Spokane Public Library Blog

Spokane Government Blog  Subscribe!

Aquifer Atlas Update

Monday, April 12, 2010 – 11:47 am

Several Spokane agencies have worked together to create a new update to the Spokane Valley - Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer Atlas.  The City of Spokane, Spokane County, Kootenai County Aquifer Protection District, and the Spokane Aquifer Joint Board worked together to create this informative atlas that includes maps and explanations of the aquifer, a section on how it was formed, how its water is recharged and discharged, and a reference section that includes tour maps, water quality, and a glossary. Paper copies of the atlases will be available at the Downtown, Shadle, and South Hill libraries. - Spokane Government Librarian


Municipal Research and Services Center

Monday, March 29, 2010 – 4:58 pm

mrsc2.pngIf you are interested in local governments and how they work, the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington is an important online resource.  MRSC includes links to the various municipal and county codes and other legal resources.  Their Research Tools includes city and county profiles and sample documents and ordinances.  If you are interested in a subject, the Subjects list provides links to sample policies and programs on such topics as the environment, parks & recreation, and public safety. MRSC also links to news stories about local governments and provides various services and publications. - Spokane Government Librarian


Don’t Feed the Ducks

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 – 2:55 pm

nofeedingducks.jpgThe Spokane City Parks Department is asking people not to feed the wild water fowl, such as the ducks and geese, that gather at the ponds and river in Manito, Cannon Hill, and Riverfront Parks.  Feeding them causes malnutrition, overpopulation, and disease problems.  Find out more from the Friends of Manito.  For wilder bird-watching options, try visiting Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge or the Little Spokane River Natural Area. - Spokane Government Librarian


County Maps

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 – 1:30 pm

spocogis.jpgThe Spokane County GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Department has a great thematic list of maps online.   There are current and historical township maps, a cemetery map, and various city maps. The more specialized maps include city annexations, tax boundaries, and special districts.  The interactive map will let you control multiple settings and zoom into particular areas; it only works with Internet Explorer for now. - Spokane Government Librarian


Winter Arts

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 – 2:46 pm

Since February can be a dreary time of year, a good pick-me-up can be taking part in one of the many art programs listed on the Spokane Arts Commission website.  There is a calendar of events that features art, music, and performance programs, including those of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, Spokane Public Schools, several local universities, and other organizations.  If you want to find the public art in town, check out their Sculpture Walk brochure and other suggestions.  If you are an artist, the Commission lists Artist Opportunities, both locally and nationwide. - Spokane Government Librarian


Spokane County Law Library

Friday, January 29, 2010 – 4:50 pm

Spokane County’s Law Library has moved from its original location in the Paulsen Building downtown to a location near the county courthouse in the Gardner Center Building. The Law Library is a public source for more law books than what the public library offers, such as case law, historic laws, or out-of-state law.  Read their Library Services page to see what help they can offer and About the Library for rules and collection information. - Spokane Government Librarian


City TV

Wednesday, January 13, 2010 – 6:14 pm

City Cable 5Spokane City has its own cable channel, Channel 5, which televises live City Council, Park Board, and City Plan Commission meetings, as well as developing informational and educational programs on city government. Their monthly schedule will show you when certain programs will be on. What if you don’t have cable? You can order DVD copies, or you can watch many of their programs online by using Windows Media Player. You can watch live streaming video for the above meetings while they are taking place or watch recorded versions later. - Spokane Government Librarian


Winter Preparedness

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 – 8:24 pm

Spokane County, in conjunction with the Weather Service,  has developed a nice list of winter preparedness contact information and links, as well as winter safety and preparedness tips.  For more winter advice, the City Water Department gives tips on avoiding frozen pipes, the Department of Transportation talks about winter driving, and FEMA tells how to protect yourself from winter storms and extreme cold. - Spokane Government Librarian


Winter Recreation

Thursday, December 17, 2009 – 3:27 pm

The Spokane Parks Department offers many ways for you to get out and take advantage of Spokane’s winter weather.  You can go skating at the Ice Palace in Riverfront Park, see the lights at the Manito Greenhouse until December 20th, or learn how to snowshoe, cross country ski, or downhill ski or snowboarding.  Those who prefer indoor pursuits can find activities at the Corbin Art Center, or participate in other personal interest activities. - Spokane Government Librarian


Energy Conservation Tips & Programs

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 – 2:12 pm

Winter heating causes many people’s utility bills to rise significantly.  The City of Cheney Energy Services gives various tips to save energy, formulas for finding out the cost of using an appliance, and other energy conservation measures.  Avista also features their energy rebates and an energy savings suite of programs.  Qualifying low income homeowners in Spokane can also take advantage of SNAP’s Energy Conservation Classes and Weatherization program, funded by federal stimulus money. - Spokane Government Librarian


City of Spokane

POLICIES | ENTRIES (RSS) | COMMENTS (RSS)

Spokane Public Library • 906 W. Main Spokane, WA 99201 • 509.444.5300

© 2007 SPOKANE PUBLIC LIBRARY