Author – Spokane County Library District

May Reading Challenge on Beanstack Brings You Outstanding AAPI Titles

Posted in News on May 5, 2021 at 6:00 am

BY GWENDOLYN HALEY This May, we are honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a series of reading challenges on Beanstack. Sign up for the reading challenge to get recommended reading, resources, and reflection questions tailored to specific age groups: kids in grades K–5, grades 6–8, 9–12, and adults. You can get […]

2021 Discover Passes available for curbside pickup

Posted in News on February 25, 2021 at 4:30 am

BY GWENDOLYN HALEY We have good news for all who enjoy nature and the outdoors! The 2021 Check Out Washington Discover Passes have arrived at the library. You can explore millions of acres of state parks and public lands. The Check Out Washington backpack includes binoculars, field guides, other interpretive materials, and a special Discover […]

Seed packet bundles available for curbside pickup

Posted in News on February 24, 2021 at 6:00 am

BY GWENDOLYN HALEY The days are getting longer, and spring is on our minds. We want to help you get started with your gardening by sharing seed packet bundles. We’ve prepackaged all the seeds from our seed libraries along with helpful gardening tips and some fun gardening activities for all ages. Each bundle contains an […]

New STEM Explorer Kits offer hands-on activities for students in grades K–5

Posted in News on February 22, 2021 at 6:00 am

BY GWENDOLYN HALEY You may have already checked out the Ready for School with STEM kits for younger children (ages 3–5) from the library. Or perhaps you’ve borrowed our Snap Circuits set for elementary school students. We have heard positive reviews from library customers for both of these kits. In response, we are pleased to […]

’Tis the season for streaming holiday music from hoopla

Posted in Explore and Discover on December 2, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley It’s a contentious and potentially divisive subject: When does the Christmas and holiday music season start? Is it okay to play holiday music before Thanksgiving? Before Halloween? In July!? Personally, I find that my preference for holiday music depends upon the year. Sometimes I am fully ready to dive in as soon […]

Tags: holidays, hoopla, music

Kids’ choice: Read & vote for a chance to win!

Posted in kids, News on November 4, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley Reading experts agree that choice plays an essential role in developing a lifelong love of reading. So if you want to raise a reader, let your child choose the books they read. Kids get to pick the winners of the Readers Choice Book Awards—a built-in motivator to read! This year, we’re encouraging […]

Reach your reading goals with the Online Summer Reading Challenge

Posted in News, Uncategorized on June 1, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley Reading is a great way to exercise your brain cells. For kids, reading helps them retain learning, which is especially helpful over the summer months. No matter your age, reading can be enjoyable, informative, and even a way to grow closer to family and friends when you read together. Reach your reading […]

Prime Time Family Reading: Thoughtful reading activities that deepen family connections

Posted in News, Parents and Teachers on April 28, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley FAMILY READING Now that school has moved online, parents and children are probably ready for a community learning experience. Prime Time Family Reading provides this. Prime Time Family Reading is a 6-session program during which time we read aloud and then we discuss the books, their themes, and insights. The books cover […]

Let’s keep reading: Take the Spring Reading Challenge

Posted in News on April 2, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley Here we are in week three of “homeschooling” or what my youngest calls “keep practicing to not rot your brain.” My family of five has been together nonstop for the longest period of time since… ever. And it’s a struggle. It’s a struggle for my husband and me to work from home […]

Discussing difficult topics with children

Posted in kids, Parents and Teachers on March 11, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley I have found that parenting includes the need to have difficult conversations with children. My family recently lost a beloved dog, Pepe, who had been with us for over 14 years. He was an old dog and spent more and more of his time resting and sleeping. So while we were prepared […]

Author: Gwendolyn Haley