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In December of 1896, the Women’s Club of Olympia established a library
service with “reading matter” donated by citizens. In March 1909, the city
offered to take over the collection of some 900 volumes and maintain a public
library.
The Olympia library was housed in a Carnegie building at 7th and Franklin
until 1978 when a new library was built and opened at 8th and Franklin.
Olympia joined the Timberland library district in 1968.
The library underwent extensive remodels in 2000 and 2008. In 2000, the
building was recarpeted and painted; a meeting room was converted to additional
space for the children's area; and new public computers, computer stations, a
teen area and shelving for about 10,000 additional items were added. In
2008, the circulation and information desks were replaced, the building was
recarpeted and painted in bright, warm colors, the lounge furniture was
replaced, and the computer stations were refurbished.
The Olympia Library has:
- Books, videotapes, DVDs, CDs, audio cassettes, newspapers
and magazines for readers and library users of all ages.
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Programs and events for children and adults.
- Computers with access to the Internet, Microsoft Office,
and online reference databases. One-hour computer sessions can be
reserved using the online reservation system or by calling the library.
- Free wireless Internet access in the library during regular open hours.
- A public meeting room that can be reserved for
community meetings and programs by calling the library.
Contact the library for information about the local
Library Board and the local
Friends group.
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Upcoming Library Events
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Friends of the Olympia Timberland Library Meeting
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Tue., Mar. 16
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12:00 PM
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| Join the Friends of the Olympia Timberland Library on the third Tuesday of every month at noon for a meeting that includes information about Friends-sponsored events and book sales as well as library activities and services. |
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Teen Book Discussion
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Tue., Mar. 16
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6:30 PM
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| Join a monthly book discussion group for teens. The group's mission: finding and talking about books impossible to put down! The first 15 participants to register and attend the program will receive a free copy of the book to be discussed. Register at the library's youth services desk or by calling 352-0595 starting March 2. Sponsored by the Friends of the Olympia Timberland Library. |
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Toddler Story Time
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Wed., Mar. 17
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10:30 AM
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Join in a program of simple stories, rhymes, songs and movement games that children and adults can enjoy together. Adults must accompany toddlers. The library will be closed during this program, so please use the entrance located on Adams Street near the corner of 9th and Adams. Look for the "Story Time entrance" sign.
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Preschool Story Time
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Thu., Mar. 18
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10:15 AM
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Join in a program of stories, rhymes, songs and movement games. Parents or caregivers are welcome to attend with their children. The library will be closed during this program, so please use the entrance located on Adams Street near the corner of 9th and Adams. Look for the "Story Time entrance" sign.
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Genealogy Café
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Thu., Mar. 18
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1:00 PM
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| Olympia Genealogical Society members will help family-tree researchers use the Olympia Timberland Library's genealogy collection and the Timberland Regional Library genealogy databases. |
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Book Babies
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Thu., Mar. 18
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2:00 PM
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| Join in a program of short stories, songs, rhymes and knee bounces. Discover the joy of early language with your baby. Each baby must be accompanied by an adult lap. After the program, adults can visit while babies play with toys and sturdy books. |
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Erin McKittrick, The Long Trek Home: 4,000 Miles by Boot, Raft, and Ski
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Thu., Mar. 18
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7:15 PM
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| Join author Erin McKittrick as she discusses "The Long Trek Home." In June 2007, McKittrick and her husband, Hig, embarked on a 4,000-mile expedition from Seattle to the Aleutian Islands, traveling solely by human power. This is the story of their unprecedented trek along the northwestern edge of the Pacific Ocean. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. The library is normally closed at this time and will be open only for the event. |
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PageTurners Book Discussion
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Fri., Mar. 19
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10:00 AM
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| Join others for a discussion of "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" by Muriel Barbery. |
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The Art of Small Press Publishing: an Evening with Local Authors
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Fri., Mar. 19
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5:30 PM
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| This two-day event celebrates and examines the world of small press publishing. Friday night, local authors will read from their work and answer questions. On Saturday, a panel will discuss small press from multiple perspectives. A selection of small press merchandise will be available for purchase. Friday night: authors Skie Bender, with musical accompaniment by Kevin Jacobs, Derek Ryan Hain, Adam Jessup, Ray Maeda, Tony Perkins, and Sarah Tavis with musical accompaniment by Letters. |
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Genealogy Café
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Sat., Mar. 20
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11:00 AM
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| Olympia Genealogical Society members will help family-tree researchers use the Olympia Timberland Library's genealogy collection and the Timberland Regional Library genealogy databases. |
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The Art of Small Press Publishing: a Panel Discussion
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Sat., Mar. 20
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2:00 PM
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On day two of the Art of Small Press, a panel will discuss and answer questions about small press from multiple perspectives. Panelists: Joshua James Amberson of Ms. Valerie Park Distro; Matthew Green of Olympia Power & Light newspaper; Carol Hannum of the Olympia Book Arts Society; Jami Heinricher of the Sherwood Press; Jacob McMurray of Payseur & Schmidt Publishers; and Jessica Spring of Springtide Press. There will be a selection of small press merchandise for sale.
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Reading Explorers
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Mon., Mar. 22
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6:30 PM
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| Join a book discussion group for kids, ages 9-12. The group's mission: finding and talking about books impossible to put down! The first 15 to register will receive a copy of the book to keep. Please register by calling 352-0595 and ask for the youth desk. Sponsored by the Friends of the Olympia Timberland Library. |
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More Events...
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