Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Books and kids are a big part of Heather McArthur’s life. The Garfield librarian grew up in Airway Heights just west of Spokane. She attended Spokane Falls Community College and studied early childhood education before becoming a stay-at-home mother of three for a decade.
Two years ago, she moved south to Garfield where she took on a number of jobs including customer service and housecleaning before starting work at the Seedlings Childcare Center and as assistant librarian at the Garfield branch of the Whitman County Library. When the lead librarian position opened five months ago, she leaped at the opportunity to take on the new role.
Heather likes living in Garfield. The small town atmosphere gives her a sense of comfort and safety.
She said it is good “to know that I can trust my neighbors, and that my children have a safe place to play and explore the world around them, without all that big city noise and rudeness. And I have made quite a few wonderful friends here, who have become our family.”
Heather has worked in libraries since middle school.
Her love of kids and books comes together in her work at the library, where she enjoys helping patrons research things they are interested in, using materials available through the library system and navigating the internet.
Most of the library users are preschool children.
For this age group she offers special events each Wednesday at 12:15 p.m.
They read, sing songs and have some sort of craft project to take home and share with their parents.
On early release days, the library offers special after school activities for school-aged children.
They also offer adult oriented activities such as trivia nights, first aid/CPR classes and a book club.
The library is also a natural hub where community members gather to share news and have conversations.
The Violet McDonald Memorial Garfield Library is located at 109 North Third Street in Garfield. Their hours are 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays and 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Their phone number is 509-635-1490.
Heather said “Books bring so much joy and magic into our lives. They take you to places you wouldn’t otherwise get to experience, transporting you through time and space. The written word is important. It teaches us, binds us, and moves us. So read, read, read!!” In addition to reading and writing herself, Heather likes to bake treats for her kids and friends. Here are some of her favorites.
Recipes
Zucchini applesauce bread
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 TBSP. ground cinnamon
3 eggs
1 cup applesauce (sweetened or unsweetened)
2-1/4 cups white sugar
3 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups grated zucchini, well drained
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease two 8x4 inch pans. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet in another (except zucchini). Add wet to dry, then mix in zucchini. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until center is firm. Let stand to cool for 20 minutes before serving.
Butterscotch cookies
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup softened butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 tsp. milk
1/2 bag of butterscotch chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheet. Sift dry ingredients together, then mix butter and sugars together. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients into the wet, then add butterscotch chips. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until outside edges are golden brown.
Banana pancakes
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4 ripe bananas, mashed
Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a separate bowl. Mix eggs, brown sugar and vanilla, then add bananas. Incorporate half of the dry ingredients with the wet, then half the milk. Add the remaining dry, and more milk if needed, until you get the desired consistency.
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