What's happening at Weller Public Library

WAITSBURG-Weller Public Library (WPL), located at 22 Main Street in Waitsburg, Washington, has been operating as a public library since the 1940s in the historic building that had been the Exchange Bank in 1905. 

Weller Library like other libraries in small, rural communities, serves as a community hub connecting patrons to information and people, and a haven for children and youth. It provides access to updated public computers, wireless printing, and library materials.

New technology brought to the Weller Public Library

The City of Waitsburg received a technology grant for the library for $6,300, which paid for four new computers and a wireless color printer. Two of the new computers are available for public use during library hours. The other two pcs are for staff use, updating patron information and managing library materials.

The new printer allows patrons to connect to the library's WIFI and print from their personal devices, cell phones, iPads, or laptops

New staff brought on.

The Weller Public Library Board of Trustees recently hired local Waitsburg resident Twila Tate as Librarian for WPL. Tate has a Master's in Library and Information Technology from Emporia University.

Tate brings ten years of experience as a librarian to the position. The Board has also hired local residents Sarah Roberts and Amanda Withers as library support staff. Roberts and Withers, both parents of small children, bring a fresh perspective on programming for children to the library. 

Starting in October, the library will offer StoryTime for Toddlers in Spanish and English. Withers is fluent in both languages and has experience working with children in an educational environment. The schedule for StoryTime will be posted on the library website.

Roberts has experience working with youth and non-profit organizations focusing on youth activities. Roberts and Withers will begin working at the library on Saturday, September 3rd.

New library schedule and hours.

Like most rural libraries, WPL operates on minimal funding within the city budget. This limits hours the library is open to the public to 16 per week. The city's budget for the library's operation is under $20,000 per year.

In 2021, a Weller Public Library community survey was completed by Waitsburg residents. The top two issues respondents asked for were increased library hours so families could visit together after school or in the evenings: and more programming for children and adults.

With recent staffing, the library will begin a new schedule on Wednesday, September 7th. For the remainder of 2022, the library will be open 16 hours a week on Wednesdays through Saturdays. The schedule will be posted on the library website on September 7th.

In the 2023-2024 Budget Proposal for Weller Public Library to the City Council, the trustees requested the city increase funds for an additional four hours per week of staffing for the library. If the Council approves the increase, the library would be open 20 hours per week beginning 2023. 

The library will follow the Federal Holiday schedule for closures. 

Stay tuned for future improvements at the library.

The Board of Trustees is partnering with local non-profits that support youth, music, and art in grant opportunities. The Waitsburg Parks and Recreation District will share the library as an office space.

Tate's experience includes grant writing and working collaboratively with organizations to bring different sources of funding to libraries. Several grants are available that may fund new books for children; replace library shelving that meets today's safety standards (the current library in the children's area does not), and to renovate the building to include the 2nd floor.

Use the library, support the library.

There are many ways to support the Weller Public Library. One is to join the Friends of The Weller Public Library, a local, non-profit 501c3 organization. The Friends has been bridging the gap between what the library needs and the city can provide for over 20 years. The group has supported the library, the board and staff by providing funds to buy books and recently raised money to update ADA access with a lift and other improvements.

The Friends of the Library will hold its book sale at the Waitsburg Fall Festival on September 18th, at the Bruce Mansion. All proceeds will benefit the Weller Public Library.

September is "Get a Library Card Month"

The library staff at Weller Public Library want to ensure children and youth in Waitsburg have access to books and materials, so they will be working in conjunction with Waitsburg School District to get every student a library card.

Library memberships are free to residents of Waitsburg.

New programming for this year and next.

Offering programming through the library helps create a community hub. Beginning in October, the library will offer free Take & Make Art Kits for children and adults. The kits are funded by donations and the financial support from the Friends of Weller Public Library.

Basic Sewing will also be offered in October on Saturdays. Sewing machines, sewing supplies, fabric, and basic instruction will be offered to anyone age 10 and up.

In 2023, the library will include guest speakers and watercolor classes to be offered free to the public.

Changes at the library include updating the website, the library card registration process, and the collection.

"The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library." - Albert Einstein.