By Todd Vandenbark

Our "Tails and Tales" Summer Reading Program has been a big hit with participants of all ages. Over 100 people signed up. Participants have enjoyed a "Stuffed Animal Sleepover", learning all about "Raptors" and "Hunters and Hiders" from the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, a "Pet Meet and Greet", storytelling with Rebecca Hom, Discovery Kids programs led by Charlie and Todd, and hands-on science and craft activities. As we head into the fall, the library will be offering more Discovery Kids events, bilingual storytelling, and evening story hours. Watch our e-newsletter, Facebook page, and website for details. If you are not receiving our e-newsletter, send an email to [email protected] to sign up.

Book group kits

Interested in starting your own book group? We have bag kits that contain five copies of the same book and information to help you get started. As part of this year's Everybody Reads program, two of our book group kits feature Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew Sullivan. Everybody Reads is a regional program that builds a shared reading experience around a single book to foster curiosity, spark discussion and celebrate a love of story and community engagement. Check out this kit and dive into what libraries across Washington and Idaho are enjoying.

Library of Things

Our library is more than just books. Our "Library of Things" offers various items or "kits" available for checkout, including birdwatching, bugs, butterflies, geocaching backpack, forensics, and chemistry STEAM kits; household items such as a sewing machine, crock pot, cake pans, fondue pot, canning, cocktail, and wine kits; and many more items. Stop by the library and we will be happy to show you what we have.

-Vandenbark, MLS is the Director of Library Services at the Columbia County Rural Library District in Dayton Wash.