Library Supporters of the Month
The Board of Trustees sponsors this award as a way of thanking community members for their time and generosity.
Those recognized include:
Virginia Bell – 2005. Honored for her generous donations of large print books. She's given hundreds of books that have saved the library tremendous amounts of money while vastly improving collections throughout Whitman County.
Rosauers of Colfax, and manager Shawn McAdams: Praised for regularly supporting a variety of programs throughout the year in all 13 WCL branch locations. Special grocery bags carry our Summer Reading logo to promote our valuable program.
Virginia and Jack Pittman: When the library needs a hand, we always call Jack and Ginny. They are active in the Friends, with Ginny serving as president for many years. The Pittman's work at book sales, fairs, the Winter Celebration or anywhere they are needed.
St. John Community: High library usage, strong attendance at children's programs, local fundraising efforts and support of a $500,000 bond measure to build a new library demonstrate this community's commitment and support!
Don and Linda Gallagher: Don and Linda have greatly improved the lives of Albion children with their donations of a child’s desk and chair set, games, puzzles, books and money to purchase brand new children’s books.
John Tague: John’s wife Mikki accepted the award in John’s memory. He dedicated over fifteen years of volunteer service, including coordination of Friends of the Library Booksales. It was estimated that John volunteered more than 16,000 hours and raised over $200,000 for the library in his fifteen years of service. John passed away this summer and the staff mourns the loss of this wonderful man.
Lorraine Jones: This long-time member of the Friends of WCL was honored for her dedication and many years of participation in library events, fundraisers, and Friend's meetings.
Mary Ann Storms: Storms donates many hours of volunteer service, bakes and assists with children’s programs, is a member of the Friends of the Libraryand the library book club and serves as the substitute librarian in Garfield.
Community of Malden: Dedicated community members and the city council teamed to bring library service to this small town after a decade without service. Library usage and support are running high in this special community.
Whitman County Sheriff's Department: Volunteers from the jail perform a wide range of duties at the library. From working booksales and shoveling snow, to painting and cleaning, crews from the jail have saved the library district and Whitman County taxpayers thousands of dollars.
Gene Ellithorpe – Oct. 2006. Gene was a bookmobile driver in the 1950s, a library assistant in the 1990s and is now a dedicated member of the Friends of the Library. Gene volunteers regularly doing odd jobs, delivering books and dispensing valued words of wisdom. Gene is a treasured volunteer within the library and the community.
Leslee Miller – Nov. 2006: was instrumental in the remodel and improvement of the Uniontown Library, has served faithfully on the Whitman County Library Board of Trustees for the past six year and donates to the summer reading programs for children. She is also volunteers her time in the community including work on the city parks and managing the artisans at the Dahman Barn; all while operating a successful Alpaca Ranch and Bed & Breakfast.
Peggy and Larry Hagen, December 2006 are dedicated supporters of the Tekoa Branch. They helped design and accomplish the remodeling of that branch a few years back. As the town clerk, Peggy works tirelessly to see that city residents have a quality building while husband Larry volunteers his time to hang blinds, build shelves and clean the library.
Charlotte Omoto – Feb. 2007 has been a long time supporter of programs and services in the Palouse Branch Library. She donates her time, money and even brings a weekly snack of crickets for the library lizard. Charlotte also purchases the Birds of North America for the library website enabling residents throughout the county to enjoy this worthwhile bird-watching resource.
Sara Thompson – Mar. 2007 is Endicott’s most dedicated library customer and supporter. She donates children’s books, craft supplies, and magazines to the library. She assists with children’s programs and even donated a TV and VCR for the kids to use. Sara even signed on to work as the library’s substitute branch manager.
Angela Broeckel – April 2007 is a treasure to the Lacrosse Library. She helps with Thursday morning children’s programs. She shares educational toys from her own home and donates magazines to the library. Angela is also very active in the Lacrosse Community serving with the Education Association, the Dusty B.B. Club and the Business Association of Lacrosse.
Loraine Gerlitz (May) was honored at the library’s annual luncheon for more than fifteen years of dedicated support and membership in the Friends of Whitman County Library. Loraine volunteers at book sales, compiling baby packets, baking for Friends meetings and more.
Harold and Virginia Sauer (June) are longtime members of the Friends of the Library, with Virginia having held many of the group’s offices. The Sauers volunteer for the fair and booksales, bake treats for meetings and help out wherever they are needed.
Doris Johnson (July) of is an active community member, avid library user, and valued supporter of the Farmington Branch Library. She regularly donates materials to that branch which has improved the collection and saved the library lots of money.
Lori Pierce (Aug) is a valued St. John library volunteer and substitute library assistant in St. John, Endicott, and Colfax. Clancy says, “I can always count on Lori to give the very best in service.” Pierce is friendly, proficient with technology, strong in reader’s advisory, and most of all, willing to go the extra mile to help out.
Wanda Alderman (Sep) is a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer. Compiling scrapbooks of the library’s activities and news releases, Wanda is quickly becoming the expert on all things Whitman County Library. She works book sales and actively participates in the Friends of Whitman County Library.
Judy Willcox (Oct) served as the Palouse Branch manager and Youth services manager for WCL. She has dedicated her life to literacy and learning as an educator, librarian and now a dedicated library supporter through the Xenodican Club in Colfax.
Elizabeth Gordon (Nov) was a regular patron of the Bookmobile. In her youth, she borrowed and read library books by the boxful. As an adult, she was dedicated to the value of education and literacy. Upon her death, Elizabeth’s memorial donation leaves a lasting legacy to ensure quality service for future generations.
First Step (Dec) began providing the Colfax Library with free Internet in 1996, bringing high-speed access to our Colfax when bigger companies refused. Not only does First step provide Internet they are the host for our website and handle all the Email services we use as a library. They’ve continued their commitment to the region by bringing basic service and most recently wireless service to many of the library branches and small communities of Whitman County.
Tianna Gregg (Jan 2008) of Palouse created the Turkey Leg Fun Run which has raised nearly $4500 for children’s books in just three years. An avid library user, Gregg assists with storytime programs and crafts, even writing a great dinosaur song that the kids sang each week during one summer program.
Becky St. John (April) was honored for years of library support to both the Tekoa and Colfax Libraries. Becky is an avid library user and longtime Friend of the Library whose enthusiasm about reading and books are important within our communities.
Shirley Morasch (June) of Endicott was honored for years of dedication as a library employee, Friend of the library and avid library user. She was praised for always going the extra mile for customers, for finding everyone just the right book to bringing her hen to storytime.
Ruth Dorman (July) was honored for her love of libraries, books, reading and children. As an educator, she passionately believed all students should be well read. Ruth lived that example and she and her husband Don were very active supporters of their community and the library.
Mary Estes (Sep) Mary volunteers time and resources to the Palouse Library. As a member of the Xenodican Club, Estes helps with the annual cleaning of the library, book-sales and other fundraising projects that benefit the Palouse Branch. She and her husband Loren donated a toy box for the children and Mary can often be seen bringing her own grandchildren to the library’s programs. Mary is an avid reader and active within the community.
Kay Riehle (Oct) is a librarian at the St. John School and a substitute librarian for Whitman County Library. Thanks to Kay’s dedication, the school and the public library have worked very closely for more than 16 years to see that area children receive the best education and information possible. Among her achievements are two successful joint projects between for the public and school libraries.
Alex McGregor (Dec) has been a friend of the library for many years, with The McGregor Company supporting summer reading countywide. McGregor has been instrumental in raising funds for the Colfax Library renovation, issuing a matching challenge and donating an added 20% to each one. Alex generously supported Hayden’s Corner and the Soiree in the Stacks fundraising auction. A gifted historian and author, McGregor serves on the board of the Washington State Heritage Center of which the Washington State Library is included.
Angela Teal (Jan 09) has long supported the library and the community by offering free Yoga classes at the Colfax Branch. Generally offering four classes per week, participants love the encouragement and enthusiasm Teal brings to her yoga, cardio and Type 2 classes.
Jerry McCollum (Feb 09) donated printed artwork for the Library’s fundraising auction, allows his photographs to be used on the library’s website and Friend’s of the Library cookbook and provides photographic exhibits for the Palouse and Colfax Libraries. Most recently, McCollum pledged his cooperation in a local grant project that will produce high quality exhibits representing Whitman County’s historical past.
In 1994, Al Kirkpatrick (Mar 09) became the first business to join the Friends of Whitman County Library as an organizational member. Since that time, Kirkpatrick along with his wife, library director Kristie Kirkpatrick, have donated generously for children’s programs, the library’s ADA and safety renovation project and as memorial gifts to the library. In his role as the library director’s husband, Kirkpatrick often finds himself volunteering his time to the library as well. Since joining the Friends of the Library just fifteen years ago, membership has increased from fourteen members to nearly 400.
Elk River Cable and owner Dave McGraw (May 09) The company and owner Dave McGraw donate generously to the communities they serve, including nearly three years of free Internet service to the Rosalia Library, service that has been extremely reliable, prompt and professional.
David Yu (July 2009) has regularly used the library and its many resources since he was a young child. Over the years, he has volunteered for the library and the Friends group in several capacities. Most recently, Yu compiled a You Tube film detailing the Colfax library’s building project. The video reviews the history of the library, the current concerns with safety and accessibility and the fundraising drive that will soon pay for its repair. A number of local residents appear in the film clip which can be viewed from the library’s website at www.whitco.lib.wa.us.
Troy and Alicia Wilson (August 2009) were honored for their efforts to improve the Tekoa Library. For two years Troy donated his time to volunteer in the library with his employer Quest Corporation matching his efforts with cash contributions from the Quest Foundation. These funds have gone a long way in supporting Tekoa’s children’s programs. Alicia was a dedicated branch manger and volunteered many hours to clean and organize the branch.
Lavelle Gardner (September 2009) was honored for assisting the Oakesdale library in a number of ways. A long-time Friend’s member, she bakes treats and donates her time and money to children’s programs. An avid reader, Lavelle is also known to assist other library patrons in finding good books to read.
Sally Elder (October 2009) was praised for educating and informing the community about library events and issue. As owner and editor of both The North Palouse Journal and Palouse Magazine, Elder regularly featured library news in both publications. (Unfortunately, both have ceased publication.) Elder volunteers regularly in the Garfield Branch library with children’s programs and special events.
James Morasch (November 2009) has gone over and above his job duties as Whitman County Library’s computer system’s administrator. In anticipation of the Colfax Library renovation project, James has dismantled and assembled shelving units, moved furniture and equipment, delivering items to outlying branches, recycled unusable materials, hauled garbage to the dump, painted and more.
As System Administrator at WCL, James has brought many thousands of dollars in technology grants to the library system while saving taxpayers money through wise planning and research of changing technologies and hardware. In his job-share capacity with Neill Public Library, James has fostered a relationship that benefits both systems and raised the technology capabilities for both the public and staff. Both systems have conserved funds by sharing contracts, equipment, and expertise.
Community of Endicott (January 2010) honored for outstanding use and support of library services. Each year, Endicott overwhelmingly passed an M&O levy for their library, finally voting in 2009 to annex. Branch is well used and programs well attended.
Gail Bilow (February) consistently assists the librarian with craft programs by donating ideas, time and materials. Barbara Strader called Bilow “one of the most talented people in town.”
St. John Cable and Greg Morasch, manager (March) recognized as a leading library and community supporter. Not only do they bring reliable Internet service to St. John and Endicott but they also donate to programs, non-profit advertising, photo-copies and just about anything the library needs!
Two Old Gals (April) are most generous supporters of Adult Summer Reading donating coffee certificates to area finishers. Gracie and the gang also support the library during the Pumpkin Party, St. John Winterfest, Soiree in the Stacks fundraising auction and most recently lend their space for Friends of the Library meetings, of which they belong.
Smokin’ Papas & Judy Weiker (May) bring valuable support to the Garfield Library by providing ice cream treats to summer readers of all ages while sharing library news in their community newsletter.
Vicki Hatley’s Daycare children, family and friends (July) were honored as library supporters for the month of July. This year, the daycare raised more than $500 and over the past five years has raised more than $1000 to be used for children’s programs and materials. Each week, Whitman County Library visits Vicki’s Daycare along and others providing outreach storytime programming.
Rosauers and manager Shawn McAdams (August) generously support Summer Reading each year by carrying the annual theme on their grocery bags. They provide coffee prizes for adult summer reading, pumpkins for the decorating contest, treats for children’s programs, sell the Friends of the Library fundraising cookbook and just help out in many other ways.
Doug Stubbe (October) volunteered his services during the renovation of the Colfax Library. From installing computer shelving to weeding books, the move back into the library facility would have taken much longer without Doug’s assistance and willingness to help wherever he was needed.
John Aune (November) will have served on the Library Board of Trustees for 14 years at the conclusion of his second term in 2011. John has been an amazing advocate for the library, participating in library related events, advocacy efforts and making important decisions as related to the future of the library. He and his wife Jane have been very generous supporters of the library through The Friends of Whitman County Library and also during the recent renovation of the Colfax Library.
Shannon Roe and Trevor Main (Jan 2011) were honored for their tireless work on behalf of the Malden Library. They donated their personal time for everything from cleaning and organizing the library facility to going door-to-door announcing programs and services. Under Shannon’s watch as Branch manager, circulation in Malden has risen 444% and children run full speed from the bus to get there!
Becky Dickerson (Feb 2011) is a valued library trustee, advocate, patron and friend. She has served 8 years on the Board, twice as chair. She’s represented the library in Olympia for advocacy events and offered her professional services for staff training. As the owner of the Community Current newspaper, Becky keeps the community informed about important issues and community events, including those related to the library.
Jan Varnes (March 2011) is a long-time Friend of WCL and also the Colfax School Librarian. She has worked closely with WCL to obtain a number of grant-funded programs for students, teachers, and community members. Jan assists with student research, partners in author visits and actively promotes quality reading programs and participation for her students. Jan is dedicated to the success of her students and is willing to go the extra mile for them.
Xenodican Club of Palouse (May 2011) founded the library in 1920, going door-to-door to collect books for the town’s first formal library. Today, the Xenodican Club is no less active holding books sales, frying funnel cakes at Palouse days, providing cocoa and cookies at haunted Palouse, providing snack for children’s programs, cleaning, painting, supporting the library and doing whatever is necessary to insure that the residents of Palouse have the very best in library service!
Scott and Sue Hallett (June 2011) are long-time members of the Friends of Whitman County Library and regular library patrons. They’ve long supported the many projects and services of the library and Sue was recently elected Friends vice-president. Sue volunteers each week at the library and most recently, the pair were instrumental in arranging after-school snacks for the hungry latchkey children at the Albion Branch Library.
Dolores Haley (July 2011) is a member of the Oakesdale Friends of the Library and a dedicated library patron. She has long supported children’s programs, volunteering her time and baking snacks. Dolores has hosted fundraising booksales, volunteers in the library, assists with the bookclub and serves as a substitute for that location.
Webb’s Slough and Matt and Amanda Webb (Aug 2011) supported Teen Summer Readers countywide by donating tickets to the boat races. They are also long-time supporters of the St. John Branch and other community events.
Claudia Rollins (Sep 2011) is a dedicated patron and supporter of the library. She often puts her creative talents to work creating quilts, wreaths and other items to benefit the library and serves faithfully as the Secretary of the Friends of WCL.
Bob Ingalls (Nov 2011) in his work as Captain of the Whitman County Jail provides the library with quality work release volunteers who assist with a number of tasks like snow shoveling, cleaning, filing and more. Over the years, inmate work crews have saved the library thousands of dollars. Besides supporting the library through his work, Captain Ingalls and his wife Donna are also long-standing Friends of the Library and avid library users.
Steven Van Vleet (Dec 2011) was honored for donating his time and all proceeds from his extremely popular calendar, “The Barns of Whitman County” to the Friends of the library. Over the past three years, Steve’s generosity has provided the Friends with much needed capital to support everything from community programs to library building projects.
Danielle Klaveano (Jan 2012) has been a generous supporter of the library and regularly updates the décor of Hayden’s Corner, the library’s children’s room named in memory of her grandson Hayden. Most recently, Danielle regularly donates her time and resources to the Colfax Library’s beautiful outdoor landscaping.
Avista Corporation and Paul Kimmel (Feb 2012) are committed to supporting and assisting local community projects including library services and facilities. As related to libraries, Kimmel and Avista are Summer Reading supporters countywide and assisted in funding renovations of the Colfax and Endicott Branch Libraries, funded library service in Malden when they had none and providing new lighting in the Oakesdale Library.
Thrifty Grandmothers (April 2012) support projects throughout the community and the library including Summer Reading programs, Hospital packets for parents of newborns, donations to the Colfax Renovation, Lacrosse Market/Library renovation and most recently to the Bettie Steiger Community Enrichment Center.
Lacrosse Community Pride (May 2012) truly understands the importance of the library within the Lacrosse community. Running only on volunteer hours, they are coordinating the transformation of an old building into a community center, grocery store, and beautiful new library, allowing for expanded programs and services. LCP is a shining example of how a group of concerned citizens can work together to make our communities better.
Becky Lawhead (June 2012) of Colfax has long supported the library through her volunteer efforts and generous donations. Becky coordinates library booksales, attends Friend’s meetings and often at fundraising events and community programs.
The Feeding Station (July 2012) has provided all Tekoa Summer Reading finishers with a free ice cream cones for many years. The restaurant is an outstanding library and community supporter!
Ruth Simpson (August 2012) has been an active and vocal supporter of bringing library service to the community of Lamont. Thanks to her efforts, the community will vote for annexation in the fall of 2012 and is working diligently to open their new facility in early 2013.
Washington’s Secretary of State, Sam Reed (September 2012) stepped forward in 2002 when the Washington State Library was in danger of being shuttered. Since that time, Reed has been a dedicated advocate for the agency and the services it provides to Washington’s libraries, citizens and legislators. Residents of Whitman County have benefited immeasurably from the many programs and services provided by WSL and thanks to Reed’s vision and oversight.
Athenaeum Club (Oct 2012) has donated books to Whitman County Library for more 50 years in memory of its members. The club has participated in the library’s Rural Heritage project and its educational ideals suppoort the library and its mission for self education and lifelong learning.
Dan Sturgeon (Nov 2012) a Friend of the Malden Library has volunteered countless hours helping move into the new library, assisting with branch visits, donating books to the library and anywhere else he is needed. Manager Shannon Roe say, “I couldn’t do it all without Dan!”
Jon Kehne (Dec 2012) of Colfax is completing his second full term on the Library Board of Trustees. Jon’s financial prowess and common sense approach helped guide the library through a $1 million dollar renovation, the annexation of six towns and the development of a new branch library. Jon and his wife Peggy are also generous supporters of the District.
The Uniontown Mini Mart and owner Robin Weatherly (Jan 2013) have long supported Summer Reading with incentives for area children. They are also enthusiastic supporters of other library and community programs.
Marcy Campbell (Feb 2013) talented author of the Rosie books has donated these titles to the library and also volunteers her time as a guest reader for children’s library programs in Rosalia and Colfax.
Wired or Wireless (Mar 2013) allowed the library to share Malden’s Computer/Internet facility free of charge. This gave our Malden patrons a quality library facility with great online access and also have quality reading materials, valuable online resources and databases and quality programs for all ages.
Neill Public Library (April 2013) works cooperatively with WCL to share of a computer System’s Administrator, partner in the Family Fair Library booth and recently spearheaded a grant funded e-Reader program, all benefiting WCL.
