By Kristie Kirkpatrick, Whitman County Library

About five years ago, I wrote a column answering Whitman County Library's most frequently asked questions. I received so much feedback from that column I thought it would be fun to do it again.

Q. Are your movies really free?

A. Yes, there is no charge to borrow movies from the library. We do charge late fees so be sure to return movies on time, or renew them if you need more time.

Q. Will you really buy any item I request?

A. Yes. Whenever possible, WCL purchases books, movies, music and other materials that our customers request. When we cant purchase an item, we do our best to borrow it for you from another library.

Q. I have a card at Neill Public or Latah County Library. Will it work at your library?

A. No, but we are happy to make you a WCL card. Our libraries work very closely with each other and a long-standing agreement allows us to serve each others residents. 

Q. Why do you get rid of so many good books?

A. The library holds a maximum of 75,000 items, while adding around 4000 new titles annually. This means we must constantly make room for the new while getting rid of the old, generally those items in poor condition or those that are seldom used.

Q. My small town library isn't open very often. How can I use it?

A. Because many of our small branch libraries have limited hours, WCL offers alternate ways to bring library service to you. Call and let us explain our online and mailing services that can bring our collection of 75,000 items directly to you. (These services are not available to non-resident card holders, including residents of Pullman and Latah County.)

Q. Wow, how did you get such nice computers?

A. Nearly all of WCLs public computers, printers and related technology have been funded or subsidized by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Technology is quite expensive and the Gates Foundation is committed to seeing that people from all walks of life have equal access to online opportunities.

Q. Did Bill Gates really visit the Colfax library?

A. Yes, Bill Gates visited in 2002. Gates interviewed library staffers to assess whether the Foundations grant programs were helping bridge the technology divide and whether they were truly making a positive difference in peoples lives.

Q. As a librarian, you must love to read?

A. Yes, I love to read but people are often surprised to learn that I don't have time for leisure reading at work (wouldn't that be a dream job)! Today's libraries are quite busy and for me, the best part of the job is helping customers each and every day.

 

For more information, contact:

Kristie Kirkpatrick at 509-397-4366

For a complete list of events and programs happening in all fourteen Whitman County Library branches, visit the Whitman County Library website or the library's events calendar.