East Adams Library District opens Washtucna branch

When Loretta Walker moved to Washtucna in 2004, she traveled to Ritzville apply for a library card at the public library.

She learned she was unable to utilize the Ritzville Library’s full services because she lived outside of the city, which Walker said was disappointing for her at the time.

On Jan. 4, Walker’s goal of obtaining a library card came true as she and other Washtucna residents applied for a card at the East Adams Library District (EALD) grand opening for the Washtucna Community Library.

The Washtucna Community Library will be open at the school library every Thursday from 4-6 p.m. during the year, including the summer and holiday breaks.

EALD Director Kylie Fullmer said providing services to the town of Washtucna was a longtime goal for the district. She explained EALD serves people living in Washtucna and the surrounding area, and the district had conversations with Washtucna about working together.

Fullmer said Washtucna teachers recently approached the district about providing services and programs at the school, which she added was good timing.

Every week during library hours, patrons will have the opportunity to check out items from the library’s revolving collection of books, magazines and DVDs. Patrons can also request an items from District’s main collection in Ritzville and staff will place the item on hold and bring it to Washtucna the next week.

The library is also in the process of including the school’s catalog into its system to allow patrons to check out items owned by the Washtucna School District.

People will also be allowed to use the library’s computers and wifi during the library’s hours. There will also be youth programs every week.

All Washtucna students who do not have a library card can apply for one free of charge.

Fullmer said the Washtucna School District paid for all of the students to receive a card. Adults living in Washtucna can register for a library card for a lifetime fee of $20.

Pam Kraft will facilitate the Washtucna Community Library every Thursday. Kraft is a teacher for the Washtucna School District and the adviser for the Future Business Leaders of America chapter.

Fullmer said Kraft helping facilitate the community library will benefit the program because she knows the students and Washtucna residents.

Washtucna Superintendent Vance Wing said having a community library at the school is a fantastic idea, and another opportunity for the school district and the community to come together.

He hopes Washtucna residents and people living near the town will utilize the library’s services and see the benefit of having a branch in the area.

One resident who plans to utilize the services is Walker, who said she is excited to finally have a library branch at Washtucna where she can come to and check out books.

Although there will be youth activities at the library, Fullmer said Kraft is also working on programs for adults living in the area.

She added there is the possibility of the library building partnerships with local Washtucna programs, organizations and businesses.

Wing is also confident about having Kraft and Fullmer run the community library, saying “it is in good hands.”

As for other new services in Adams County, Fullmer said there are still plans for the district to open the drop box in Benge.

For more information on the EALD services call 659-1222 or visit http://ritzvillelibrary.com.