Author – Spokane County Library District

Finding comfort & resources during a pandemic

Posted in Explore and Discover on January 13, 2021 at 6:00 am

By Susan Goertz The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to re-evaluate, reschedule, reimagine, and even relocate. This has been a time of radical transformation for many, if not all of us. While the pandemic has left few lives untouched, its effects have not been equitable. Some of us have struggled with cabin fever and online […]

Dance Apocalyptic: A pandemic playlist & more

Posted in Explore and Discover on November 3, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Susan Goertz Lately, random songs have been popping into my head, often playing on loop, until I give in altogether and play the same track 20 times in a row while dancing in my pajamas. Maybe you are experiencing something similar. (No judgment. All feelings deserve to be felt.) With a quick online search, […]

Bright shining sounds (Part 2): A social justice playlist

Posted in Explore and Discover on July 13, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Susan Goertz Music shapes us. It makes us feel. It rouses us, and soothes us into sleep. It consoles, uplifts, inspires. Music about social justice can inspire listeners to advocate for causes they believe in and can educate people about issues. The best social justice songs tell stories of voices rarely heard and have […]

Bright shining sounds (Part 1): A social justice playlist

Posted in Explore and Discover on February 19, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Susan Goertz I don’t remember when I first fell in love with music. Maybe while being soothed by my mother’s susurrations as she gently rocked me into the world. Or maybe it was the chickadees and blackbirds trilling from the meadow adjacent to our back yard. It could have been the first time the […]

December, a season to celebrate human rights

Posted in Explore and Discover on December 11, 2019 at 6:00 am

By Susan Goertz As winter descends upon us, for many of us, our thoughts wander toward cozy gatherings with those we love. Most of us enjoy beautifully decorated trees, glowing firelight, delicious feasts, and traditional treats. December beckons us to gather together and reflect, to share with and nurture our family and friends. I would […]

Play it again: A love letter to The Bartlett

Posted in Explore and Discover on October 2, 2019 at 6:00 am

By Susan Goertz In late 2013, something magical happened that changed Spokane’s music scene forever, for the better. The Bartlett opened its doors. A desperately needed all-ages venue, The Bartlett was everything Spokane’s music scene was missing—an intimate space (150 person capacity versus the 1,500 capacity of The Knitting Factory) that fo […]

Creating a furever home: Adopting & fostering pets

Posted in Explore and Discover on June 26, 2019 at 6:00 am

By Susan Goertz Have you been thinking of adopting a furry friend now that summer has arrived? Someone to hike by your side in the sunshine or cuddle up by the fire pit on those long summer nights? House training and puppy fangs didn’t exactly meet my family’s needs as we already had a senior […]

Spring brings kittens and puppies and poetry, oh my!

Posted in Explore and Discover on April 16, 2019 at 6:00 am

By Susan Goertz April come she will when streams are ripe and swelled with rain. –from “April Come She Will” composed by Paul Simon This time of year the song “April Come She Will” inevitably gets stuck in my head. If I just shared my earworm with you, then you may want to check out […]

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with family, food, and festivities

Posted in Explore and Discover on February 5, 2019 at 6:00 am

By Susan Goertz Congratulations! You made it to 2019. I hope the year so far is treating you kindly. If your resolutions are starting to fall by the wayside, or the glum weather is getting to you, don’t worry. There is another chance for a fresh start—the Lunar New Year! As you know, the modern […]

Holiday memories and gifts that keep on giving

Posted in kids, Parents and Teachers on December 4, 2018 at 6:00 am

By Susan Goertz The scent of holidays is in the air. Crisp frost and cinnamon seem to waft near every doorway. We scramble to prepare for social gatherings while dreaming of time. Time to relax and enjoy the season. Time to be with loved ones, remember seasons past, decorate, and eat all the desserts. The […]

Author: Susan Goertz