News Briefs

Local authors read for Friends of the Library membership event

The Friends of the Spokane County Library District invite the public to come hear local authors, enjoy refreshments from local vendors and find out more about the Friends of the Library. This free event titled “After Hours at the Library” will be held at North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road on Friday, Nov. 4, from 7 – 9 p.m.

Local authors scheduled to read during the event include Tim Greenup, Cindy Hval, Stephanie Oakes, Sharma Shields and Nance Van Winckel, with music by John Paul Shields. Appetizers and refreshments provided by local artisans. For questions or more information about the After Hours at the Library event, contact us at (509) 893-8233 or [email protected].

Attendees can learn more about the Friends of the Spokane County Library District, how the group inspires passionate, lifelong learners to invest in their libraries, fundraising efforts, the libraries and programs supported and how to become a member. 

Friends of the Library are community-based non-profit groups of citizens who promote, encourage, enhance, and support their local libraries. These groups volunteer thousands of hours of their time and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars annually through community activities to supplement the funding of local libraries.

SRTC seeks Transportation Advisory Committee members

The Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) is seeking members for its Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), a citizen’s advisory group that provides transparency and a community perspective to the transportation planning process.

SRTC is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Spokane County. MPOs ensure that transportation expenditures are based on a cooperative and comprehensive planning process. Federal funds for transportation projects and programs are channeled through this planning process and awarded to local agencies and jurisdictions that deal with transportation.

The TAC advises the SRTC board regarding plans, programs and activities to determine consistency with SRTC policies; makes recommendations on regional transportation policies and serves as a conduit for information between the board and the public.

Those chosen for the committee will serve three year terms, starting in January 2017 and finishing at the December 2019 meeting.The TAC meets six times a year, on the fourth Monday of every other month at 3 p.m. Meetings are held at SRTC, 421 W. Riverside Ave., Ste. 500 (The Paulsen Center) in downtown Spokane.

TAC applications and more information on the committee are available at http://www.srtc.org/tac_page.html or by calling (509) 343-3670. The application period runs through 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4.

State Fire Marshal tips for a fire safe Halloween

The Washington State Fire Marshal’s office offers several ways to help everyone stay fire safe this Halloween.

Only purchase costumes and decorations made of “flame-resistant” materials. Check the label: Flame-resistant means the materials are designed to resist burning and withstand heat.

Avoid baggy or long trailing costumes. Use make-up rather than masks which could obstruct vision.

Instruct children to stay away from open flames and other heat sources. Be sure children know to “Stop, Drop and Roll” if their clothing ever catches fire.

Always carry lightweight flashlights or glow sticks when trick-or-treating. Choose battery-operated candles or flashlights when decorating your home; never use candles to light jack-o’-lanterns.

Keep home decorations away from open flames and heat sources. Use extreme caution with highly flammable decorations such as cornstalks and hay bales.

If attending a Halloween party, be aware of your surroundings and know how to escape in case of an emergency. Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, never block escape routes.