At the Library 4/30/26

 Rewards for Volunteering

by Alison Greiner

There’s something special about a library that goes far beyond books. It’s a place where stories are shared, ideas grow, and connections happen in the most unexpected ways. And one of the best ways to be part of that magic is through volunteering.

People sometimes think volunteering at the library means quietly shelving books in the background.  While that is part of it, it’s just the beginning. There are so many meaningful and fun ways to get involved. 

If you’re someone who loves a little order and finds comfort in neat rows and organization, shelving books might be your thing. It’s a behind-the-scenes role, but it makes a huge difference. When everything is in its place, it helps every single person who walks through the doors find what they need more easily. There’s great satisfaction in that for the library workers as well as our patrons.

If you’re like me and more of a people person, you may want to help teach or lead a program.  We’ve had volunteers lead everything from craft sessions to hobby demonstrations, and each one brings a unique energy that we simply can’t replicate on our own.

Then there’s the MakeIT Place, which is such a creative and growing space in our library. If you have a skill—whether it’s crafting, technology, design, or something completely unexpected—you can teach a class and help others discover something new. It’s one of those spaces where you can almost feel the ideas bouncing around the room, and volunteers play a huge role in making that happen.

And of course, summer reading. If you’ve ever been around the library during the summer, you know it’s a little louder, a little busier, and a whole lot of fun. Volunteers help us keep things running smoothly, encourage young readers, and celebrate those small but important milestones along the way. It’s joyful, a bit chaotic at times, and incredibly rewarding.

One thing that’s important to us is making sure our volunteers feel like they’re in the right place. That’s why we ask everyone to come into the library, pick up a volunteer application, and turn it in. It’s not just paperwork.  We truly use it to match people with opportunities that fit their interests and strengths. When someone is doing something they enjoy, it shows, and it makes the experience better for everyone.

Volunteering at the library isn’t about filling time.  It’s about being part of something meaningful in your community. Whether you have a few hours to give or a specific skill you’d love to share, there’s a place for you here. And chances are, you’ll walk away with more than you expected.

At the Library 4/23/26

 

Plant a Seed, Read!

By Jenisa Harris

This summer, the Washington Free Public Library invites the community to dig into stories, grow imaginations, and cultivate a love of reading with its 2026 Summer Reading Program: Plant a Seed, Read. Families are encouraged to get a head start by attending the Summer Reading Sneak Peek on Thursday, April 30 from 5:30–7:00 PM at the library. This fun, informational event will give participants a first look at upcoming programs, STEM activities, and how to get involved in a summer full of reading and discovery.

Register & Read Big! Summer Reading registration opens May 1, 2026, with the official program running throughout June and July. This year’s community goal is to collectively read 450,000 pages—a challenge that invites readers of all ages to grow their reading habits one page at a time. The Plant a Seed, Read program is packed with engaging, family-friendly events—many of which are free and open to all. Highlights include:

 Paws and Pages at Paws and More Animal Shelter

Wednesdays, June 3 & 17 and July 8 & 29 at 1:00 PM
Practice reading skills alongside friendly shelter animals.

 Read Around the Square

Friday, June 5 & Saturday, June 6 from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Bring a book and help fill the square with readers of all ages.

 Ocean Odyssey: Stingray Exhibit (from the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium)

Tuesday, June 9 at 10:00 AM, Library Meeting Rooms
Dive into an interactive ocean experience—no travel required!

 Skippy the Human Drum Machine

Saturday, June 13 at 10:00 AM, Library Meeting Rooms
A high-energy, music-filled performance that gets everyone moving.

 Root and Read at P.L.A.N.T. Community Garden

Saturday, June 20 at 10:00 AM
Combine gardening and reading in this hands-on, community-centered program.

 Magician David Casas

Tuesday, June 30 at 10:00 AM, Central Park Stage
Prepare to be amazed with this interactive magic show.

 Red Blooded Reptiles

Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 AM, Library Meeting Rooms
Get up close and learn about fascinating reptiles.

 Juggler Jason Kollum

Tuesday, July 21 at 10:00 AM, Library Meeting Rooms
A lively performance full of laughs, tricks, and audience participation.

 End of Summer Reading Bash

Saturday, July 25 from 10:00 AM–Noon at Central ParkCelebrate a summer of reading with a community party you won’t want to miss!

Grow something great this summer. Whether you’re reading to a furry friend, exploring ocean life, or enjoying live performances,Plant a Seed, Read offers something for everyone. The program encourages not only literacy, but also connection, curiosity, and community growth.

Mark your calendars, gather your books, and get ready to watch your reading—and your
imagination—bloom this summer at the library!

At the Library 4/16/26

 The life cycle of a library book

New books ready for checkout

by Marissa Reisen

Have you ever wondered just how the book that you check out at the library got to the point where you can check it out? Today I’m going to walk you through the process!

Our librarians are responsible for a designated section, and they have many resources available to them to help decide which new books to purchase for the library. They take into consideration what our patrons are most likely to read (and we do even take requests) as well as what reviews are saying about particular books. Some adult fiction authors are automatically ordered when they have new books come out (think James Patterson, Nora Roberts, etc.).  Each section has a budget that they have to stay within for the year; we have multiple vendors who we order books from, and libraries usually don’t pay cover price for the books.

Once ordered, books arrive anywhere from a week later to a few months later. Upon arrival, they are checked for damage and, just like with any order, we make sure that what they sent is what actually arrives in the box. Books are checked in and marked with the date they arrive, as well as the company they were ordered from and the price. Next up is cataloging! This is when all the important information about the book gets entered into our system and an ID number is assigned to the book. Every book is labeled with their call number (for non-fiction books, this means their Dewey number, and fiction books are labeled with the author’s name and their section). At this point, we also put subject and other identifying stickers on the books, so that you have as much information as possible before you even pull the book off the shelf.

For some books, they are ready to head to the shelves at this point, but others need some cosmetic touches! All hardcover books with a dustjacket are covered in a protective plastic, and we use special tape to attach them, so that we do as little damage to the book as possible. Paperback books get clear tape along the edges to protect from all the potential wear and tear that could happen. 

At this point, books are ready to make their debut on our shelves! All new books are identified with a sticker that has the date one year from the month they arrived - they will stay on the “NEW” shelf for one year before they’re relocated to what will become their home shelf for the rest of their life here at WPL. 

Of course, in order to make room for all the wonderful new books, we do have to get rid of others along the way. Our librarians evaluate many things, like how many times a book has circulated and its condition to determine when it’s time to weed them out. But this isn’t the end! Our books have the opportunity to continue bringing joy to readers as they make their way to ReBook, where you can buy them at a steep discount.

Books waiting to be catalogued

At the Library 4/9/26

 

Celebrating Our Volunteers

During National Volunteer Week

Linda Witthoft & Shirley Volkmar volunteer to clean Scofield collection

by Cary Ann Siegfried

National Volunteer Week is coming soon (April 19 -25) and is the perfect time to recognize a group of people who make a quiet but powerful impact on our library every single day—our volunteers.

Since July 1, 2025, volunteers have contributed an incredible 1,148 hours of their time to support library services and projects. That’s more than just a number—it represents dedication, generosity, and a shared commitment to strengthening our community.

Our volunteers play a vital role in so many areas of the library. You’ll find them:

• Carefully completing inventory to help keep our collections accurate and accessible

• Shelving materials so patrons can easily find what they need

• Assisting with our Washington Evening Journal photo scanning project, helping preserve local history for future generations

• Reclaiming clay and helping with cleanup in the pottery studio, keeping creative spaces ready for use

• Helping us figure out how to do “creative and complicated stuff” in the MakeIT Place.

We also want to recognize the ongoing contributions of our Library Board Trustees and Library Foundation Board Directors, who generously volunteer their time and expertise to guide, support, and advocate for the library. Their leadership helps ensure that the library continues to grow, adapt, and serve the community in meaningful ways.

Each of these contributions—whether hands-on, behind the scenes, or in leadership roles—helps us do more, reach further, and serve better.

Volunteer work at the library isn’t just about tasks—it’s about connection. It’s neighbors helping neighbors, community members investing in shared spaces, and individuals using their time and talents to make a difference.

During National Volunteer Week, we simply want to say: thank you.  Your time matters. Your work matters. And the library is stronger because of you.

If you see one of our volunteers this week, we hope you’ll join us in sharing your appreciation. And if you’ve ever thought about getting involved, there’s always room to make a difference here.