Gone Fishin'! Learn all about Salmon & Steelhead in our Area

Habitat Restoration: Fish Reintroduction Efforts
Monday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m.

Thomas Biladeau will share salmon & steelhead reintroduction and habitat restoration efforts. Learn the past, present, and future of land management and fisheries in the Coeur d'Alene Tribe territory and hear a synopsis of salmon, resident trout, and stream restoration.


“Science on the Palouse” series continues on the 2nd Monday of each month with regional experts exploring new topics and issues. Sponsored by Whitman Conservation District, presentations are geared toward adults but youth 10+ are welcome to attend. For more info, contact the Colfax Library at 509-397-4366 or Brian Bell at Whitman Conservation District at 509-288-4644

Marla Robbins Art Exhibit at the Libey Gallery

Photo: "Last One Out" by Marla Robbins

A stunning exhibit of Western art is now on exhibit in The Libey Gallery in The Center in downtown Colfax. The artwork by Marla (Ma Brown) Robbins features western scenes and wildlife in striking detail.

Robbins enjoys the challenge of painting wildlife, portraits, and landscapes with her preferred methods being acrylic and oils on canvas. As her Colfax exhibit expands, Robbins plans to add paintings on stone, metals and other materials.

Born in Kellogg, Robbins now lives outside of Endicott. She began painting at a very young age and has competed in juried shows across the Western United States, winning many awards and accolades.  Robbins has painted commissions for organizations and galleries including The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and sold artwork around the world.

Libey Gallery is excited to add Robbins to an outstanding lineup of artists and photographers who regularly show their artwork in Gallery North including Carrie Vielle, Vickie Broeckel, Nancy Rothwell and others.

ART GALLERY HOURS:

Monday - Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Libey Gallery will be closed August 5-11 for building maintenance before returning the regular schedule listed above. A portion of all sales offset operational costs of the facility. For more information about The Libey Gallery, contact the Colfax Branch of Whitman County Library at 509-397-4366 or visit 102 S. Main Street, Colfax.

Read Books, Win Prizes!

See reading challenges for all ages

Kids read 10 books or 10 hours and receive a free book, pizza certificate, and a chance at a number of grand prizes including STEM Baskets from Schweitzer Engineering and free admission to the Palouse Empire Fair.

Teens do Summer Reading BINGO, get three in a row and be entered into the grand prize drawing, win a 3D printed key chain, and a moon pie, yum! Go for a blackout, you get triple entry!

Adults win a prize for reading just 3 books (or any other non-reading task on the challenge), plus receive one grand prize raffle ticket for every additional task completed.

Summer Reading is made possible by support from generous local donors and

Friends of the Library

Library Board visits LaCrosse's New Ice Age Exhibit

Whitman County Library Board members and staff toured the Ice Age Exhibit in the historic rock bunkhouses in LaCrosse at the conclusion of their July meeting held at the LaCrosse Gathering Place. All were impressed by the displays and the 30 minute film, "Remarkable Land and a Remarkable People: A World of Fire and Ice." The group toured the community and was astounded by the many accomplishments of The LaCrosse Community Pride. The Museum is open each Friday from 1-3 p.m. or by appointment at 509-549-3625 or 509-549-3613.

The Library Board of Trustees so enjoyed their time in LaCrosse including the presentation of the Library Supporter, July Board meeting in the Gathering Place, tour of LaCrosse Library from Tami Schwartz, branch manager, tour of the Ice Age Exhibit in the Historic Rock Bunkhouse, and finally, dinner at the LaCrosse Café.

Thank You Pioneer Telephone! 

Pioneer Telephone and manager Dallas Filan were presented our Library Supporter of the Month Award by the WCL Board and LaCrosse Librarian, Tami Schwartz. They support LaCrosse and Endicott Library programs and provide quality communication services to libraries and local communities.

Lots of FUN at the Colfax Library August 1st!

Chill Out with a Good Book this Summer!

Too hot? Come check out a book! You'll still be hot, but you'll have a book.

Read 3 books and WIN a prize this summer! See the Adult Summer Reading Challenge

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing on July 20 at the Library!

On July 20, 1969 we landed on the moon for the first time. Experience the history firsthand on the Apollo 11 Virtual Reality experience on Saturday, July 20, 1 - 4:30 p.m.

Launch, land on the moon, and return to Earth at the library during Virtual Reality in July!

Wednesday, July 24 & 31 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 20 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Call (509) 397-4366 for an appointment


Complete a mission on the International Space Station, walk the surface of Mars, travel to national parks, play with a robot, tour ghost towns of Pripyat and Chernobyl to learn history of disaster, or see a T-Rex up close all without leaving the library!  Oculus Rift Virtual Reality (VR) headset with 14 different 3D experiences available for you.


All participants must be age 13 and up with a signed waiver to experience a 3D adventure.  Virtual Reality programming made possible through Washington State Library “VR in Libraries” project. From: Whitman County Library, Nichole Kopp, Teen Services 509-397-4366

Friends attend Nona Hengen Presentation & Reception

Library Staff & Friends with Nona Hengen (center, polka dot shirt)

Friends of Whitman County Library recently attended a presentation by Nona Hengen in her gallery and restored heritage barn. Hengen of Spangle is a teacher, historian, and accomplished artist who estimates she’s painted more than 1000 works in her lifetime!

Besides the Library Friends, the Tekoa PEO Club, and community members from around the region were in attendance. After the reception, the Friends motored to the Rosalia Library for a tour followed by lunch at the newly reopened Red Brick Café.

The next Friends of the Library meeting is Tuesday, September 3 at 11 a.m. in the Colfax Branch. Everyone is welcome and community members are encouraged to attend. 

SR Kids Grand Prize Baskets

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories has generously donated STEM baskets for each Whitman County Library branch as kid’s summer reading prizes (raffle give away when kids turn in their Summer Reading log for 10 books or 10 hours).

SEL, Whitman County Library Staff with STEM baskets with area kids

Each basket contains Kidz Labs Magnet Science, SEL cinch bag, SEL water cup, Palouse Discovery Science gift certificate, energy ball, and bubbles!

Thank you to all our Summer Reading sponsors including WSECU, Merry Cellars, Webb's Slough, Dusty Attic, WSU, Fonks, 165 Degree Brew, and so many more. Thank you to all our 2019 Summer Reading Sponsors!

Take Apart Tech Monday, July 15

Ever wonder what the inside of a computer looks like or a printer, a scanner, or a keyboard? 

Next week's Maker Monday will be Take Apart Tech!  

Kids join us in The Center at the Colfax Library on Monday, July 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. to Take-Apart Technology! During this hands-on STEM program, kids will use tools to dismantle every day electronic items and discover how they work.  Bring your curiosity and a friend to this fun event! Kids 5 and under must have adult present to participate. Questions? Call us at 397-4366.

Food Information & Resources

Informational Sessions on Food Assistance Programs at the Colfax Library

Whitman County Library is partnering with the Community Action Center to conduct informational sessions about food assistance programs available to local residents in Whitman County. Cheryl Starkey, Nutrition Specialist, will be on hand to answer questions about Basic Food (formerly known as Food Stamps) and Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).

Sessions will take place on the main floor of the Colfax Library:

Tuesday, July 2 & 9, 4 to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, July 16 & 23, 12 to 2 p.m.
Thursday, August 1, 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Stop by to find out about program benefits, eligibility, and the application process!

For additional information, visit the library’s online Events Calendar, call Whitman County Library toll free at (877) 733-3375 or Community Action Center at (800) 482-3991.           

A Universe of Stories

SUMMER READING FOR KIDS

Upcoming Colfax Library Events for Kids

Maker Mondays: STEAM Lab, every Monday 10-11:30 am
A Sky Full of Stories , Tuesday, July 2 at 4-5 pm
Planet Party, Tuesday, July 9 at 4-5 pm

Residents of all ages are invited to participate in Whitman County Library Summer Reading programs: "A Universe of Stories," celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing! Across the county, enjoy family events, children's programs, Virtual Reality, Maker Labs, LEGO contests, and of course, reading challenges for kids, teens, and adults. What will you WIN this year?

 If you and your kids are looking for additional free, family, educational programs this summer, stop by any of our 14 library branches, visit us online at www.whitco.lib.wa.us or call 509-397-4366

K-12 LEGO Contest Winners announced July 2

NEW Summer Reading Prizes from WSECU

Thank you to WSECU and  Josh Bergan, Community Relations Coordinator, for again supporting Whitman County Summer Reading countywide through these amazing prizes for teens and adults.

Devices include two Kindle Fire HD tablets and two Kindle Fire 7 tablets – all four tablets are 16 GB with Alexa!

Sheri Miller, Youth Services Librarian, Josh Bergan, WSECU Coordinator,

& Sarah Phelan, Public Services Librarian

Residents of all ages are invited to participate in Whitman County Library Summer Reading programs: "A Universe of Stories," celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing! Across the county, enjoy family events, children's programs, Virtual Reality, Maker Labs, LEGO contests, magic shows, and of course, reading challenges for kids, teens, and adults. What will you WIN this year?