Explore and Discover

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 […]

Celebrate Victorian Literature During #Victober, from Horror to Happily-Ever-After

Posted on September 30, 2022 at 6:00 am

October’s cooling weather and crisping leaves offer the perfect excuse to transition to indoor activities—like curling up with a steaming beverage and a substantial book. Perhaps that’s why reading Victorian literature in October has become a recent tradition for some and with its own hashtag: #Victober. […]

Spokane Writers Conference Has Creative, Informative Sessions with In-Person & Online Options

Posted on September 27, 2022 at 6:00 am

The Spokane Writers Conference is celebrating its sixth year with sessions offering informative and creative approaches to writing as well as insights about the process of getting your work published. Topics include writing, editing, revision, research, and traditional publication, and sessions cover the genres of children’s literature, fiction, […]

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

Posted on September 14, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Drew Repp, guest blogger What Is Dyslexia? 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 […]

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 […]

Space Exploration You Can Do, Inspired by Amazing Images from the Webb Telescope

Posted on August 17, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Caitlin Wheeler On July 12, 2022, NASA released its first images from the James Webb Space Telescope, and they are both breathtaking and groundbreaking in their ability to detect infrared light at a high resolution. The telescope operates with two cameras: NIRCam (near infrared camera), which looks at the shortest infrared wavelengths, and MIRI […]

Fantastic International Fiction: Read Beyond the Beaten Path & Expand Your World

Posted on August 2, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Melissa Rhoades This summer’s reading challenge dares us to “Read Beyond the Beaten Path.” Reading stories by international authors is a wonderful way to do that. International fiction—also called foreign fiction—allows us to not only imagine the sights, smells, and sounds of other landscapes but also gain exposure to diverse customs, […]

An Unexpected Summer Reading List: Not Your Average Beach Reads

Posted on July 13, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Savannah Stewart When it comes to beach reads, mine usually fall into the “this isn’t what I expected” category. Ideally, beach reads are easy-going and don’t interfere with your summer vibe. I’ve found that the books I like to read can’t live up to this ideal. And mostly, I never end up reading very […]

The Great Indoors: Things to Explore When You Take a Break from the Outdoors

Posted on July 6, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Abra Cole Ah, summer! The sun is shining (we hope), the grass is green, and pollen is everywhere. For some of us, this is the season when we head outdoors as much as possible, to dig in the soil, go on walks, explore nature, and get dirty every day. For others, none of this […]