Author – Spokane County Library District

Becoming Nontraditional: Books & resources for returning to school

Posted in Business and Careers, Explore and Discover, For You, Parents and Teachers, Teens on January 20, 2015 at 6:00 am

By Jane Baker When my son graduated from high school there was no way he was stepping on the college train the following fall. He had spent the most of his childhood education struggling to conform to the public school system. He’s a smart kid, just not one who learns best under the traditional American […]

Eagle-Spotting For Beginners

Posted in Explore and Discover, For You on December 10, 2014 at 6:00 am

By Jane Baker One of the best gifts we receive during the holidays, here in the Northwest, is the annual visit of the eagles to Lake Coeur d’Alene. A lot has been written locally about the eagle watch, and rightfully so. To live in the area and miss the yearly visit is an opportunity lost. […]

Library Hack: Whose Library Is It Anyway?

Posted in Explore and Discover, For You on November 12, 2014 at 6:00 am

by Jane Baker When I first came to work at the library nearly three years ago, many of my friends thought I was crazy. “Libraries are dead,” some said, or, “they have no funding.” “I didn’t know the County had a library,” said others. Several community members commented, “the library is Spokane’ […]

Tags: library hacks

Zipping The Light Fantastic

Posted in Explore and Discover, For You, Prime Time on October 2, 2014 at 6:00 am

By Jane Baker I’ve always been a bit of a workaholic. My parents were raised during the Great Depression and instilled a strong work ethic that, while good, doesn’t always jive with today’s goal of the work/life balance. However, it’s that same rush of accomplishment I thrive on in my work life that I seek […]

I Love/Hate Social Media

Posted in Business and Careers, Explore and Discover, For You, Prime Time on August 28, 2014 at 6:00 am

By Jane Baker Wow. The first known use was in 2004! In ten short years, there has been an explosion of social media platforms. Today, everywhere, people are posting photos and videos, checking-in, and sharing info. It’s even been suggested that the word “social” could be dropped, as this form of communication is the traditional m […]

Genius of Dogs

Posted in Explore and Discover, For You, Prime Time on August 14, 2014 at 6:00 am

By Jane Baker It was a snowy day just before Christmas; on the slick drive home from the Spokane Humane Society, I passed an overturned Ford Bronco and my knuckles whitened as I gripped the steering wheel. It was so appropriate that I wanted to name the little pale pup in the cardboard box next […]

Living in a Screen Saver: learning to love hiking with my dog

Posted in Explore and Discover, For You, Prime Time on July 29, 2014 at 6:00 am

By Jane Baker Other than the trail being uphill and I being a bit out-of-shape, I had stepped into a screen saver, surrounded by a lush green forest and the spring run-off rushing down the stream providing the perfect soundtrack for the splendid setting. My legs were beginning to ache as it seemed like I […]

Best. Massage. Ever.

Posted in Explore and Discover, For You, Prime Time on July 9, 2014 at 6:00 am

by Jane Baker I may have fallen asleep, although I didn’t mean to. The light breeze from the ceiling fan cooled my skin as massaging hands kneaded away at the muscles underneath, the sweet scent of frangipani, soft trickling of a nearby waterfall, then…a rooster. I opened my eyes, focusing on the perfectly manicured toes […]

Author: Jane Baker