Library Closures for Independence Day - July 4, 2016

All WCCLS member libraries will be closed next Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Libraries will return to their regular schedules July 5. Please check our schedule for your library's hours.
 
Our online resources and e-book digital collections are always available. Have a safe and fun Fourth of July!

Summer Music Programs at Tualatin Public Library

Feel the rhythm at the Tualatin Public Library this summer.

Beat the heat while listening to some cool tunes on a Sunday afternoon. From jazz to folk to steel drums, there's something to satisfy every musical taste!

All concerts are free and for all ages.


Adlai Alexander Trio
Sunday, June 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Noted for the sweetness and wide range of his voice, Adlai Alexander performs with intricate guitar in a way that’s rare in both the acoustic and jazz worlds. Jazz, Bossa Nova and a 60s twist.

Chris Garcia Jazz Trio
Sunday, June 26 at 2:00 p.m.
An eclectic mix of musicians with a broad range of influences, combined with an exciting passion for music, Chris Garcia Jazz trio brings the perfect groove to the library.

Two Spirit Jazz
Sunday, July 10 at 2:00 p.m.
Two Spirit Jazz current repertoire comes from the American songbook and from the vast supply of American jazz and blues.

Boy & Bean
Sunday, July 17 at 2:00 p.m.
Boy and Bean are a swing/jazz trio that focuses on music from the 20s, 30s, and 40s.

The Doubleclicks
Sunday, July 24 at 2:00 p.m.
The Doubleclicks are a nerd-folk musical duo consisting of sisters Angela and Aubrey Webber. They are known for performing nerd-friendly comedy music.

Northwest Panman Steel Drums
Sunday, July 31 at 2:00 p.m.
Get your groove on at a live steel drums concert with Northwest Panman, Terry Baber.

Why Play Matters at Tualatin Public Library

“Grow up and stop playing.” Most of us have heard this admonishment in some form as we moved from youth to adulthood. But is it good advice? Research shows that play and physical activity can have positive effects on children’s health, well-being, and education; they also boost health and creativity in adults. What is the value of play?

This is the focus of “Why Play Matters: Promoting Health and Creativity for Kids and Adults,” a free conversation with play activists Jonathan Blasher and Tara Doherty.

Tualatin Public Library Community Room
Thursday, June 23, 7:00 p.m.

This program is hosted by the Tualatin Public Library and sponsored by Oregon Humanities.

Please note: this session will include interactive play for all levels of ability.

Two Washington County Libraries Awarded Oregon Community Foundation Grants

The Cornelius Public Library announced a $30,000 grant from the Oregon Community Foundation for the development of the new Cornelius Library building. The new library will house a variety of services to support children, families and schools including pre-reading and early education programs, student success programs, and adult education. This award brings the total funding for the library project to within 80% of their fundraising goal. Ground breaking on the project is projected for March 2017.

The Aloha Community Library received a $25,000 grant from the Oregon Community Foundation as part of its capital campaign to renovate and relocate to a new, larger space around the corner from the current library. The renovation includes electrical upgrades, an ADA accessible restroom, enlarged patron spaces, new computers, printers, furnishings and equipment. The Aloha Community Library will become a full member of Washington County Cooperative Library Services in 2016.

Visit Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark for FREE this Summer

Back by popular demand, the Cultural Pass to Adventure features a Summer Boarding Pass to the Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark.

Available June 17 through September 5, you can reserve a one-day pass that admits two individuals. The same person may only check out the Waterpark membership once during the summer of 2016; the Waterpark plans to track usage by name. Please note that any other attractions on the Evergreen campus are not included in this Waterpark membership. For more information, please read the small print.

The Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark features a wave pool and 10 waterslides, including one that starts in a real Boeing 747 aircraft on the roof!  Waterpark visitors will also learn about the power of water through hands-on educational exhibits in the Waterpark museum. 

Reserve the Waterpark Pass and grab your swimsuit!

Beat the heat this weekend at the library

With the high temperatures forecast for this weekend, the Tualatin Public Library will extend hours on Saturday June 4 and Sunday June 5 until 8pm to serve as a cooling center.  The Hillsboro Public Library and City of Hillsboro are also offering 4 cooling centers for the weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Portland-metro area through Sunday night, with forecasted highs of 100 degrees.

While Tualatin is extending hours this weekend, you can also find a cool place to visit at any of the other WCCLS libraries.  Contact your local library with questions about hours and locations.

For more information on beating the heat, and to learn about other cooling centers in Washington county, visit the Washington County website.

Meet the (pretty awesome) Catalog: Zero search results?

Trivia question: How many items are in the WCCLS catalog?

Oh, go on and guess before you keep reading. For the record, say it out loud.

Okay, ready for the answer? One point six five million items! Yes, that is a lot of options for you… 1,650,627 to be exact (as of today).

However, we don’t have everything you could ever think of. And even with your stash of (pretty awesome) Catalog tips, there will still be times when your search terms find zero titles.

When that happens, the (pretty awesome) Catalog suggests four helpful actions for tracking down exactly what you’re looking for:

1. Check your spelling. Spelling does matter in the PAC. If you’re not sure how to spell something (i.e. Sophia vs. Sofia), pop over to a new tab in your browser and Google it.
2. Contact us. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, call or email your library. You can also send your question via chat or text message.
3. Recommend your library purchase the item. Your library likes to hear your suggestions!
4. Request an interlibrary loan (ILL). If another library has it, we will try to get it for you… for free!

PAC Cat would like to place an ILL…

Note: This is the eighth of eight weekly tips about our online catalog.