending with a nationwide vote to choose America's #1 most-loved book.

Librarian, Catalina Flores, voted for
"Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya

VOTE HERE! Enter your favorite title at the front desk to vote on Colfax Library’s choice for the GREAT AMERICAN READ.

VOTE ONLINE:  Visit https://www.pbs.org/the-great-american-read/vote/ to vote on America’s choice for the GREAT AMERICAN READ.

Help choose America's #1 most-loved book! 

Want your vote to be featured on the library's Facebook page? Have your photo taken with your #1 book by a librarian or send us one!*

Librarian, Hannah Shepherd, voted for "Pride & Prejudice" by Jane Austen

*send photos to info@whitco.lib.wa.us or in a private message to Whitman County Library’s Facebook Page

For Whitman County Library, 2018 has been a year of feast or famine

Daily News column for Saturday, July 14, 2018 by Library Director Kristie Kirkpatrick

The feast has come in the form of people, lots and lots of people. Residents of all ages are coming out in droves to attend programs and events, learn and use technology, browse art and history exhibits, read, use Wi-Fi, socialize and borrow all kinds of stuff.

The library’s famine came in the form of lower than anticipated basic operating revenues, causing severe belt tightening on our part. The library froze all wages and slashed materials and training budgets. Our top priority was preserving the library’s open hours, which we proudly achieved.

Thankfully, 2019 should be a better year for us. County residents voted to restore our normal tax levy rate for which we are so humbled. Our dedicated staff and Board gives its all in public service so the vote of confidence is very meaningful to us all.

Also appreciated are the Friends of the Library along with many donors and grant funders. The Friends and Summer Reading supporters stepped up to plug our most dire funding gaps while donors and grant funders actually helped us to expand and improve The Center and our Technology equipment and training programs.

Each month, the Library honors these very important people. In a year like 2018, the presentations have taken on a deeper meaning for us all. Just this month, the Garfield Inconvenience Store and owner Sonja Hall were honored for supporting the library, delivering groceries to shut-ins, and volunteering for the food pantry and other community events. Sonja even keeps a book sale shelf in her store that benefits the Garfield Branch and her children are fixtures at library events and programs.

Also honored in 2018 was Starr Cathey of Albion. She is a longtime supporter of her community and library. Starr played a key role in combining that community’s library programs with the free summer lunch program for kids, insuring that both their minds and bodies were nurtured and well-fed.

Teresa Myott of Palouse is a former library trustee and very active within the library and the community. For many years, Teresa’s generous contributions of time and resources have had a huge
impact on the Palouse Branch.

Friends of Hospice provide important end of life services for residents throughout the region. WCL partners with this group by sharing the valuable books, resources and important community programs they provide.

Dyan Broemmeling encourages children’s literacy and learning in partnership with the Colton Library. She sees that the students in her Child Care Center enjoy great library programs and also works to get school aged children and her own involved with the fun programs being offered at the Colton Library.

Finally, I’d like to acknowledge the countless volunteers and many anonymous donations that Whitman County Library receives throughout the year. These caring volunteers and humble donors are quietly improving your library and your community.

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY FOR ALL SUPPORT & PATRONAGE!

Facebook Basics & More

Just getting started with Facebook? Or already using it?  Either way this class is for you.  “Facebook Basics & More” class will be held at the Colfax Library TEK Center on Tuesday, July 31 from 2:30 - 4 PM.

During this free class, learn basic Facebook navigation, how to create a profile, add content, comment on posts, send private messages, manage friends list, and select privacy settings. Need help beyond the basics? Bring your questions and login information for more advanced user support.

TEK Center laptop lab will be available for use or you are welcome to bring your own device.  Please note, a working email address is needed to create Facebook account.

For additional information, please call James or Nichole at (509) 397-4366.

Thank you Richard Scheuerman for the Amazing History Presentation on the Tribal Battles of 1858. Watch it here!

Over 125 people came to listen to acclaimed author and historian, Richard Scheuerman, at the Center at Colfax Library on June 27, 2018 in a presentation about the history of Native American peoples on the Palouse including the infamous Tribal battles of 1858.

Couldn't make the event? No problem! Watch the video posted below and discover the important history of our region! Richard is a gifted storyteller - you will enjoy it! *be sure to turn your volume up high*

Born and raised on a farm between the communities of Endicott and St. John, Scheuerman has long studied local history and tribes. His book Finding Chief Kamiakin (WSU Press, 2008) is based on extensive interviews with Columbia Plateau tribal elders and original sources related to the military campaigns of Edward Steptoe and George Wright.

Scheuerman has twice been named a Washington Governor’s Author and received the State Excellence in Education Award. After a forty-year career in education, he and his wife, Lois, retired to Richland, where he has recently completed a three-volume work on agrarian themes in art and literature.

THANK YOU, RICHARD! 

For more information about this or upcoming events, please contact Whitman County Library at (509) 397-4366 or visit the online events calendar at www.whitco.lib.wa.us.

THANK YOU to the Palouse Wind Farm!

Thank you Palouse Wind Farm and Novatus for your generous support of libraries and local community!

Representing Novatus Energy, the crew of the Palouse Wind farm recently presented Oakesdale’s Librarian, Elana Nordstrom, and Rosalia’s Librarian, Marcy Campbell, a check for $5,500. Novatus Energy, owner of the farm donated these funds to improve the libraries in each of the communities.

Libraries in these towns were selected because of the positive difference they are making for local residents. Novatus CEO Steve Doyon says, “Our company’s mission and values include long-lasting commitment to our communities and respect for our stakeholders. In connection with that, we were impressed with how many people these small libraries are serving and how they do it with such limited funding. We could really see the impact this donation would have for local residents.”

In Oakesdale, the donation will purchase innovative new technology equipment for children’s programs while also bringing special guest presentations for the community’s education and enjoyment. In Rosalia, the library porch will get a much needed face lift with a new soffit and paint, and repairs on a number of safety issues.

Thank you to our Whitman County Library Board!

Whitman County Library Board of Trustees met in July at the Churchyard Inn in Uniontown after a tour of the Colton and Uniontown Branch Libraries. Meetings are open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend!

Touring the Colton Library & community

In June, WCL’s board enjoyed a tour of the St. John museum & library, followed by a meeting at the Rialto Tavern. Thank you to Lydia Smith, Trinette Perry Hartman, and the Rialto for helping make the visit interesting and yummy!

At the St. John Rialto Tavern

The Whitman County Library Board does not meet in August but invites you to attend their public meetings starting back up in September.

Outside of the Uniontown Library

Have Tech Questions? We Have Answers! Come see us on Tech Tuesdays for help!

Colfax couple learns how to use Libby, the library's app for downloadable audio
 & ebooks for an upcoming road trip!

Drop-in Every Tuesday 10 AM to 4 PM for Tech Help 

Need technology help? It's Drop-in Tech Tuesday! Stop by the front desk to get hands on help with basic computer skills, internet, email, Microsoft Imagine Academy, and more! Bring your device and questions to our tech librarian Tuesdays 10 am - 4 pm!

For more information about Tech Tuesdays, TEK Center, technology classes, or volunteer opportunities, contact Nichole, Library TEK Center Coordinator at 397-4366.

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

Outdoor Activity Backpacks are NOW Available for Checkout!

Hiking, Birding, & 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.

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.

Summer ACT 2 Classes - Sign up Early!

Downsizing: Prisoner of Your Possessions
with DeAnne Wilfong. Cost $11. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Possession paralysis is real. The sheer volume of possessions we acquire over decades become an obstacle to the pursuit of life-long dreams. Kick off the class with a discussion of the real issues within ourselves, the reason we have 30 rolls of paper towels and not enough extra cash. Participants will create a plan for letting go of "stuff"; dealing with 10 of the stickest possession problems and how to decide if an item is trash or a treasure. By the end of the class, participants will be set free from possession and procrastination. If you are not yet convinced to take this class, think about the mess you are leaving your family to deal with if the downsizing and disposal falls to them. Do you really want to leave this burden to your family?


Don't Just Downsize, De-Own
with DeAnne Wilfong. Cost $11. Tuesday Aug. 21, 5-7:30 p.m.

For many, the goal is to de-clutter, downsize and organize to simplify their lives. But by organizing, we create only a temporary solution for the real problem at hand. We simply have too much stuff and we will have to organize it again and again. By thinning out your possessions, you have a chance to evaluate your life and purchases and even help others when you pass on things you don't use. Instead of de-cluttering, try de-owning and start on the path toward a major lifestyle change with less future organizing to do.

Medicare: What You Need to Know at 65
with Kathy Dugan. Cost $12. Tuesday, Aug. 28, 1-4:30 p.m.

Are you confused about Medicare A, B, C, or D? Do you know what is covered or not covered by Medicare? This workshop answers these questions and helps you make sure that Medicare works well for you. Information and comparison of Medicare Advantage Plans and Medigaps are covered.

All classes are offered at the Center at Colfax Library. To register, please call Spokane Community Colleges at (509) 279-6030 or 800-845-3324 or visit any of our 14 branches of Whitman County Library for a mail-in form.

SUMMER LEGO BLOCK PARTY AT THE LIBRARY!

Come to the TEK Center every Saturday in July from 1:30 to 2:30 PM for a BLOCK PARTY!

Build with LEGOs, magnets, straws/connectors, and more during TEK Center Block Party! ALL AGES are welcome to bring your creativity and enjoy free play building fun! 

Kids under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Questions?? Call Nichole 397-4366. Whitman County Library 102 S Main St, Colfax, Washington 99111

Give the gift of life on Friday, July 20

Every day the Inland Northwest Blood Center (INBC) needs 200 donors to ensure a safe supply of blood. Help give the gift of life at Colfax Library on Friday, July 20 anytime from 1:45-5 p.m. FIND THE HERO IN YOU!

Present to donate blood in July and be entered to WIN a pair of kayaks to explore the great outdoors or a 55” Ultra Definition Flat screen TV! YOU COULD BE THE LUCKY WINNER!

This is your opportunity to save lives! Registration is directly on the Inland Northwest Blood Center (INBC) mobile bus at the Whitman County Library. Go to www.inbcsaves.org to make your preferred appointment time to avoid the wait or call 800-423-0151.

Visit the Whitman County Library online calendar at www.whitco.lib.wa.us for a complete listing of programs and events or call 509-397-4366 for details.

Congratulations to Sonja Hall of Garfield WCL's July Supporter of the Month!

The Garfield "Inconvenience Store" and owner Sonja Hall gives back to the community in many ways, from delivering groceries to shut-ins to volunteering for the food pantry, community events or her local library. Sonja keeps a book sale shelf in the store that benefits the library and she sees that her children are super-library users. Librarian Heather McArthur says, "Sonja bends over backwards for her community each and every day!"

Local supporters across the Palouse greatly impact library services and facilities! Whitman County Library could not thrive without the community donations and volunteers. Whitman County Library and our community appreciate you!

Whitman County Library trustees, Friends and administrators sponsor the library supporter award to recognize individuals and groups who play a key role in forwarding the library’s activities, improving cultural offerings within our communities and supplementing a limited budget

July 2018 Whitman County Library Supporter of the Month

 For a complete list of recognized supporters, click here!

For more information, contact Kristie Kirkpatrick at 509.397.4366 

And the 2018 LEGO Contest Winners are...

Congrats to ALL the participants in the Colfax LEGO Contest & especially to the winners below. You Are #1 In Our Book! LIBRARIES ROCK! Great job to everyone who created a LEGO masterpiece!

K-3 Grade Winner: Isaiah Vantrease

4-6 Grade Winner: Caleb Lustig 

7-12 Grade Winner: Bradyn Heilsberg

Cowboy Buck & Elizabeth are here for a boot-stompin' family concert TODAY!

Get on your country hats and spurs for a boot-scootin', rip-roarin' good time or come as you are to the Cowboy Buck & Elizabeth concert at the Colfax Library  on Monday, July 16 at 4 p.m. Their foot stomping music and down-home personalities are sure to charm audiences of all ages. LAST COLFAX SUMMER READING EVENT of 2018! 

Cowboy Buck & Elizabeth have been family favorites at schools, libraries, county fairs and festivals for many years. Everyone is welcome to this one-of-a-kind show!

This country duo puts on a high energy show including interactive musical comedy, dance, sing-alongs, sign language, ventriloquism & more! Buck and Elizabeth’s passion of education through entertainment, dynamic vocals, and amazing puppetry are just a few of their many talents. Call Sheri at 397-4366 with questions.

Makey Makey Kits Arrive at Whitman County Library!

Have you ever played the piano on a banana or made a video game controller out of Playdoh?

Discover everyday objects that conduct electricity and trick the computer into thinking they are a keyboard using Makey Makey invention kits at the library! Then use interactive apps to play bongos, piano, Tetris, Pac Man and more.

Family using carrots & bananas as piano keys with Makey Makey in Colfax

All ages welcome to create, invent, and explore STEM learning at the following library branches:

Tuesday, July 17 – Rosalia at 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, July 21 – Endicott at 11 a.m.

Monday, July 23 – St. John at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, July 25 – Uniontown at 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 26 – Colton at 3:30 p.m.

Makey Makey kits are made available to Whitman County Library through the Washington State Library and Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information, visit www.whitco.lib.wa.us or call toll free at (877) 733-3375.

FREE PBS Documentary Screening at Colfax Library

Join us for a free 2 hour screening of NOVA & PBS documentary, "Decoding the Weather Machine" on Tuesday, July 17.

Showtimes:

10:00 am

1:00 pm

5:30 pm

It's hard not to conclude that something's up with the weather.  And the vast majority of scientists agree that this trend toward unusual and extreme weather is not just a coincidence.  It's the result of the weather machine itself-our climate-changing, becoming hotter, more erratic.  Climate change is arguably the defining challenge of our time, yet widespread misunderstanding and misinformation have hampered the public's ability to understand the science and address the issue. During this documentary NOVA will cut through the confusion and help define the way forward.  Join scientists around the globe on a quest to better understand the workings of the weather and climate machine we call Earth, and discover how they are finding that we can be resilient-even thrive-in the face of enormous change.  To learn more about the film, visit bit.ly/weathermachine.

For additional information call 397-4366. Sponsored by NOVA/PBS.

Thank you to our ROCK STAR Summer Reading Sponsors!

THANK YOU to our wonderful sponsors! Summer Reading would not happen without the generous support of local residents, businesses, and Friends of the Library! Hats off to all our 2018 Whitman County Summer Reading Sponsors including:

• Sam Dial Jewelers
• Merry Cellars
• Gary & Trudy Libey
• Colfax Golf Club
• JP Homemade Pies
• The Hyde Out
• Webb's Slough
• Alex McGregor
• Fonk's Coffee House
• Palouse Empire Fair
• Rosauers
• Main Street Cafe
• 165* Brew
• AND MANY MORE!

Thank you for supporting the library & your community!

Get WIRED at Open Tech Lab for KIDS!

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
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.

Musical Mayhem TODAY!

Musical Mayhem at the Colfax Library Tuesday, July 10 @ 4-5 PM. Libraries ROCK with "Musical Mayhem" a 2018 Collaborative Summer Library Program for ALL ages!  Come enjoy songs, games, activities & more with Nichole & Sheri.

Kids ages 0-12 need only read (or be read to) 10 books or 10 hours to become a Summer Reading ROCK STAR! Prizes included! Teens and adults may read for prizes too!
Please call the Colfax Library at 397-4366 for details.

Click here for more for more summer reading events!

Artist Meet & Greet "Inner Landscapes"

Community members are invited to an open house reception for local photographer Jim Trivelpiece on Wednesday, July 11 from 5-8 p.m. at The Center. Attendees will meet the artist, view the exhibit, "Inner Landscapes," and enjoy yummy refreshments.

For this show, Trivelpiece snapped photos in unlikely places all around the Palouse and then explored, “what occurs when the lens is pointed back at the photographer.” Following the tenets of abstract painting, the images take on the task of photographing the inner life of the one holding the camera.  Following this theme, the photos also touch on Asian philosophy, physics, rock and roll, graffiti, trains and science fiction.

Trivelpiece Artist Reception at the Colfax Center Wednesday, July 11, 5-8 p.m.

Trivelpiece explains that with abstract art, we are not seeing an image that the artist created.  We are experiencing a combination of the art and our reaction to it.  He says, “My favorite art is not a picture of something, but a picture of the act of seeing.  As our eyes “read” the image, the object in the frame causes our eyes and our minds to construct a new experience.  And with each fresh viewing, the experience is different.”

Inner Landscapes runs July 2- August 31 in The Center at Colfax Library. Exhibit hours are Mon. - Wed. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thurs. & Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sat. & Sun. 1 to 5 p.m., except holidays. Contact Whitman County Library for more information at 509-397-4366 or at www.whitco.lib.wa.us