Carnegie Library and Liquid Lit

Years ago, I stepped into Carnegie Library for a college assignment, expecting a straightforward study of library layouts and materials. But the moment I walked through those doors, I felt a warmth that went far beyond the building itself. Cozy, quaint, and clearly loved, Carnegie Library felt like a storybook version of what a small-town library should be. Ever since, it’s been my picture-perfect vision of a community-centered library, serving Ritzville and its surrounding towns with heart.

Hello there! My name is Stefani Kanzler, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as your new Library Assistant II. I grew up in the Sprague/Lamont area and spent countless summers in the Lind/Ritzville area, with my grandparents. I spend my days as the librarian and IT coordinator for Sprague/Lamont School, where over the years I have taught library skills, computers, robotics, and coding for both elementary and high school students. I live with my family on a small homestead where we raise and prepare all our own food, and last spring, I graduated from Western Governors University. When I saw an opening here at Carnegie, I felt it calling to me. This library, which left such a lasting impression on me over a decade ago, was a perfect fit for the next chapter of my life—and I couldn’t be happier to be here!

Over the past few months, I’ve been amazed by the dedication of this team and all the wonderful services they offer—some of which I never knew existed! Carnegie truly is a community gem, a place where people come together to share, learn, and grow.

One program I’m especially excited to dive into is Liquid Lit! If you haven’t heard, Liquid Lit is Carnegie’s monthly book club, where we gather to discuss our latest read over a delicious meal at Mi Jalisco. It’s an evening filled with food, friendship, and lively conversation—a perfect blend of literary love and local flavor.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Liquid Lit will be taking a cozy little break for November—but don’t fret! We’ll be back in December with a brand-new book to enjoy together. Keep an eye out at the library, around town, or on our social media for the December book pick. Once it’s chosen, you’ll be able to check it out right here at the library! If you’re a digital reader, we’ve got you covered—many of our selections are available on Libby, our digital library app. Some titles are even available on Libby as audiobooks, so you can listen while you cook, commute, or simply relax!

And here’s a little something extra: if you can’t join us in person for Liquid Lit, you can still join in the fun on the Fable app, where we chat about the standout moments and themes that capture our attention as we read. It’s a lovely way to stay connected, even from afar!

If you’ve got a book in mind that you’d love for us to read, please share it with us! Swing by the library, drop us a message on social media, or bring your idea to a Liquid Lit gathering in person. I’m so excited to embark on this new reading adventure with all of you, and I can’t wait to see where our stories will take us!

Falling Into Place

Summer has waved goodbye, school bells are ringing, and we at the library are diving headfirst into our jam-packed programming schedule! Get ready for a lineup of shiny new programs and the return of your all-time favorites—there's plenty to get excited about! 

In September, we had the wonderful opportunity to host the Pacific Science Center from Seattle, allowing them to visit numerous schools in our service area. They brought along their Science on Wheels van, spending an entire day at each school and concluding their Physics experience at the library. The entire week was an exciting success, and we look forward to inviting another one of their Science on Wheels programs next year, such as Blood and Guts! 

They wrapped up the week at the library with the launch of our new Homeschool Hangout, scheduled for the fourth Friday of each month at 10:30 AM. We will offer a variety of enjoyable activities, educational opportunities, and resources tailored for homeschool families in the community. If you have any ideas for experiences or resources you would like us to include, please don't hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts! 

On October 18th at 5:30pm, get ready to beam up for an out-of-this-world presentation by Steve Edmiston from Humanities Washington! He'll be diving into “UFO Northwest: How Washington State Spawned the Men in Black.” Steve’s not just your average Joe; he’s a business and entertainment lawyer at Bracepoint Law and a creative indie film screenwriter and producer. On August 1, 1947, a B-25 bomber crash in Washington State led to the FBI investigating “The Maury Island Incident,” marking the first alleged encounter with the "Men in Black." Sealed FBI records reveal Cold War tensions, cover-ups, and the involvement of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. This talk explores how this incident influences modern UFO narratives, including its portrayal in 1950s pulp magazines and films like X-Files and Men in Black, while also addressing conflicting narratives regarding the Northwest's role in UFO history. Don’t miss this cosmic rendezvous! 

We have brought back our adult book club, Liquid Lit! It is on the fourth Thursdays at 6:30pm and hosted at Mi Jalisco. Can’t come in person? No problem, join the conversation on Fable, our book club app! It is free and allows you to discuss chapter by chapter so there are no spoilers, and you can contribute to the conversation at your pace. (Insert QR code or link [https://links.fable.co/voqEunyUHMB]) Didn’t read the book? No worries, just come for some good food, fun company, and stimulating conversation! Our book for October is Starling House by Alix E. Harrow. 

We are delighted to welcome some fresh faces to the library, so swing by and give them a warm hello! 

 

Additional Programs Happening in October: 

• Every Monday at 10 AM, we dive into the magical world of Preschool Storytime! Grab your imagination and join the fun!
• Our D&D guild gathers on the second Wednesday (age 12+) and every Saturday (all ages), save for the second Saturday of the month, to embark on thrilling campaigns!
• Join us for Tween Time on Thursday the 3rd, where we’ll be splashing some watercolor magic to create stunning cityscapes! 
• Get ready for Crafty Corner on Sat the 12th at noon, where we're diving into the world of adult crafts with some fabulous Norwegian Hoops! 
• Teens buckle up for some spooky fun! On Thursday the 24th, Teen Scene is crafting Halloween lanterns that'll light up your fright night!  
• Get ready to unleash your inner ghoul! This Halloween night, join us for a fang-tastic time at Community Trick-or-Treat from 2 to 4:30pm, where spellbinding fun awaits in your spookiest attire! 

 

 

Millie Hopkins 

Library Director 

New Books Week of August 19

 

Books, Books, and More books!

Is there anything better than the smell of a brand-new book, or the knowledge that you are the very first one to ever read your copy?

We have exciting news! The Ritzville public library has received a very generous grant from the Pilcrow Foundation. This grant was supplemented by Ritzville's own Paha Farms and provided us with 70 new hardcover books, and two bonus books. In addition to the first grant, we also received a donation from Drs. Bill Strawbridge and Meg Wallhagen for 19 books focused on health and wellness and a third donation of 24 books focused on Math and Science from Mr. Hal Berenson and Mrs. Laura Ackerman.

The totality of these donations/grants has given us 115 new YA/J and Children's books to add to our shelves. 

Books will be released for checkout on a weekly basis into our collection. Stay tuned as we update you with new titles each week. 

 

Adventures Begins at Your Library

Growing up in Ritzville I spent many years within the Carnegie Library walls. I would spend hours playing games and doing homework in the teen room, I attended the monthly Page Turners Book Club program, and I participated for many years in the Summer Reading Program. I was lucky enough to find an open position for a place I hold so dearly in my heart. It didn’t take long for me to become the Youth Services Library Assistant, where I am fortunate to be able to give back to the community by creating fun and educational activities for our local youth.

A program I wish I could've participated in when I was young is 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. It is free and educational and can be started immediately after birth. This easy program encourages you to read 1,000 books with your child before they enter kindergarten to promote strong reading skills and expand their imagination and awareness of the world. The signup process is easy! Ask any Ritzville library staff member for a registration form to receive a packet that includes a reading log, book and reading level recommendations, and a very easy-to-read parent instruction page.

Throughout June, all programs, both adult and youth, will not be occurring, due to the staff planning the Summer Reading Program. This year we are extremely excited about the theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” We have so many things going on this summer for you and your family to enjoy! The kick-off party will take place for SRP at the Ritzville City Park on Saturday, July 6th from 11 AM to 12:30 PM where the kids will play one-shot mini-games with the theme of Survivalist. Every weekday for six weeks starting on July 8th at 1-3 PM there will be more programs for your kids to enjoy! Monday – STEAM, Tuesday – Lego Club, Wednesday – Gamerz, Thursday – Craft Day, Friday – Movie Matinee.

We will also host Joshua Superstar as an event for the kiddos. We loved seeing him so much the first time that we decided to invite him again! He will be showcasing his numerous talents like “side-splitting comedy, nail-biting circus stunts, and tons of audience participation” (https://www.joshuajsuperstar.com/) at the Ritzville City Park on Saturday, July 20th at 1 PM.

You might be sitting here reading and wondering ‘What about the adults?’ Well, we have a Summer Reading Program designed with you in mind! Going along with the SRP Youth Theme, our wonderful Adult Services, Heather, put together Lords and Ladies of the Ring. You need to follow the path of Sam and Frodo to destroy the one true ring. Your triumph just might lead to riches and glory. Ask for an Adult Reading Packet today!

Additional June Events

Saturday, June 15th at 5:30 PM, an author talk by Janet Yoder. She will go in-depth about her book “Where the Language Lives.” A beautiful book about her mentor, Vi Hilbert’s life and achievements, where she discusses the impact of Vi Hilbert on the indigenous culture, history, and language. If you are interested in how she helped keep a rich culture alive, this would be a fantastic opportunity to experience! Her book is available for checkout at the Ritzville Public Library.

Monday, June 17th from 10 AM-2 PM, a Community Health Event will be held in our Learning Garden. We are happy to host another wonderful year of community-wide wellness. Thanks to Rural Resources, our local families will have many opportunities to see the sponsored vendors, such as Adams County Integrated Health, Housing Assistance, Molina Healthcare, and more! If you have any questions feel free to contact us at 509-659-1222 or EALDhelp@ritzvillelibrary.org

Kaiden Bell

Youth Services Library Assistant

509-659-1222

 

Wishes are Granted and Dreams Come True!

“When I grow up, I want to be a singer!” I was five then. I would stand in front of my life-size poster of Wonder Woman (Linda Carter), and sing You Light Up My Life by Debby Boone, and imagine being Wonder Woman. I would listen to this song repeatedly as it was on a 45 RPM vinyl single. I was in the 4th or 5th grade when I decided I wanted to become a veterinarian, but that dream didn’t last too long, I hate seeing animals in pain. When I was in high school, I wanted to become a paleontologist, I dreamt of someday discovering a new dinosaur and being able to name it. It is a dream I never lost, I still love digging in the dirt and finding cool rocks. When I graduated from high school, I was going to join the Peace Corps; hoping to be sent to Africa to see all the wildlife and then come back and go to college. Life didn’t happen that way, life is full of love, challenges, and loss and enough of my dreams have come true to make my life worth living. I know that I will meet my great-grandchildren someday, and I still intend to go on a dinosaur dig, as a volunteer!

Working at a library was never a dream of mine but this June will be my 14th anniversary. I was four years old when I learned how to read and I have always loved books, that new book smell, turning each page, my eyes devouring the words. Reading has allowed me to explore new places and make new friends like being an astronaut trapped on Mars, solving crimes, or traveling back in time. In between the pages of a book, wishes are granted, dreams come true! When you work at a rural library, you take on the role of every job, from taping and covering books, ordering, cataloging, researching, programming, and interlibrary loans (ILLs).  I fully believe Librarians created the first acronyms! 

Speaking of programs, we have been busy planning this year’s Summer Reading Program, the theme is Adventure Begins at Your Library. The kickoff party will be July 6th at the Ritzville City Park, Joshua J Superstar will be here performing his side-splitting comedy, and nail-biting circus stunts with tons of audience participation! The official start of our 6-week program of activities will be July 8th and the finale will be at the city park on August 17th .We have youth and adult programs so there is something for everyone! Follow us on one of our social media channels, sign up for text or email reminders, or our newsletter for more information. 

The library has so many programs for you every month we could take up pages but here are just a few of  the ones coming in May. 

On Mondays at 10 am, bring your Pre-K kids in for Preschool Storytime, each week has a different educational theme. After the stories are read, they will have a themed craft and a sensory bin to play in. On May 20th , bring your toddler to listen to a story read by a local firefighter! 

Your kids between the ages of 8 ad 12 are invited to Page Turners, our youth book club held on the first Wednesday of the month at 3:45 pm.  They are welcome to stop by the library and pick up a free copy of the book for their library at home! On May 1st, the book will be Pippa Park Raises Her Game by Erin Yun, “Readers will cheer on Pippa Park in this wonderful middle school book about friendships, bullying, crushes, and family. In this relatable story, Pippa reinvents herself and discovers who she really is on and off the basketball court.” They will eat snacks and do crafts related to the book. Even if your kids didn’t read the book and just wanted to do some fun crafts with friends, they are welcome to come! 

You will find the Ritzville Readers, the adult book club, at Mi Jalisco Restaurant on the 3rd Saturday of each month at noon. On May 18th, the theme is new author/genre, you are encouraged to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. If you need recommendations feel free to contact us, we love talking shop! Don’t have time to read, no problem, feel free to just stop by for some stimulating conversation and delicious Mexican cuisine with friends, all adults are welcome!

You can find craft days for kids and adults where each can have fun learning new skills or brushing up on old ones. Crafternoon is for kids and is on the first Friday of the month, on May 3rd , you can send the kids at 3:00 pm and make May Flowers. As we all know, “April showers bring May flowers, and what do Mayflowers bring?” 

Crafty Corner is the craft day for adults on the second Saturday of the month. You can come on May 11th , at noon, and create macrame Mermaid Keychains, the cost is $5.00 per person. Come have a few laughs while macrameing with friends! 

Interested in learning something new and weird? Harriet Baskas, May’s Humanities Washington Speaker, will be here Saturday, May 11 the at 5:30 pm. She will tell you all about the “Weird, Wonderful, and Worrisome Objects in Washington State's Museums.” She explores a wide range of hidden objects found in the back rooms of museums in our state and around the country. Some of the things you will hear about include a Spokane institution that holds Bing Crosby’s toupees and a museum in Lynden that’s home to a 150-year-old pickle. Come join us for this mystical, marvelous, and mysterious program! 

If you want to keep up-to-date on all our scheduled programs, check out the calendar on our website at www.ritzvillelibrary.org or stop by the library and pick one up at the Circulation desk. We hope to see you soon!

Heidi Harting

Acquisitions/Local Historian 

509-659-1222

                               

 

A Glimpse into Ritzville: Personal Reflections & Community Offerings

I didn’t grow up in Ritzville in the traditional sense, but Ritzville still is dear to my heart. It makes me think of cold popsicle juice dripping down my hand as I walk home from the pool on a Thursday night during an extended summer break at my grandparents’ house by the tennis court. It makes me think of the smell of dirt that wafts in the air during harvest time and the constant sneezing from the wheat germ in the air. It makes me think of home. My husband, son and I moved here from Spokane last year to get reacquainted with the town. He recently fulfilled his dream of becoming a Law Enforcement Officer and the town greeted him with open arms. It made the transition so much smoother to be welcomed so warmly. In 2017 I graduated with my B.A. in Theology and Philosophy. I do not regret getting it as it has made me a well-rounded individual, but I do not recommend any man, woman or child go to college for a Philosophy degree (contrary to popular belief, there are not many jobs that this is a useful education to possess). I worked in Early Intervention Services for the past 5 years under the umbrella of social work before becoming unbelievably burnt out and looking for something that could still support my family with our move. That’s where I met the wonderful staff at the Ritzville Public Library and learned that I could be a team member and provide some valuable input as well.

The library has a plethora of resources for anybody to utilize. Aside from the stacks of books we have to offer on a multitude of different topics, our website provides different resources online such as the Chilton Library to help you fix what ails your vehicle. Or Gale Presents: Peterson's Test and Career Prep that helps you prep for a vocational test, prepare for the US Citizenship test, prepare for college entrance exams, or find a school or scholarship, to name just a few. We also have computers, free Wi-Fi, printing for only $.15 a paper, free scanning and outgoing faxes, magazines, craft bags, and telescopes that can be checked out by patrons in good standing.

We will also be hosting The Rural Resource Community Fair on Monday, June 17th at 10 am. The library is proud to partner with and utilize the resources they provide the community such as free health screens and bringing DSHS out to meet with people who are unable to make the drive into Moses Lake or Spokane. Some of the other vendors that will be featured are Care Coordination, Housing Assistance, CHPW, and Molina Healthcare. Come on over and check out what resources they have to offer!

Additional Programs Happening in April:

Thursday, April 11 at 5 pm Film Fanatics (18+). This month’s movie will be Collateral Beauty (PG 13) starring Will Smith. After experiencing a tragedy, a man isolates himself from life and turns to Love, Time, and Death in search of universal truths. To his surprise, he begins to understand the interwoven nature of these concepts and discovers that moments of beauty and importance can arise even in times of grief.

Saturday, April 13 at 12 pm is Adults, get your crafty hats on for "Crafty Corner" (age 18+), where you'll be whipping up some snazzy jewelry for just $5!

Wednesday, April 17 at 4 pm Tween Zone (ages 9-12) will be diving into the art of crafting origami masterpieces!

Wednesday, April 17 at 5:30 pm the Board Meeting is open to all. If you are unable to attend in person, you can request a Zoom link from EALDhelp@ritzvillelibrary.org.

Saturday, April 20^th at 12 pm is our adult book club, Ritzville Readers. We gather to discuss our latest literary adventures based on a chosen theme or topic; April’s is humor/satire. Don't feel like reading? No problem! Come for a stimulating conversation and enjoy mouthwatering Mexican cuisine with fellow book enthusiasts.

Friday, April 26 at 4 pm is Teen Scene, it is a space designed for teenagers to have fun, and this month they will be hosting a zine workshop.

 Ky Beck-Gmeiner

Library Page

Fruitful Insights: Apples, Oranges, and Literature

Why is it that when we are asked to introduce ourselves our minds go blank, and we become strangers in our minds? What should be a simple straightforward task becomes uncomfortable and strenuous. How and where do I begin to explain who Heather is to you all?

Well, for starters I have lived in Ritzville off and on for around 20 years and am a Ritzville Alumni (Class of 2010). When I was in grade school I struggled and needed extra help in most subjects, one of which was reading. It wasn’t until I picked up the book “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”. I quickly became a bibliophile and was hardly ever without a book in my hand. Unfortunately, college spoiled my love of reading for quite a few years. However, working at the library has once again reignited that passion and joy I once felt when reading and being a judge for the Washington State Book Awards (2022). Some more curious/interesting tidbits about me are that I am a major aquaphile I tend to do my best thinking while in water and it even helps me sleep at night. I am an INFJ personality type who hates math, wears her emotions on her sleeve, and loves practically everything to do with the arts. Overall, I am a unique and quirky individual constantly learning, growing, and evolving (that’s the goal anyway). In other words, I feel I am an orange among apples and most days I am cool with that.

Speaking of apples, we have a great presentation coming up for all you history buffs and food aficionados. Mark your calendars for a captivating evening at the Ritzville Public Library on Friday, March 15th at 6 PM. We're thrilled to welcome Amanda Van Lanen, an esteemed expert in the apple business and a distinguished professor of History at Lewis-Clark State College. Discover the fascinating tale behind Washington's rise as the apple state in Amanda's enlightening talk, "Big Apples, Big Business: How Washington Became the Apple State." Delve into the intricate web woven by scientists, investors, irrigators, railroad corporations, marketers, and apple growers that transformed Washington into the top apple-producing state in the nation. From the roots of industrial agriculture to the far-reaching impacts on the American food system and environment, Amanda will unravel the compelling narrative of Washington's apple industry. Gain insight into how historical forces have shaped the way we eat today. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to deepen your understanding of Washington's rich agricultural heritage. Admission is FREE, courtesy of Humanities Washington's Speakers Bureau. Join us for an engaging evening of discovery and community enrichment!

The adult programs don’t stop there. Get ready for an unforgettable month of entertainment and creativity at the Ritzville Public Library.

Check out our exciting lineup of adult programs happening this March!

Film Fanatics: Join us every 2nd Thursday at 5 PM for our Film Fanatics event. This month, we're screening the heartwarming classic "Fried Green Tomatoes." But wait, there's more! Indulge in a delicious meal that perfectly complements the film for a truly immersive experience.

Crafty Corner: Unleash your inner artist at Crafty Corner, happening every 2nd Saturday at 12 PM. This month, dive into the world of shadow watercolor painting and let your creativity flow. Whether you're a seasoned painter or just starting out, you're sure to have a blast experimenting with this unique technique.

Calling all book lovers! Join us at Mi Jalisco every 3^rd Saturday of the month for the Ritzville Reader’s Book Club: We'll gather at 12 PM to discuss our latest literary adventures based on a chosen theme or topic. Don't feel like reading? No problem! Come for a stimulating conversation and enjoy mouthwatering Mexican cuisine with fellow book enthusiasts.

Whether you're a film buff, an art enthusiast, or a bookworm, there's something for everyone at the Ritzville Public Library. Don't miss out on these fantastic opportunities to connect with your community and explore new horizons. See you there!

Heather Carruth

Adult Services/Acquisitions

Between the Pages: February’s Enchanting Library Escapades

In the enchanting realm of storytelling and exploration, I am thrilled to embark on a journey with you as your interim library director, Millie Hopkins. I will be your guide through the vast landscapes of language and literature. This introductory article serves as a window into the world of words that I am passionate about, a glimpse into the pages of my own narrative and the world I love to share with you all.

I have worked at the library for six years, starting as the Youth Services Library Assistant and ending in the Director’s chair. I moved to Ritzville in April of 2017 when the library was up at the high school while it was being remodeled to add the elevator. When the library moved back, I was excited to see the inside of a Carnegie Library still used as a library with original shelves! The first time I walked into the Carnegie building, I fell in love! I always brag about our library because it is so unique and unforgettable. I was so excited when I heard I got a job at the library I started dancing in the aisle at Walmart. Being able to work at this library was a dream come true. I did not know it then, but this library is why my family and I moved to Ritzville.

When Covid hit, and the library had to close, it was difficult because what I loved best about my job was no longer. I did not get to play with the kids anymore; I was doing Facebook Live programs and talking to myself all day. While things slowly opened back up and we gradually got back on our feet, we saw a director or two come and go but it is with much excitement that I announce that our programs are back to being fully open!

The doors are wide open, and we invite you to be a part of the celebration. Join us at any one of the many exciting things going on in February!

On Friday, February 1st, we are celebrating Take Your Child to the Library Day, which thousands of libraries across the globe celebrate. It is a way for families to spend some time together and discover the enchantment of the library. Join us for a whimsical celebration where the world of books meets the enchanting sweetness of Candyland from 12-5 pm. There will be different stations around the library where we will have fun activities and crafts. Each staff member picked a book for their station; I am using the BFG by Roald Dahl and will make dream bottles with the kids. We are also Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs with a Guess What is in the Box and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with a chance to win a golden ticket! There is also Alice in Wonderland, which has a fun card game with a teatime snack and pop and The Invention of Bubblegum with a giant bubble gum machine!

Are you ready to experience the thrill of the unknown, the excitement of a surprise, and the joy of discovering a hidden gem? Say hello to the most enchanting blind date you’ll ever have- a rendezvous with a book that promises mystery, excitement, and the magic of story. We are doing our annual Blind Date with a book all month. Come down and find the one with the catchiest ‘pickup line’ and take it home. For me, any cheese line will do because I am easy! We have different genres, from romance to suspense, poetry, adult westerns, and more obscure options. Some are donations we did not add to the collection that we know you will fall in love with and get to keep. In contrast, others are library books that we would love to hear all the dirty details of your ‘date’ when you bring them back!

If roses and romance are not your thing and your tired of the heart shaped cliches and lovey-dovey gestures then join us for a night of rebellion, laughter, and unapologetic fun at our Anti-Valentines Day Party for adults. Not everyone has a date for Valentine’s Day or even really cares about the “Day of Love”. Well, if that is you, then we got you! Come down on that black Wednesday and celebrate Not being in love with other like-minded people because sometimes Love Stinks! We will have some fun games and food. Adults only, meet us at the library at 6 pm on Wednesday the 14th and celebrate your freedom from the shackles of Cupid’s silly arrows!

As the frosty days of winter melt away, a new chapter unfolds at the Ritzville Public Library. March promises a treasure trove of literary delights, engaging events, and opportunities to connect with stories that will captivate your imagination. Join us here again in anticipating the exciting literary journey that awaits you in the upcoming month.

Millie Hopkins

Library Director