Explore and Discover

New Stay Sharp Kits: More Activities to Help Support Those Facing Memory Loss

Posted on May 16, 2024 at 6:30 am

The library has eight new, themed Stay Sharp Kits available to check out, making a total of 19 different themed kits in our collection. Stay Sharp Kits have been put together with activities that can be used with individuals who are experiencing memory loss or other cognitive issues related to dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other memory disorde […]

8+ Ideas for Unwinding During Stress Awareness Month & All Year Long

Posted on April 3, 2024 at 6:00 am

Stress doesn’t just affect the brain. It affects a person’s whole body. The “fight or flight” response can be helpful if you’re in short-term physical danger. But over time, it can damage your health. All the following can cause harmful long-term stress, also known as chronic stress... […]

Bad Decision Books: Just-One-More-Page Reading of Irresistible Stories

Posted on March 21, 2024 at 6:00 am

What was the last book that you made a bad decision in order to read? I’m not asking about the book that made you put off cleaning out the refrigerator. Nearly any book could do that. I’m asking about the last book that made you spectacularly late for work or miss a whole night’s sleep... that magnitude of bad decision. I asked this question […]

Tags: adults, books, reading

Reading Romance: Did These 4 Novels Turn Me into a Romantic?

Posted on March 13, 2024 at 6:00 am

After a rough year, I decided that I would branch out and stretch my preferred reading tastes. Normally, I stick with thrillers and horror. Shockingly (okay, not so shockingly), this doesn’t help my existing anxiety problems. Which genre would I dive into, which felt the scariest? The answer for me was... romance (cue the Twilight Zone theme song […]

Tags: adults, booklists, books, reading, romance

It’s National Craft Month: Get Inspired, Try Something New & Boost Your Creativity

Posted on March 7, 2024 at 6:00 am

March is a wonderful time to learn a new skill or fall back in love with an old favorite. To inspire your crafting muse, visit your library to see an art show! You can see and hear two Irish music groups at our libraries to help fuel your creativity. Take a workshop or check out something from our Library of Things or... […]

Transportation Safety in Our Region: Your Input Can Help How It Is Addressed

Posted on February 28, 2024 at 6:00 am

Safety is something we can all agree is important and a necessity for every human being. No matter where someone is going—to school, work, the grocery store, a park or anywhere—everyone deserves to get to their destination safely. Right now, this is not happening for everyone. See how you can provide input. […]

Ways to Enjoy Nature & the Outdoors with Birdwatching, Beekeeping & Gardening

Posted on February 22, 2024 at 6:00 am

If you’d like to start thinking about spring, planning for your garden, and exploring more of what nature has to offer, then the library has a full slate of programs this spring to help you enjoy the outdoors—including your own backyard. You can enjoy birdwatching, beekeeping, and gardening events that will... […]

Free & Unlimited Streaming Entertainment Means More to Love about the Library

Posted on February 14, 2024 at 6:00 am

This time of year is perfect for stay-at-home movie nights, and the library can help you enjoy entertainment for free with your in-district library card! In fact, we offer two free movie streaming services: Hoopla and Kanopy. Add these to our large selection of DVDs and that gives you over 100,000 free movies, TV series, shorts, and documentaries t […]

Explore the Ice Age Floods That Created the Pacific Northwest’s Breathtaking Geology

Posted on February 7, 2024 at 6:00 am

Guest blogger Don Chadbourne shares the story of the Ice Age Floods, which will be the feature of four presentations focusing on different locations and perspectives at SCLD libraries in February. […]

9 Series That Serve Up a Different Kind of Cozy Mystery

Posted on January 17, 2024 at 6:00 am

By Abra Cole Getting Cozy January and February are full of short days and cold nights, which make for a natural time to rest (hibernation, anyone?). I think this is a great time to get cozy with a hot cocoa and read a new series. So, I’m focusing on the cozy mystery. For me, cozy […]

Fall Prevention Classes Help Improve Quality of Life for Those Age 60+

Posted on January 10, 2024 at 6:00 am

Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall. Even if there is no injury, falls carry a heavy impact to quality of life. Many older adults fear falling, and if the fear is intense, they may limit their activities and social engagements. This can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and fe […]

2023 Library Recap: A Year of Milestones, Progress & Innovation

Posted on December 28, 2023 at 4:00 am

By Jane Baker A library is defined as a building or room containing collections of books, magazines, and other materials for people to read, borrow, or reference. Those who visit our libraries regularly often have warmer descriptions, such as “my happy place” or “heaven on earth.” The range of descriptions in between the dictionary definiti […]

Tags: community, events, milestones

10 Reasons to Try (and Love) Graphic Nonfiction Books

Posted on December 20, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Melissa Rhoades You’ve probably heard the saying “your eyes are bigger than your stomach.” Well, that applies to both my eating and reading habits. I tend to gather far more books than I have time to read. As the book stacks grow in my house, so does my sense of defeat and inadequacy. I […]

Uplifting, Inspiring Stories from the Past Year at Your Library

Posted on December 13, 2023 at 6:00 am

Photo: Rogue Heart Media By Dana Mannino Whenever someone sends the library a thank you note, praises library staff in a comment card, or shares some verbal kudos, we enter that interaction into a database (it’s a very librarian thing to do) so that all staff can see it, making sure those who are being […]

Create Jolly Holiday Gifts & Decorations with Online Classes from Creativebug

Posted on December 6, 2023 at 6:00 am

Experience the joy of making with the library’s digital resource: Creativebug. It offers free, online art and craft classes that you can watch anytime, anywhere. All you need to explore your creativity is... […]

Enjoy Quality Time with Your Family & Friends with Cold Weather Activities

Posted on November 29, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Alison Johnson Winter is a great time to curl up under a blanket with a hot cup of tea and a great book—especially if my dog is curled up too and warming my feet. But if you have an active family with young people like mine, then you might need to have some activities […]

Seasonal Depression: Things That Help Me During the Dark Months

Posted on November 22, 2023 at 6:00 am

The changing of the seasons brings delight with bright colored leaves against a blue sky and the smell of earth as everything starts to decompose in a pleasant way. Unfortunately, this time of year also brings something that I dread—and it isn’t the cinnamon-scented pinecones and brooms that appear at stores (although these are no fun for someo […]

Imagine & Create: 3D Printing at Spokane Valley Library

Posted on November 15, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Abra Cole 3D Printing at Spokane Valley Library A frequently asked question we’ve gotten since the new Spokane Valley Library has opened is: “When will 3D printing return?” Well, I am here to share the good news: 3D printing is back and we’re accepting printing requests! We’re offering STEM programs on how to make […]

Share Your Voice: Opportunity to Volunteer for the Transportation Equity Working Group

Posted on November 7, 2023 at 6:00 am

The Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) is currently recruiting potential participants to come share their voices about transportation topics that directly affect our region and how federal funds are spent. Learn how you can join the Transportation Equity Working Group and let your voice be heard. […]

Admiring Book Art: Imagining Your Own Stories When Viewing Illustrations

Posted on November 1, 2023 at 6:00 am

My favorite book illustrations are the ones that feel like paintings. Sometimes they captivate me because they tell a clear story in one glance. Sometimes I’m drawn in because of their mystery, and I squint harder, wanting to puzzle out the meaning. No matter how it happens, I treasure those moments when I am transported by a skillfully executed […]

Helplines, Crisis Services & Other Resources for Spokane County Residents

Posted on October 26, 2023 at 4:00 am

By Crystal Miller Note: This is an update to a previous post. A crisis can occur at any point in life, whether it stems from a natural disaster, a health emergency, or interpersonal trauma. It can affect many aspects of life, including financial needs, emotional health, physical health, and mental health, among others. It is […]

5 Ways to Make an Impact Against Domestic Violence in October

Posted on October 18, 2023 at 6:00 am

Guest blog by Taffy Hunter Domestic Violence Awareness/Action Month Preventing domestic violence requires a collective and proactive effort from every community member. It goes beyond mere awareness and encompasses diverse strategies and initiatives to create a culture of respect and empathy. These initiatives are tailored to equip individuals with […]

Barking Good Books: An Engaging & Entertaining Short Booklist for Dog Lovers

Posted on October 3, 2023 at 6:00 am

I love to read books which feature dogs who have their own voice in the story. I find it fascinating to think about what my dog may be pondering… or scheming. Does he have a running narration inside his head like I do? Sometimes, based on the look in his eyes, I think he must. Here is a short list of books—some for kids and some for adults—th […]

Excel Adult High School: New Diploma Program Offered by the Library

Posted on September 26, 2023 at 6:00 am

There are options available for earning a high school diploma—no matter how old you are or when you last worked on a school assignment. One of those options is a new program at the library—Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School. See if this program might be a good fit for you or someone you know... […]

Not for the Likes of Us? James Lowe on the Universal Truth of Music

Posted on September 20, 2023 at 6:00 am

Guest blog by James Lowe: I had an interesting chat on KPBX the other day with E.J. Ianelli, who mentioned that many people think that symphony musicians grow up steeped in classical music, and it’s only that deep life-long connection that allows anyone to understand the music we play. I grew up steeped in Abba and Motown, my mom’s music of cho […]

Fall Gardening & Seed Libraries: Helpful Tips, Masterful Resources & Great Books

Posted on September 6, 2023 at 6:00 am

September is a great time to start getting your garden ready for the long winter ahead and the coming spring. Our Fall Garden Cleanup class in September is an informative class led by Master Gardener Steve Nokes. He discusses the importance of fall cleanup in the garden, along with easy steps to get it all done. Plus check out these books and onlin […]

Take & Give Seed Library

Posted on August 29, 2023 at 2:45 pm

Seed Library Locations Our Seed Library locations are: Check for gardening programs on our online events calendar. How Seed Libraries Work You borrow from a selection of heirloom vegetable, herb, and flower seeds during the year, plant them in your garden, and watch them grow. When it’s time to harvest, collect some seeds to bring […]

Embark on a Flavorful Adventure with These Charming Tea & Book Pairings

Posted on August 16, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Dana Mannino Tea is versatile—hot in the winter and cool and refreshing in the summer. The variety of available blends and flavors adds to its versatility. In any season, tea is the perfect accompaniment to a book. This summer, we collaborated with three local tea shops to bring you the series Iced Tea & […]

Tags: adults, booklists, books, reading, tea

Librarian Hacks: Quick & Helpful Tips for Tidying Up Your Home Library

Posted on August 9, 2023 at 6:00 am

I have books just about everywhere—probably because I love to always have a book within arm’s reach. I’ve come to realize that it can get a bit out of control in my house. When so many books are scattered about house—so much so that when I gather them up, they do not fit on my shelves—then I know I have some book weeding to do! If your bo […]

Civic Lab Online: What is an AI Chatbot?

Posted on August 3, 2023 at 4:30 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. What is […]

Books to Go: Borrow Popular Titles Found on a Special Display & in Our Catalog

Posted on August 2, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Stacey Goddard Books to Go for Adults If you’re looking for a great book to take on your next vacation—or your next staycation or just to read right now—you don’t need to look any further than our Books-to-Go collection. This collection is designed to help you quickly find a great read or discover something […]

Dementia in the Family: Helpful Books, Useful Resources & Weekly Memory Care Programs

Posted on July 26, 2023 at 6:00 am

Dementia is a term that encompasses several diseases that affect the brain and cause memory issues. Unfortunately, dementia isn’t uncommon for our aging population. A common misconception is that extreme memory loss and forgetfulness is a regular symptom of aging. However... […]

50 Summer Activities to Explore in Your Backyard, Around Town & the PNW

Posted on July 5, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Abra Cole We are in the full swing of summer. And before you know it, we will be swinging back toward fall, crisp leaves, hot cocoa, and (dare I say it) snowy weather. But before that happens, we have summer fun awaiting us. I’ve compiled a list of 50 summertime ideas for things to […]

Unique Nerdy & Geek-Inspired Workouts, Plus Books & DVDs to Get You Moving

Posted on June 20, 2023 at 6:00 am

It’s National Hike with a Geek Day (annually on June 20)! When I found out about this day, I started thinking of all the nerdy and geeky types of exercise I’ve tried or heard about over the years. Some mainstays include LARPing and geocaching. Recently, activities combined with apps can get you moving, like ... […]

Tags: adults, booklist, books, cool, DVD, exercise, fitness, fun, geeky, health, nerd, nerdy, teens, uncool

For Father’s Day: Stories about Real Library Dads & a Fun Kids’ Booklist

Posted on June 14, 2023 at 6:00 am

As we round the corner towards Father’s Day, I’d like to honor some of our loyal library dads. We see these fellows every week (sometimes more often!) investing in their children’s futures. I’m delighted to have interviewed them and to share their stories with you. Plus check out this booklist to read with kids! […]

Journey of a Citizen Scientist: Finding Meaningful & Helpful Interactions with Nature

Posted on April 26, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Savannah Stewart For the past few years, I’ve been working on connecting more with my environment—not just in a meditative sense, although I have been doing that as well. I’ve been focusing on doing things that are impactful to our community and that get me outside more. A couple years ago, I stumbled across […]

New Stay Sharp Kits Include Supportive Activities to Help Reduce Memory Loss

Posted on April 12, 2023 at 6:00 am

We recently added Stay Sharp Kits to our collection. Stay Sharp Kits are designed to be used with individuals who are experiencing memory loss or other cognitive issues related to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory disorders. They’re also great for anyone who wants to improve their short-term memory and overall mental speed. Each k […]

Helpful Spring Gardening Programs, Informative Books & the Latest from the Master Gardeners

Posted on April 11, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Crystal Miller Spring is upon us and that means there’s a new crop of gardening programs on offer at our libraries, fresh gardening books on our shelves, and seed libraries to visit. Our long-time community partner, the WSU Extension Spokane County Master Gardeners, has been presenting gardening programs and hosting a plant clinic at […]

Ways to Connect with Poems & Celebrate National Poetry Month this April

Posted on April 5, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Melissa Rhoades Since 1996, April has been designated as National Poetry Month to recognize and honor this long-lived and varied artform. Poems can be emotional expressions, political statements, a spiritual practice, a way to convey narrative, a whimsical play with language, and many other things. Likewise, poems can fulfill specific rhythms, s […]

World Languages at the Library: A Multitude of Experiences & Opportunities

Posted on March 29, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Dana Mannino Did you know that the library has books in languages other than English? Currently, our largest non-English collection is in Spanish. We are actively building a collection in Russian and looking ahead to grow our collection in Marshallese and Arabic as well. These are the most common non-English languages spoken in the […]

Inclusivity, Awareness & Literacy: Sensory Storytime & Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Posted on March 2, 2023 at 4:30 am

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and prompts us to consider our level of awareness, what is and isn’t in place in our community for inclusion of all people of all abilities, and what we can do as individuals and as a community to be open to and inclusive of everyone. In this guest blog, learn about Sensory Storytime and browse […]

Civic Lab Online: How Does Machine & Algorithm Bias Affect All of Us?

Posted on February 8, 2023 at 6:00 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. Machine & […]

15 Minutes of Community Science Can Make a World of Difference

Posted on February 2, 2023 at 7:00 am

When you hear someone say that that something is “for the birds,” they mean it is foolish and not to be taken too seriously. This month, the Great Backyard Bird Count on February 17–20 invites everyone to do something for the birds that isn’t foolish, is in fact helpful, and could be quite fascinating... […]

9 Guidelines for Writing Book Reviews & How to Add Yours to Our Catalog

Posted on November 22, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Andrea Brumbaugh Not all personal book reviews are created equal. If you have spent any time on Goodreads, you’ve most likely seen some that simply state, “I hated it,” or “I loved it.” If these readers are writing the review for themselves so that they can look back later and see how they felt […]

The Great Thanksgiving Listen: Discover the Uplifting Effect of Family Stories & Memories

Posted on November 9, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Melissa Rhoades & Dana Mannino Would you like this year’s Thanksgiving celebration to make your guests feel uplifted, connected, and hopeful? If so, you can participate in The Great Thanksgiving Listen, created by StoryCorps. Each Thanksgiving, StoryCorps encourages us to sit down with an elder, mentor, family member, friend, or someone we […]

Making a Zine: The Who, What, Where, Why & How of Zine Creation

Posted on November 8, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Abra Cole What Is a Zine? Zine (pronounced “zeen”) is short for magazine or fanzine. A zine is a publication that is not professionally published and not officially related to any brand, series, or company. Fanzines started in the 1930s as science fiction enthusiasts wrote and published their ideas about the topic to share […]

Empowering Voters: Important Civics Information from the League of Women Voters

Posted on October 25, 2022 at 6:00 am

Guest Blog by Beth Pellicciotti What Is on the Ballot? The League of Women Voters’ mission is to empower voters and defend democracy. We empower voters by explaining how to register to vote, either online at VoteWa.gov or using a paper form that you can download and print from the Washington Secretary of State’s website. […]

Q&A with Teri Koski: Finding Useful Resources & Support for Memory Loss & Dementia

Posted on October 13, 2022 at 7:00 am

By Crystal Miller According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, “someone in the world develops dementia every 3 seconds. There are over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia in 2020. This number will almost double every 20 years, reaching 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.” These statistics are sobering and point to the […]

Library of Things: Save Old Photos & Family Movies as Digital Media with Project Memory

Posted on October 6, 2022 at 7:00 am

By Dana Mannino While the pandemic caused us to pause many of our most popular library services, this year has been a joy to start bringing them back. We are excited to announce that we have resumed Project Memory appointments! You can once again get help at the library with transferring your personal photos, home […]

Civic Lab Online: What is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

Posted on October 4, 2022 at 6:00 am

Last year Indigenous Peoples’ Day was declared a federal holiday for the first time. It has been celebrated in individual states and cities for years, and now is gaining more recognition as areas develop their own traditions celebrating local tribes and Native American heroes. How did this day begin, and how do citizens who aren’t Indigenous ce […]

1 in 5 Are Affected by Dyslexia: Get More Information, Early Intervention & Helpful Resources

Posted on September 14, 2022 at 6:00 am

Dyslexia is one of the most common specific learning disabilities (SLD) in the world. According to the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, it affects up to 20 percent of the population. However, despite the high prevalence of this learning difference, it is often misunderstood by the general public, educators, and parents. As a result, dyslexia […]

Civic Lab Online: What is monkeypox?

Posted on September 1, 2022 at 6:00 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. Monkeypox: Fast […]

Growing Your Garden with Resources for Seed Saving & Our Seed Libraries

Posted on August 31, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Abra Cole If you’re a gardener, this time of year usually means two things: it’s seed saving time and we’re due to get our fall crops planted. This summer has been a little strange for many Inland Northwest gardeners. The heat came later than usual, and it was preceded by unusually large amounts of […]

What Makes a Good Book? Here’s How Appeal Factors Result in Great Book Recommendations.

Posted on June 29, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Dana Mannino At least once a week, I have a variation on the following conversation. Library customer: Can you suggest a good book? Librarian: Sure! What do you like to read? Library customer: Anything, as long as it’s well written. We all want a good book. It’s universal. But often we don’t know how […]

Civic Lab Online: What is gun control?

Posted on June 24, 2022 at 6:00 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. Gun Control: […]

Getting Active with the Library: Get More Energy & Reduce Stress

Posted on June 14, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Jane Baker The first time I heard the term forest bathing, my immediate thought was “I bet those pine needles hurt!” All kidding aside, forest bathing is a relatively recent term (with science behind it) that gives us a good reason to go take a walk. In 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, […]

Are You Smoke Ready? Helpful Information to Get Ready & Reduce Your Smoke Exposure

Posted on June 13, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Lisa Woodard, guest blogger Smoke Ready Week With the arrival of summer comes the concern about wildfires and the potential for another summer with smoke-filled days. The threat of wildfires is real, and work is underway by many federal, state, and local agencies to reduce this threat. We also know that the threat of […]

Q&A with SHIBA: Valuable Information, Resources & Books to Help You Navigate Medicare

Posted on May 25, 2022 at 6:00 am

Spokane County Library District has been partnering with the Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisor (SHIBA) program to offer free, unbiased Medicare programs. SHIBA advisors provide our customers with valuable information related to healthcare, more specifically Medicare, on a regular basis. I interviewed Monica Kudrna, the SHIBA Coordinator, t […]

Q&A with SCRAPS: Pet Parent Tips & Separation Anxiety Help for Dogs

Posted on May 24, 2022 at 6:00 am

When I heard about the upcoming program Pandemic Dogs and Separation Anxiety, I was reminded that pets can have stress and anxiety, just like humans can. To complicate these situations, pets can’t tell us in words when something is wrong. So, I often think first of the physical health of my pets whenever there is a change in behavior, appetite, a […]

Level Up Your Nerd Quotient with 6 Superhero Research Tips & Our Digital Resources

Posted on April 28, 2022 at 4:45 am

... To find cool things like this, you need high-level searching skills! But you don’t need to be a librarian to memorize a list of the Valar (the demi-god like beings from Tolkien’s The Silmarillion). Here is a step-by-step guide to nerding out with some super research skills. […]

Civic Lab Online: Spokane’s Recycling

Posted on April 15, 2022 at 6:00 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. Spokane’s Recycling: […]

Get Personalized Help at the Library on a Variety of Topics, Plus Test Proctoring

Posted on April 13, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Crystal Miller Two library services are up and running again: Book a Librarian with in-person appointments and test proctoring services! Book a Librarian Book-a-Librarian appointments are once again available in person. Over the last two years, we have had to scale this service back due to the pandemic. We have been offering our Book-a-Librarian […]

Giving Back: Explore These Volunteer Opportunities to Help Our Community

Posted on April 6, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Abra Cole Did you know that April is National Volunteer Month? And since springtime represents fresh starts, new beginnings, and growth, it is a great time to consider adding volunteering to your routine. You can freshen up your schedule, make new connections, and grow as a human. How cool is that? In the Spokane […]

Celebrate International Women’s Day with New & Groundbreaking Books

Posted on March 8, 2022 at 6:00 am

International Women’s Day takes place each year on March 8 to acknowledge women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements in the face of historical disadvantages. It’s also a day to advocate for women’s rights worldwide. I’m normally a fiction reader, so I’ve decided to celebrate International Women’s Day this year by e […]

Grow Your Garden: Borrow & Share Seeds at Our Seed Libraries

Posted on March 3, 2022 at 7:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley Spokane County is a community of gardeners, and the movement is growing. Last year, the library distributed over 2,000 seed packets to community members through our seed libraries, helping people discover the joy of growing their own food. What Is a Seed Library? A seed library is run for the benefit of […]

6 Documentaries to Watch for a Fascinating Movie Night at Home

Posted on February 23, 2022 at 6:00 am

There’s a fantastic selection of documentaries on DVD in our catalog and also many streaming on our digital resource hoopla. Here are a few of the documentaries I’ve recently borrowed from the library that I’ve really enjoyed. […]

Tags: catalog, documentaries, DVDs, hoopla, teens

Civic Lab Online: The Great Resignation

Posted on February 22, 2022 at 6:30 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. The Great […]

Helpful Information, Awareness & Prevention During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Posted on February 1, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Ingrid Rivera, guest blogger What is SRDVC & what do they do? Domestic violence (DV) hurts thousands of women, children, and men in Spokane County every year and often goes unseen and unheard (download Confronting Domestic Violence flyer). The Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition (SRDVC) is a partnership among many people and multipl […]

Find Local, National & World News with This Useful Digital Resource

Posted on January 12, 2022 at 6:00 am

Whether you are a news connoisseur who reads from a variety of perspectives and sources, or you are doing research for school or work, Gale OneFile: News is a great one-stop place for news resources. What can you find with Gale OneFile: News? It provides you with access to. . . […]

Discover New Things & Research Your Interests with These Online Resources from Gale

Posted on January 5, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Sheri Boggs From mild curiosity to intensive study, research can come from a variety of impulses. Our Digital Library offers a suite of online resources from Gale that are exceptional for learning more about whatever interests you, including personal, academic, and professional topics. Gale General OneFile This online resource has a database con […]

Over 148,000 Full-Text Reads in This Great Digital Resource for Literature Fans

Posted on November 23, 2021 at 6:00 am

Leisure readers, students, and people engaged in professional literature research will find quick searches to quality information (without advertisements getting in the way) when using Gale Literature: Litfinder. Litfinder is found in our Digital Library and is a fantastic tool for lovers of contemporary and classic literature from around the world […]

Civic Lab Online: The Land Back Movement

Posted on November 1, 2021 at 6:00 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. The Land […]

End the Violence Campaign Raises Awareness of Domestic & Family Violence in the Region

Posted on October 22, 2021 at 6:00 am

Everyone deserves to be in a safe and healthy relationship. Unfortunately, one in three women and one in seven men in the Spokane region are not experiencing safe and healthy relationships. The impact domestic violence has on our community is exponential, with Spokane experiencing the highest rates of domestic violence in the state of Washington. […]

Asking for a Friend: Where Can People Get Basic Computer & Internet Training?

Posted on October 6, 2021 at 6:00 am

By Stacey Goddard I’m excited to announce that the library has a new online resource: Northstar Digital Literacy. If you read my previous posts about LinkedIn Learning and Udemy, you might be wondering if this new resource will offer more of the same types of classes. The short answer is both yes and no. Northstar […]

Civic Lab Online: Invisible Illnesses & Disabilities

Posted on October 1, 2021 at 6:00 am

An increasing number of Americans have been and continue to be diagnosed with conditions that can’t be seen by the naked eye. How do we create a society that provides access to people with debilitating medical conditions? […]

The Hunt for a Family Tree: 3 Genealogy Tips from a Seasoned Amateur

Posted on September 22, 2021 at 6:00 am

I’m an amateur in every sense of the word, learning as I go without any real education and coming back to my tree whenever there’s a spare minute, sometimes after months at a time. Along the way I’ve learned a few genealogy tips and truisms—things I wish I’d known at the beginning and, in some cases, things I wouldn’t have appreciated u […]

Top Literary Destinations to See in Asia, Africa, Europe & Latin America

Posted on September 10, 2021 at 6:00 am

Whether you’re planning an actual trip or simply want to travel in your imagination, you’ll find exciting places to add to your literary travel itinerary in this post! Discover some of the oldest, most beautiful, and most unusual libraries and literary landmarks in Asia, Africa, Continental Europe, and Latin America. […]

Brain Stimulating Activities for Dementia & Alzheimer’s & Helpful Resources for Caregivers

Posted on September 1, 2021 at 6:00 am

September is World Alzheimer’s Month. So, this seems like an apropos time to examine how we can stave off Alzheimer’s and all the other disorders that fall under the umbrella term of dementia. Here are some ideas for using the library’s digital and physical resources to help with brain-stimulating exercises and activities. […]

Civic Lab Online: What is Critical Race Theory?

Posted on August 3, 2021 at 6:00 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. Fast Facts […]

Civic Lab Online: What is HIPAA?

Posted on July 1, 2021 at 6:00 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. What is […]

Top Literary Tourist Stops in English-Speaking Countries for Avid Book Fans

Posted on June 23, 2021 at 6:00 am

BY MELISSA RHOADES Summer 2021 may not be an ideal time to travel internationally, but it’s a great time to start dreaming and planning! In fact, Conde Nast Traveler (available digitally from Flipster) recommends planning international travel at least one year in advance. TRAVELING IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 The status of international travel is […]

Prevent Summer Learning Loss & Get Free Online Tutoring with HelpNow

Posted on June 8, 2021 at 6:00 am

BY CRYSTAL MILLER After the disruption to students’ lives and school year trying to adapt to online, hybrid, or homeschooling learning models (sometimes all three), your student may benefit from some tutoring over the summer. Even if your student thrived in the new online or hybrid environments, when kids and teens continue to read, […]

Civic Lab Online: What is Pride Month?

Posted on June 1, 2021 at 6:00 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. What is […]

What Do Forensic Psychology, Andre Agassi and Yoga Have in Common? Answer: Udemy!

Posted on May 27, 2021 at 4:30 am

BY DANA MANNINO Lifelong learners and anyone seeking to learn something new will find a fantastic variety of online classes offered through Udemy, the latest addition to our array of digital resources. Udemy is a collection of video classes you view online. You can start a class whenever you want and take as long as […]

Udemy: Easily Improve Work Productivity to Increase Your Value and Efficiency

Posted on May 25, 2021 at 6:00 am

BY CRYSTAL MILLER For anyone working at an office job, remotely or on-site, work performance has probably looked a bit different this past year than previously. I know I would benefit from some training to spruce up some of my office-related skills and tasks. If you are in the same boat, Gale Presents: Udemy is […]

Civic Lab Online: The Raise the Wage Act

Posted on May 3, 2021 at 6:00 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. The Raise […]

Udemy: New Resource with High-Quality Content That Makes Learning Enjoyable

Posted on April 27, 2021 at 6:00 am

By STACEY GODDARD I don’t usually “geek out” about a new library resource. But I have to confess that I was having geek-out levels of excitement when I heard the library would be getting Udemy. Here are the reasons why I’m so excited: You can take Udemy courses whenever it is convenient for you. There […]

Civic Lab Online: Water Conservation & Gardening

Posted on April 1, 2021 at 6:00 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. Water Conservation […]

Civic Lab Online: What is the Digital Divide?

Posted on March 1, 2021 at 6:00 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. What is […]

Winter preparation for your spring garden

Posted on February 17, 2021 at 9:00 am

BY ABRA COLE Gardening season is fast approaching. Whether you’re planning your second or first pandemic garden, or if you’ve been gardening for years, the library is here for you! Late winter is an ideal time for garden planning. It may be too early to start seeds in the still-frozen soil, but it’s not too […]

Tags: adults, garden, gardening, kids, teens

Gale Courses for lifelong learning, personal growth & creative pursuits

Posted on February 9, 2021 at 6:00 am

By Alison Johnson As many of us are settling into our new normal, you may find that there are still many new things to learn and explore. Many households with children are schooling from home. Everyone I know is still figuring out their busy virtual lives. Finding an enjoyable focus and taking a time-out from […]

Monetizing knowledge with Gale Courses

Posted on February 2, 2021 at 6:00 am

BY CRYSTAL MILLER Taking an online class from Gale Courses can help you attain your entrepreneurial pursuits, make money from your hobbies and interests, polish your job hunting skills, and boost your resume with new marketable skills. We offer Gale Courses as a resource in our Digital Library. The courses are held online, and most […]

Civic Lab Online: What is impeachment?

Posted on February 1, 2021 at 6:00 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. What is […]

What we buy (other than books)

Posted on January 6, 2021 at 6:00 am

By Dana Mannino The philosopher Erasmus once said: “When I have a little money, I buy books; and if I have any left, I buy food and clothes.” The Library District buys a lot of books for our 10 libraries (over 34,000 print books and over 10,000 eBooks in 2020 alone). With our budget for […]

Civic Lab Online: The Two-Party Political System

Posted on December 31, 2020 at 6:00 am

About Civic Lab Online Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. What is […]

Beyond Veterans Day: Information and resources for veterans and their families all year long

Posted on November 12, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Crystal Miller Yesterday was Veterans Day, a federal holiday to honor and pay our respects to all the people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is always on November 11 and was originally called Armistice Day to honor the end of major conflicts in World War I, which happened […]

Civic Lab Online: What we know about the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on November 10, 2020 at 6:00 am

ABOUT CIVIC LAB ONLINE Civic Lab Online provides information on issues facing our community for you to explore. Take a look at thought-provoking materials for teens and adults that allow us to engage in open conversation and grow together as a community. You’ll find all past topics on the Civic Lab Online web page. WHAT […]

The lifecycle of your ballot: Mail-in ballot processing & security

Posted on October 16, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Dana Mannino It’s election season! A steady stream of cars flows through the library parking lots as voters drop their ballots in white collection boxes. This year, we’ve received quite a few questions about what happens to a voter’s ballot, including: “Is it safe in the ballot box?” and “How are the signatures on […]

The importance of diaries, memoirs, and autobiographies for our empathy and history

Posted on August 26, 2020 at 6:00 am

BY CAITLIN WHEELER I had wanted to be a diarist as a child, but having grown up on Dear America and Royal Diaries, I felt like my 90s school bus experiences weren’t interesting enough. I have since realized that my attitude about my journal writing continued into adulthood, and yet I’ve also considered sharing with […]

OverDrive features to enhance your digital reading experience

Posted on August 24, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Cheryl Zobel, Diane Brown & Erin Dodge If you enjoy reading eBooks or listening to audiobooks, then you are probably already a big fan of OverDrive. There are many titles available—over 90,000! So if you are looking for your next great read, it is highly likely you’ll find something in our digital collection at […]

A peek into EnviroKids’ Club: Q&A with two partner agencies

Posted on August 19, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Erin Dodge Next week, we’re hosting three EnviroKids’ Club programs (sign up before they fill up!), each showing kids and their families different ways that they can champion the environment and take action to make changes at home and in their neighborhoods. In case you missed the announcement, here are those three programs: EnviroKids’ […]

Using your right to vote: Important information from the League of Women Voters

Posted on July 20, 2020 at 6:00 am

Guest blog by Beth Pellicciotti At the League of Women Voters’ National Convention this past month, Virginia Kase, the CEO of the national League, reminded us that at the height of the 1918 Flu Pandemic, women continued their fight for the right to vote. Their work was not in vain. In 1920, the 19th Amendment, […]

Health questions and related online resources

Posted on May 7, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Corinne Wilson DISCLAIMER: This blog containing health resources is not, nor is it intended as, a replacement or substitution for medical consultation with a healthcare professional. If you are experiencing a medical emergency: Dial 911. I was coming down with something right as the first COVID-19 cases appeared in Seattle. Fortunately, I knew e […]

Learn a new language from home with our digital resources

Posted on April 29, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Dana Mannino Use of language learning apps is on the rise! Who would have guessed that being stuck at home would make so many people want to learn a new language? As a bilingual librarian, I am delighted. This means that many more people will be interested in celebrating this week’s library holiday, Día […]

Digging for accuracy: How information literacy helps you uncover the facts

Posted on April 14, 2020 at 6:00 am

BY CRYSTAL MILLER In the digital age, we are bombarded with news articles, ads, and memes—all trying to convey some kind of information. Deciphering which pieces of news are legitimate and unbiased takes some skills that we can all learn. These skills are especially important right now, as we are being inundated with news, possible […]

Become a fiction frequent flyer with short stories

Posted on March 25, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Melissa Rhoades As a novel enthusiast, I love returning to the same characters, settings, and writing styles for days or weeks at a time. It feels like taking an extended vacation. Short stories, in comparison, can feel like weekend getaways that end too soon. But Neil Gaiman has pointed out the positive side of […]

Glowforge 3D laser printer offers a different way to create

Posted on February 5, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Abra Cole If you’ve visited the North Spokane Library in 2019, you may have noticed the scent of burning wood. Or, maybe you noticed machine that is over 3 feet wide and 1 1/2 feet deep back in The Lab doing… something. That’s the District’s Glowforge 3D laser printer. And it is one of […]

Answering the question: “What does it take to be a librarian?”

Posted on January 29, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Dana Mannino As I have shared before, being a librarian is pretty awesome. So it’s no wonder that I am often asked, “What does it take to be a librarian?” Of course, I treat this as a serious reference question and immediately launch into a technical description of the degrees and experience that we […]

Saving seeds from the garden: Lovage, snap peas, and coriander

Posted on July 3, 2019 at 6:00 am

By Abra Cole Ah, summer. Here you are again, bringing all that sunshine and heat and gardening goodness with you. For most of us gardeners, our seasonal plants have not only been selected by now, but they’re planted and fairly well established in our gardens. Many perennials are blooming, or nearly so. The time has […]

Day in the life of a librarian

Posted on May 16, 2019 at 6:00 am

By Dana Mannino When kids tour the library, I like to ask them what they think a librarian does. Usually I get answers like “You tell us not to run.” I think to myself, “If I wanted to do that, I would have become a life guard!” I don’t think kids are the only ones […]

“Palaces for the People”: Spaces and places for all of us

Posted on April 23, 2019 at 6:00 am

By Rachel Edmondson I often hear people refer to Spokane as a big city with a small-town feel, and I think this is one of the reasons many people enjoy living in Spokane. However, when talking with customers and friends, I also hear more and more about how people don’t know their neighbors anymore. How […]

From the Library of Things: Machine sewing at your fingertips

Posted on April 2, 2019 at 6:00 am

By Melissa Rhoades Did you know you can borrow a sewing machine from the Library District? Our Library of Things offers two Elna eXplore 320 sewing machines to check out for up to seven days at a time. One is available for pick up at the Spokane Valley Library and the other can be picked […]

Project Memory: Your old photos and home movies transferred to digital

Posted on March 12, 2019 at 6:00 am

By Dana Mannino Is your family history collecting dust in a closet? Have a box of slides from Grandpa’s 1978 trip to Europe? How about those little 8mm film reels in their tiny cardboard boxes? If you have photos, film reels, or slides stashed away, now is the time to pull them out! Perhaps Mom’s […]

The art of saving seeds

Posted on July 31, 2018 at 6:00 am

by Abra Cole In a remote vault located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, nearly one million seed varieties are stored. The purpose of this immense storage facility is to ensure the genetic future of these seed varieties, should any of the gene banks located around the world suffer catastrophic disaster. One hundred […]

Confession of a librarian mom: Reading and summer slide

Posted on June 5, 2018 at 6:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley Last summer my family was busy with summer activities: camps, road trips, and camping vacations. We planned highly educational and enriching activities for our youngest daughter, but we did not make reading a high priority. When she started school in the fall, her teacher told me that she had definitely lost ground […]

Poetry in Spokane: Get Lit!, Tod Marshall, and Scablands Books

Posted on May 1, 2018 at 6:00 am

by Nathaniel Youmans Spokane has been a vibrating hive of activity during National Poetry Month. Eastern Washington University’s Masters in Fine Arts in Creative Writing program has had another smash hit year of literary programming for the 20th annual Get Lit! Festival, featuring readings, workshops, and panel discussions all across the Spokane […]

Q&A with Jeff Yeager, The Ultimate Cheapskate

Posted on March 28, 2017 at 6:00 am

By Erin Dodge We’re keeping it frugal with Jeff Yeager, The Ultimate Cheapskate. In April during Money Smart Week, Yeager presents “Finding Wholesale Happiness in a Retail World” at three locations (see locations, days, and times below), offering practical advice about how to live a happier, healthier, and fuller life—only if you are not wi […]

Discussions with Tod Marshall: poetry & social justice, Irish poetry, spoken word, and National Poetry Month

Posted on February 25, 2017 at 6:00 am

by Erin Dodge Poetry can sing us a song, open us to a moment, inspire us to reach higher and go further. Washington State Poet Laureate and Gonzaga University professor Tod Marshall leads a poetry discussion series at Spokane County Library District in March and April. Each event has a casual atmosphere where everyone is […]

Q&A with romance novelists: Asa Maria Bradley, Katee Robert, and Rebecca Zanetti

Posted on January 24, 2017 at 6:00 am

By Erin Dodge My inner fangirl starts jumping up and down every time I find out that an author is coming to the library to give a reading or discuss writing. So you can imagine the backflips (my inner fangirl is much more flexible than I am) when I heard that three amazing authors are […]

3 tips for selling your first article

Posted on December 6, 2016 at 6:00 am

by Kelly Burgess As a long-time writer and editor, the most frequent question I get from people is, “How can I sell what I’m writing?” Becoming a writer is one thing (hint: it takes passion, discipline and dedication). Selling your work is quite another. I’m not going to lie: in some ways, it’s harder than […]

How to Thrive and Survive the Writing Life

Posted on October 27, 2016 at 6:00 am

By Claire Rudolf Murphy On October 30, longtime writing friend Sarah Conover and I will present a session on the writing life for the NaNoWriMo Readiness Conference. After two days of sessions about elements of craft at Moran Prairie Library, ours will be the final event of the weekend. I teach in a graduate writing […]

What I learned from Michelangelo

Posted on October 26, 2016 at 6:00 am

By Mary Cronk Farrell I went to Italy and got smitten with Michelangelo Buonarroti. Yeah, yeah, yeah… the David, the Pieta, la Cappella Sistina. His work knocks us all off our plinths. But as I walked the cobblestones of Firenze (Florence), stood in the shadow of the Duomo, and watched the Arno ripple under the Ponte […]

8 things that (mostly) work for me as a writer

Posted on October 24, 2016 at 6:00 am

By Kris Dinnison So first I should say, this isn’t meant as advice so much as confession. These are things I do—some commonplace, some mildly embarrassing—that seem to make writing happen in my life. So take what you will from it and know that every writer I know has a list of their own that […]

4 keys to becoming a successful writer

Posted on October 20, 2016 at 6:00 am

By Kelly Burgess As with any profession, there is no guarantee of success in the writing business. However, regardless of whether you want to break into fiction or nonfiction markets, successful writers have some traits that are crucial to carving out a literary career. Passion Writers write because they feel the need to put words […]

4 NaNoWriMo tips for not winning brilliantly

Posted on October 13, 2016 at 6:00 am

By Stephanie Oakes I have a confession to make—I’ve never successfully completed NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I’ve tried a few times, and always start with huge amounts of enthusiasm, but I’ve never written more than 30,000 words in any given November. But the secret of NaNoWriMo is this—you don’t need to “win” NaNoWriM […]

Bruce Holbert: Late to the party

Posted on October 6, 2016 at 6:00 am

By Bruce Holbert Not long ago, I was asked in an interview, “What took so long?” I was then 52 and publishing my first novel. I don’t have the data at hand, but my guess is I am beyond the mean. The question struck me as impolite. I wasn’t sleeping in doorways or staggering through […]

Irena’s Children: Q&A with Mary Cronk Farrell

Posted on September 22, 2016 at 6:00 am

By Sheri Boggs Local author Mary Cronk Farrell writes about the kinds of people whose stories aren’t widely told, but ought to be. In Pure Grit: How American World War II Nurses Survived Battle and Prison Camp in the Pacific, she tells the story of nearly 100 army and navy nurses who struggled to not […]

James Frye: synesthete artist’s work at Airway Heights Library

Posted on September 16, 2016 at 6:00 am

By Erin Dodge When walking into the Airway Heights Library, colorful art welcomes you from the display case. You’ll see record albums, clocks, people, keyboards, and cats in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Inside the library, you’ll see even more artwork along the wall in the children’s section—each tableau intricately detailed and evokin […]

Fall hikes: sorting favorites

Posted on August 30, 2016 at 6:00 am

By Rich Landers Being a trail guidebook author who’s explored Inland Northwest trails for more than three decades, I’m regularly asked a question this time of year: “What’s your favorite fall hike?” The answer is as difficult as naming your favorite child. And as all parents know, even our children are a little more appealing […]

5 Local Writers Talk about Fatherhood

Posted on June 16, 2016 at 6:00 am

By Erin Dodge Today is the 8th Annual Engaging Fatherhood Conference & Resource Fair at Spokane Falls Community College (8am to 3pm), promoting the importance of fathers in healthy child development and family well-being. The event, including free lunch, is brought to the public by the DADS Committee of Spokane. In celebration of dads, paternal […]

The Last Full Measure: Q&A with Local Author Trent Reedy

Posted on May 3, 2016 at 6:00 am

By Sheri Boggs The United States are no longer united. In the wake of the Second Civil War, the once great nation is in shambles. And as the Republic of Idaho emerges alongside other newly formed, formerly American countries, the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Local author Trent Reedy concludes his stunning […]

Tags: adults, authors, books, local author, teens, YA

Going Local: The Collection That Shares the Talented Artists of the Greater Spokane Area

Posted on March 17, 2016 at 6:00 am

By Sheri Boggs In a prominent corner or shelf of your closest County Library you might find stories about Sasquatch, about a derelict hotel rescued from obscurity, about a kid from North Idaho who implausibly becomes a drug kingpin before getting caught and going to prison. There are stories about a woman and her daughter […]

Tags: authors, community, local

10 Tips to get started doing genealogy

Posted on October 13, 2015 at 6:00 am

By Miriam J. Robbins Guest Writer You’re about to embark on an exciting journey! Learning about your family history and developing skills to do genealogical research can be the beginning of a lifelong hobby and passion. Here are ten tips to get started: 1. Get Organized You’re going to be gathering a lot of information, […]

Animal rescues: Q&A with local author Kelly Milner Halls

Posted on September 23, 2015 at 6:00 am

By Sheri Boggs What do Sasquatch, wild dogs, dinosaur babies, ghosts, and alien visitors all have in common? Besides being intrinsically awesome, they’ve all been book subjects for local writer Kelly Milner Halls. Halls is a passionate profiler of the wonderfully weird, with nonfiction titles like Tales of the Cryptids, Ghostly Evidence, a […]

Tags: authors, books, kids, q&a, teens, tweens

Talking to myself: an alternative writing method

Posted on July 30, 2015 at 6:00 am

By Kevin J. Anderson Guest Writer If you see a person walking along engaged in a vigorous conversation with no one else around them, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s escaped from the nearest asylum. It could be me talking to myself. But don’t be concerned, don’t interrupt me, don’t bother me at all—I’m writing. It’s been […]

Tags: author visit, authors, events

You and Me and Him: Q&A with YA Author Kris Dinnison

Posted on June 30, 2015 at 6:00 am

By Sheri Boggs One of the best things about having bright, talented literary friends is getting to read their work and celebrate with them when their novels are published. I’m especially excited in the case of Kris Dinnison, longtime friend, community builder, and emerging YA voice. Her debut novel You and Me and Him is […]

Tags: authors, books, q&a, teens, YA

Crowdfunding Success Stories: Q&A with comics artist Manny Trembley

Posted on March 11, 2015 at 6:00 am

By Brian Vander Veen Launching a creative endeavor or a new business usually requires money. Traditionally, acquiring such funding has meant the need for taking out a loan, finding an investor, borrowing from friends or family, or spending your own hard-earned nest egg. In recent years, we’ve seen yet another option emerge. It is one […]

Hunting For Sasquatch: a conversation with Sharma Shields

Posted on January 22, 2015 at 6:00 am

By Cara Strickland Sharma Shields is a rising star in the literary world. Her first book, a collection of short stories called Favorite Monster won the 2011 Autumn House Fiction prize, and her novel The Sasquatch Hunter’s Almanac releases on January 27. Sharma lives in Spokane with her family (and she can often be found bringing her childr […]

My Library Journey (a guest post by Cindy Hval)

Posted on December 4, 2014 at 6:00 am

By Cindy Hval Guest Writer The purple plastic coin purse with the kitty face didn’t hold much, but then again six-year-olds travel light. It held two quarters, some pennies, a tissue, a cherry Chapstick and my first library card. Clutching the purse with one hand, I ran my fingers across the book spines standing sentinel […]

Life Lessons From Little Free Libraries

Posted on October 15, 2014 at 6:00 am

By Brian Vander Veen Last year, my partner Sheri and I started our own Little Free Library. If you’re not familiar with what Little Free Libraries are, they’re simply containers, usually near a sidewalk or similar publicly accessible space, where people can take and leave books for free. Little Free Libraries first began appearing in Wisco […]

Picking Up the Park

Posted on October 14, 2014 at 6:00 am

By Sheri Boggs Library work can lead you to some interesting places. Sometimes you’re speaking to 300 middle schoolers. Sometimes you’re showing seniors how to attach images to their email. And sometimes you’re bagging pine needles and abandoned tighty whities in the woods. Earlier this fall I joined fellow SCLD staffers Amber Williams, Kris […]

Tags: Deer Park, service projects

A Conversation with Jennifer Pharr Davis

Posted on August 7, 2014 at 6:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley After reading Called Again, I was really eager to have a conversation with the author, Jennifer Pharr Davis. I caught up with Jennifer by phone as she, her husband Brew, and 20-month-old daughter, travel all 50 states on a book tour, and hike whenever they can. You set off on your first […]

Liquid Lit: Booze & Book Pairings

Posted on July 15, 2014 at 6:00 am

By Sheri Boggs Pairing drinks with books is an exercise in mood and mixology. With food, it’s a little easier. The flavors of the beverage are there to enhance and highlight the flavors of the food. And if you run into trouble there are countless books, websites and even apps advising everything from what wines […]

Why I Read YA

Posted on June 18, 2014 at 6:00 am

By Sheri Boggs I read YA. But Ruth Graham over at Slate says I shouldn’t. Or if I do, perhaps I should pin a large, scarlet “YA” of shame on my chest because—in spite of the fact that 55% of YA titles are bought by people older than 18, in spite of all the lists […]

Interview with Jess Walter, Award-Winning Author of “Beautiful Ruins” & “Citizen Vince”

Posted on December 12, 2013 at 6:00 am

By Ellen Peters Local Spokane author Jess Walter is a former National Book Award finalist and winner of the Edgar Allan Poe Award, as well as the author of six novels and one nonfiction book. Recently, I had the pleasure to interview Mr. Walter about his life and his writing. Ellen Peters: What’s the one […]

Tags: adults, authors, booklists

Posted on October 14, 2013 at 11:30 am

Welcome to our Explore & Discover blog page. As it is our vision for citizens of Spokane County to turn to the District as the essential place to explore, learn, and create, it makes sense that exploring and discovering is a strong service priority. The District has half a million items in its collection, tons […]

New Stay Sharp Kits: More Activities to Help Support Those Facing Memory Loss

Posted on May 16, 2024 at 6:30 am

The library has eight new, themed Stay Sharp Kits available to check out, making a total of 19 different themed kits in our collection. Stay Sharp Kits have been put together with activities that can be used with individuals who are experiencing memory loss or other cognitive issues related to dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other memory disorde […]

8+ Ideas for Unwinding During Stress Awareness Month & All Year Long

Posted on April 3, 2024 at 6:00 am

Stress doesn’t just affect the brain. It affects a person’s whole body. The “fight or flight” response can be helpful if you’re in short-term physical danger. But over time, it can damage your health. All the following can cause harmful long-term stress, also known as chronic stress... […]

Bad Decision Books: Just-One-More-Page Reading of Irresistible Stories

Posted on March 21, 2024 at 6:00 am

What was the last book that you made a bad decision in order to read? I’m not asking about the book that made you put off cleaning out the refrigerator. Nearly any book could do that. I’m asking about the last book that made you spectacularly late for work or miss a whole night’s sleep... that magnitude of bad decision. I asked this question […]

Tags: adults, books, reading

Reading Romance: Did These 4 Novels Turn Me into a Romantic?

Posted on March 13, 2024 at 6:00 am

After a rough year, I decided that I would branch out and stretch my preferred reading tastes. Normally, I stick with thrillers and horror. Shockingly (okay, not so shockingly), this doesn’t help my existing anxiety problems. Which genre would I dive into, which felt the scariest? The answer for me was... romance (cue the Twilight Zone theme song […]

Tags: adults, booklists, books, reading, romance

It’s National Craft Month: Get Inspired, Try Something New & Boost Your Creativity

Posted on March 7, 2024 at 6:00 am

March is a wonderful time to learn a new skill or fall back in love with an old favorite. To inspire your crafting muse, visit your library to see an art show! You can see and hear two Irish music groups at our libraries to help fuel your creativity. Take a workshop or check out something from our Library of Things or... […]

Transportation Safety in Our Region: Your Input Can Help How It Is Addressed

Posted on February 28, 2024 at 6:00 am

Safety is something we can all agree is important and a necessity for every human being. No matter where someone is going—to school, work, the grocery store, a park or anywhere—everyone deserves to get to their destination safely. Right now, this is not happening for everyone. See how you can provide input. […]

Ways to Enjoy Nature & the Outdoors with Birdwatching, Beekeeping & Gardening

Posted on February 22, 2024 at 6:00 am

If you’d like to start thinking about spring, planning for your garden, and exploring more of what nature has to offer, then the library has a full slate of programs this spring to help you enjoy the outdoors—including your own backyard. You can enjoy birdwatching, beekeeping, and gardening events that will... […]

Free & Unlimited Streaming Entertainment Means More to Love about the Library

Posted on February 14, 2024 at 6:00 am

This time of year is perfect for stay-at-home movie nights, and the library can help you enjoy entertainment for free with your in-district library card! In fact, we offer two free movie streaming services: Hoopla and Kanopy. Add these to our large selection of DVDs and that gives you over 100,000 free movies, TV series, shorts, and documentaries t […]

Explore the Ice Age Floods That Created the Pacific Northwest’s Breathtaking Geology

Posted on February 7, 2024 at 6:00 am

Guest blogger Don Chadbourne shares the story of the Ice Age Floods, which will be the feature of four presentations focusing on different locations and perspectives at SCLD libraries in February. […]

9 Series That Serve Up a Different Kind of Cozy Mystery

Posted on January 17, 2024 at 6:00 am

By Abra Cole Getting Cozy January and February are full of short days and cold nights, which make for a natural time to rest (hibernation, anyone?). I think this is a great time to get cozy with a hot cocoa and read a new series. So, I’m focusing on the cozy mystery. For me, cozy […]