Explore and Discover

Preparing to Get Outdoors: Helpful Books, Guided Hikes & A Spring Essentials List

Posted on March 15, 2023 at 5:00 am

By Alison Johnson Around this time of year, I anxiously await getting outdoors with my pup. I have a high energy dog who loves tramping through the mountains and just about anywhere we can find a trail. If I can’t wait, this means we’ll run into mud, ice, snow, rain, and cold. But early spring […]

Money Talk: Could You Get a Refund with the Working Families Tax Credit?

Posted on March 8, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Stacey Goddard This time of year, many of us are working on filing our federal income taxes—and, if we’re lucky, figuring out what to do with a refund. But did you know that, starting this year, Washington state residents may also qualify for an additional tax credit from the Washington State Department of Revenue? […]

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 […]

Kindness: Ideas, Inspiration & the Research about Its Positive Effects

Posted on February 22, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Abra Cole Random Acts of Kindness Random Acts of Kindness Day was February 17, 2023, and while it was perhaps overshadowed by Valentine’s Day, it still serves as a great reminder that we can all be kinder to each other every day of the year! Research has shown that being on the receiving end […]

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... […]

Women’s Heart Week: Heart Disease Signs, Risks, Prevention & Library Resources

Posted on February 1, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Crystal Miller Women’s Heart Week Organized by the Women’s Heart Foundation, Women’s Heart Week is celebrated each year February 1–7 and aims to educate, raise awareness, and teach the symptoms and preventions of serious heart diseases in women. According to both the Women’s Heart Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and […]

We Love Puzzles: A Library vs Library Challenge, Plus Swaps, Books & History

Posted on January 26, 2023 at 4:00 am

By Abra Cole I come from a long line of puzzlers (people who enjoy puzzles). Growing up, we played with simple shapes with wooden knob handles that we clumsily assembled. As we grew older, the complex puzzles with 1000+ pieces became the standard. Most holidays and family gatherings still include at least one epic puzzle […]

Call for Submissions: Create Art & Reconnect for Our Community Art Show

Posted on January 4, 2023 at 9:40 am

By Alison Johnson We’re hosting a Community Art Show again this year! For 2023, the theme is all about reconnecting—with other people, places, and ourselves. To go along with that theme, the canvas for all art in this year’s show are postcards. During January, each of our libraries will have a postcard craft station with […]

Year in Review: Our Libraries in 2022

Posted on December 28, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Jane Baker It will come as no surprise that the library has books. Fiction and nonfiction, picture books and weighty tomes, fantasy adventures and practical how-to guides, our shelves are filled with so many reading options. What may be a surprise is all the ways in which our libraries are more than books. Here […]