HUMBLE

In just her first few weeks on the job, Jandy Humble kick-started the new early literacy programs and story times at Liberty Lake Municipal Library. She was also responsible for helping to promote and sign up families for the new parent-child reading initiative "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten." 

And this is in addition to placing orders for children and teen selections, working the front desk and getting to know the staff. 

"I really like this library because you get a chance to do everything," Handy said. "There's never a dull moment."

Humble started her role as the new youth services librarian on Sept. 17. She and her husband had been looking to relocate to the area from Utah to be closer to her husband's family, and she jumped at the chance to apply for the open position. 

A Utah native, Humble received her bachelor's degree in English and Literature from Utah Valley University. She completed a Master's of Library and Information Studies this past summer through the University Of Alabama.

Her four years of experience in library settings is varied. She started as a clerk in public libraries and then transitioned to academic libraries - both law and university - where she worked in technical services. 

But she finds there's a lot more action at public libraries.

"I enjoy the hustle and bustle in a public library," Humble said. "In academic libraries, students typically just come to use the space and study."

In addition to being in charge of story times and ordering youth selections, Humble will be responsible for all other aspects of children's programming, from parties to the summer reading program and any  type of teen programming. 

Pamela Mogen, director of library services, said Humble's unique experience in developing library programs for special needs children was one reason her resumé stood out from the other applicants. 

"We'll be looking for ways for her to develop similar programs here in Liberty Lake," Mogen said. "In addition, Humble will also be taking over the guidance of Liberty Lake's Youth Council, folding it into service and event opportunities based out of the library as well as looking at new opportunities."

Humble said she welcomes the opportunity to interact with teens to expand the teen collection, find new resources and provide great programming.  

"We're hoping to start a teen advisory board to get their input on what they find is cool and make the library what they want it to be," she said. 

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BARTLETT

In an effort to recognize Veterans Day in a unique way, the Liberty Lake Municipal Library is hosting a presentation on the first all-black paratroopers in Washington state during WWII.

In partnership with the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau, the free event will occur 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at the library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. 

In the presentation, Humanities speaker Robert L. Bartlett will share about members of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, a WWII unit made up of some of the Army's best trained paratroopers nicknamed "Triple Nickle." This first all-black paratrooper unit was assigned to a highly-classified mission known as Operation Firefly and trained to jump on forest fires as first responders during that era, including the 1945 Mt. Baker fire. 

Shardé Mills, adult services librarian, said the event will have culture and diversity and local history all tied up in one presentation. She also noted the relevance due to the wild fires throughout the state this year.

"It's an important part of our state history and something people probably haven't learned about in school," Mills said. "And we've had so many fires this year, it is really important to be aware of the history and past of the people who fought those fires."

This is the first speaker the library has hosted though the Humanities Washington program, Mills said.  In order to bring the program to the community, the library had to go through an application process. The program was approved and paid for through their Speakers Bureau, whose goal is to provide engaging conversations about Washington-specific history, culture, geopolitical issues and more.

A professor in the Dept. of Sociology and Justice Studies at Eastern Washington University, Bartlett is an Army and Vietnam War veteran. He has nearly 30 years of teaching and presentation experience in Eastern Washington. 

"I've heard he is a fantastic speaker," Mills said. "He's a part of our local area and just coming to hear him is well worth your time."

For more, call 232-2510 or visit www.humanities.org.

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Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.

Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave.

In partnership with Humanities Washington, the library is hosting Robert L. Bartlett to share about the seldom-told story of the first all-black Airborne Infantry Firefighters. 

For more: 232-2510 or www.humanities.org