Friends of the Winthrop Public Library (FOWL) will present a month-long program of activities in June to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the library’s opening, as well as the opening of the new outdoor library.
FOWL, the library staff and Methow Press will sponsor community events featuring “Books & Blankets,” an all-town read featuring local authors; poetry readings and a poetry workshop; a Firewise gardening workshop; and a community game night.
FOWL is a nonprofit that generated the funding for and oversaw construction of the library building, which is now owned by the Town of Winthrop and operated by NCW Libraries. FOWL remains involved in supporting the library and its programs in a number of ways. Fundraising continues to complete the outdoor library.
The opening of the outdoor library on June 10 marks the last phase of landscaping the library site, FOWL said in a press release. The outdoor space includes Firewise and pollinator gardens and areas for play and relaxation.
“The space is meant to further draw the community to the library, serve as a community gathering space, and serve as a teaching and learning example of sustainable, Firewise gardening in the Methow Valley,” FOWL said in the release.
Since its grand opening in June 2022, the library has seen average monthly attendance of more than 2,500 patrons and is regularly the third-busiest branch in the NCL Libraries system, FOWL said.
Scheduled events include:
• June 6 — poetry workshop and reading with Suzanne Edison. Workshop 4:30-6 p.m., reading 6-7:30 p.m. in the community room. Bring something from your natural environment to inspire creativity. For tweens, teens and adults.
• June 10 — “Books & Blankets All-Town Read” and outdoor library grand opening; outdoor tours 10 a.m.-noon. Bring your blankets and listen to local author readings, noon-2 p.m. Free ice cream provided by Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe. Featured authors include Hannah Viano, Shannon Huffman Polson, Richard Hart and Sally Portman. For all ages.
• June 13 — Firewise gardening with expert Al Murphy, 1-2 p.m., outdoor library.
• June 14 — “Poetry in the Park,” 5-6:30 p.m., outdoor library, for all ages.
• June 14 — Rena Priest, Washington State Poet Laureate, “I Sing the Salmon Home” reading followed by Q&A, 7-8:30 p.m., community room.
• June 16 — NCW Libraries and FOWL-sponsored game night with snacks and games provided, 5:30-8 p.m., community room. For all ages.
• June 27 — NCW Libraries author readings reaturing Erik Brooks (4-5 p.m., for kids); and Sarah Conover (6-7 p.m., for adults), community room.
For more information, visit www.winthroplibraryfriends.org/events.
