Fun activities

The mural in the gaming nook at Grandstaff Library takes us through a video game evolution from Street Fighter to Fortnite. We see iconic characters, such as Pikachu in monochrome, which took 18 months of volunteer time to complete. The mural was designed by Meigan Girard, a junior at St. Martins University. She’s an English major and enjoys art as a hobby.

Welcome to JBLM libraries

McChord Library is at 851 Lincoln Blvd. at McChord Field; 253-982-3454.

Grandstaff Library is at 2109 N. 10th (on Pendleton Avenue) at Lewis Main; 253-967-5889.

Book Patch Library is located inside Grandstaff; 253-967-5533.

All activities are free with no need to register unless otherwise noted.

JBLMlibrary

Take library backpacks to Washington State Parks

Find adventures and new experiences in Washington State Parks with the latest addition to our libraries: The Check Out Washington backpack, which includes binoculars, field guides, interpretive materials and a special Discover Pass for parking at and exploring Washington State Parks. Backpacks are available for a checkout period of seven days.

Discover Passes are accepted on state lands, so to take advantage of this offer — you’ll want to plan your next hike at a state park or on lands managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. You can find out which pass is required for your next hike by searching WTA’s Hiking Guide. Use our library reference sections to research your next hike and check out books about hiking and on-trail adventures!

Before you head out, add your own hiking essentials, including food and water for the day, a map of the area and extra clothes, particularly when temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. (See pages 20–22 for more hiking tips and places to explore.)

Get ready to explore the beautiful PNW and take advantage of this great opportunity!

In partnership with Check Out Washington, we’re able to offer this pilot program through March 2021, funded in part by the Washington State Parks Foundation.

Check out crafts from Book Patch

“Crafts to Go” is a new service offered by Book Patch Library! These free craft bags keep young minds and fingers busy. Bags are labeled by age level (pre-K to tweens) and are available for pickup now!

Follow virtual escape room challenge

Each Monday at 10 a.m. during September, McChord Library is posting a virtual escape room challenge at fb.com/JBLMlibrary.

Open to everyone, the challenges lead you through themed stories with virtual interactions and puzzles to solve, hosted by libraries throughout the country: • Sept. 7 features Escape from Wonderland. • Sept. 14 challenges you to Escape to Narnia. • Sept. 21 is the Jumanji challenge. • Sept. 28 features the Sherlock Escape Room.

Follow these events from your own Facebook account, or create an account for free and “like” the JBLM library Facebook page to follow the contests.

Banned Books Week celebration

The American Library Association’s Banned Books Week (Sept. 27–Oct. 3) celebrates the freedom to read. It spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools.

The entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers and readers of all types — share support of the freedom to seek and express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

Did you know that “Charlotte’s Web,” the Harry Potter and Captain Underpants books series and even Dr. Seuss’ “Hop on Pop” have hit the banned books list at certain times?

Visit Book Patch and Grandstaff libraries to check out our banned books display!