Local libraries provide opportunities for all ages

The first notable public library, history-magazine. com explains, was the Great Library of Alexandria. It was founded in 300 B.C. for only those with “proper scholarly and literary qualifications”. Their goal was “to hold copies of all the books in the world understand

the people under their rule and house Latin, Buddhist, Persian, Hebrew and Egyp- tian works—translated into Greek.”

While educating the public is still a primary goal, Ritzville Public Library and Lind Community Libraries are taking a more modern approach. Through new programs and clubs, opportunities exist this summer for those who share the same, timeless passion of learning something new at their local library.

Kylie Fullmer, director of the Ritzville Public Library, says, “At both the Ritzville Public Library and the Lind Community Library, we’re doing a summer reading club for kids ages birth to teen. Kids can sign up at the library and if they read 10 hours by August 31, they’ll earn a free book and other prizes, and be entered into our grand prize drawing for a Kindle Fire and other big prizes. This year’s summer reading theme is ‘Every Hero has a Story’”.

Outreach is an important part of any li- brary. Fullmer continues, “At the Ritzville Public Library, we’ll be holding hero-themed activities for kids age 2-12 every week. We’re hosting a weekly activity hour with story time and crafts every Thursday morning at 10 am from June 25-July 30. Some of the activities include a visit to the fire station, making superhero costumes, and more! We’re also holding Lego Club every Tuesday from 3-5 pm and showing a kid movie every Friday at 3 pm. The summer activities will end on August 8 with a visit from the Knights of Veritas.”

“At the Lind Community Library,” Fullmer adds, “we’ll be holding hero-themed activities for kids age 2-12 every Tuesday from 1-2:30 pm.

The Lind Community Library is being held in the Lind Elementary School library this summer.”

Teenagers can be involved over the summer as well. “During the month of July, we’ll be offering STEM activities for teens at the Ritzville Public Library. Teens can drop by every Wednesday between 3-5 pm to try their hand at computer programming with Scratch, play with Makey Makey kits, and make stop animation videos,” Fullmer says.

“For adults,” she adds, “we have two book clubs meeting in July. On July 10, our Liquid Lit Book Club will be meeting in the back room of Memories Diner at 6 pm to talk about Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. On July 23, our regular adult book club will be meeting to discuss The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. In addition to our book clubs, we’re offering an “Intro to blogs and websites” class with Ja- son Kiel on July 16 at 6 pm. In July, I’m also scheduling a writing workshop for new writers with PNW authors Jennifer Connor and Jackie Marilla, and classes on resume and cover letter help, and how to use free photo editing software for digital photos. Anyone interested in signing up for these activities can contact the library at 659-1222 or [email protected]. All of our events are also listed on our website at http://www.ritzvillelibrary.com.”

Regardless of age, there is a fun and educational opportunity for all community members this summer. Fullmer concludes, “We’re not just a warehouse for books– instead we’re trying to enrich lives, build community, and provide resources for all ages.”