Library jumpstarts new year

RITZVILLE – In the aftermath of COVID shutdowns and recent staff turnover, the historic Carnegie library on West Main Avenue has faced its share of challenges.

"Recovering from that season took time," Interim Director Millie Hopkins said. "Last year, we held only five youth programs each month. We're trying to get back on our feet."

With the dawn of 2024, library staff hopes to ramp up offerings for all age groups.

Kaiden Bell, who serves as youth services library assistant, outlined several options for children and young adults.

Preschool story time - scheduled every Monday at 10 a.m. - is one of the library's most popular programs.

"We read, do a craft, sometimes play an interactive game," Bell said. "We also have a sensory bin. Kids love to play with whatever's in there. I did fake snow for two weeks. It made a huge mess but they loved it."

For older kids, the library has restarted its mystery club focusing on escape rooms, murder mysteries, and treasure hunts.

"I build escape rooms downstairs and our Youth Advisory Council helps create the programs," Bell said. "With the murder mysteries, the kids play detective and learn problem-solving skills.

"We also offer restricted programs for different age groups - Tween Zone for kids aged 9-12 and Teen Zone for teenagers (ages 13 – 18)."

Interim Director Hopkins said the library will sponsor a "Take Your Child to the Library Day" in February, and in the fall staff hope to reintroduce quarterly visits to local schools.

Heather Carruth, adult services library assistant, focuses her efforts on older patrons.

Twice a month (on Thursdays) the library sponsors a role-playing Dungeons and Dragons club for both youth and adult participants.

There's also a Film Fanatics Club on the second Thursday of every month.

On Saturdays, she facilitates a monthly adult craft program and a book club.

Visiting speakers are also on the docket.

"Currently, we have five speakers from Humanities Washington scheduled to come each month," she said.

In March, patrons will hear Amanda Van Lanen on "Big Apples, Big Business: How Washington Became the Apple State."

In April, Peter Blecha will speak on "Stomp and Shout: The Untold Story of Northwest Rock and Roll."

In May, Harriet Baskas will talk about the "Weird, Wonderful, and Worrisome Objects in Washington State's Museums."

Over the summer, adult readers will hear from Washington authors Janet Yoder who wrote "Where the Language Lives" and Travis Baldree who authored "Legends & Lattes" and "Bookshops & Bonedust."

The library has also acquired ten new computers, and staff are helping patrons connect via social media platforms.

"After COVID, we're working to get fully functional again," Carruth said.