Othello Library offers free enjoyable

OTHELLO — Othello Library department supervisor Georgia Reitmire mentioned the library affords one thing individuals can’t get simply anyplace. 

“We’re a free place to have fun,” she mentioned. 

Technology has modified the way in which libraries do enterprise, she mentioned, however not their function.  

“People know this is a safe place for them to come and cool off in the summer, warm up in the winter, do their homework, and apply for jobs. It’s the same thing librarians have been doing for hundreds of years, it’s just in a different era,” she mentioned. 

The present library, 101 E. Main St., is considered one of 13 within the Mid-Columbia Libraries system. The library can be transferring into a brand new area later this yr, however Reitman mentioned there’s no transferring date but. 

While library use is altering, it’s nonetheless a preferred vacation spot, Reitmire mentioned. 

“Not just here in at Mid-Columbia, but in other library systems I’ve worked in, we’ve seen a steady (increase) in people checking out digital resources and less print materials,” she mentioned. “But in rural areas where people don’t have super-duper fast internet, or they can’t afford internet at home, or they don’t have access to broadband services, they use the library for homework and resume building and job hunting. We have a busy little library.” 

The library’s computer systems are busy sufficient that typically all 10 of them are in use, she mentioned. Othello School District college students use the library for group initiatives and homework. 

Along with books, giant print books, audio books, books in Spanish, curbside pickup, computer systems for public use and comfy locations to learn, the library affords what Reitmire referred to as the enjoyable stuff. 

“The story times, the Lego club, our summer reading challenge,” she mentioned. “We typically have a winter reading challenge too.” 

The library permits individuals to print paperwork, ship faxes and make copies. A small charge is charged for some printing providers. The MCL system additionally affords entry to a streaming service in addition to on-line audiobooks and ebooks. People who can’t go to the library can organize for books to return to them. There’s additionally the “grab bag” service, the place MCL patrons can request a topic and the librarians will choose some books for them for supply or pickup. 

Reitmire mentioned libraries stay crucial of their communities.  

“It’s really about being that third space, that place where people can go and they don’t have to buy something to stay here,” she mentioned. “(The library is) about providing opportunities for the community to participate in programs that are free. Bring your kids to story time – at Mid-Columbia, we have a really big focus on early literacy and school readiness, so our story times are very geared toward that, letter recognition, pre-reading skills, all the fun stuff. It’s nice to know the songs you sing at school before you get to school.” 

The library’s new dwelling can be throughout the road within the Plaza on Main constructing. Remodeling of the area is underway, with paint and flooring being put in. After that come the cabinets and furnishings, Reitmire mentioned. 

The new location can be in regards to the dimension of the present library, she mentioned. 

“The space will be used differently. What we will gain is two meeting rooms, or study rooms, that can be booked, and we’ll gain a very large programming room where we’ll be able to do more children’s programs,” Reitmire mentioned. “We’ll sort of explore – maybe we’ll be able to do author visits. It will also be a room that can be booked by the community to use.” 

Reitmire got here to Othello after 9 years with the Yakima Valley Libraries system and has been working as a librarian for greater than 20 years.  

“I was a school librarian first, then I went to work for the military. I’ve worked for every branch of the service in libraries,” she mentioned.  

She wished to maneuver again to Washington, she mentioned, and took the job with Yakima Valley Libraries, ultimately working in administration. But that wasn’t fairly the correct match. 

“My job was very much not working with the public anymore. It was about crunching numbers, and I wasn’t happy,” Reitmire mentioned. “And now, if you hang around here for any length of time, you’ll hear me say – and the staff, too – how much we like working here.” 

She’s a well-recognized face to library patrons when she’s out round city, she mentioned, and likes that.  

“When the school bus goes by my house, the kids yell my name,” she mentioned. “I like that the kids walk by my house on the way to school and they know who I am.” 

Othello Library 
101 E. Main St.
Othello, WA 99344
509-488-9683
Hours:
Mon. – Fri: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

    Othello head librarian Georgia Reitmire mentioned she loves her job.
  

    Madalynn Camp, left, and Kaitlyn Ruppert, proper, discovered good books and comfy chairs on the Othello Library.
  

    The Othello Library options a big choice of Spanish-language titles.