Program helps kids create superheroes

INK Artspace, a Spokane-based nonprofit providing arts tutoring for kids, is helping children find their inner superheroes this summer.

INK Origin Stories, a program developed by novelist Jess Walter and graphic novelist (and middle school teacher) Sam Mills, allows kids ages 9 to 14 to create their own superheroes and craft a graphic novel or comic book about their adventures.

So far, the program has been offered to students in summer programs at the Native Project and Garry Middle School, as well as at the South Hill and downtown branches of the Spokane Public Library. Beginning Tuesday, the four-day session will meet at the Hillyard branch, 4005 N. Cook St. Sessions also will be held at the East Side branch, 524 S. Stone St., from Aug. 4-7, and Indian Trail, 4909 W. Barnes Road, from Aug. 10-14. All sessions meet from 1:30 to 3 p.m., and participants are asked to attend the full week. The program is free.

Walter and Mills trained 20 area writing students to lead the sessions, and some of the best student art will be displayed at INK Artspace in Kendall Yards, 1214 W. Summit Parkway, as part of next month’s First Friday celebration, 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 7.

In all, Walter said in an email, program organizers expect to have about 200 area children create comic books this summer.

To register, visit www.spokanelibrary.org/ calendar/find/?index=.GW&cq=origin+stories. For more information on this or other INK projects, visit http://www.sparkwestcentral .org/ink-artspace/.

Libraries take a break

Beginning Aug. 3, all 14 branches of the Whitman County Library system will be closed for annual maintenance. Due dates during that time have been extended so no late fees will be charged during the closure, and drop boxes will remain open. Online access to the system will remain in effect, including downloadable books and audio files; visit www.whitco.lib.wa.us or call (877) 733-3375 for details.

The libraries affected are: Albion, Colfax, Colton, Endicott, Farmington, Garfield, LaCrosse, Malden, Oakesdale, Palouse, Rosalia, St. John, Tekoa and Uniontown. They are expected to reopen Aug. 10.