Whitman County Library

Imagine Your Story with NewsBank

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 17:54:00 +0000

Summer Reading with NewsBank

Discover the new “2020 Summer Reading” topic on the home page of WCL's free resource, NewsBank. It features useful research content about fantasy, fairy tales, mythology, games, activities and more!

Access NewsBank here.

NewsBank is a free resource from Whitman County Library - Explore and research people, events, and issues in Washington State, across the globe, and throughout history.

Libey Gallery Online Art Show

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 23:47:00 +0000

Follow the link above to take a virtual art tour

While Libey Gallery in The Center at Colfax Library remains closed due to Coronavirus, the library has posted its first online art show!

While this first show features a sampling of artwork and photography by various artists, future segments will showcase artists talking about their work, their influences, style, and more.

Artists showing in the gallery include Gabriella Ball, Vicki Broeckel, Dan Codd, Ken Carper, Bob Krikac, Sharon Lindsey, Tom Mohr, Marla Robbins, Russ Robbins, Nancy Rothwell, and Carrie Vielle.

Fairytale Art Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Fairy Tale Creature Art Show

Children and teens throughout Whitman County did a fantastic job! A BIG THANK YOU to all who participated. The six randomly drawn winners have a ribbon on their entry. Take a look!

View the art contest entries now

Stream Documentaries and Movies with Kanopy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Check Out this List of the Top 20 Documentaries Streaming on Kanopy

Kanopy Movie Streaming is available for FREE, thanks to the support of an anonymous donor. Enjoy thousands of thoughtful films and documentaries along with Kanopy Kids to challenge young minds, click here to start streaming.

Pacific Northwest Trivia, Compete & WIN!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 19:07:00 +0000

Compete in a special trivia contest featuring Pacific Northwest history, nature, and interesting facts Thursday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m. on Whitman County Library’s Facebook Live.

The first place player will win Lonely Planet’s Guidebook, “The Pacific Northwest’s Best Trips.” This is also a great way to check off “attend a library program” on your adult summer reading challenge, available at www.whitco.lib.wa.us and through curbside pickup.

It will be tons of fun for Whitman County residents and all Washingtonians. So please join us for some friendly competition from home….you may even learn something new about your neck of the woods!

Be sure to tune into trivia this week, and every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. on WCL’s Facebook Live. If the video doesn’t appear, simply refresh your browser.

If you have questions about this or other adult summer reading events, please contact Sarah Phelan-Blamires at the Colfax Library by calling 509-397-4366 or emailing sarahp@whitco.lib.wa.us.

Congratulations to our Latest Library Supporter of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 17:55:00 +0000

Thank You Jody Opheim

Jody Opheim was honored as June's Library Supporter of the Month for her outstanding effort securing grant funds to enhance library services, generous support of Friends of WCL, and active engagement with communities in Whitman County.

See all of our supporters

What's Happening Online and at Your Library

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 20:54:00 +0000

UPCOMING LIBRARY EVENTS

Wednesday, July 8, 2 to 5 p.m. - Summer Reading Info @ St. John Pool

Thursday, July 9, 5:30 to 7 p.m. - Summer Reading Info @ Lamont Community Bldg.

Thursday, July 9 & Friday, July 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - FREE Grab-n-Go Book Bags @ Colfax Library

Thursday, July 9 at 5:30 p.m. - Trivia Night on WCL's Facebook Page with Colfax Librarian, Sarah

Monday, July 13 at 1 p.m. - Crazy 8s Online with St. John Librarian, Clancy

Tuesday, July 14 at 4:30 p.m. - Clown Around with Charles: Live Performance on Zoom

Tuesday, July 14 at 7 p.m. - Teen/Tween STAR WARS Trivia on Zoom with Endicott Librarian, Tia

Wednesday, July 15 at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. - Summer Reading FUN Online with St. John Librarian, Clancy

Wednesday, July 15, 3 to 5:30 p.m. - Blood Drive @ The Center at Colfax Library

Thursday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m. - Trivia Night: PNW Edition with Colfax Librarian, Sarah

Garfield, Oakesdale, Palouse, St. John & Tekoa - Town Scavenger Hunt

Throughout this Summer, "Imagine Your Story" with town scavenger hunts, grab-and-go activity kits, and obstacle courses. Check your library's ongoing events here!

For details about these events, including how to attend online programs, click here

Find Comfort, Perspective & Escape with Some of Our Favorite Reads

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 21:52:00 +0000

Rosalia Branch Manager, Marcy Campbell, Encourages Readers to Find Comfort in their Old Favorites

Marcy shared, “I am rereading several old favorites. I find comfort in these familiar books because I know what is going to happen...no uncertainty here! Each of these authors have a way with words which make their worlds come alive. I am rereading the 'Anne of Green Gables' series by L.M. Montgomery, 'Chief Inspector Gamache' series by Louise Penny, and the 'Harry Potter' series by J. K. Rowling."

Shelly Ausmus, Tekoa & Oakesdale Branch Manager, Recommends Reading for Perspective

Shelly has been reading 'Beneath the Tamarind Tree' by Isha Sesay, which was recommended to her by a library patron. Shelly explained a little about the book, “It recounts the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Nigeria by Boko Haram terrorists; it has broadened my perspective to look at the hardships of others who are in situations much more challenging than my own.”

Clancy Pool, St. John Branch Manager, Suggests Picking a Title to Escape into the Past

Clancy recommends 'The Source' by James A. Michener. She said, "As someone with an interest in archaeology and bible history, I’ve read it several times and seem to get something new at every reading." The novel is based on Michener’s research so most of the characters, while well rounded and interesting, come from his storytelling mind. Clancy went on to say "I’m sure it will draw you in and give you a better sense of Middle Eastern history. I hope you will check it out and let me know what you think!"

OverDrive is postponing Big Library Read, originally scheduled for June 22 - July 13, to August. They are sorry for the inconvenience.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 13:00:00 +0000

The Big Library Read is available June 22 through July 13! Borrow the featured title "The Darwin Affair" by Tim Mason with no waitlists or holds from Libby & OverDrive

Intellectually stimulating and viscerally exciting, "The Darwin Affair" is breathtaking from start to stop." -- Wall Street Journal

London, June 1860: When an assassination attempt is made on Queen Victoria, and a petty thief is gruesomely murdered moments later—and only a block away—Chief Detective Inspector Charles Field quickly surmises that these crimes are connected to an even more sinister plot. Was Victoria really the assassin’s target? Are those closest to the Crown hiding something? And who is the shadowy figure witnesses describe as having lifeless, coal-black eyes? Read the rest of the summary at biglibraryread.com.

Use #BigLibraryRead on social media for a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tablet from OverDrive!

NewsBank: Learn about Lady Liberty

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 21:12:00 +0000

Over 130 years ago this month, in June 1885 the Statue of Liberty Arrives in New York City from France

On June 17, 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York City – a gift from France as an expression of friendship, mutual desire for freedom, and to honor the late President Lincoln for his abolishment of slavery.

Read about Lady Liberty’s history from the Lake County News in NewsBank’s resource: https://bit.ly/3diOidL

NewsBank is a free resource from Whitman County Library - Explore and research people, events, and issues across the globe and throughout history, access NewsBank now.

Summer Reading for ALL Ages

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 20:08:00 +0000

While library doors remain closed to the public during this historic health emergency, Summer Reading is OPEN! Whitman County Library invites all readers, infants to adults, to participate and “Imagine Your Story” now through August 31.

To complete summer reading, children read (or be read) 10 books or 10 hours to earn prizes and certificate recognizing reading achievement. Get your KID reading challenges here.

Teens read 3 books and complete 3 Imagination Quests, like learn to juggle, create your own fractured fairy tale, or check out a cookbook from the library, “read” a recipe and make it. Get your TEEN reading challenges here.

Adult summer reading includes challenges like read for one hour outside, read a book or watch a movie set over 500 years ago, read any fantasy or fairy tale book, and more! Adult and teen finishers will each receive a prize and be entered into a county-wide grand prize drawing. Get your ADULT reading challenges here.

Family and children’s summer events have been re-imagined virtually and socially distanced to focus on accessible, educational, and safe ways of participation.

Follow us on social media for virtual programming featuring library favorites like Storytime Online, tween trivia, adult trivia, or join our Zoom book clubs. Enjoy a town scavenger hunt, sidewalk chalk obstacle course, or fun in the park later this summer.

Grab-n-Go bags for all ages will be available throughout the summer during library curbside hours featuring crafts, STEM activities, riddles, coloring pages and more!

Visit All Things Summer Reading for additional details, event information, and to download summer reading forms today! Turn in completed summer reading forms to library book drop, by mail, or by email to info@whitco.lib.wa.us. In need of further assistance, call 1-877-733-3375.

WCL is Searching for Historic Community Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 20:59:00 +0000

Did you know that the Colfax Library's basement used to be the town's designated Nuclear Fallout Shelter, starting in the 1960s, complete with thick concrete ceilings to protect from radiation?

Whitman County Library is commemorating the 60th anniversary of the construction of its Colfax Branch by seeking recognition from the National Register of Historic Places for its unique Expressionist architecture.

To assist in the application process, the library is asking community members to share their memories of the building or ways the library has impacted their lives and the community. Friends of the Library volunteer Sue Hallett is heading up the research and encourages interested parties to contact her at friends@whitco.lib.wa.us

The building, a Main Street fixture in downtown Colfax, was designed by noted architect Warren C. Heylman of Spokane, who was also known for his work on the Spokane Parkade and the Spokane Regional Health District building. Sceva Construction Company completed the new library in the fall of 1960, after finishing Colfax High School earlier in the year.

The library project cost about $129,000, which some local residents felt was quite expensive. It was funded with $20,000 in library reserve funds, community donations, and an $85,000 bond issue purchased by the Old National Bank at 4% and paid off within six years through property tax revenues.

Whitman County Library in Colfax just prior to opening in the summer of 1960.

The building’s design drew both positive and negative reviews as it was radically different from the red brick construction of most of the other downtown buildings. Largely constructed of concrete with a white stucco and natural stone exterior, a front wall composed entirely of windows and a rounded, sculptural profile, its open concept interior was flooded with natural light.

The building was constructed with an unfinished basement, completed in 1966, and with structural support built in for a mezzanine office space, which was built in 1985. A much-needed disability access remodel including an elevator in 2010 also provided for expanded computer space and Hayden’s Corner, a children’s section with a free-standing artificial tree creating the ambience of a rain forest.

Colfax Library in the early 1960s with original lighting and prior to the addition of the upstairs mezzanine used for staff work areas

During each revision over the sixty years of the library building’s existence, library leaders were careful to retain the integrity of Warren C. Heylman’s original architectural design. In November 2018 Mr. Heylman, then 95, received an award from the Spokane Preservation Advocates organization for significant contributions to the cultural and historic heritage of Spokane County. At that time the Spokesman-Review interviewed his daughter, Ann Martin AIA, now the principal partner of the Heylman Martin architectural firm. She said that the Whitman County Library was her favorite among her father’s many projects. “The library board has respected that building and altered it very little since it was built. I just love that building,” she said. “I think he does, too.”

In Colfax, the Post Office and the Perkins House are among buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In preparing the library’s nomination, staff and volunteers believe recollections from local residents about their experiences with the big white building on the corner of Spring and Main Streets will add richness and texture.

Sixty years ago our local community’s vision led to the construction of a building to house their dreams for the future. In 1960, when it was time to move the books from the old rented location into the new library building, volunteers stood side by side along the sidewalk and passed the books along by hand. Support for the library has always come from within its community. Generations of children have benefited from all of those helping hands. So has everyone else who has ever entered its doors.

Please contact Sue Hallett, Friends of Whitman County Library President at 509-397-4074 to share any stories you may have.

Learn about U.S. Presidents with Librarian, Rachelle!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 18:33:00 +0000

Learn about U.S. Presidents, recommended reads, and fun facts with Colfax librarian, Rachelle Hauser Marshall, watch the video now!

Whitman County Library Presidents Trivia Question

1) How many 1 term Presidents have there been?
2) Which United States President served the shortest time in office?
3) Which President was the only President too have never been affiliated with any political party?
4) Who are the only two Presidents to a son also serve as President?
5) How many Presidents graduated from West Point?
6) Who was the only President to be unanimously elected by the Electoral College?
7) He was the first President to experience an assignation attempt.
8) The image of this President (the smallest President in U.S. History) was used on a series of 1934 $5,000 Federal Reserve notes.
9) This President is considered the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
10) In 1820 he was the only Presidential candidate in history (other than George Washington) to run unopposed.
11) He was the first United States President who was not born a British subject prior to the Declaration of Independence. His first language was not English but Dutch.
12) This in the only President whose grandson was also elected President.
13) He was the first President to wed in the White House and had more children than any other U.S. President.
14) He was President when the first United States Postage Stamp was issued.
15) Due to his three-decade military career, prior to his election this President was known by the nickname, “Old Rough and Ready”.
16) He was the only President to have married a teacher who had taught him in high school.
17) This President’s daughter, Sara Knox, was the wife of Jefferson Davis the future first President of the Confederacy.
18) He was President when California was granted statehood in the “Compromise of 1850”.
19) On the way to his inauguration, this President’s 11-year-old son was killed in a tragic accident when the rail car they were riding in derailed.
20) He was the only bachelor President of the United States as well as the last President born in the 18th century.
21) This President’s 1863 address is the best known and most highly regarded speech in American history.
22) He was the only incumbent President of the United States to have his bid for re-nomination rejected by his own political party.
23) He was the first President of the United States to be impeached.
24) This President’s inauguration was the first to photographed.
25) He was the only United States President to hold a patent.
26) He was President when Yellowstone became America’s first National Park.
27) This President won the closest Presidential election in U.S. history by just a single vote.
28) He is best known for being the only United States President to serve two non-consecutive terms.
29) This President liked that his initials spelled “U.S.”
30) He was the second President of the United States to be assassinated.
31) This President was the grandson of the President known for serving the shortest term.
32) He was the third President of the United States to be assassinated.
33) He was the youngest Man to assume the office of President of the United States.
34) He was President when World War I began.
35) He was the first President to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a major league baseball game.
36) He is the only President to date to be born on the 4th of July.
37) This President has no middle name only the initial “S.”.
38) He was the first President to be born west of the Mississippi.
39) He was the only President to serve in the United States Army during both WWI and WWII.
40) He is best remembered as being the only President never elected to that office nor to the office of Vice President.
41) This President’s approval rating soared to a whopping 89% during “Operation Dessert Storm”.
42) This President was the first Democrat to be elected to two consecutive terms since FDR.
43) This President was born Leslie Lynch King Jr. but changed his name in 1935.
44) He was just the second son of a President to be elected to office.
45) He is the oldest person to be elected President of the United States.

ANSWERS:

1) 11 Total – John Adams, Martin Van Buren, James Polk, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Rutherford B. Hayes, Benjamin Harrison, William Taft, Herbert Hoover, Jimmy Carter, & George H.W. Bush
2) William Henry Harrison. (President #9) He gave a two-hour inaugural address in the rain without a coat and died 31 days later of pneumonia.
3) George Washington
4) John Adams (John Quincy Adams) and George H.W. Bush (George W. Bush)
5) 3 Total – Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight Eisenhower and Jefferson Davis (President of the Confederate States of America).
6) George Washington
7) Andrew Jackson (President #7) Two pistols were wielded by the would-be assassin but both misfired.
8) James Madison (President #4) He weighed less than 100 lbs. was just 5’4” tall.
9) Thomas Jefferson. (President #3) The committee consisted of Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman but in the end the committee decided to entrust Jefferson alone with the final draft.
10) James Monroe (President #5) He received all but one Electoral Vote.
11) Martin Van Buren (President #8)
12) William Henry Harrison (President #9) His grandson Benjamin Harrison was elected in 1888.
13) John Tyler (President #10) He had eight children with his first wife and seven children with his second wife.
14) James K. Polk (President #11)
15) Zachary Taylor (President #12) He was a military hero from the War of 1812 through the Mexican War.
16) Millard Fillmore (President #13) His wife Abigail Powers Fillmore was two years older.
17) Zachary Taylor (President #12) Sarah and Jefferson married in 1835 but she died three months later from malaria.
18) Milliard Fillmore (President #13)
19) Franklin Pierce (President #14) Franklin and his wife Jane had three sons. None of whom survived to adulthood.
20) James Buchanan (President #15) His niece Harriet Rebecca “Hal” Lane Johnston, the daughter of his sister, served in the role of First Lady.
21) Abraham Lincoln (President #16)
22) Franklin Pierce (President #14) Instead they nominated James Buchanan (President #15)
23) Andrew Johnson (President #17)
24) James Buchanan (President #15) The photo taken in 1857 is now in the Library of Congress.
25) Abraham Lincoln (President #16) He invented a flotation device for steamboats.
26) Ulysses S. Grant (President #18)
27) Rutherford B. Hayes (President #19) Having received a minority of both popular vote and uncontested electoral votes the matter was decided in the U.S. House of Representatives.
28) Grover Cleveland (President #22) He served from 1885-1889 and again from 1893-1897.
29) Ulysses S. Grant (President #18)
30) James A. Garfield. (President #20) Four months into his Presidency he was shot by Charles Guiteau. Guiteau was disgruntled because he had contacted the President several times seeking a government job and had received no response.
31) Benjamin Harrison (President #23)
32) William McKinley (President #25) He was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz. Czolgosz received a speedy trial and was executed six weeks after McKinley’s death.
33) Theodore Roosevelt (President #26) He was 42 years old when he assumed the office after the assassination of William McKinley (President #25) J.F.K is the youngest man to be ELECTED President at the age of 43.
34) Woodrow Wilson (President #28)
35) William H. Taft (President #27) Taft is most remembered for being the largest President weighing in at 335 pounds.
36) Calvin Coolidge (President #30) Born July 04, 1872.
37) Harry S. Truman (President #33) He was also the only twentieth century United States President to have never earned a college degree.
38) Herbert Hoover (President #31) He was born in West Branch, Iowa.
39) Dwight D. Eisenhower (President #34)
40) Gerald R. Ford (President #38) After the resignation of Spiro Agnew Ford was sworn in as the new Vice President and after the resignation of Richard Nixon he was sworn in as President.
41) George H.W. Bush (President #41)
42) William “Bill” J. Clinton (President 42)
43) Gerald R. Ford (President #38) His parents were divorced shortly after his birth and in 1916 his mother remarried a man named Gerald Rudolph Ford. President Ford spelled his adopted name slightly differently.
44) George W. Bush (President #43)
45) Donald J. Trump (President #45) He was 70 years old beating out Ronald Reagan’s (President #40) old record who was elected at the age of 69.

Fairytale Art Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:01:00 +0000

Kids, tweens, and teens county-wide are invited to create a fairytale creature out of any media, pencil drawing, watercolor, clay, or recycled material

Email a jpg or bmp photo of you and your creature or just the creature to: fairytaleart@whitco.lib.wa.us anytime from June 26 to July 3.

A virtual art show of all creations and announcement of 5 random prize winners on www.whitco.lib.wa.us and Whitman County Library social media by July 10.

Questions? Call Nichole at 509-397-4366 or email nichole@whitco.lib.wa.us

Summer (e)Reading: Imagine Your Story from Beach Reads to Fairy Tales Reimagined

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 23:45:00 +0000

Kids, Solve a Mystery with Sherlock Holmes!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 21:00:00 +0000

Traveling Lantern Theatre for Kids! Solve a mystery with the world's most famous detective, Mr. Sherlock Homes and his trusted companion Dr. Watson.

Friends of WCL invite you to enjoy an online play, “Sherlock Holmes Takes the Case,” by the educational and inventive Traveling Lantern.

Contact any WCL branch to obtain your video key to access this mystery play to be viewed anytime from June 14-21. This program is brought to you by the Pioneer Title Co.

Be entered to win a free book by sending a picture of you watching the show to www.travelinglantern.com.

Call WCL toll free, 1-877-733-3375 or email info@whitco.lib.wa.us to obtain your password for the video. Visit Traveling Lantern's website and click on the virtual performances link. You may view the play as many times as you wish prior to 4:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 21.

Contact us at 509-397-4366 or info@whitco.lib.wa.us to receive a code to access the online play June 14-21.

Everybody Reads Set for Fall 2021

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 20:00:00 +0000

Our Popular Everybody Reads Program is Postponed, but You Can Still Get an Early Start on the Book!

After careful consideration, the Everybody Reads community reading program has been rescheduled due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 outbreak. The featured selection, Matthew Sullivan’s novel, “Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore” and local appearances by Sullivan across the Palouse and L-C Valley have been moved to the fall of 2021.

Whitman County Library staffer and Everybody Reads committee member Sarah Phelan-Blamires says,

“The decision was difficult but it ultimately came down to the health of our patrons and community, especially those at high risk.”

Phelan-Blamires adds that while the program is delayed, extra copies of the books will arrive this summer allowing community members more time to read the book. For more information or to secure a copy, please contact Sarah Phelan-Blamires at 509-397-4366 or sarahp@whitco.lib.wa.us.

Congratulations to Our STEM Kit Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 20:26:00 +0000

Abbygail Thaut of Colfax, our May STEM winner,
is showing off her prize

Bria Schultheis of Colton's Guardian Angel St.
Bonafice School was our June winner

Congratulations to Abbygail & Bria, our brown bag stem kit drawing winners!

Abbygail is pictured first with her prize from Schweitzer Engineering Labs & Bria second, showing the marble run she designed from the Marble STEM kit. Whitman County Library put together over 2000 STEM bags for local students and homeschoolers.

Curbside Pickup Available this Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 20:50:00 +0000

While Whitman County has moved to Phase 3 of Governor Inslee’s plan for reopening, The Washington Department of Health has instructed libraries to wait for additional Safe Start guidelines specific to library operations before opening buildings to the public.

Curbside pickup of books, movies, and other materials will begin on Friday, June 12 at Whitman County branches. Items can also be mailed directly to patrons' homes and all book drops are now open.

Thank you to the McGregor Co. for providing WCL staff with face shields

Local library officials are following state and CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of all staff and customers including the quarantining of library materials for 72 hours before re-circulating.

Summer Reading programs are also under way for all ages. Reading logs, activities-to-go, and online programs vary by location so contact your branch by phone during their regularly scheduled hours.

For more information on requesting materials to be picked up curbside, Summer Reading programs, or branch hours and contact information, visit www.whitco.lib.wa.us, call 509-397-4366 or email info@whitco.lib.wa.us.

Discover the Great Outdoors with Whitman County Library

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 19:05:00 +0000

What will you discover?

Looking for an outdoor adventure in this time of social distancing? Whitman County Library is now providing eight Discover Passes available for one to two weeks checkout!

Thanks to a program called "Check Out Washington," limited-edition Discover Passes allow borrowers access to millions of acres of state parks and other state public lands. These passes are included in an activities backpack that contains binoculars, field guides, various interpretive materials, and local county trails and roads.

Patrons have a new option when they check out books and DVDs they also can check out Washington's great outdoors!

The passes are provided in partnership with Washington State Parks, Washington State Library, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, and Department of Natural Resources.

While the library is still closed, contact us 509-397-4366 or visit our catalog to request a Discover Pass today!

Libby in New Languages and Help for Those with Learning Disorders

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 22:45:00 +0000

We’re delighted to announce that Libby is now available in the following languages:

Spanish
Simplified & Traditional Chinese
French
German
Russian
Italian
Japanese
Swedish

Libby also offers a dyslexic friendly font, learn how!

If a user’s device is set to one of the languages above, Libby will automatically display in that language. Users can toggle Libby’s display by updating the language setting on their device.

Need help when the tech librarian isn't available? Visit help.libbyapp.com to answer all your ebook questions!

With this release, Libby also made improvements to Libby's reader and audio player in all languages, including more intuitive controls for playback speed and the sleep timer. Watch a brief tutorial here.

Happy reading,

Whitman County Library

Summer Reading 2020: Imagine Your Story!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 20:26:00 +0000

We have been busy planning and getting creative to provide YOU with fun reading challenges, online programs, and grab-and-go activities in this time

You can print your Summer Reading forms at home or access them online. If you finish before we are open, you can mail in your finished form to the Colfax Library at 102 S. Main St., drop it in the book drop, or email a digital copy to info@whitco.lib.wa.us

Gloria Lauhoff Honored as Supporter of the Month for May 2020

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 23:26:00 +0000

Whitman County Library Staff with Friend of the Library & Supporter of the Month, Gloria Lauhoff.

Gloria Lauhoff was honored as Library Supporter of the Month for May. Gloria has been a dedicated and active member of the Friends of the Library and recently donated 50 masks to protect library staff and patrons during the Coronavirus crisis.

The Staff, Friends and Board of Whitman County Library present this monthly award as a way of recognizing the generous donors and volunteers who make an important impact in their libraries and communities. To see the complete list of those recognized to date, click here or contact Kristie Kirkpatrick at 509-397-4366.

Come on down to the Colfax Library's Reading Obstacle Course!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 May 2020 21:23:00 +0000

Spin, jump, skip, and more! If you happen to stop by after it rains, be sure to try again as we will keep our reading obstacle course going for the community!

Feel free to post photos or videos on our Facebook page of you completing the course. Be sure to social distance and be safe.

STEM Kits - Email to WIN by June 1st

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 May 2020 22:15:00 +0000

Whitman County Students Liam & Jovie Dawson show off their STEM kit creation