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RBDigital Audiobooks Moving to Libby/OverDrive on December 2, 2020

rb-digital-magazines On December 2, 2020, Spokane Public Library will be moving our digital ebooks and audiobooks from RBdigital to the Libby app as part of our OverDrive collection. You will continue to be able to browse, borrow, and enjoy all the same great ebooks and audiobooks you loved in the RBdigital app, now available in Libby. If you have already been enjoying the Libby app, there will be no change, other than you may notice even more great titles available for you to borrow.

Transition from RBdigital
If you currently have a book checked out in the RBdigital app, it will be available through the remainder of the lending period, so you can finish your title without disruption or risk of losing your place in the book. Holds will not be moved, but you may export your Transaction History from the Profiles section of the RBdigital app. You can place holds on those titles again in Libby. For the time being, you can continue to use the RBdigital app to access magazines.

Getting Started with Libby
Our library is proud to continue to offer you a wide selection of digital titles for you to access anytime, anywhere through Libby, the one-tap reading app. If you haven’t tried the Libby app yet, all you need to get started is your library card number and PIN number. The Libby app is easy to use and will guide you through the setup process and get you connected to our library in just a few minutes.

New to ebooks and audiobooks?
In just a few taps, you can start reading or listening instantly on your phone or tablet. The digital library is available 24/7 without leaving home and is free from our library. Choose from bestsellers, fiction, nonfiction, books for kids, and more. Download the Libby app today.

~ Amanda

Posted November 13, 2020

Spokane Digital Photo Collection

For the past ten years, we have been digitizing our photo collection to create a comprehensive digital resource for images of Spokane and the Inland Northwest. These images are freely available for anyone to search or browse through our Digital Collections page. Since the Northwest Room has been closed, we have been going through photo files and adding any images we may have missed in the first project. We are now finished going through the Spokane photos, so all of the Spokane photos are available. We have also hit a milestone of 3000 images and have created a video showing you how to find pictures on your own.

Here are a couple of recent additions.

Spokane_Spokane_House046.tif

Mouth of the Little Spokane River at the Spokane House site. Frank Palmer photo, ca. 1915.

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“Looking across the city from the north bank of the river from a point about directly north from the Carnegie Library. Jake Hill is seated on a tree stump in the foreground of the view, ca. 1910.”

~ Northwest Librarian

Posted November 6, 2020

Unveiling Designs for Children’s Areas in the Library of the Future

Designs have been unveiled for enhanced children’s spaces at the new and renovated Spokane Public Library locations. Each library play space will be an access point to a whimsical alternate reality that draws on familiar features of Spokane’s landscape and culture. This unified world will encourage visitors to continue their journey at other library locations. Around the bend, under the bridge, between those trees – find your way into Spokane’s hidden worlds.

“When the Library Bond passed in 2018, the number one requested improvement from our community was improved children’s spaces,” said Andrew Chanse, Executive Director, Spokane Public Library.

To make that request come to life, Spokane Public Library engaged Luci Creative, a Chicago-based children’s playscape design firm, to develop six whimsical children’s spaces for the Central Library (formerly Downtown), Shadle Park, Liberty Park, Hillyard, Indian Trail, and South Hill. The children’s play and learning areas will not exceed $1.8M for design services which includes fabrication and installation of the design work to be fully funded from interest earnings.

“Luci Creative was the perfect partner to help us design creative spaces that will provide a playful environment and generate a love of libraries, literacy, and learning in the future generations of Spokane,” said Chanse.

Large-scale, natural elements will add a fantasy vibe while artsy textures and patterns give the space a handmade feel that kids can relate to. The native flora and fauna of Spokane will mingle with a friendly cast of characters, and will be used throughout the play spaces in both environmental graphics and dimensional elements. All of the children’s spaces include integrated shelving for books (to augment traditional shelving) and seating for reading.

“These new children’s library play spaces will mean so much to our community and the future children of Spokane,” said Mayor Nadine Woodward. “It’s almost as if the Library has created a new network of indoor parks for our community.”

Learn more about all the library bond projects at future.spokanelibrary.org.

At a Glance: Central Library

Size: 2,380 square feet
Theme: River Rumpus
- Dive into the river on a tour with Goat, and discover an unexpected world of sunken secrets. Slide down the waterfall or traverse the submerged logs. Take a turn at the wheel of the boat wreck, or climb into the gondola submarine for a spin. Little ones crawl into the belly of a fish to find play opportunities just for them.
Mascot: Goat
Opening: Spring 2022

shadle-hero

At a Glance: Shadle Park

Size: 1,500 square feet
Theme: Moose’s Market
- Grab your overalls and spend a day with Farmer Moose, planting and harvesting crops, and manning the veggie stand for hungry critters. Tired after a hard day of work? Take some time off in the burrows beneath the garden, or climb to the carrot tops and slide back down in the tunnel. For the littlest ones, the flower garden is a safe spot to discover what might hide between the blooms.
Mascot: Moose
Opening: Summer 2021

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At a Glance: Liberty Park

Size: 1,150 square feet
Theme: Sasquatch Shack
- Pitch your tent and take a walk through the forest where the local Sasquatch families live peacefully. Climb up into the trees and slide down a branch, make yourself at home in a Sasquatch hut, or gather round the fire for a story. Whether you’re peeking through binoculars, or crawling into a giant log, this is sure to be a camping trip unlike any other.
Mascot: Sasquatch
Opening: Summer 2021

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At a Glance: Hillyard Library

Size: 1,020 square feet
Theme: Mt. Shaw
- Float on up to this mystical mountain among the clouds where mama mountain lion is raising her cubs. Take in the view from the peak, leave your mark in chalk on the cave wall, or tunnel in and curl up with a book. Little ones find their own cozy space among the cumulus, with sensory play and plenty of room to crawl.
Mascot: Mountain Lion & Osprey
Opening: Fall 2021

spl-indian-trail-hero

At a Glance: Indian Trail

Size: 500 square feet
Theme: Basalt Burrow
- Paddle, swim, or hop on over to the shores of Mr. Marmot’s island, where he’s dug out a cave for you to explore. Climb the boulder or burrow under with a book and discover what’s inside the cave. Bring the little ones along – there’s plenty of space to crawl in the boat.
Mascot: Marmot
Opening: Spring 2022

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At a Glance: South Hill

Size: 650 square feet
Theme: Turkey Treetops
- Step into the treetops and take a stroll around the block in this avian community. Climb through and crawl under the coop, or put on a show at the puppet theater. In the nest, little ones have space to explore their world safely.
Mascot: Turkey
Opening: Spring 2022

~ Amanda

Posted October 30, 2020
Tags: ChildrensLibrary, LibrarOfTheFuture, Playspaces

Native American Heritage Month 2020

nahmwebtile

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with Spokane Public Library! View our selection of pre-recorded video programming below to learn more about Indigenous cultures and tribal nations:

Spokane Tribe Enrolled Member Judge Wynecoop Reminisces About Growing Up and Hunting on the Spokane Indian Reservation in the 1930s

10 Words and Phrases in Salish for Kids – and Everyone! Presented by Kale (Sqáqlaʔxʷqn̓) and Mireya (N̓k̓ʷlílaʔ) of the Salish School of Spokane

How to Make Fry Bread with Jennifer LeBret of the Spokane Tribe

How to Make Fry Bread and Learn Some Cooking Words in Salish from the Salish School of Spokane

Teepee Story with Drea Rose

Spokane Tribe Documentary – Battles of 1858 | Apolonio Hernandez & Jennifer LeBret

Cedar Basket Weaving | Patti Bailey (Part 1-10 below)

Elderberry as Medicine to Boost Your Immune System from Spokane Tribal Member Jennifer LeBret

The Doodlebug Story as told by Spokane Tribal Elder Orten Ford

Check out this Indigenous Literature Booklist for further reading!

View Kanopy’s selection of videos about Indigenous peoples and Tribal Nations.

~ admin

Posted October 30, 2020

Updated: Announcing Grab-N-Go Access by Appointment-Only Starting November 4th at Spokane Public Library

Updated 11/16/2020

Effective 11/15, Spokane Public Library is suspending in-person browsing/Grab-N-Go access due to the surge in Covid-19 numbers. Customers may pick up materials by scheduling a Curbside Pickup. Computer Access is also available by 30-minute appointments. Read more about our COVID-19 response here.

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Starting Wednesday, November 4, Spokane Public Library will allow holds pickup and brief browsing through a new Grab-N-Go appointment model. Appointments for Grab-N-Go can be made at spokanelibrary.org/grab-n-go. Customers who are notified by email that their holds are available will be able to choose between booking a Grab-N-Go appointment or a Curbside Pickup appointment to retrieve their holds. Customers who prefer to browse, without placing a hold, can also book a time for a Grab-N-Go appointment.

“With safety protocols in place and the support of the Spokane Regional Health District and the Governor’s office, we are confident that we can expand services on a limited basis while keeping both our staff and community healthy and safe,” said Library Executive Director, Andrew Chanse. ”We know Spokane loves it’s libraries and we are eager to welcome the public safely back to our facilities. We trust our customers to wear a mask and maintain social distance so that everyone can resume access to in-person library resources.”

Customers will be entering the building for the first time since March 13. “There will be some obvious visible changes to the library due to Covid-19,” said Chanse. “For instance, we have installed plexiglass around staff areas and removed all seating to discourage customers from lingering.”

Customers using the Grab-N-Go model will be able to pick up their holds, browse, and check out materials using the self-check kiosks or by downloading the Spokane Public Library app and using the Self-Service Checkout function to scan and checkout items on their smartphone. Grab-N-Go access should require little to no customer/staff interaction.

As with all public places, face masks and a minimum 6 feet of social distance are mandatory. Face masks are required for anyone 5 years of age or older and masks must be worn properly, covering both the nose and mouth. The library will provide a face mask for anyone who arrives without one. Customers who would prefer not to wear a face mask can utilize Curbside Pickup. Hand sanitizing stations are available at the main entrance and all exits.

Initially, only a few appointments per hour will be allowed and we will slowly add capacity over the next month, eventually reaching 25% of allotted capacity. Library staff will be stationed at the door and will monitor building occupancy and mask compliance. Returned materials should be placed in the external materials return box and not handed directly to staff. All returned items will be quarantined for a minimum of 3 days following return before being handled by staff.

Computer access is also available and is limited to one 30-minute session per person per day. Customers are required to have a reservation for computer access. Reservations can be made by calling the library at 509-444-5300 or booked online at spokanelibrary.org/computer-reservation.

~ Amanda

Posted October 29, 2020
Tags: COVID-19, Grab-N-Go

YALSA Teens’ Top Ten List

Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) shares a list of the top 10 favorite titles voted by teens each year! View the rest of the 2020 nominees here and lists from 2019, 2018, and past years.

1. Wayward Son (Simon Snow, #2) by Rainbow Rowell

Book | eBook

2. Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks

Book | eBook

3. With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

Book | eBook | Audiobook

4. Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Book | eBook

5. Broken Throne: A Red Queen Collection by Victoria Aveyard

Book | eBook | Audiobook

6. #MurderFunding (#MurderTrending #2) by Gretchen McNeil

eBook

7. We Hunt the Flame (Sands of Arawiya) by Hafsah Faizal

Book | eBook

8. Lovely War by Julie Berry

Book | eBook

9. Wilder Girls by Rory Power

Book | eBook

10. The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy

eBook | Audiobook

~ Katie Rickard

Posted October 26, 2020

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with the Hispanic Business/Professionals Association

Dia de los Muertos with the Hispanic Business/Professionals Association: Two great events: a drive-through ofrenda (altar) and a live streamed video event. Please join the community as we remember our loved ones and share the cultural celebration that is the Day of the Dead.

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Sunday, November 1st: 12:00pm – 5:00pm | Drive-Through Ofrenda and Giveaway at Hazen and Jaeger Funeral Home (1306 N. Pines Rd., Spokane Valley, WA)

Safely drive through a covered display of Día de los Muertos altars built by community members. You may bring offerings to be placed on the altar. While supplies last, there will be giveaways including gift bags for kids, health kits, and pan de muerto.

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Sunday, November 1: 1:00pm | Live online event streaming on YouTube

Watch it live or watch the recording on YouTube later. This bilingual program will feature Mariachi music, Baile Folklorico, Danza Mexica, craft tutorials, stories, memories, educational presentations, art, Latinx films, restaurant promotions, and more!

In partnership with the Hispanic Business/Professionals Association, Spokane Public Library created a tissue paper flower craft video for the online event and craft supplies for the drive through giveaway. Special thanks to the Friends of Spokane Public Library and Friends of Spokane Valley Library for providing children’s books for the gift bags.

~ admin

Posted October 23, 2020

Walking Tour: Spooky and Haunted Locations in Browne’s Addition

Quick! Get outside and go for a walk before the cold sticks around. The Library has created several walking tours to inspire you and due to spooktacular demand, we created a second haunted walking tour, this time in Browne’s Addition. This tour features some of our city’s oldest homes (and the ghosts that inhabit them). From lost cemeteries to feuding sisters, there are some great stories in Browne’s Addition!

You can do the tour from the custom Google Map we created or download a pdf version. You can even request a copy of the tour with your curbside pickups at the libraries!

The legends are based on local stories, historic newspaper articles, and stories from Chet Caskey’s books (which you can find at the library or Auntie’s bookstore). Remember to please stay on the sidewalks and observe all laws and regulations while touring.

If this tour whets your appetite for more, check out the Downtown Spooky Walking Tour and the Geological Walking Tour of Downtown. If you need more safe (and fun) Halloween suggestions, we’ve captured them all into one post here.

-created by Vanessa Strange and Eva Silverstone, 2020.

~ admin

Posted October 23, 2020
Tags: Browne's Addition, ghosts, Halloween, haunted, Spokane History, walking tour

Bullet Journaling | Opening Act(ivity)

Hello! My name is Lisa and I usually host the Opening Act(ivity) program on Wednesday mornings at Northtown.

Now that it is getting darker, it is getting more and more difficult to get motivated in the morning. I recently learned about Bullet Journaling and decided to start small. Every night before bed, I write down three tasks that I would like to accomplish in the next day. When doing these tasks, I sometimes expand it by accomplishing something else that was in the vicinity. I add the extra tasks to my list and mark as complete. Even completing one more task makes you feel good about your day.

If you would like to learn more about Bullet Journaling, click this link.

Check out this Lynda/LinkedIn Learning course: OneNote: Creating a Bullet Journal-Style Notebook

We also have several items available through our catalog that you can request:

Journal Me Organized: The Complete Guide to Practical and Creative Planning by Rebecca Spooner

The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll: Book | eBook

Dot Journaling – A Practical Guide by Rachel Wilkerson Miller

~ admin

Posted October 22, 2020

Spooky Season Recommendation Roundup!

halloween-blog-image We are all looking for the most fun ways to celebrate Halloween safely. Here’s a roundup of recommended ideas and links from public health experts:

Decorate both the inside and outside your house, apartment, or living space and share photos with friends and family
Walk or drive around and look at spooky decorations all over town! Here’s some recommendations from the Spokesman
Take our haunted walking tour of downtown
Take a stroll on the walking paths in Spokane’s cemeteries during open hours
If you’d rather just look at cemetery records at home, try the Washington State Digital Archives
Try your hand at Halloween crafting: use construction paper to make a Halloween scene like a black cat and the moon for your windows, draw funny pumpkin faces, or make a magic wand to create some Halloween magic!
Hide candy or mini pumpkins in your house for your kids to find instead of trick or treating
Trick or treat at every door inside your house
Plan elaborate costumes and makeup and spend time as a family getting ready. Use old clothes to create a costume or sew new pieces. FaceTime or send pictures to relatives.
Turn down the lights, make some snacks and have a spooky movie night – check out the horror selections on Kanopy
Curl up with some spooky stories – check out these recommended reading lists: digital and physical books (kids) and grown-ups
Warm up the house with some spooky baking- pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, spooky shaped sugar cookies.
Bring back some old-fashioned treats like popcorn balls, caramel apples, and snack mix

For public health recommendations and risk levels for activities, check out the following:

Washington State Department of Health tips here and here;
CDC guidelines for celebrations here and here

Stay safe and have fun!

~ admin

Posted October 20, 2020
Tags: "trick or treat", cooking, Coronavirus, costumes, COVID-19, Halloween, magic, pumpkin, spooky

Announcing Limited Computer Access at All Locations & Walk-Up Holds Pickup at STA Plaza | Starting October 20

Starting Tuesday, October 20, Spokane Public Library will allow Limited Computer Access by reservation-only at all locations. There will be no browsing, inside holds pickup, or materials checkout at this time. Customers can still use Curbside service for access to physical materials.

Customers will be required to have a reservation for computer access. Reservations can be booked online at spokanelibrary.org/computer-reservation or by calling the library at 509-444-5300.

To ensure the safety of staff and customers:

Customers are allowed one 30-minute session per day. Reservations are for one person only.
Customers must arrive on time for the reservation. If a customer is more than 5 minutes late, they will forfeit their reservation.
Customers must wear a mask that covers nose and mouth at all times. The Library will provide a mask if needed.
Computer stations will be sanitized for 30 minutes between sessions.

We are also pleased to announce that walk-up holds pickup will be available at STA Plaza starting on October 20. Customers can now place holds to be picked up at the entrance door to the STA Plaza Library (on the 2^nd floor of the STA Plaza). Customers may make an appointment for Curbside Pickup at spokanelibrary.org/curbside.

~ Amanda

Posted October 19, 2020
Tags: ComputerAccess

Indigenous Literature Booklist

indigenous-peoples-lit

This list, written with #OwnVoices, includes stories of everyday life, of special occasions, and of boarding schools and their long-lasting effects, all representing a variety of experiences of Indigenous people and tribal nations.

PICTURE BOOKS

Nipêhon = I Wait by Caitlin Dale Nicholson

Blog @ Spokane Public Library

~ Amanda

~ Northwest Librarian

~ Amanda

~ admin

~ Amanda

~ Katie Rickard

~ admin

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~ Amanda

~ Katie Rickard

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