Author – Spokane County Library District

The Benefits & Importance of Play & Learn Storytime for Young Children

Posted in News on August 28, 2024 at 6:00 am

Storytime at the library is a fun experience with books and also so much more. It’s a time for parents and caregivers to start their young children on the path to a lifelong love of reading and learning. First up... […]

Smokey Bear Reading Challenge: Honoring 80 Years of Wildfire Prevention

Posted in News on April 9, 2024 at 6:00 am

To commemorate Smokey’s 80th birthday, we’re teaming up with the USDA Forest Service to introduce the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge on Beanstack. This isn't your run-of-the-mill reading challenge—it's an invitation to explore literature shedding light on wildfire prevention and environmental stewardship. To participate, sign up on Beanstack a […]

Winter Reading Challenge: Read to Earn Badges & Reflect on Your Story

Posted in Explore and Discover, News on December 14, 2023 at 4:30 am

By Gwendolyn Haley As we usher in the new year, SCLD is thrilled to announce our enthusiastic participation in the “Where We Come From” Winter Reading Challenge, sponsored by Beanstack. You’re invited to sign up for this exciting literary journey, happening January 1–31. The challenge is to read at least 300 minutes throughout the m […]

Library of Things Returns with New Things & an Easy Reservation System

Posted in Explore and Discover, News on June 15, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley Did you know you can check out a telescope, Instant Pot, educational toys, tools, and electronic equipment from the library? We’ve been adding more and more non-book items to our collection to help you learn, work, create, and thrive. As the Library of Things collection continues to grow, you’ll find interesting new […]

School Is In: Helpful Digital Resources for Research, Studying & Homework

Posted in kids, Parents and Teachers on November 19, 2021 at 6:00 am

Now that school is in full swing, homework assignments for many students have started in earnest. Whatever the age of the student, and whether it’s you or someone in your household, we have some great digital resources to help get you through the school year. […]

2021 Discover Passes available for curbside pickup

Posted in News on February 25, 2021 at 4:30 am

BY GWENDOLYN HALEY We have good news for all who enjoy nature and the outdoors! The 2021 Check Out Washington Discover Passes have arrived at the library. You can explore millions of acres of state parks and public lands. The Check Out Washington backpack includes binoculars, field guides, other interpretive materials, and a special Discover […]

New STEM Explorer Kits offer hands-on activities for students in grades K–5

Posted in News on February 22, 2021 at 6:00 am

BY GWENDOLYN HALEY You may have already checked out the Ready for School with STEM kits for younger children (ages 3–5) from the library. Or perhaps you’ve borrowed our Snap Circuits set for elementary school students. We have heard positive reviews from library customers for both of these kits. In response, we are pleased to […]

’Tis the season for streaming holiday music from hoopla

Posted in Explore and Discover on December 2, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley It’s a contentious and potentially divisive subject: When does the Christmas and holiday music season start? Is it okay to play holiday music before Thanksgiving? Before Halloween? In July!? Personally, I find that my preference for holiday music depends upon the year. Sometimes I am fully ready to dive in as soon […]

Tags: holidays, hoopla, music

Discussing difficult topics with children

Posted in kids, Parents and Teachers on March 11, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley I have found that parenting includes the need to have difficult conversations with children. My family recently lost a beloved dog, Pepe, who had been with us for over 14 years. He was an old dog and spent more and more of his time resting and sleeping. So while we were prepared […]

Let’s play: Indoor winter fun at the library

Posted in Explore and Discover, kids, Parents and Teachers on January 24, 2019 at 10:00 am

By Gwendolyn Haley The library is a great place to visit in the winter! No really, it’s true! Every week, we have Play & Learn Storytimes for families with children ages 0–5. For older kids, we have regularly scheduled LEGO Clubs, STEM programs, and other activities. And even when we don’t have a formal program […]

Author: Gwendolyn Haley