Tax-time helpers
Feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed as you begin your tax preparations? AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will be providing free tax assistance at area libraries and other community locations in February, March and the first half of April. The program is focused on helping low- and moderate-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 or older. See a listing of locations and hours.
Tax links on our site:
See a list of resources we've put together, including federal and state forms, common savings and credits, and more.
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Know someone who is learning to speak English?
Please pass along this invitation to join us at any of our volunteer-led free English Conversation Circles. We provide a comfortable and supportive setting to make practicing English an enjoyable and rewarding experience for adult learners. Some of the groups offer children's activities at the same time.
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February Events
Here's just a sampling of upcoming library events. Join us!
Making Medicare Choices
Join us for two FREE educational events by Washington state's Insurance Commissioner’s SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) HelpLine.
Medicare 101
Master the basics of original Medicare (parts A & B). Answer your questions about parts C & D.
-Cascade Park library, Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m.
-Stevenson library, Feb. 26, 10:30 a.m.
Affordable Care Act and Its Impact on Medicare
Learn about the changes to Medicare and what resources will be available for 2011.
-Cascade Park library, Feb. 19, 1:00 p.m.
-Stevenson library, Feb. 26, 1:00 p.m.
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Loosen Up with Tai Chi
Help us bring in the Year of the Rabbit! Loosen up with Tai Chi lessons artist Janet Essley learned in China, as well as a participatory peek at Chinese history.
Held at the White Salmon library, Wednesday, February 2, 7:00 p.m.
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Face Your Garbage: Mask-making Workshop
For ages 10 to 100! Join artist and environmentalist, Taylor Cass Stevenson, for a creative reuse workshop. Held at the White Salmon library, Tuesday, February 8, 4:00-5:30 p.m. Space is limited - call 509-493-1132 to register.
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Chocolate Extravaganza
Nibble and sample a wide variety of chocolates. Rate them and share your opinion. Coffee provided.
Held at the Washougal library, Saturday, February 12, 4:00 p.m. For adults and teens.
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Papercrafting Art
Learn to make a variety of art from paper! Boxes, pop-up cards, 3-dimensional objects. Bring project ideas, scrapbooking papers, and scissors or other crafting tools. Held at the Goldendale library, Saturday, February 12, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
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Endless Cups of Tea: A Teacher in China
 La Center resident Erin Stuhlsatz taught English in China for two years. Come hear her stories, as she shares slides and impressions, including friendly people, breathtaking scenery and endless cups of tea. Part of a monthly travelogue series. Held at the Battle Ground library, Tuesday, February 15, 6:30 p.m.
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Many more events
See our website for more events and activities, including:
Computer classes (multiple locations)
Book discussion groups - adult, teen, parent/child
...and much more
See a printable February calendar
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Engaging youth in learning and thoughtful discussion
La Center librarian Justin Keeler with this month's tween book: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle |
By Justin Keeler,
La Center Community Librarian
"Tweens" (children approximately aged 9-12) are a group with unique needs and interests. We have found that tweens are too old to benefit from standard library school-age programming and are not quite old enough to hang out with teens at our teen events. Tweens can be some of the most enthusiastic library users! We want to encourage their enthusiasm to read, learn and participate as active members of their community. This is where tween book discussion groups can help.
Tween book discussion groups encourage conversation and learning in a collaborative environment with youth and adults. Youth that participate form a “community” that reaches beyond the limits of their school boundaries. The group that meets at the La Center library has four primary purposes: enhance literacy, expose children to a variety of literature that they may not come in contact with in other ways, cultivate critical thinking skills, and give participants a safe and supportive atmosphere to discuss their ideas.
In February, tween book groups will meet at:
Cascade Park library, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 5 p.m. (for ages 8-12)
La Center library, Monday, Feb. 28, 3:30 p.m. (for ages 9-12)
Stevenson library, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 3:30 p.m. (for ages ???)
Three Creeks library, Tuesday, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. (for ages 9-12 with parent)
Vancouver library, Thursday, Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m. (for ages 9-12 with parent)
The groups generally meet monthly. New members may join at any time. Contact your library for a reading list and more details.
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Text your questions to us
Got a quick question? The library can help turn your cell phone into a research hotline.
Text “fvrl” followed by your question to 66746.
Librarians are available to respond to your requests 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday.
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See what's going on for teens:
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