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A free lunch time workshop on HUD Properties for First-time Homebuyers will be presented at Downtown Reno Library.

During a joint meeting of the Washoe County Board of Commissioners and the Washoe County Library Board of Trustees, the Friends of Washoe County Library (FWCL) presented a check for $100,000 to the Washoe County Library System, representing the organization’s donation for year ending 2011.

It’s that time of year again – tax season! AARP and VITA/TCE Volunteer Preparers are partnering with the Washoe County Library System to offer free tax help at Washoe County libraries.

Would you like to help the library offer the most popular books? Now there’s a way to do just that - through the Amazon Wish List!

Test drive the new library catalog powered by Koha.

January is National Radon Action Month and the Nevada Radon Education Program of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE) will offer several radon presentations at various locations throughout January. Radon test kits will also be offered free throughout the month.

The library will be a warm, friendly place during Winter/Spring Reading Program. The 2012 event will run from January 1-April 30.

Do you own or are you planning to buy an eReader, smartphone, or tablet computer? Did you know the library has free downloadable eBooks and audiobooks for your device?

Washoe County Library System is pleased to launch the Brainfuse HelpNow services, effective December 1. Brainfuse HelpNow provides students with live, on-demand homework help and state-aligned skills building lessons from a dedicated group of expert tutors.

Washoe County Library System announced today that seven libraries will be closed on Tuesday, December 27 and Tuesday, January 3. The libraries are Duncan/Traner, Incline Village, North Valleys, Northwest Reno, Senior Center, South Valleys and Sparks.

The NorthStar Chamber Players will present a “Woodwind Quintet Holiday Concert” at four Washoe County libraries in December. Take a break from shopping, relax and enjoy selections from “The Nutcracker,” Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs, and other seasonal music.

Santa is taking time from his busy schedule to stop by the library! Whether they’ve been naughty or nice, your children won’t want to miss this opportunity to visit with Mr. Claus himself.

Downtown Reno Library, 301 South Center St., will be closed Sunday, November 20 and Monday, November 21 due to the heating system construction.

Secondhand Prose will hold its Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 3, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This unique bookstore and gift shop is located in the Northwest Reno Library, at 2325 Robb Drive.

At its October 19 meeting, the Washoe County Library System Board of Trustees approved changes to library fines and fees, effective December 1.

Washoe County Library's Community Resource Centers are now centrally located at Downtown Reno and Sparks libraries. The center at Sierra View Library has been closed.

From November 7-28, patrons can bring cans or boxes of food to the library in lieu of fines to help feed the hungry. Food barrels will be placed at library locations throughout Washoe County and the food will be delivered to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. Food brought to Incline Village Library will be donated to Project MANA.

Please join Friends of Washoe County Library October 28 through November 6 for our spectacular Booksale Bonanza! Thousands of used, nearly-new and collectible books, along with videos, CDs, DVDs, audio books, library surplus materials and more starting at 50 cents.

KNPB Channel 5 and the Community Foundation of Western Nevada, along with other non-profit sponsors, present a series of free, in-depth workshops on estate planning and family financial planning.

Washoe County Library patrons will be able to enjoy special free performances by the Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet.

Washoe County libraries will celebrate Teen Read Week, October 16-22. In keeping with this year's theme, Picture It! at your library, a photo contest for teens will be held throughout October.

Washoe County Library System is pleased to announce that its eBook collection is now compatible with the world's bestselling eBook reader, the Amazon Kindle. Patrons

At its September meeting, the Washoe County Library System Board of Trustees approved adjustments to library hours and days of operation, effective October 31. The modifications result in nine fewer public hours and other changes to open days and hours based on library usage data and patron feedback.

What library services are important to you? What should the library of the future look like? You can express your opinions on these and other topics by completing a simple survey.

The Board of Washoe County Commissioners is currently seeking applications for a position on the Library Board of Trustees. Application deadline is October 17.

As part of the Nevada Reads project, Washoe County libraries will host a panel discussion, Nevada's Explosive Past, at Sparks and South Valleys libraries. The panel will discuss issues raised in "Friendly Fallout 1953" by Ann Ronald, the book selected for the 2011 statewide community read.

On Wednesday, September 28, the community is invited to an exciting event exploring censorship and the importance of artistic freedom. The celebration will be an opportunity for community leaders to share a dynamic excerpt from their favorite banned or challenged book.

Libraries throughout the nation will observe "Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read" from September 24 - October 1. Each year, librarians, booksellers, teachers and countless others take this opportunity to highlight the importance of intellectual freedom and remind everyone not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted.

What did you read last summer? The answer to that question forms the basis for the 2011 Fall Reading Program at Washoe County libraries. This year’s event runs from September 1-December 31, 2011.

As most Washoe County students head back to school, Washoe County Library System wants to make sure that all children have the most important school supply of all – a library card.

Beginning Tuesday, September 6, Sierra View Library at 4001 S. Virginia St. (Reno Town Mall) will change its public hours. The library will no longer be open on Saturdays but will be open three additional hours on Mondays.

Would you like to save money on back-to-school shopping and help Washoe County libraries at the same time? Here's a way to do just that! Once Upon A Child is holding a Library Benefit Day on Friday, August 26, from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. On that day, 25 percent of all proceeds will be donated to Friends of Washoe County Library.

All the world loves a clown, and Washoe County libraries are happy to welcome two special guests to upcoming storytimes. The program, called “Reading with Ringling,” features clowns from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Zing Zang Zoom, Gold Edition.

Nevada Reads, Nevada's first statewide community group read, is proud to announce that ''Friendly Fallout 1953'' by Ann Ronald is the 2011 selection. From August through November, groups and organizations throughout the state will meet to enjoy lively discussions of this thought-provoking book.

Washoe County Library System is proud to be part of Renovation - a major convention that draws science fiction fans from around the world. An “Authors in the Library” event will be held at Sierra View Library, 4001 South Virginia St., on Wednesday, August 17, starting at 11 a.m. “Authors in the Library” will include author readings, question and answer sessions and autographs from some of the greatest science fiction authors of our time.

You'll find out that “Reading Is Magic” when Merlinski visits Washoe County libraries. This entertaining program is designed to mystify, confound and amaze, while at the same time motivating children to love reading.

In this day and age, using the Internet is a must. Washoe County Library System is offering free “Introduction to the Internet” classes for anyone who would like to learn to use the Internet but doesn't know where to begin.

Direct from San Francisco, Capt’n Jack Spareribs, the Original Pirate 4 Hire, presents “Treasure & Pirate Tales” from around the world. It's a show full of adventure and fun as Capt’n Jack tells the tall tale of how he learned his pirate skills to keep the crew entertained aboard the ship.

Be part of the future of the Washoe County Library! Apply today!

The Board of Washoe County Commissioners is currently seeking applications for a position on the Library Board of Trustees. Application deadline is June 24.

Washoe County Library System announced today that the following libraries will be closed on Tuesday, July 5: Duncan/Traner, Incline Village, North Valleys, Northwest Reno, South Valleys, Sparks and Verdi.

As part of the 20th anniversary celebration of Nevada Humanities Chautauqua, Washoe County libraries will present free programs between June 26-30. Visit the library and enjoy an informative and entertaining workshop.

Due to the ongoing budget cuts affecting Washoe County Library System, the number of magazines ordered from operating funds next year will be again be lower than in previous years. But the public can help by “adopting” a periodical – paying for a one-year subscription.

Learn what you can do to support your local library!

You won’t need a passport or even have to leave the library to travel on this 2011 Summer Reading Expedition! “A Whirl around the World” features interactive stories, ventriloquist puppets and songs (with guitar), presented by nationally touring storyteller Sandi Sylver.

It’s not going to be your parents’ retirement – rewarded at 65 with a gold watch, a guaranteed pension and health insurance for life. For many Americans, retiring in this new century is a mystery.

As part of Microsoft's Community Action Week, the Reno Aces and Microsoft are teaming up for a book drive at Aces Ballpark on Tuesday, May 17, to benefit the Washoe County Library.

In this day and age, using the Internet is a must. Washoe County libraries are offering free Basic Internet classes in May and June, for anyone who would like to learn to use the Internet but doesn't know where to begin.

Act!vated Story Theatre is in its 22nd year of performing multicultural folktales with an act!vated flair. They don't just tell stories, they act!vate them with physical comedy, audience participation, American Sign Language and imaginative props -- staged by two professional actors before a gigantic oversized book.

Would you like to learn to use the Internet but don't know where to begin? Here's some good news: Free Basic Internet classes will be offered at four Washoe County libraries in May and June!

Do you own or are you planning to buy a Nook, kobo, iPad, iPhone or other E-Reader or mobile device? Did you know that the library has free E-books and Digital Audio Books, including bestsellers and new books?

Booksale Bonanza, Nevada’s largest communitywide event for book lovers, is scheduled for April 22-May 1 at 5205 Mill Street. It’s sponsored by Friends of Washoe County Library, to benefit public libraries in our community.

As the nation’s population continues to become more diverse, Washoe County Library System will join hundreds of libraries in celebration of the 15th anniversary of El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day.)

Thirty-eight dedicated Washoe County Library volunteers will be honored at a Library Board of Trustees meeting this month. They will receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award which recognizes individuals, families and groups that have achieved a certain standard, measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period.

Libraries are places for new beginnings. April 10-16 is National Library Week, a time to join our nation’s libraries and librarians and "Create your own story @ your library."

Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre presents “People of the Pacific” – the story of the migration of the Maori people through the islands of Polynesia. From their ancestral homeland of Hawaii to their current home of Aotearoa, New Zealand, the Maori's exciting and astounding journey is retold through story, song and dance.

April 18 – the deadline to file your 2010 Income Tax Return – is rapidly approaching. Washoe County libraries are continuing to offer free tax help by AARP and IRS Certified VITA/TCE Volunteer Preparers at several locations.

KNPB Channel 5 and the Community Foundation of Western Nevada, along with 10 other non-profit sponsors, present a series of free, in-depth workshops on estate planning and family financial planning.

As part of Washoe County’s ongoing emergency preparedness program, three library branches will participate in an emergency evacuation drill on Monday, March 28, 2011.

Come to the library and learn all about fencing from Reno Silver Blades. They’ll talk about the history of fencing, fencing in literature, and the three weapons used in modern fencing. There will be fencing demos … followed by audience participation with "soft" noodles!

KNPB Channel 5 and the Community Foundation of Western Nevada, along with eight other non-profit sponsors, present a series of free, in-depth workshops on estate planning and family financial planning.

Downloading eBooks and audiobooks from the library just got a little easier, now that OverDrive has launched "My Help." The My Help wizard provides 'custom' getting-started information based on the format (audiobook or eBook) and the type of device (Windows, Mac, Android, Nook, etc.) the person has.

Washoe County Library System is pleased to announce the launch of Connect – a new way to communicate with the library. With your library card and numerical PIN, you can call in and quickly access your library account over the phone.

Local teens will learn, create and share at the library during Teen Tech Week, March 6-12. Thousands of libraries and schools across the country are celebrating the 2011 theme, "Mix & Mash @ Your Library.” This year Washoe County libraries are offering something new and exciting for teens.

Here’s a program for all you brainiacs out there! Members of the Sierra Nevada Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience have prepared a short, engaging, hands-on presentation on the brain.

Xian Na “Sonia” Carlson began learning folk dances as a child growing up in Zhangzhou, China. These lessons sparked a lifelong interest in sharing Chinese culture through dance, music and the arts. Since moving to Nevada in 1987, she has continued to teach traditional Chinese dance, and she presents performances that combine artistic exhibition with cultural education.

Washoe County Library System offers students of all ages live, one-to-one help from certified tutors online. Any community member with a library card can access the new online services from the library or right from home.

Reno Irish Dance Company presents a variety of beautiful Celtic dances and music, featuring the lyrical soft shoe reels and dynamic hard shoe rhythms of these talented dancers. In addition to an exciting educational demonstration, audience members will be invited to join in on Jig Time – a high-energy crowd favorite that is sure to leave you laughing and cheering!

Come to the library to learn about estate planning in programs presented by KNPB. There will be four events focusing on different topics related to estate planning. All KNPB Estate Planning Seminars are free to the public.

World-famous magician Larry Wilson is back for another year of mind-blowing instruction in the art of illusion. His unique performances are hilariously funny and alarmingly educational, as he shows time and time again that the most unbelievable magic always has an explanation rooted in science.

Come to the library and find out just what “traditional American music is! The Traditional American Music Project (TRAMP) will present two different shows at five Washoe County libraries.

It’s that time of year again – tax season! AARP and IRS Certified VITA/TCE Volunteer Preparers will offer free tax help at several Washoe County libraries.

Northwest Reno Library presents "The Lingo of Our Calling: The Legacy of Cowboy Poetry," offering a glimpse into ranching culture in the rural West through the lens of cowboy poetry and related art forms. This exhibit invites you to hear firsthand from working cowboys and to explore the enduring beauty and spirit of their culture.

The history of American jazz comes alive through songs representing 100 years of jazz music! The Erika Paul Carlson Trio starts with ragtime music, then journeys through instrumental and vocal styles of jazz, written and performed by some of our country's most prominent and prolific jazz artists, in the music styles of Dixieland, the blues, swing, bebop, hard bop, Latin, fusion and beyond.

The library will be a happening place during the Winter/Spring Reading Program. The 2011 event will run from January 1-April 30.

Washoe County Library System announced today that Downtown Reno and Spanish Springs libraries will be closed on Thursday, December 23 and Thursday, December 30. All other Washoe County libraries will operate on their usual schedules that day. All libraries will be closed for official County holiday observances on Friday, December 24 and Saturday, December 25 (Christmas) and Friday, December 31 and Saturday, January 1 (New Year's Day.)

Northwest Reno Library is pleased to present a special holiday art exhibit, “Holiday Art on Earth,” from November 16-January 14. The exhibit showcases artwork by students who attend the after school program at the local Art on Earth school.

The Reno Post Office will be hosting two Passport Fairs at North Valleys and South Valleys libraries. If you are planning to travel outside of the United States, your first trip should be to a Passport Fair.

The U.S. Census Bureau has recognized Washoe County Library System for its partnership in the Nevada Census 2010 Campaign. David Byerman, Chief Government Liaison for Nevada, expressed appreciation for the libraries’ participation in the Census and presented Library Director Arnie Maurins with a plaque.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and Washoe County Library System wants to make sure that all children in Washoe County have the smartest card of all - a library card.

Using a collection of vintage postcards, Dick Dreiling presents the history of Reno from 1868 to 1920. This fascinating multimedia presentation gives you a glimpse into the Reno of yesteryear. As a Sparks Heritage Museum tour guide and Board member, and a Nevada resident since 1947, Dreiling has a wealth of knowledge about local history.

Washoe County Library System is pleased to announce that Community Resource Center (CRC) services are now available at Downtown Reno Library. The new location joins the center at Sierra View Library which has operated since 2005.

Friends of Washoe County Library, an all-volunteer organization, is asking the public to support its Second Century Endowment program. The Endowment, begun in 2004 by the Friends, was designed to assure that funding will be available in the future to help keep Washoe County Library System operating properly.

The beat will go on at Washoe County libraries during the Fall Reading Program. This year’s event will run from September 1-December 31, 2010.

Members of the community are invited to apply to serve on the new Citizens’ Advisory Committee on the Future of the Washoe County Library System. The Washoe County Library Board of Trustees is seeking a diverse, representative committee to make recommendations regarding future locations of branches or other outlets, types of services and possible funding sources. Committee members should have a strong interest in the role and value of public libraries.

Washoe County Library System has expanded its download collection with the addition of eBooks at www.washoecountylibrary.us. Library cardholders can now browse the collection, check out and download eBooks and audiobooks any time, anywhere.

Washoe County libraries will present special storytimes designed to help parents and pre-kindergarten children learn about Virtual Pre-K -- a fun, educational and free resource. Presenters will read a story and then guide the children in crafts and activities directly related to the story. All families will receive a take-home activity.

Learn about the people, places and culture of Africa at a storytelling session presented by Gideon F. For-mukwai. He will share stories that capture the essence of life in some of the cultures in Africa, and children will learn how to craft their own stories.

The popular Conversation Corner sessions are continuing every Wednesday at Sparks Library, 1125 12th St., but at a new time. Effective July 14, the informal English language learning sessions will be held from 4:30-6 p.m.

Washoe County libraries will present special storytimes designed to help parents and pre-kindergarten children learn about Virtual Pre-K -- a fun, educational and free resource. There’s also a parent/child activity for all to enjoy.

Celebrating 32 years in show business, Tumbleweed Tex has a particular passion for traditional folk music and storytelling ballads. He’s a family entertainer who performs old time folk music, cowboy ballads and tells a few tall tales.

Due to the ongoing budget cuts affecting Washoe County Library System, the number of magazines ordered from operating funds next year will be again be lower than in previous years. But the public can help by “adopting” a periodical – paying for a one-year subscription. The donations will allow the library to purchase popular magazines that would otherwise be eliminated.

Free technology classes are returning to Washoe County libraries! The first four classes have now been scheduled, with more to follow in coming months. Classes will be held at Sparks Library, 1125 12th Street, on Wednesdays from 2-3:30 p.m.

Duct tape is a wondrous thing, with countless uses. Come to the library and find out how to make a beach bag, of all things, with this versatile product. Library staff member Turi Becker will help kids and teens construct a beach bag or other creation from duct tape.

At its May 19 meeting, the Washoe County Library System Board of Trustees approved adjustments to library hours and days of operation, effective July 12, 2010. The number of open hours systemwide remains nearly the same, but the hours have been realigned in response to comments and suggestions from patrons.

In collaboration with Nevada Humanities, Washoe County libraries will present several programs during Nevada Humanities Chautauqua. Visit the library and enjoy an informative workshop in keeping with this year’s theme, Public Legends, Private Lives. These are not Chautauqua performances in costume or in character. All programs are free and open to the public.

Popular storyteller Glenda Bonin presents an interactive program to celebrate the 2010 Summer Reading theme, “Make a Splash@your library.”

Visit the library for a presentation on the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Voters can avoid long lines on Election Day by taking advantage of the convenience of early voting at three Washoe County libraries. Libraries will offer early voting for the Primary Election from May 22-June 4 during open hours.

Tsurunokai brings the ancient art of Japanese Taiko drumming to northern Nevada. Traditionally, Taiko drums have been used in warfare, martial arts, religious ceremonies and festivals throughout Japan for more than 1,400 years. It is said that the beating of the Taiko drum echoes the beating of the heart and the rolling of thunder.

Sol’ Jibe has a growing reputation for musical innovation in the intermountain west that reflects the talent of five diverse and gifted musicians. They have traveled throughout the world studying music, including journeys to Spain, Cuba, and much of Central America.

Interior Designer Carol Gilman presents free workshops on home decorating at two libraries. Learn how to make your home more attractive all year long. The program is packed with useful information that will make you feel great about your home.

Talented young people will perform at Washoe County libraries as part of the Young Chautauqua program. Dressed in costume, they will present monologues depicting the characters they have created and respond to questions while in character.

Swing to live music from the Erika Paul Carlson Trio while celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Lifescapes senior writing program during Spring, Swing, Fling – a dance, raffle and ice cream social held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 2, at the California Building in Idlewild Park as part of Older Americans Month 2010.

KNPB/Channel 5 has brought together a variety of informative presenters to educate the public on the basics of estate planning. Presenters will cover such topics as basics of wills, trusts, charitable remainder trusts, tax implications and asset protection, and will answer estate planning questions.

Thirty-nine of Washoe County Library System’s most dedicated volunteers will be honored at a Library Board of Trustees meeting this month. They will be the first to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award which recognizes individuals, families and groups that have achieved a certain standard. The board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 21, at 4 p.m. at Sparks Library, 1125 12th St.

The history of American jazz comes alive through songs representing 100 years of jazz music! The Erika Paul Carlson Trio starts with ragtime music, then journeys through instrumental and vocal styles of jazz, written and performed by some of our country`s most prominent and prolific jazz artists, in the music styles of Dixieland, the blues, swing, bebop, hard bop, Latin, fusion and beyond.

Washoe County Library System is asking patrons for their preferences regarding library hours and days. Due to a staff shortage resulting from frozen vacant positions, the library is faced with the likelihood of having to reduce hours at most branches.

April 11-17 is National Library Week, a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers in schools, campuses and communities nationwide - and the perfect time to discover how Communities thrive @ your library.

Are you looking for a job? Don’t miss the special Resume Workshop at South Valleys Library. Resume expert Barbara Safani will teach you how to create a powerful, effective resume that gets attention – and interviews.

The public is invited to see displays featuring the history of the Laxalt family at the University of Nevada, Reno and four Washoe County libraries. The fascinating exhibits are part of the Northern Nevada Reads program. The 2010 NNR book selection is `The Basque Hotel,` a coming-of-age novel written in 1989 by Robert Laxalt.

Washoe County Library System and Woman’s Day magazine want to know why you think the library is important to the community. From now until May 9, women ages 18 and over can submit their story to womansday@ala.org. Up to four stories will be featured in the March 2011 issue of Woman’s Day or on womansday.com.

In conjunction with National Library Week and El dia de los niños/el dia de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), Washoe County libraries present “Journey of the Drum” by Liz Broscoe AKA the Drumchik. Combining narration, performance and audience participation, Liz will convey the use and purpose of drumming from ancient times to present day.

Latin America comes alive with exciting music from Cuerdas de Fuego (“Strings of Fire”). Paraguayan harp master Ramon Romero and Cuban percussionist Carlos Caro perform the lively and descriptive music of their homelands, providing a musical tour of South America, Mexico and Cuba.

The public is invited to attend U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization ceremonies at Downtown Reno and Sierra View libraries. A tour of the library will precede each ceremony, and a patriotic song will follow.

Members of the Sierra Nevada Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience, including UNR students and faculty, have prepared a short, engaging, hands-on presentation on the brain.

Local magician Larry Wilson delivers high-energy explosions of nonstop fun! In his hilarious performances, you’ll learn how to perform magic tricks using everyday items. Larry’s astounding tricks seemingly defy explanation, but he’ll also demonstrate how magic is really just the bratty younger brother of science. Don’t miss Larry Wilson’s Madcap Magic at your neighborhood library.

The Library System must cut an additional 5 percent from its budget for the fiscal year beginning in July. We are faced with difficult choices which will likely result in the closure of one or more libraries.

Got FOSS? Once you find out what it is, you’ll wish you did!

FOSS stands for Free Open Source Software. Washoe County libraries have scheduled one-hour information sessions at which you’ll find out how to get free software downloads for your computer. This program will present an overview of Free Open Source Software applications that offer enhanced productivity, at little or no cost.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will host a free information session at Downtown Reno Library on Thursday, February 18. The session is part of a larger USCIS initiative to help immigrants better understand the naturalization process, including the content of the new naturalization test, and to learn about free educational resources and materials available from the agency.

Local teens will learn, create and share at the library as Washoe County Library System celebrates the third annual Teen Tech Week, March 7-13. Thousands of libraries and schools across the country are celebrating this year’s theme, "Learn, Create, Share @ Your Library.”

KNPB/Channel 5 has brought together a variety of informative presenters to educate the public on the basics of estate planning. Presenters will cover such topics as basics of wills, trusts, charitable remainder trusts, tax implications and asset protection.

It’s time for northern Nevadans to start reading and talking! The biggest community read in the area, Northern Nevada Reads, is under way. Its theme, “The Immigrant Experience in Northern Nevada,” focuses upon the rich cultural diversity of our region.

Washoe County Library is proud to present a new series of English language learning sessions beginning February 3. Informal conversation sessions will be held every Wednesday from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. Conversation Corner is open to all, and no advance sign-ups are required.