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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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PageTurners Book Discussion @ Senior Center
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Tue., Feb. 09
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1:00 PM
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| LOCATION: Olympia Senior Center: 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia. Join in a discussion of "The Professor and the Madman," by Simon Winchester. Facilitated by Olympia Timberland Library staff. Please call 586-6181 for further details. |
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Ethnic Celebration Community Talks
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Tue., Feb. 09
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5:30 PM
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The Olympia Timberland Library and Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation are hosting three evenings of talks at the library as an extension of the City's February 6 Ethnic Celebration to further engage the community in cultures of our area and the world.
5:30: German Language with Wilfried Lippmann
German is a weird, illogical, frustrating, and plainly crazy language. Find out just how much in this hour-long exercise of insurmountable anguish. If you decide to learn German after this you'll get an A just for daring.
6:30 Olympia Highlanders Pipes & Drums, Celtic Society of South Sound, Clan Macduff Association, Tacoma Highland Games Association
Explore the symbols of Scotland. Find out more about Scottish heritage, bagpipes, military regalia, customs and traditions of Scotland. |
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Toddler Story Time
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Wed., Feb. 10
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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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Ethnic Celebration Community Talks
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Wed., Feb. 10
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5:00 PM
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The Olympia Timberland Library and Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation are hosting three evenings of talks at the library as an extension of the City's February 6 Ethnic Celebration to further engage the community in cultures of our area and the world.
5:00: India South Sound Association presents Yoga & Meditation
Introduction and overview to Pranayama (breathing exercise) yoga: Yoga releases the stress of the mind and body, helps to improve concentration and promotes a healthy body. Please wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to breathe!
6:00: Jay Sicilia of Planet Percussion presents Percussion, Music from Around the World
Learn about different world instruments and the sounds they make, and then try them yourself in a closing drum circle. |
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Preschool Story Time
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Thu., Feb. 11
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10:15 AM
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Enjoy 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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Book Babies
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Thu., Feb. 11
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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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A Visit with Aunt Harriet
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Fri., Feb. 12
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5:30 PM
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| Join Humanities Washington Inquiring Mind performers James and Karol Brown for this living history presentation. The Browns will bring you as close to meeting Harriet Tubman as you will ever come with the Browns' engaging, spellbinding portrayals and singing. The library is normally closed at this time and is only open for this program. |
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Beginning Genealogy Workshop
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| Olympia Timberland Library |
Sat., Feb. 13
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10:00 AM
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| The Olympia Genealogical Society will give a class in beginning genealogy research including steps for research, places to gather information and ways to document your family history. Register beginning Saturday, February 6 at the library reference desk or call 352-0595. Please bring a lunch and a pen. Participants may come to the back (9th and Adams) door beginning at 9:45 a.m. to sign in. |
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More Events...
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