Writers Extol Local Libraries - Augmented by Free Online Libraries

A recent writer's-list poll, at Internet Writers Workshop, showed local libraries all across the country is increasing, especially at libraries that keep abreast of changing technology, and factor it into their offerings.

The responses also showed that writers, especially historical fiction writers can't do without libraries, and in this rapidly changing technology-driven environment -- and even with the advantage of interlibrary loan -- local libraries may not have the information they're looking for.

Fortunately, there are online resources, free for everyone, such as:

• The Free Library Boasting of 19,052,599 articles and books, it is an amazing resource that allows visitors to search academic journals by subject, where they can also gaining insight into current academic research, as well as find quotes from diaries and bibliographies, and more books to hunt down. The Free Library by Farlex
• Open Library is another excellent resource used extensively by writers.

The writers concluded that, although wonderful free on-line libraries may augment and enhance your library experience, they should not replace local library use - only augment.

Please keep supporting your local library!

"Food for Fines" Month at Endicott Branch Library, Endicott, Wash.

Are you looking for a quick way to clear up some old library fines or just want to contribute to the food bank?  February is Food for Fines month at Endicott Branch Library, 324 E. St. Endicott, Wash.  Non-perishable food can be brought in any time we are open and Laura is happy to waive up to $10 in fines.

Library hours are Tuesday 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Council on Aging Assistant at Endicott, Wash., February 14, 2012

Endicott Branch Library on Tuesday, February 14, 2012, Marie Fowler from the Council on Aging will continue her monthly visits to answer questions on government benefits, insurance and related topics for senior citizens.


This confidential, unbiased help is available to everyone. She will be at the Endicott Library the second Tuesday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and can extend her visits for scheduled appointments. For more information or to schedule a special time contact Marie at 509-397-4305 or 368-1996.

Malden Branch Whitman County Library and Community Center Help Banish Cabin Fever

Is cabin fever setting in? Malden Library & Community Center is ready to help. The library houses over 1500 books, movies, cd’s, and magazines, along with nine computers for public use. Library hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library’s website is available 24/7, visit www.whitco.lib.wa.us for a variety of information and to request from the catalog.

Do you know any body that needs their G.E.D.? Beginning February 10, G.E.D. Preparatory class is once again available at the Malden Library. Every Friday in February from 9:30 a.m. to Noon, the library hosts a R.A.C.E. sponsored prep class at no cost to the student. For more information please contact Kathy Wilkes, (509) 850-6492.

Malden “Knit Wits” is always happy to have new faces. The group has people in every stage of beginner to advance and everyone is welcome. The group meets every Tuesday at the home of Joyce Darou from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. contact Librarian Shannon at 569-3771 for more information about any of our programs for all ages.

WSU Faculty Recpetion at Dahmen Barn Gallery, February 5, 2012

“The Other Side,” an eclectic exhibition opens with reception, February 5, 2012 at Artisans at the Dahmen Barn, 419 N. Parkway, Uniontown, Wash.

Washington State University will be introducing an innovative new school combining the Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture and Construction Management programs this fall.

The exibit in Uniontown's premier gallery will feature creative expressions of many of the WSU new school’s faculty members, including watercolor, sketches, photography, bronze sculptures, fiber arts, and mixed-media paintings.

Artisans at the Dahmen Barn Gallery is proud to host the exhibit. The opening reception will be held on Sunday, February 5, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the artists present. The exhibit runs through February 26, 2012.

Participating Artists include:

• Kerry Brooks, Landscape Architecture, Spokane, WA, Landscape Photography
• Jeff Filler, Construction Management, Moscow, ID, Editorial Photography
• Talieh Ghane, Interior Design, Spokane, WA, Bronze Sculpture & Silkscreen
• Linda Johnson, Interior Design, Pullman, WA, Fiber Arts
• Bob Krikac, Interior Design, Colfax, WA, Architectural Travel Sketching
• Taiji Miyasaka, Architecture, Pullman, WA, Photography
• Kathleen Ryan, Interior Design, Pullman, WA, Photography
• Carrie Vielle, Interior Design, Colfax, WA, Mixed-Media Painting
• David Wang, Architecture, Spokane, WA, Oil Pastel

 Artisans at the Dahmen Barn is a 501c3 non-profit creativity center located in Uniontown in the big white barn behind the famous iron wheel fence. The facility is fully handicap accessible and has no daily admission fee. Information: http://www.artisanbarn.org/ or 509-229-3414.

Rockford Exxon Station Receives Copies of New Regional Newspaper

 

Free copies of Volume 1 Issue 1 of "the Current" a monthly newspaper published at Liberty Lake, Wash., by Josh Johnson, were dropped off at Rockford Exxon this morning, for customers to take

The first issue, consisting of 28 pages, features "Citizen of the Year", "Cruisin for Coffee", and "Kids Zone!"

Also inside, readers find diverse topics such as, "Having a Heart for Homeless Students,"  and articles about Valley school districts levy, 3 UP – 3 DOWN, which lists at a glance upcoming events, a historical article featuring Dishman, a community calendar consisting of events and dates supplied to the editor by various communities, and much, much more.

The first issue includes an a Calendar, Southeast Spokane County Fair planning meeting at Rockford City Hall, 20 W. Emma St., 7 p.m., February 6, 2012, along with 7 other announcements, through March 9^th.

Another fine article - a 'must-read' for coffee lovers - details area businesses that feature coffee, and includes five companies and descriptions of some of their specialties.

All in all, this paper is a fine example of good news coverage of the surrounding area that's sure to be welcomed in many households. Subscription fees for those wishing delivery to their mailbox are a modest $12 for 12 issues ($24 outside of Spokane or Kootenia Counties.)

"The newspaper is distributed by or before the 1^st of the month to more than 150 drop-off locations that has historically been referred to as part of Spokane's Valley," according to the publisher. Rockford is included, as is Valleyford, where On Sacred Grounds Coffee is the drop-off.

Editor and Publisher Josh Johnson, a journalism graduate of John Brown University is a Valley Chamber board member, and member of the Splash  team since 2004, former opinion page editor, copy editor, reporter, freelancer.

You can read about the people who staff "the CURRENT" at The Splash, another Peridot Publishing LLC community newspaper, locally owned and operated.  There, you'll find Contact Us, an online form to send your message to the publisher.

Send a "Welcome and Best Wishes!" and support this new media venue with your advertisements, too.

Rockford Residents Promoting Spokane Photographer Don Wiley's International Popularity

Spokane photographer, Don Wiley is best known worldwide for his photographs at  Slackwater - Don,  where international visitors leave glowing comments. In response to a Thursday story in The North Palouse Washington e-Newscast about one of his pictures he said, " I genuinely appreciate your interest in my photography."

When a viewer in Rockford heard about Wiley's picture of the historic Water Power pump house building, built by Washington Water Power in 1916-1917 in Rockford, word spread throughout the town like wild-fire. By evening, it seemed like everyone was talking about the picture Wiley took in Rockford, and were sending the Slackwater - Don link to friends far and near.

 

"I appreciate the added attention since visitors who enjoy our pictures are the reason we keep taking picture and posting them. The fun aside from taking the pictures, which comes first, is the involvement with other amateur photographers all over the world.  Pictures transcend the political barriers and help us understand that people everywhere share the same fundamental interests that show up in their pictures," Wiley said.

"Photo blogging provides a fun hobby that I've enjoyed for a number of years.  I now have something over 1,000 images on my photo blog site. These can be seen by clicking on Archive over any picture where all the pictures are listed by category," Wiley said in an email interview.

"Typically, I shoot landscapes but include a few of everything.  I always shoot from the road since I don't want to invade any one's property.  Each Tuesday I post a barn picture in support of a meme devoted to nothing but barn pictures.  Mine come from all over the northwest.

One needs only to visit Wiley's website   to appreciate his talent and devotion to sharing pictures that speak volumes.

"Thanks for the publicity. I liked what you wrote about my photography and the pictures of the old Water Works Pump House in Rockford," Wiley said.

The final photograph of that series appeared on his website today. Viewers from around the world say,

"Thank you, Slackwater - Don!"

To enjoy photography from around the world, or to share your photography, visit a community of photographers .
.

Librarian Linda Jones Invites Preschoolers to Endicott Branch of Whitman County Library

Linda Jones became Librarian of the Endicott Branch of Whitman County Library  in November, 2011. The new librarian invites preschoolers to join her at Library, 324 E Street, for the fun of Storytime every Friday at 10:00 a.m. when school is in session.

The size of the Storytime group continues to increase. Children and occassional visitors come to the library at 324 E Street, Endicott, Wash., where they enjoy stories and crafts. On Corgi Day, a special dog and her human told the legends of the corgis and fairies at Storytime.

February themes include holidays and special letters.

Jones moved from Eastern Oregon to Endicott, Wash., in September 2011.

Whitman County Recycling Educational Event, January 31, 2012

The Palouse Branch Library will host a three-part recycling educational event Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., presented by Whitman County and Latah County Recycling. CClasses open to all ages.

The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) at the Palouse Library, 120 E. Main St, class will be presented by Judy Dunn-Gray, and will be the first of three classes that will be presented at the Palouse Library on the subject of recycling and reuse.

In the second class,Tuesday, February 21, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., students will learn about "think before you toss".

If you fancy turning your trash into treasure, then come along to this workshop. You will learn about taking items destined for the trash and repurposing them into pieces of art and fashion.

In the final class, Tuesday, March 27 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the residents of Palouse will learn about yard-waste, along with a worm composting system to recycle food waste, and produce rich organic compost while reducing your garbage.

The collaborative objectives of Moscow Recycling and Whitman County Recycling, along with other concerned citizen groups from Latah and Whitman County, have streamlined access to sources of information and goods and services relating to sustainable living.

This group known as "A Greener Palouse" is devoted to providing classes that help all age groups develop a better understanding of why lifestyle changes are beneficial to the community at large and connect our citizens with possible volunteer opportunities of organizations that are already making remarkable strides towards a sustainable community.

Refreshments will be served. For more information about the event, contact Bev Pearce at (509) 878-1513. or visit, Coming Event calendar. .

Free Fitness Classes Begin January 30, 2012 in Palouse Community Center

Beginning Monday, January 30, 2012, Tiana Gregg is leading an exercise class called "Free Fitness" in our beautiful new community center at 220 E. Main Street, Palouse, Wash.

Classes will be held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 5;00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

It will be a combination of light aerobics, yoga and weightlifting. If you don't have small free weights, you can still do the exercises, but a yoga mat is recommended for the floor work.

Renting the space costs $7.50, so participants are asked to please bring a buck or two. Any extra money will be donated to the PCC.

Hope to see you there, bright and early!

New Community Center in Palouse, Wash., Available For Events

The brand new Palouse Community Center at 220 E. Main Street, in Palouse, Wash., offers a fine place for events and meetings.

Minimum rental period is 2 hours, and can be either with our without use of the kitchen. Palouse residents can rent the facility at half the cost to non-residents. A refundable security/damage deposit of $125.00 required, and all rental policies and procedures are subject to change.

Call (509) 595-0641 for reservations or more information. If there is no answer, leave a message on the answering machine to have your call returned.

Colton Branch Library Strives to Fill All Requests

Whitman County Colton Branch Library, Colton, Wash., does its best to fill all requests and has agreements with thousands of other United States libraries to share books. Librarian Holly Meyer is glad to request items, or show you how to use the Whitman County Library online catalog.

Now that the hectic holiday season has come to an end, take some time to relax with a good book from the Colton Library.


The after school program at the Colton Library, 760 Broadway Ave., 3rd Thursday, is January 19, 2012.

"Looking for non-print items? CDs, books on CD, new release DVDs, and downloadable audio and ebooks are all free with your library card. Check out our diverse selection at www.whitco.lib.wa.us or call 229-3887," Librarian Holly Meyer said. "We're located at 706 Broadway (which is Main Street). You can't miss it!"
 
Storytime at the Colton Library will focus on numbers in the months of January and February. Mondays, at 10:30 a.m., Librarian Holly leads counting fun with stories, snacks, and other activities. Children ages 1-6 are welcome to attend. Click "Like" us on Facebook for program announcements and pictures, she said.

Colton library hours are: Monday 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and Thursday 2:30-6:30 p.m.

"This month we are making gingerbread houses out of graham crackers. Children from kindergarten to 6th grade are welcome to join in the fun at 3:15 pm. A snack will be provided by the Friends of the Colton Library, Librarian Holly Meyer said.

Planning Meeting Scheduled January 19, 2012 in Palouse, Wash.

Palouse Planning

Agenda

1/19/2012 7pm

Call to order
Roll call
Approval of minutes from last meeting
New business
City Council Matters
Old Business
Work Session:Discuss and start findings of fact for all Title changes.
Adjournmenta) Discussion of allowing less than 750 sq. foot homes. Time limited discussion.
§
　Criteria for the conditional permitting. a. a. Stephen Bishop to discuss process for code revisions.Minutes corrections and approval for 12/6/2011 minutes.
　

Farmington, Wash., Branch Libary Provides Programs For All Ages

Librarian, Rose Anderson, and area preschoolers meet for Storytime learning and fun Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m., at the Whitman County Farmington Branch Library in the Community Center-City Hall-Library, in Farmington, Wash.

"Keep up on all our programs on Facebook at Farmingtion Washington Library, or call (509) 287-2035," Rose said.

Embodied in a friendly atmosphere in the cozy library, in addition to books and other media, it has programs for all ages. Team Club for school age kids meets every 3rd Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m., and the adult program, "Moms Night Out," happens at 7:00 p.m., the 2nd Thursday of the month.

Located in the large, vintage building on Main Street, Farmington Library is on the main floor, at the right-hand-end of the hall. Hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m.

"A Bucket of Dirt Clods," by Sue Ellis, Published in "Front Porch Review"

"A Bucket of Dirt Clods," by Sue Ellis, was recently reprinted by Front Porch Review. Ellis' story was first published January 13, 2011 in Poor Mojo's Almanac(k) as Rant #521. Ellis' story is an insightful bit of history of life on the rolling Palouse farmland of southeastern Washington.

Ellis delivered mail to 180 households on a 92-mile rural route at Rockford, Wash., during 1980-1989. On January, 2010, Christian Science Monitor published Ellis', "Memories of a Rural Mail Carrier."

Reception For Photographer Richard Slover, January 20, 2012

"Scene Around - Photos of the Palouse and Northwest," by photographer Richard Slover, is featured at On Sacred Grounds Coffee at 12212 E Palouse Hwy. in Valleyford, Wash.,  throughout the month of January.

A reception will be held for Richard on January 20, 2012, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Proprietor, Elaine Rising will provide free refreshments.

Valleyford Senior Souper Supper, January 18, 2012

Senior Souper Supper,  January, 18, 2012, 6:15 p.m.  Everyone 50+ welcome to enjoy camaraderie and great food at Valleyford Community Church, Madison St, Valleyford, Wash. This month's featured soup is bean/pea/lentil.

Bring a can (to be combined with others) or bring a pot of your specialty soup. Bread, desserts and drinks provided.

Rockford Women's Club to EnjoyTea Party, January 17, 2012

Rockford Women's Club January 17, 2012,  plans changed. The business meeting will be replaced by an evening tea party, hosted by Patty LaShaw. Members will bring teacups and saucers, which will later be taken home by a member for special use at the Mother-Daughter hat party next spring.

Senior Souper at Fairfield Community Center, January 17, 2012

January 17, 2012, 12:00 p.m. Senior Souper at Fairfield Community Center, corner of Main and Johnson.

Bring a friend, and enjoy great food and commaraderie.

Bring Your Sketch Pad or Easel & Join the Fun!

January 18, 2012, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Heidi and Friends Art Club  at On Sacred Grounds Coffee, 12212 E Palouse Hwy. (Palouse Hwy. and Madison) Valleyford. Wash.

Bring your sketch pad or easel join the fun!

Chat With Randy Russell, Freeman School Superintendent, January 19, 2012

January 19, 2012, 12:30 p.m. Soup with Sup -- Randy Russell, Freeman School Superintendent at On Sacred Grounds for a Q & A about the upcoming replacement levy. Corner of Palouse Hwy., and Madison, Valleyford. Wash.

The levy amount has been set at $1.4 million for 2012-2014 and 2015. For more information, visit http://www.freemansd.org/ or call (509) 291-3695.

The 3-year Replacement Education Programs and Operaton Levy is on the February 14, 2012 ballot. It renews and replaces the district's curent educational programs and operation levy which expires in December 2012.

Senior Souper Supper at Valleyford, Wash., January 18, 2012

Senior Souper Supper, January 18, 2012. Meets at 6:15 p.m. and eat at 6:30 p.m. Valleyford Community Church for those 50 years and older. Come together for good fellowship. Bring a can (or pot) of bean/pea/lentil soup, or a dessert. Fresh baked bread and beverage provided.


All extra canned goods are donated to Spokane Valley Food Bandk. Inormation, (509) 926-2142.


http://www.valleyfordchurch.com/

Music Fest at Latah, Washington January 14, 2012

The Town of Latah is hosting a Music Fest featuring 6 local musicians and the Liberty Jazz Band, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2012 at the Latah Creek Merchant building. 

Everyone welcome!

Author Brooke Moss Book Signing at Library in Palouse, Wash., January 13, 2012

Local author Brooke Moss will speak and sign books at the Palouse Library, Friday, January 13, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. 

The “What If Guy” , published by Entangled Publishing, August 2011, is Contemporary Romance /Women's Fiction. Length: 274 pages. The novel is about single mother Autumn Cole, and about after losing her job at a swanky Seattle art gallery and finding out her father has been hospitalized, she reluctantly returns to her tiny hometown of Fairfield, Washington to put the pieces of her life back together.

Moss will share the stories behind her novel, The “What If Guy”, and how her own experiences living in Fairfield influenced her characters.

When Brooke isn't spinning tales, she spends her time drawing/cartooning, reading two books a week, watching movies then comparing them to books, and of course, wrangling four kids, one hubby she lovingly refers to as her "nerd", and attempting to conquer the Mount Everest of laundry that is the bane of her existence.

Delicious refreshments will be served. To request The “What If Guy” from the library or for more information about Moss' presentation, contact Bev Pearce at 509-878-1513, or visit the Coming Event calendar

Hangman Creek Chamber of Commerce & Local VFW Meetings, January 12, 2012

January 12, 2012, 11:30 a.m. Hangman Creek Chamber of Commerce will meet at Tom Sawyer Country Coffee, 9226 S. Hangman Valley Rd., Spokane, Wash.  Call Cheryl, 283-2414. 

That evening, at 7:00 p.m., the local VFW and Auxiliary, which includes Palouse area towns near Fairfield, will meet in the Fairfield Community Center, corner of Main and Johnson.

Washington Wolf Recovery Program at On Sacred Grounds Coffee, Valleyford, Wash., January 10, 2012

Larry Whitesitt will present, "Washington Wolf Recovery Program" January 10, 2012, 2:00 p.m., at On Sacred Grounds Coffee, corner of Madison and Palouse Hwy., in Valleyford, Wash.

Malden Library Stocks 1500 Entertainment Options and Serves as "The Place to Meet"

If you need something to do while you wait for spring, the Malden branch of the Whitman County Library has 1500 options on the shelf.  There are books, movies, and music for all ages and tastes.

Come in Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. or Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and take a look.

If you can’t find what you are looking for, just ask Librarian Shannon Roe or browse the catalog at one of our nine public computers or at home and order what you need.

The library website, www.whitco.lib.wa.us also offers hundreds of useful links for information and entertainment.

Children’s story time is each Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. Programs follow a theme and include stories, games, crafts and fun.

Programs and events are updated constantly on our Facebook page, just “like” our page, Malden Library & Community Center.

Residents of Malden have been great at supporting their Library. You can become a Friend of the Malden Library for as little as $10, or by donating to the Malden children's programs.

Several local meeting are held each month in the library.  The Malden Town Council meeting is held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. and is open to the public.  Malden Fence Menders, the booster club in Malden, meets at the library the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

If you are interested in becoming a Fence Mender or finding out what they are doing please contact Librarian Shannon at 569-3771.

Can't Shoot Straight Camera Club at Valleyford, Wash., January 12, 2012

January 12, 2011, 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., Can't Shoot Straight Camera Club, will meet at On Sacred Grounds Coffee, at the corner of Palouse Hwy. and Madison, Valleyford. Wash. Come and join the fun!

Gar-Pal High School Senior Projects Need Judges

Judges are still needed for the Gar-Pal H.S. Senior Projects.  Contact Mr. Akin at the high school for information 878-1921.

The following dates are available; you may do one night or multiple nights. 

Weds, Jan 11^th, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 

 Thurs, Jan 12^th, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
 Thurs, Jan 19^th, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
 Thurs, Feb 2^nd, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
 Weds, March 7^th, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thurs, March 8^th, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 

If you've already agreed to judge one of these evenings, please email Noel Akin (nakin@garpal.net) to re-confirm.

Thanks everyone for all you do for our students and schools!

Palouse Women Artists Organization Exhibits “Artful Accessories” January 5-29, 2012 in Uniontown Cultural Center

“Artful Accessories” by the Palouse Women Artists Organization opens at Artisans at the Dahmen Barn January 5 and continues through January 29th. An opening reception will be held January 8th from 1pm to 3pm.

The Palouse Women Artists Organization is a group of women from the Palouse region and consists of skilled as well as beginning artists. The group formed in 2009 and encourages new artists to join. They generally pick a theme then each member creates a piece in keeping with that topic. Past themes have been Homage to Women, Artists' Joy, The Road Less Traveled and recycled chairs.

Over 25 women from the Palouse Women Artists Organization are contributing to this exhibit. Work consists of functional and wearable artful accessories and also decorative 2-D and 3-D works with an artful accessory theme. Watercolors, collages, linocut prints, felted purses and artfully decorated shoes are just a few of the items on display. All items are for sale.

Artisans at the Dahmen Barn is a 501c3 non-profit creativity center in Uniontown in the big white barn behind the famous iron wheel fence.  The three storey facility is fully handicap accessible and has no daily admission fee.  Winter hours are Thursday through Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.  Information:  www.artisanbarn.org or 509-229-3414.

Steve Vanek 2011 Christmas Lighting Contest Winner at Valleyford

The Clarion reported that Hangman Creek Chamber of Commerce judges declared Steve Vanek's display at 12112 Atlanta, Valleyford, Wash., a first place winner of  their 2011 Christmas Lighting Contest.