Explore and Discover

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 […]

What Makes a Good Book? Here’s How Appeal Factors Result in Great Book Recommendations.

Posted on June 29, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Dana Mannino At least once a week, I have a variation on the following conversation. Library customer: Can you suggest a good book? Librarian: Sure! What do you like to read? Library customer: Anything, as long as it’s well written. We all want a good book. It’s universal. But often we don’t know how […]

Civic Lab Online: What is gun control?

Posted on June 24, 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. Gun Control: […]

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

Posted 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 […]

Getting Active with the Library: Get More Energy & Reduce Stress

Posted on June 14, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Jane Baker The first time I heard the term forest bathing, my immediate thought was “I bet those pine needles hurt!” All kidding aside, forest bathing is a relatively recent term (with science behind it) that gives us a good reason to go take a walk. In 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, […]

Are You Smoke Ready? Helpful Information to Get Ready & Reduce Your Smoke Exposure

Posted on June 13, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Lisa Woodard, guest blogger Smoke Ready Week With the arrival of summer comes the concern about wildfires and the potential for another summer with smoke-filled days. The threat of wildfires is real, and work is underway by many federal, state, and local agencies to reduce this threat. We also know that the threat of […]

7 Graphic Novels to Read During Pride Month

Posted on June 1, 2022 at 6:00 am

Every year, I find myself reading more and more graphic novels and manga. I hadn’t read any until I was well into my adult years, but I’ve found that there are intriguing, well-written, and beautifully drawn graphic novels and manga for all ages. […]

Q&A with SHIBA: Valuable Information, Resources & Books to Help You Navigate Medicare

Posted on May 25, 2022 at 6:00 am

Spokane County Library District has been partnering with the Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisor (SHIBA) program to offer free, unbiased Medicare programs. SHIBA advisors provide our customers with valuable information related to healthcare, more specifically Medicare, on a regular basis. I interviewed Monica Kudrna, the SHIBA Coordinator, t […]

Q&A with SCRAPS: Pet Parent Tips & Separation Anxiety Help for Dogs

Posted on May 24, 2022 at 6:00 am

When I heard about the upcoming program Pandemic Dogs and Separation Anxiety, I was reminded that pets can have stress and anxiety, just like humans can. To complicate these situations, pets can’t tell us in words when something is wrong. So, I often think first of the physical health of my pets whenever there is a change in behavior, appetite, a […]