New Exhibit “In Our Community” comes to The Libey Gallery, the Center at Colfax Library

17 year-old cowboy among bronco riders at the Palouse Empire Fair

A new exhibit by Tom Mohr recently debuted at The Center at Colfax Library! “In Our Community” consists of panoramic views that demonstrate Mohr’s talent for capturing the spirit and fellowship that are the backbone of our Palouse Region.

Mohr has exhibited in The Center numerous times including the popular show, “Why I moved to Colfax.” With this new exhibit Mohr will be adding new photos regularly, reflecting the communities he visits, the events he attends and the people he meets.

The five initial images come from the Quilts of Valor presentation in Colfax, the Johnson Parade, Palouse Empire Fair Rodeo, the Colfax band and Colfax football practice. All are displayed in a handsome case that Mohr built and donated to the library. Come see this stunning exhibit today!

Colfax football practice

“In Our Community” can be viewed at the Center at Colfax Library, Mondays - Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays & Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, please contact the Colfax Library at 509-397-4366 or Tom Mohr at 212-300-3694.

Newsflash!

NewsBank provided to Whitman County Residents for FREE!

Residents across Whitman County can now read and research an unprecedented amount of information from more than 11,000 news sources, including the Spokesman Review thanks to a new partnership between the Washington State Library, NewsBank and local public libraries.

Available to library cardholders from Whitman County Library’s website, NewsBank provides access to news publications from around the world as well as 134 sources right here in Washington State. Users will also gain access to a vast database of information about everything from people, politics and government to sports, technology and international issues.

Access to this collection will be available until Dec. 31, 2019 by choosing the Electronic Resources link at www.whitco.lib.wa.us. The library will monitor usage statistics and community comment in deciding whether to purchase the product for the coming year. Comments can be made at 509-397-4366 , info@whitco.lib.wa.us or at any of Whitman County Library’s 14 branch locations.

READ MORE!

The cost for this project is underwritten by the Washington State Library, using federal Library Services and Technology Act funds made available by the Institute of Museum and Library Service.

Thank you to our community for another successful WINTERFEST

Thank you to the over 200 community members who made the season bright with a stop in at the Library and Center during Winterfest!

Happy Holidays from your Local Library!

All 14 branches of Whitman County Library are closed Monday, December 24 & Tuesday, Dec. 25 for the winter holidays. Due dates have been extended in anticipation of the closure and no late fines will be charged for these days. Drop boxes remain open, access to the library’s catalog, downloadable audio & ebooks, as well as other online resources including Heritage Quest and Microsoft Imagine Academy are available by visiting the library’s website at www.whitco.lib.wa.us.

For more information, contact: Kristie Kirkpatrick at 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 877-733-3375 toll-free.

TECH FUN TOMORROW AT THE LIBRARY!

Early Release Kids TECH FUN at Colfax Library Thursday, Dec. 20, 12:30-1:30 p.m.!

YAY! School is out at 12:30 on Dec. 20 so kids in grades 1-4 can come to the Colfax Library for technology fun! Join us for an hour of STEM learning! Call 397-4366 for details. Sponsored by Friends of Colfax Library

Community Holiday Celebration at the Colfax Library!

ART AMONG THE TREES WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19, 5 - 8 PM

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


 “Art Among the Trees,” an open house and community celebration featuring local artwork and photography as well as the stunning "Festival of Trees." This family event is for all ages!

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

The Festival of Trees boasts a traditional and eclectic collection of trees decorated by community groups. All month long visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite trees with the winners being announced at 7 p.m., along with a dedication of Libey Gallery and grand prize drawing for the STEM toys raffle sponsored by Pioneer Title Company to benefit an important local cause.

For more information, please contact Kristie Kirkpatrick at (509) 397-4366.


 All sales of artwork, raffle tickets, and alcohol help support library programs.

Season's Readings!

WCL's holiday bulletin board at Jennings Elementary School. Just another small, fun way that the library and the school get to work together!

Thank you Emily Ruskovich!

Thank you to Emily Ruskovich​ for her fantastic Everybody Reads presentation on her debut novel, "Idaho!" Emily shared a touching short story, answered all our questions about her book, and gave us a peek into what it takes to research and a write book.

Get a head start on the Everybody Reads 2019 Selection, "House of Broken Angels" by Luis Alberto Urrea!

Click here to request it today!

What is your favorite holiday tree?

Lighting up downtown Colfax during December is the colorful “Festival of Trees & Art” at The Center at Colfax Library. Two rooms full of holiday trees provide a scenic and fun backdrop for the stunning artwork and photography that is on display.

The festive trees run the gamut from traditional to technological, the Grinch to Mickey Mouse. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorites including one category especially for kids’ voting. Tickets are also available for just $1 to win over $200 in STEM toys donated by Pioneer Title Company of Pullman. All proceeds will fund special programs and projects funded by The Friends of the Library countywide.

Voting continues through Dec. 18. Over 700 votes cast so far. Amazing!

Artists and photographers exhibiting at the festival include Carrie Vielle, Rob Smith, Nancy Rothwell, Tom Mohr, Bob Krikac, Nona Hengen, Jacqueline Daisley and Ken Carper.

While the “Festival of Trees and Art” runs through the entire month of December, announcement of the winners of the Tree decorating contest and the STEM toys drawing along with the dedication of The Libey Gallery are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 19. Called "Art among the Trees," this community reception runs from 5-8 p.m. with complimentary refreshments and music by John and Sally.

“Festival of Trees and Art” hours are Mondays-Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Thursdays-Fridays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturdays – Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m. For more information about the Festival of Trees and Art, contact Kristie Kirkpatrick at Whitman County Library, 509-397-4366, 102 S. Main Street, Colfax, WA.

Work Resources for Businesses & Job Seekers Tomorrow!

WorkSource Appointments available Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment only.

Tim Rubio, Worksource Specialist, will meet with businesses and job seekers on Wednesday, December 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Center at Colfax Library. For businesses, Tim can provide a wide variety of solutions including tax incentives, worker training, and improved recruitment strategies. For job seekers, Tim provides assistance in mastering the technology to improve your job search, helps you build your resume, and improves your interview skills. More information can be found at worksourcewa.com. By appointment only.

For questions or to set an appointment for Wednesday, December 12 at The Center at Colfax Library, contact Tim Rubio, Worksource Specialist at 509-254-7357 or 509-758-1716.

Keep the kids entertained and learning over the holiday break!

FUN & Educational Activity Packs for Kids! Stop by any Whitman County Library branch 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!


Forget checking out a book, checkout a whole BACKPACK!

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 library programs! We can also offer educational screen time with ABC Mouse and eReaders! 

Check out our collection!

 - Bonnie Belle Backpacks

 - STEM Bags

 - Family Exploration Packs

Santa Claus, Parade, Hot Cocoa, Fireworks, Festive Trees and Art – all TONIGHT in Colfax!

Winterfest comes to Colfax TODAY - Thursday, December 6 from 2:30-7 p.m. with Santa Claus, The Festival of Trees, Lighted Main Street parade, fireworks, store specials and more!

Santa’s STEM Toys accompanying Pioneer Title’s Robot Tree will be raffled as part of Winterfest activities! Tickets only $1!

Santa will hear children’s gift requests from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the library. At 6 p.m., Santa rolls down Main Street as part of the lighted parade, capped off by a firework finale from the hillside above. The Festival of Trees and Art takes place in The Center where visitors can vote for their favorite tree, browse the stunning local artwork, enjoy free hot cocoa from Whitman Hospital, participate in kid’s activities, or view the 3D printer in action.

Adults can purchase a chance to win over $200 in STEM TOYS and view the Robot Tree provided by Pioneer Title Company. Drawing will be held on Wednesday, December 19 at 7 p.m. with proceeds benefiting library programs and project countywide.

For more details regarding Santa and optional photos, raffle tickets or the Festival of Trees and Art, contact Whitman County Library toll-free at (877)-733-3375 or 397-4366.