Whitefish Community Library

We’re back at it for Winter 2021-22! We aim to continue last winter’s successful outdoor storytime (called StoryCircle now). Our kids loved it and there were so many added benefits alongside the early literacy skills:

We spent time outdoors;

We made new friends;

Newcomers shared their experiences;

We explored outdoor process art;

We were safe and together;

We found that we were resilient and could be out in the weather and ENJOY it!

So please come on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and enjoy all that’s good about living where there are four seasons. Dress for the weather and check out the stories, songs, games, activities and fellowship for toddlers to age 4 that is StoryCircle. We’re waiting to welcome you.

The library will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, the 25th, and Friday the 26th, and will reopen Saturday November 27th at 12 p.m. Hope your holiday is warm and pleasant!

Wednesday Dec. 1st is the kickoff for Snowfolk BINGO at the library. Most patrons will recall the 200+ snowfolk that have graced the library for many years from Thanksgiving to Winter Carnival. Due to storage and staffing we need to retire our beloved collection – and we’d like our patrons to have them as mementos of our first 20 years at 9 Spokane Avenue. We’ve concocted a fun game with which to give them away and all you have to do is…read books! Come in to pick up a BINGO card and see the Snowfolk in the kids fiction area. They’re eagerly awaiting their new homes!

Need a thoughtful inexpensive gift for family or friends? The Whitefish Community Library has many new popular authors and recent best sellers for sale on our Book Sale Shelves. Proceeds from book sales benefit the library by allowing us to purchase new materials.

Patron response to North Valley Food Bank’s “Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat” campaign was enthusiastic to say the least. Those who contributed at the library brought in 275 pounds of food – enough for the library to come in first in the business category. Patrons won with waived fines, the library won for most pounds donated at a downtown business (275), and kids won with more food available to them at the Food Bank. Thanks everyone who donated – you know who you are!

StoryCircle has a number of interruptions during November. Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving close the library on Thursdays, the usual day for StoryCircle. Also, we regret the cancellation of the Nov. 4th session due to a staff health issue.

While we strive to bring continuity to our story program, we are simply unable to do so this month. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and hope to see you at November 18 StoryCircle at the usual time: 10:30 a.m. Please email any questions or concerns regarding StoryCircle to marydrew@whitefishlibrary.org.

Food for Fines in October is new to WCL, but this year your goods will help North Valley Food Bank meet goals for their Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat campaign.

Check out the “Most Wanted” list for Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat: Applesauce Cups, Macaroni & Cheese, Canned Tuna, Nuts, Cereal, Oatmeal, Crackers, Peanut Butter, Fruit Cups, Popcorn, Fruit Snacks, Soups, Goldfish, Trail Mix, Granola Bars, Toothpaste, Jellies, Toothbrushes, Jerky and Children’s Vitamins. PLEASE NO SWEETS OR PERISHABLE ITEMS – THANK YOU!

Beginning October 18 and until Oct. 30, WCL will waive overdue fines in exchange for non-perishable food items at the rate of $1 per item. This does not include fees for lost or damaged items.

Whitefish Community Library introduces a new after-school program “Game Day”, a meetup for young people interested in playing board games. Ellen Rands will oversee the participants, primarily elementary and middle school youth , in the community room. The program will be offered every other Thursday beginning October 14 from 4-6pm. The goal is to create a local gaming community focusing on wholesome fun and friendships. Chaperones may be called on as this will not be a drop-off program.