Adults ... complete Summer Reading today!

Adults ... turn in your summer reading completion form for a free coffee from Daily Grind, Events on Main, Fonks or Rosauers. Also, you'll be entered for a grand prize drawing ... just for reading 3 books. How cool!

Our Palouse - People, places and possibilities ... a permanent collection!

Thanks to all of our great photographers for participating in Our Palouse: People, Places and Possibilities. Watch for a permanent exhibit to be announced soon!

Sign up today!

I am thrilled to announce that registration has just opened for an amazing line-up of classes beginning this fall at the Colfax Library. Called ACT 2, the classes are offered by the Community Colleges of Spokane for a minimal cost to participants. While the topics are meant to appeal to folks in the early stages of retirement or “the second act” of their lives, adults of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. This series of classes will be the 3rd session we’ve offered and I think it is they provide the most diverse line-up yet. Classes include art in multiple mediums, archaeology, a middle-eastern cultural exploration series, music, technology, and even preserving foods. Jacyln Jacot, Director of ACT2 and Career Transitions for the Institute for Extended Learning says, “The Community Colleges of Spokane continues to be amazed at the steady growth of the ACT 2 program in Colfax. The community support has been tremendous and CCS looks forward to offering a larger array of distance learning opportunities in rural Whitman County in the coming years” Besides an impressive line-up of subject matter, the quality of the instruction has been top notch. One such talented instructor is Pullman’s own Charles Snyder. Charles is an Anthropology professor at WSU and has traveled the world studying tribes and cultures. Charles also has a Master's Degree in Educational Technology, which makes him great at working with and explaining computers and gadgets. As a testament to Charles’ talents, one of his students Sue Hallett recently posted on her Facebook page, “I just attended a terrific ACT 2 class on archaeology. It was so FANTASTIC! I lost all track of time, or was lost in time, so to speak. Remember this name: Charles Snyder. Take his classes this fall." How’s that for a ringing endorsement? You can bet I’ll be taking one of Charles’ classes this fall. Another class I’m taking is Introduction to Ukulele with instructor Scott Hallett (who coincidentally is Sue’s husband.) This class is designed for every level of player with the first half hour geared to beginners, the second half hour designed for everyone and the last half hour reserved for experienced players. I started the ukulele last spring thanks to this CCS programming and am excited to improve my skills this fall. Now is your chance to improve your skills as well. Stay informed, active and engaged by registering for fall classes at www.iel.spokane.edu/ACT2 or by calling 800-845-3324. Photo - Scott Hallett, my ukulele instructor!

WCL Schedule Highlights For Aug. 8-15

Thursday, August 8 Colfax – 6 to 7 p.m. & 7 to 8 p.m. – Free Martial Arts & Self Defense Classes in the Center – First session from 6-7 p.m. for ages 4-12. Second session from 7-8 p.m. is for teens and adults. Friday, August 9 All fourteen branches of Whitman County Library closed for Annual Maintenance Week August 5-11. Many services will still be available through the library’s website. Monday, August 12 Endicott – 11 a.m. – Learn more about recycling and how to better your community with Judi Grey. St. John – 11:30 a.m. – Summer Reading program for the 3 and under crowd. Tuesday, August 13 Rosalia – 10:30 a.m. – Storytime - Bring in the little ones for fun stories, songs, crafts and adventures. Colfax – 6 to 7 p.m. & 7 to 8 p.m. – Free Martial Arts & Self Defense Classes in the Center – First session from 6-7 p.m. for ages 4-12. Second session from 7-8 p.m. is for teens and adults. Wednesday, August 14 Tekoa – 10 a.m. to Noon – Grade School Gaming – Wii, Monopoly, Twister and more! Stop in for some cool fun. Garfield – 3 p.m. – Teens have fun with crayons as we melt them onto hot rocks. Colfax – 7 p.m. – Pajama Storytime – Children wear your jammies. Enjoy stories and sing-a-longs under the tree. Thursday, August 15 Rosalia – 1 p.m. – The Palouse Discovery Science Center presents Science Rocks a geology program for children. Endicott – 7 p.m. – Book Club – Join the discussion of Alan Bradley’s, “The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.” Everyone’s invited!

Website has lots to offer when the library is closed!

Don't worry that the library is closed this week. You can still access our website at www.whitco.lib.wa.us for great eBooks, audiobooks, magazines & newspapers (Proquest), foreign language classes (livemocha), 24/7 Librarian and a whole lot more. Tour the site today!

Limited programming during closed week

Even though the library is closed, Karate continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays in The Center. Kids 12 and under from 6-7 pm, teens and adults from 7-8 pm. Wednesday night dance with Anna Maria Sears also continues during closed week at the Colfax Library. Be sure to use the front door.

Library closed Aug 5-11 for maintenance and upgrades...

All 14 branches of Whitman County Library will close August 5-11 for their annual maintenance week. During the closure, a number of projects will be performed that are difficult to complete when the library is open, including carpet cleaning and computer upgrades. With the assistance of Microsoft’s Software Donation Program, all staff workstations are receiving upgraded operating systems and Office Suites. At a cost of just $1260, the library district saved $29,680 from fair market value. Computer Systems Administrator James Morasch will be performing the upgrades after learning about the program during training conference. Morasch commented, “This is a perfect example of how investing in staff training can pay big dividends for our taxpayers. Without donations like this libraries struggle to afford current releases.” During the weeklong closure, due dates for library materials have been extended and no late fines will be charged. Bookdrops will remain open in all locations accepting returned items. Access to the library’s catalog, downloadable audio and e-books, subscription databases like LiveMocha foreign language instruction and the online librarian will still be available by visiting the library’s website at www.whitco.lib.wa.us. For more information about library closures or upcoming community programs, the Library Events calendar is also accessible from the library website. Libraries affected by the closure are: Albion, Colfax, Colton, Endicott, Farmington, Garfield, LaCrosse, Malden, Oakesdale, Palouse, Rosalia, St. John, Tekoa, and Uniontown. Residents may call the library at 397-4366 or toll-free at 1-877-733-3375 for information, details regarding the closure or renewal of materials.