Library services expand to Lind: Community open house slated for Oct. 7 at the middle school

The Ritzville Public Library District No. 2 is partnering with the Lind School District to provide the Lind community with library resources on a weekly basis.

The programs begin on Oct. 7 with an open house for all Lind residents to attend.

The open house runs from 4-7 p.m. at the Lind-Ritzville Middle School Library. Crafts for all ages are available and snacks are also provided.

After the initial opening on Oct. 7, programs and services will continue at the Lind library every Tuesday from 4-7 p.m.

During this time, Lind residents are welcome to use the library to check out books, audiobooks, DVDs and CDs, or use the computers are resources.

Library Director Kylie Fullmer explained it has been a long-term goal of the library board to offer services in Lind.

After discussing the possibility of using the school library with school administrators, the space is donated for the use of the library staff once a week. The Ritzville Public Library District employees will operate the program.

All of the material offered in the library is a combination of the stock of the school and the library in Ritzville.

Lind residents will be able to check out books from the Ritzville library, which also includes eBooks.

For those individuals interested in using the library services, Lind residents must pay a $20 lifetime fee for a library card. Those individuals who purchase the membership receive a Lind Library card.

All resources checked out from the Ritzville library require a library card, but all Lind-Ritzville students receive a library card free of charge.

Fullmer explained the lifetime fee is applied to Lind residents because they reside outside of the taxing district of the library. The one time fee allows them access to all of the library services.

With the support of the school, Fullmer is looking forward to being able to provide library services to the Lind community.

While the students of the school district have access to the library during school hours, Fullmer believes it is essential families also have access to the services.

During the three-hour period, residents are welcome to use the computers available through the school district.

Fullmer said one goal of the computer lab portion is to allow any resident who may be interested in earning their GED or continuing their education, can have access to a computer at least once a week.

As part of the exchange for the donation of the space and materials, Fullmer explained she will be teaching a library instruction course in each class at the Lind Elementary School. The end goal is to provide an outreach program for all school age children in the area.

Every Tuesday, those attending the community library hours are welcome to join in the themed craft project for the week.

Hands-on activities and crafts will be provided every Tuesday for children. The activities also include Family Story Time and computer classes, as well as a variety of other services.

For more information about the program, contact the Ritzville Public Library at 659-1222.