Stuff the Bus

Neill Public Library is pleased to join forces with Kiwanis Club of Pullman for the 11th annual Stuff the Bus school supplies drive.

Donate school supplies at Neill Public Library from August 5 - 10. See below for a list of needed supplies.

3-ring binders – 2 inch Notebook paper – college-ruled Spiral notebooks – college-ruled Composition notebooks Notebook dividers with pockets Folders with bottom pockets Pencil pouches for binders Pencils #2 Pencil sharpeners Colored pencils – Crayola 12-pack Crayons – Crayola 24-pack Colored markers – Crayola, washable

Ballpoint ink pens – blue & red Expo Dry erase markers Highlighters – blue & yellow Sharpies – black, fine point Pink pearl erasers Pencil top erasers Elmers Glue sticks Sticky notes Scissors – 5” Ruler – 12-inch Backpacks

Musical instruments for Pullman bands are also accepted as part of the Gently Used Musical Instrument Drive during Stuff the Bus week.

Other Pullman drop-off locations

• Bus at Dissmore’s IGA: Aug. 8 from 2 - 5 pm, Aug. 9 from 10 am - 5 pm, Aug. 10 from 10 am - 4 pm.
• WSECU branches on Bishop and in the WSU Cub during open hours through Stuff the Bus week.

Cash donations should be mailed to Kiwanis Club of Pullman, PO Box 716, Pullman WA 99163 or taken to the donation bus at Dissmore’s IGA. To learn more about this drive, visit http://kiwanisclubofpullman.org/stuff-the-bus/.

Neill Public Library is pleased to join forces with Kiwanis Club of Pullman for the 9^th annual Stuff the Bus school supplies drive. 

Donate school supplies at Neill Public Library on August 7 - 12. See below for a list of needed supplies:   

3-ring binders – 1 inch 3-ring binders – 2 inch Notebook paper – college-ruled Spiral notebooks – wide-ruled & college-ruled Composition notebooks Notebook dividers with pockets Folders with bottom pockets Pencil pouches for binders Pencil boxes Pencils #2 Pencil sharpeners Colored pencils

Crayons – Crayola 24-pack Colored markers – Crayola, washable Ballpoint ink pens – blue & red Dry erase markers – fine point Yellow highlighters Pink pearl erasers Pencil top erasers Glue sticks Sticky notes Scissors – 5” sharp & 4.5” blunt Ruler – 12-inch Backpacks

Other Pullman drop-off locations:

• Bus at Dissmore’s IGA: 2-5 pm Aug. 10, 10 am-5 pm Aug. 11, and 10 am-4 pm Aug. 12
• P1FCU office inside Walmart, and WSECU branches on Bishop and in the WSU Cub
• Zoe Coffee & Kitchen, now through August 12.

Cash donations should be mailed to Kiwanis Club of Pullman, PO Box 716, Pullman WA  99163 or taken to the donation bus at Dissmore’s IGA.  To learn more about this drive, visit http://kiwanisclubofpullman.org/stuff-the-bus/.

Guess Who's Coming to the Lentil Parade?

This weekend kicks off the 27th National Lentil Festival, starting today at 5:00 p.m. through 11:00 p.m., and continuing Saturday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The Friends of Neill Public Library have a booth in the vendor area, so stop by and spin the wheel, to see what you can win. Or join the Friends if you are not already a member.  

The Lentil Parade begins at 11:00 tomorrow morning, and after several years without an entry, Neill Public Library will once again be participating, and sharing something sweet.  Members of the library staff, the library Board of Trustees, and the Friends of Neill Public Library will all be walking in the parade, along with two very special guests.  Can you guess who?

Pullman Fire Department display at Neill Public Library through August

Numerous historical items from the Pullman Fire Department are on display at Neill Public Library through August.  Historical items include a collection of various equipment, insignias, patches, pictures and general history with a short explanation on each.  Two of the more exciting items include an original leather fire coat and hat dating back to 1925 belonging to a “Ralph” and a real hydrant with the outside cut out to see the inner workings.  The library is pleased to collaborate with the fire department to share with the community the equipment and traditions of fire service.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Visit Neill Public Library

Three trainers for “Guide Dogs for the Blind” made a visit to Neill Public Library on June 30.  Each of the trainers brought their dog-in-training with them.  The ages of the dogs ranged from fourteen weeks to a little over a year old.  Children attending the presentation learned about the training process both the dogs and people go through in order to help get the canines ready for their next training step with their potential new owner.

Facts shared by the trainers included how guide dogs for the blind always wear a green work vest when they’re working and that means one should never approach the dog without asking the owner first.  Attendees were also able to see the dogs “in action” as they responded to various commands including “go to bed, stand up, that’s enough and lay down.”  The informative session ended with children being able to love on each of these amazing dogs who will one day make such a profound difference in the life of a person with visual impairments.

It's That Time of Year Again

Yes, it's that time of year again.  Time for Spring!

Time to spring forward that is.  Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour tonight for Daylight Saving Time, which actually begins at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning March 13, 2016.   

But don't worry Spring is right around the corner and just another week away!

Poverty Awareness Week – Neill Public Library Events

Neill Library joins WSU during Poverty Awareness Week November 15 – 21 to raise awareness about poverty issues in our community.  Library events include a month-long display and special movie night showing of the documentary “A Place at the Table”.  Following the film, representatives from the Pullman Poverty Awareness Taskforce will lead a panel discussion.

Display “Poverty Awareness on the Palouse”, November 2 – 23
This display focuses on the various aspects and effects of poverty in our community, from food insecurity to housing to medical needs, and offers information about local resources and ways to provide assistance.  Sponsors include Neill Public Library, GIESORC, CCE and Backyard Harvest

Movie & panel discussion “A Place at the Table”, November 19 from 5:30 – 7:30pm, Library Hecht Meeting Room
Food insecurity is a problem in America with 50 million Americans grappling with this issue. Learn more about food insecurity and what you can do to help locally.  Panelists will discuss how their organizations work towards creating a more food secure community on the Palouse.  Refreshments will be served.

Visit cce.wsu.edu/paw for a complete list of WSU and community events and sponsors and important information about poverty.
#CougsAgainstPoverty

Three Days Left to Sign Up - Be a Hero, Save a Life

Neill Public Library will once again host the Inland Northwest Blood Center (INWBC) for a blood drive on Monday, September 28, 2015 from 2:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. As the only supplier of blood and blood products for area hospitals, each blood donation has the potential to save 3 lives.  The blood supply will run short as we head into the fall and winter months due to holidays, travel, inclement weather and illness. You can help to make everyday moments possible for patients in need. 

Appointments are scheduled every 15 minutes; collection will be drawn in the INWBC bus parked outside the library on Olsen Street.  Donors should arrive 5 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to complete the registration process with an INWBC staff member inside the library’s Hecht Meeting Room.

A special appearance by the INWBC Blood Drop and Mayor Johnson will happen during the 9/24 Thursday 10:30 storytime.  The same Blood Drop character will be present to greet donors on the day of the blood draw.

Patrons and staff interested in signing up to donate should contact Lori Lewis at (509)338-3269.  The pre-registration period ends at close of day Friday, 9/25. 

Neill Library "Stuff the Bus" Drop Off Location

Neill Public Library is pleased to join forces with the Kiwanis Clubs of Pullman and Moscow for the 7^th Annual “Stuff the Bus” school supplies drive. We will be collecting school supplies and musical instruments August 10^th - August 15^th.

School Supplies Needed

·  Musical Instruments ·  Crayons – 24-pack ·  Pencils #2 – boxes ·  Colored pencils – boxes ·  Colored markers (non-toxic) ·  Spiral bound notebooks – wide- & college-ruled ·  3-ring binders – 2 inch ·  3-ring binders – 1½ inch ·  Notebook paper – wide-ruled & college-ruled ·  Notebook dividers ·  Composition notebooks ·  Folders with bottom pockets ·  Accordion folders

·  Backpacks ·  Ballpoint ink pens - red, black & blue ·  Pencil pouch or school box ·  Pink pearl erasers ·  Pencil top erasers ·  Highlighters ·  Glue sticks ·  Scissors - sharp & blunt ·  Calculator ·  Ruler - 12-inch ·  Flash/thumb drives 2G or larger ·  Facial tissue (eg. Kleenex)

Help Stuff the Bus!

Make a difference in our children's lives!

  

Thank you Pullman...a community of heroes!

Thanks to public participation, registration for Neill Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Every Hero Has a Story” resulted in 500 new books being donated by the Friends of Neill Public Library to Pullman Food Banks.  Thank you Pullman … a community of heroes!

  

Summer Reading Program Begins Tomorrow

Don't forget to come into the Neill Public Library to register for the 2015 Summer Reading Program: “Every Hero Has a Story.” Registration  for all ages (infants-adults) begins at Neill Public Library, tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.  

You can be a hero for your community if you register at the library on June 10, 11, 12 and 13 and help the Friends of Neill Public Library donate up to 500 new children, teen and adult books to local food banks.  And from June 10th through June 30th, the library will waive your overdue fines, for every bag of food you bring into the library to help feed the community. All donations will benefit the Community Action Center and Pullman Child Welfare.

For more information on donating, click here. For information on the highly entertaining shows, programs and events this summer, click here.

Be a Hero for Your Community!

Neill Public Library kicks off its Summer Reading Program “Every Hero has a Story” with two exciting Read & Feed opportunities sure to make YOU the super hero of your community!

Be a Hero, help your community READ!  Calling all heroes June 10 – 13.  Be among the first 500 children, teens, and adults to register for NPL’s Summer Reading Program and you get to pick out a free book to donate to the Community Action Center and Pullman Child Welfare, courtesy of the Friends of Neill Public Library!  These donated books will be distributed in conjunction with, but not limited to, their respective food bank programs.  Nourish the belly, nourish the mind. 

Be a Hero, FEED your community!  From June 10 – 30, Neill Public Library welcomes your donation of non-perishable, unopened food, paper, and personal hygiene products to benefit the food banks at Community Action Center and Pullman Child Welfare. Poverty exists in Whitman County; this includes Pullman. Early findings from the Pullman League of Women Voters’ poverty study reveal 41% of babies in Whitman County receive WIC food subsidies.  More than 29% of families qualify for the free and reduced school meal program in Pullman.  But poverty knows no age limits.  There are 4,000 adults over the age of 65 living in Whitman County.  3.6% of these seniors live in Pullman below the poverty level.  Be a hero and help feed your community. 

Food bank contributions include unopened jars of peanut butter and jelly, bags of rice and pasta, canned tomato products, beans, canned fruit and vegetables, boxes of macaroni and cheese, pancake mix and syrup.  Paper and personal hygiene products include toilet paper, paper towels, laundry soap, dish soap, toothpaste, diapers of all sizes, personal hygiene products and baby food.

Neill Library will waive overdue fines on your library account for every bag contributed.  Patrons whose accounts have been sent to collection do not qualify for this waiver.  For more information, contact Neill Public Library at 509-334-3595.

Joanna Bailey

Library Director

Neill Public Library

509-338-3252

jbailey@neill-lib.org

Water, Water, Everywhere and Not a Drop to Drink!

As this blog posts I am in the big city of Los Angeles – far from home and far from my small town comfort zone. But, a visit with my papa is what draws me south, to the land of sun and sin, as many call this city of almost 4 million.

While I soak up the sun and try and avoid the sin, I know many a conversation will be had with my dad about the critical water shortage this area is facing.  There are parts of the city and surrounding areas that are already on water rationing schedules.  And it seems like there is much, much more of that to come.

The latest estimates show that if usage continues at its current rate, Los Angeles has ONE YEAR of water in “reserve”.  One year!  One year!  It’s hard to imagine the impact of such a possible reality-to-come.  Let’s hope the powers that be are working hard to see what can be done and let’s equally hope that every single person in and around LA (and elsewhere) are hyper-vigilant about their own water needs and usage.

It’s been said that water is the new oil and the future looks dry and concerning.  So, what can we do in our own lives to help address this life-altering shortage?  It often comes down to the simplest of things – turn off the tap when brushing teeth, take short showers instead of long baths, plant native species that require less moisture and watering – to name but a few.

Water … we can’t live without it.  Nothing can.  If Los Angeles is the wave of the future when it comes to water issues, we must pull our collective heads out of the sand and find big and small ways to address this critical issue. 

Kathleen Ahern

Youth Services Librarian

Garbology!

With only 5% of the world’s population, Americans generate more than 40% of the world’s garbage— an average of 7 lbs. per day, per person! Even more terrifying—over 60,000 unstudied chemicals in products we buy, and all of those end up in landfills –seeping into our water supply, thereby our food supply.

Plastics never biodegrade; sunlight eventually breaks it down until plastic dust remains—but the dust persists for centuries, wreaking havoc in ecosystems and food sources.

 

It’s time to start thinking about our trash—how to reuse it, certainly; more important--how to reduce the amount we create. It helps the environment, but it also saves you money!

Reusing plastic containers instead of Ziploc bags could save you hundreds of dollars per year; switching to cloth rags from paper-towels, saves $80 per year. Cloth diapering instead of “disposables” could save more than a thousand dollars per year – per child!

Check out some of the great resources at your library for more information on the waste we all create, and how to reduce it—along with saving your wallet!          

Donate Blood at Neill Public Library for National Blood Donor Month!

Martin Luther King Day of Service - a "Day On, Not a Day Off"

The third Monday of January is celebrated as a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. However this holiday is different from other holidays, as it is a "day on, not a day off" work. In 1994 the United States Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, in recognition of Dr. King's incredible legacy of service to all.

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said. Dr. King believed in and devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and economic opportunity for all Americans. By working together to serve our communities we can continue Dr. King's dream. We will create economic opportunities by improving education, strengthening healthcare services and improving financial literacy.

Service is also a powerful way to improve your own life.  Not only does volunteering help your community, but it helps build your skills and your resume. On average volunteers have 27% higher odds of securing a job than non-volunteers; in rural communities that number is even higher at 55%. Also volunteering makes you feel good about yourself!

Do you need some ideas of ways you can help? Here are some links to national and local organizations that coordinate volunteer activities.

Nationally:
 http://www.handsonnetwork.org/

 http://www.serviceforpeace.org/

http://www.nationalservice.gov/

http://www.idealist.org/

Locally:
http://cce.wsu.edu/

So, go out and serve today!

Lori C. Lewis
Administrative Assistant