Your Information Professional, Whitman County Library

A Place of Information by Hillary Langlois

“Wash your hands frequently.” How many times have I heard this? 

Most recently, I read the phrase in a “ProQuest,” article by Chuck Mobley that compares our current pandemic to the Spanish flu of 1918. The article contained quotes from a 1918 pamphlet that echoed many of the same precautions we practice today. Including hand-washing and social distancing, people at the time were scrambling for ways to slow and stop the spread of the flu.

Just like the past, people today wonder, are we doing enough? Too much? What is fact? What is fiction?

That’s where the trusted and reliable resources from Whitman County Library’s website can help. 

Through “NewsBank,” you have access to local and global newspapers. There, you can search for your favorite paper or choose your topic of interest.

With “ProQuest,” you will find a broad range of opinions on many topics using cited information from magazines and newspapers.

Interested in learning more about how past pandemics may have affected your family? Start digging with “HeritageQuest,” where you will find interactive census maps, obituaries, books with family history, and much more.

Even our eBook collection tells us that pandemics are nothing new. “The Pandemic Century” by Mark Honigsbaum examines past pandemics and their effect on society. You can download this and other eBooks on Libby and Overdrive.

Young minds can keep busy with research using “SIRS Discover.” Current topics on this website help develop the ability to discover and process various complexities of information.

If you are looking for everything related to the Coronavirus, a great news page on our website provides you with up-to-date, accurate information from the local area, the country and around the world; click here.

Access these library services here!

Get in touch with us at whitco.lib.wa.us, email info@whitco.lib.wa.us or call 877-733-3375.

Brown Bag STEM Kits Being Delivered to Students Across Whitman County

Student, Alyse Nebe, shows off her project

New STEM Kits for 7 Additional County Schools

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories has provided additional funding for the Brown Bag STEM program created in collaboration with Whitman County Library.  The additional funding will expand the program to include students attending Whitman County Library District schools in Colton, Garfield, LaCrosse, Oakesdale, Palouse, Rosalia, and Tekoa.

“It’s been so fun working with the Whitman County Library team on this project,” said John Cassleman, manager SEL’s K-12 Outreach program. “With all the virtual learning happening right now, we wanted to provide kids with a fun educational opportunity that doesn’t involve a screen.  These activities give students a chance to explore a variety of fundamental scientific principles and, at the same time, discover that learning and innovation can take place anywhere, by anyone, at any time.”

Students (L to R) Ashley Morgan, Landon Little, and Haylee Paulsen receive their STEM Bags

Combined with the STEM Kits previously supplied to St. John, Endicott, Steptoe and Colfax, over a 1000 public school students in grades K-6 will have received hands-on activity bags by the end of May.

If you live in Whitman County Library’s service district and your child falls into this age group but doesn’t attend public school call the library at 1-877-733-3375 or email nichole@whitco.lib.wa.us to receive their STEM Bag.

Library Book Drops Are Now Open!

Whitman County Library book drops are open for the return of materials in all 14 branch locations.

WCL staff will be emptying the drops regularly but with nearly 4000 items checked out they ask your assistance in continuing to hold items should you encounter a full book-drop.   

The library has also resumed taking requests and mailing books, movies, and other materials directly to resident’s homes. Request items on our catalog, by emailing info@whitco.lib.wa.us, or by calling 509-397-4366 or toll-free to 877-733-3375. Phones will be manned Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but callers are asked to leave a voicemail as needed.

The governor’s timeline for reopening library facilities falls in phase 3 of the statewide plan, meaning it could be weeks before WCL can reopen. In the meantime, the library encourages you to follow their Facebook pages, subscribe to their weekly newsletter or visit the library’s website for the latest updates in services and programs.

Library Programming and Resources While You Stay at Home

NO WAIT TIME FOR CLASSIC EBOOKS!

Now is the perfect time to get around to those literacy works you have always meant to read!

Colfax staffer, Hillary Langlois, encourages people to read those classics they always meant to read, but never had time to. Hillary went on to say she loves classic literature and just couldn't pick a favorite. Classics are always available now on Libby/OverDrive.

Library Resumes Mailing Requests to County Residents

Need new books? We have resumed mailing books, movies, and other materials to residents living within the library district!

Request items from our catalog, by emailing info@whitco.lib.wa.us, or by phone at 509-397-4366. Just leave a message if the call isn’t answered and we will get back to you.

Staff are working in the Colfax Library Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., accepting requests and mailing them directly to patrons' homes.

All staff are wearing face masks, gloves, and following recommended health guidelines and materials are being quarantined to keep everyone safe.  For the most current library services and information, visit www.whitco.lib.wa.us, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or call toll-free 877-733-3375.

WCL Director to Retire

Bill Gates visiting with staff in Colfax, 2002

Longtime Whitman County Rural Library Director, Kristie Kirkpatrick, will retire after 33 years with the library district.

In her time at the library, Kirkpatrick has seen a lot of change...Read the retirement announcement here

Even with the uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic, Kirkpatrick is very confident a strong replacement will be found, saying, "A new Director would be privileged to work with such a talented staff and supportive community. I can't speak highly enough of my experiences in service to the residents of Whitman County."

The public announcement coincides with the newly posted job opening