Cultivating Community: The Importance of Our Propagation Station and Learning Garden

In the heart of our community lies a vital hub dedicated to plant enthusiasts and nature lovers—the propagation station. This unique space is entirely community-driven, relying on generous donations and the swapping of “plant babies” from local plant enthusiasts. With a community-driven approach, the propagation station nurtures green thumbs and fosters a profound sense of responsibility toward environmental stewardship. 

At the propagation station, participants can share their knowledge of plant propagation, or speak to our in-house plant expert, Megan Wills, gaining in-depth knowledge and practical skills in nurturing a wide variety of plant species. With her guidance, attendees gain a wealth of information and practical skills essential for nurturing a diverse array of plant species, from tropical delights to hardy succulents. This exchange of knowledge cultivates a vibrant community where individuals develop a deep appreciation for the intricacies of plant care and the natural world around them. 

This April marks the start of work in our learning garden, where we will refresh the bark and gravel paths, add lighting, and incorporate whimsical elements. A significant aspect of this project includes installing habitats for local wildlife, and providing homes for bats, carpenter bees, and butterflies, along with bee and bird baths. These installations promote biodiversity and ecological balance, offering essential shelter and resources for various species. By observing and interacting with these creatures, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationships within our ecosystem. The creature houses and baths will serve as a living classroom, offering invaluable lessons in conservation and the importance of protecting our natural world. 

Through our propagation station and learning garden, we are not just cultivating plants; we are nurturing a vibrant community where nature and its caretakers thrive side by side. By participating in sustainable practices and sharing knowledge, we inspire everyone to take active steps toward a greener future. Together, we are enhancing our local ecosystem and creating a space where both people and the environment can flourish.  

In April, our Homeschool Hangout program will continue to work towards creating a greener world by celebrating Earth Day with some fun hands-on lessons focusing on our planet and our roles in protecting it. As a part of this celebration, students will actively participate in planting various items within our learning garden, reinforcing the importance of stewardship for the environment. 

 

~ Tiffanie Longsdorff  

Additional Programs Happening in April:   

•  Every Monday at 10 AM: Preschool Story Time   
• Join us as we explore weekly themes, create crafts, and enjoy fun activities.
• April 2nd: Author Visit and Crafternoon  
• Join us at 4 PM to make felt flowers, followed by a visit from historical fiction writer Kay Smith-Blum at 5 PM. 
• April 3rd: Middle School Game Night   
• Bring your friends for an afternoon of laughter as we play "What Do You Meme" starting at 4 PM. 
• April 9th: D&D Night (Ages 16+)   
• Embark on a magical quest with fellow D&D enthusiasts starting at 5:30 PM. 
• April 10th: Page Turners Book Club   
• Join us as we read "Backcountry" by Jenny Goebel. 
• April 12th: Crafty Corner   
• Join us as we craft moss-covered bunny topiaries. Adults only, please! 
• April 16th: Lego Club   
• Join us at 4 PM to build Lego flowers. 
• April 17th: High School Game Night   
• Bring your friends for an afternoon of laughter as we play "What Do You Meme." 
• April 23rd: Movie Matinee   
• Come on down for some freshly popped popcorn and a showing of Disney’s "Moana 2." 
• April 24th: Liquid Lit   
• Join the discussion as we read Reese's Book Club pick "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown. 
• April 25th: Home School Hangout   
• Join us as we learn about the significance of Earth Day and how to be good stewards of our planet. 

East Adams Library District Board Member Visits Representatives

 One of our library trustees, Morgane Plager Roth, has returned from Washington, D.C. having joined the “Voices for Libraries” Washington State Delegation as a rural library advocate. The delegation also included Sara Jones, State Librarian; Jeanne Williams, State Public & Tribal Library Consultant; Brianna Hoffman, State Training Coordinator; Kate Laughlin, Executive Director of the Association for Small & Rural Libraries; John Sheller and Chase Gallagher, King County Libraries; and Rick Sheridan, Seattle Public Library.

 The group joined delegations from 37 states for an educational day at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in downtown D.C. on Wednesday, March 5th. The next day the group met with the offices of Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and with the offices of Representatives Michael Baumgartner, Suzan Delbene, Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez, Pramila Jayapal, Emily Randall, Kim Schrier, and Marilyn Strickland.

 The delegations were specifically advocating for the full funding of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). The LSTA falls under the Museum and Library Services Act that was last authorized in 2018 and is the only act that specifically targets federal funds to libraries. The funds from the LSTA are distributed to every state, territory, and Washington, D.C. In Washington, those funds help fund jobs and services at the state library and are distributed to all of our 39 counties. In a rural library system, like ours, that translates to having the Washington Digital Library Consortium allowing us to offer digital and audiobook checkouts in LIBBY, the Adams County Community Archive in the Washington Rural Heritage Program, training for our staff and trustees, access to broadband and E-rates, the Washington Humanities speakers bureau, the historical newspaper project, amongst others.

 Washington State also provides funding for 22 tribal libraries and is the only state that maintains 9 libraries in our correctional facilities and our state hospitals, allowing inmates and residents access to a wide variety of quality materials.

 Morgane was deeply honored to be asked to join the delegation and was proud to be a voice for our Washington rural libraries. She said that, “The most striking takeaway from the meetings was how interested our representatives are in learning how this funding directly impacts our citizens and community groups.”

 “Voices for Libraries” was sponsored by the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies and the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.

The delegation meets with Senator Patty Murray’s aides.

Liquid Lit Book Club

 When it comes to the joy of reading, I was a late bloomer. For most of my life, my exposure to books was limited to an academic setting. My teachers assigned books that explored the human condition and often made us question how trustworthy those in power really are. We followed a strict reading schedule, had weekly jobs for our group discussions, and powered through book after book. It felt very structured, and for me, it drained all the enjoyment out of reading.

It wasn’t until I discovered online book clubs—where people read books they actually enjoyed and discussed a wide range of topics, no matter how trivial they might seem—that I realized reading could be something different. I could read books outside a specific genre, analyze them in ways that went beyond my teachers' “right way,” or simply pick up a book to disconnect from life’s struggles for a few minutes each day. These book clubs opened my eyes to a whole world of conversations about books I’d previously thought were not very thought-provoking.

That’s why, when I joined the staff here at the Ritzville Library, I was beyond excited to be part of the Liquid Lit book club! Liquid Lit is our adult book club that reads a different book each month, then gathers at Mi Jalisco’s for a delicious dinner to discuss the book and share our thoughts. So far, in 2025, we’ve read and discussed The Author’s Guide to Murder and Onyx Storm. For March, we’re reading We All Live Here, the story of Lila Kennedy, whose life is falling apart—her marriage is over, her daughters are rebellious, her house is crumbling, and her career is sinking. When her estranged father, who’s been absent for 35 years, suddenly reappears, it’s the last thing she needs. But even the most unlikely family connections can teach unexpected lessons about love and belonging.

Liquid Lit offers a relaxed setting to talk about the great books we read with other bibliophiles. However, we understand that not everyone has the time or ability to join us for an in-person discussion. With our program's rebranding, we’ve created an online discussion forum through the Fable app that patrons can access by scanning the QR code on any of our program flyers! This way, even if you can’t join us physically, you can still share your thoughts on the monthly read.

As someone who doesn’t live in Ritzville, this program has given me a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and potential patrons. So, thank you for giving us the chance to share this program with all of you.

March Programs at the Ritzville Library

• Preschool Storyhour with Ms. Megan: Every Monday at 10:00 AM

• D&D Club: For all ages, on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Saturdays of the month at 12:00 PM

• Lego Club: March 19th at 4:00 PM

• Board Meeting: March 20th at 5:00 PM

• Movie Matinee: Join us for Encanto on March 26th at 4:00 PM

• High School Mystery Night: March 27th at 4:00 PM

• Liquid Lit Book Club: March 27th at Mi Jalisco at 6:30 PM to discuss We All Live Here

• Homeschool Hangout: March 28th at 11:00 AM, focusing on poetry

We hope you can join us for these fun and engaging activities throughout the month!

Blind Date with a Book: A Fun February Reading Adventure for All Ages

This February, step out of your regular reading routine and go on a Blind Date with a Book! All month long, the event is offering book lovers of all ages a chance to discover new stories in a totally unexpected way. Hosted by the Ritzville Library, this unique program invites participants to pick a book wrapped in mystery—literally! —and read it without knowing the title or author in advance. Whether you’re a frequent reader or just looking for something new to try, this exciting event offers a little bit of surprise and a lot of fun! 

How It Works 

Getting involved is simple: head to the library, where books are wrapped up in plain paper with only a short description or hint about their genre written on the cover. The twist? You won’t know what you're picking until you unwrap it! This playful element of surprise helps participants step outside their usual reading preferences and discover new genres, authors, and hidden gems they might not have chosen on their own. 

If you're concerned about choosing something that won’t interest you, fear not—there are books for everyone, with options available for children, teens, and adults alike. Whether you're into thrillers, romance, historical fiction, or fantasy, there's something for you to unwrap and enjoy. 

Exciting Prizes and Incentives 

The fun doesn’t stop at the book selection! By participating, you’re also entered to win some amazing prizes at the end of the month. Keep reading, and you could be lucky enough to win: 

Movie tickets donated by The Ritz Theatre – Perfect for a night out with friends or family. 

Dinner for two at Mi Jalisco donated by Mi Jalisco– Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the area’s favorite Mexican restaurants. 

Gift Cards to Boxwood donated by Boxwood – A local coffee shop and nursery, ideal for grabbing a cozy drink or finding some beautiful plants for your home. 

Unique Treasures donated by Ritzville Drug 

These fantastic prizes will be drawn randomly, so the more books you read, the more chances you have to win. This even runs through February 28, 202, so keep reading and exploring new titles all month long! 

A Perfect Activity for All Ages 

Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or just getting started, Blind Date with a Book is a fun and engaging way to celebrate the love of reading this February. It’s open to all ages—children, teens, and adults—making it an ideal family-friendly event. You can even make it a group activity and compare notes on your "blind dates" with friends or family! 

 

With February being the month of love, this is the perfect opportunity to fall in love with reading all over again. Who knows? Your next favorite book might be waiting for you, all wrapped up and ready for you to discover. 

Don’t Miss Out! 

Blind Date with a Book runs all through February, so there’s plenty of time to grab a book (or two!) and start reading. Visit the Ritzville Library today to pick out your first book and take a chance on something new! And remember: in the world of books, the best stories often come when you least expect them. 

For more details, including library hours and prize information, visit www.ritzvillelibrary.org or contact 509-659-1222. 

 

Additional Programs Happening in February:  

• Every Monday at 10 AM, we embark on a fun-filled adventure through the world of Preschool Storytime! Bring your imagination and join us for a magical experience! 

• Join us for High School Night and get creative making the perfect Valentine for your special someone! The craft session will take place on Thursday, February 20th, at 4 PM—don’t miss out! 

• Calling all adventurers! Grab your dice and join us for D&D Night on Wednesday, February 12th, at 5:30 PM! Ages 16+ are welcome to come roll for initiative, dive into epic quests, and make new friends along the way! 

• Do you truly understand reality? Join philosopher Mike VanQuickenborne on Friday, February 21st at 5 PM as he explores how language shapes our perceptions of what’s real and how conversation can help us navigate different experiences. He’ll also discuss how "reality" is being manipulated by AI, fake news, and deep fakes, and whether open dialogue could be the key to healing our fractured society. 

• Join us for the Adult Book Club’s Liquid Lit reading of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros on Thursday, February 27th, at 6:30 PM at Mi Jalisco Mexican Restaurant. In this gripping novel, a woman confronts the harsh truths of love and loss while navigating a dangerous world of secrets and redemption. Come for great conversation, delicious food, and a chance to discuss this powerful book with fellow readers! 

 

 

Millie Hopkins 

Library Director