Moran Prairie Library will be closed Monday–Thursday, Aug 24–27, for building maintenance and will reopen on Friday, Aug 28. We apologize for the inconvenience.

TAG: books

Resolving to Read Diversely

Posted in Explore and Discover on March 13, 2018 at 6:00 am

by Caitlin Wheeler In late 2016, a friend challenged everyone she knew, including me, to name one Indigenous American author, other than Sherman Alexie, off the top of their heads. As an employee of the library and an English literature major with a passion for diverse representation, I felt I should have answered quickly and […]

Tags: , , , , , ,

St. Pancras Station sparks imaginations

Posted in Explore and Discover on February 13, 2018 at 6:00 am

By Melissa Rhoades What do filmmaker Christopher Nolan, the Spice Girls, and science-fiction author Douglas Adams have in common? They all found artistic inspiration in a building long considered an eyesore—a building I fell in love with at first sight. Ever since borrowing books about castles as a grade schooler, I’ve been fascinated with buil […]

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Billie Holiday and the books to read for awareness and insight

Posted in Explore and Discover on January 30, 2018 at 6:00 am

By Susan Goertz During my freshman year of high school, I was given the assignment to write a report on an important American. Although I had almost no exposure to her at that point—and I can’t remember what instigated the choice, except maybe the happy accident of hearing her on the radio—I selected the singer […]

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Staff Picks: An eclectic booklist from The BookEnd

Posted in Explore and Discover on January 17, 2018 at 6:00 am

by David Wyatt Since May of last year, The BookEnd at the Spokane Valley Mall has showcased popular and bestselling titles with something for every taste. On any given day of the year, you are sure to find a book to grab your interest. And just like our customers, The BookEnd staff love our collection. […]

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In anticipation: Romances to read in 2018

Posted in Explore and Discover on January 10, 2018 at 6:00 am

By Stefani Miller As we start a new year, I look forward to publishers announcing the release dates for new books. Whether it’s another installment in a favorite series or a second novel from a 2017 debut author, each month in the new year is a fresh opportunity to get my hands on a brand […]

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Picture books for frosty days

Posted in Parents and Teachers on January 2, 2018 at 6:00 am

by Sheri Boggs Winter is just not my thing. I’m too clumsy to ski. It’s too cold to enjoy being outside. And I get too dispirited by the short days to remember to take my vitamin D. I pretty much just grit my teeth, put on my stupid tights (and gloves, and boots, and hat, […]

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Social-emotional picture books to help your kids get through the holidays

Posted in Parents and Teachers on December 12, 2017 at 6:00 am

by Rachel Edmondson The holiday season is often fraught with emotions. Many adults find themselves stressed, excited, joyous, and sad—sometimes all in the same day! It’s helpful to remember that the children in our lives are often dealing with the same strong emotions. While having a vacation from school, receiving gifts, attending celebrations […]

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

’Tis the Season for Mobile Devices

Posted in Explore and Discover on December 7, 2017 at 6:00 am

by Erin Dodge Whether you have a new mobile device or you’re loving your old one, you have access to free apps and resources with your library card. You can download popular books, movies, music, and more. Because all of the apps and digital resources are free, avid and casual readers, listeners, and watchers of […]

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Big animals, big news: Connect with Washington wildlife at your local library

Posted in Explore and Discover on November 30, 2017 at 6:00 am

By Nathaniel Youmans 2017 has been quite a big year for Washington’s large wildlife. The gray wolf population in the northeast part of the state continues to rebound by an annual growth rate of nearly 30%, with the two newest established packs recognized in a Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife survey conducted late last […]

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Audiobooks: Are they reading or cheating?

Posted in Explore and Discover on November 22, 2017 at 6:00 am

by Abra Cole Readers quickly divide into two groups when it comes to audiobooks: those who consider listening to audiobooks as reading and those who don’t (“it’s cheating!”). On which side do you fall? I am a lifelong member of the pro-audiobook club. I’ve been listening to books for as long as I can remember. […]

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,