Arts & Diversion

The Colville Public Library and the Stevens County Rural Library District provide 21st-century services in a lovely, historic 20th-century building. Services include public Internet terminals; electronic resources; an extensive local history and genealogical collection; and materials in print, audio and video. The library subscribes to several daily and weekly newspapers and more than 75 magazine titles. For the kids, staff presents weekly story times and a fabulous summer reading program. The library also hosts local art displays.

Art is an important ingredient in the fabric of Colville. Expressive outlets include a volunteer drama troupe known as Woodland Productions; ballroom, ballet and jazz dance performances choreographed by local dance studios (we even boast an award-winning Irish dance company); and a children's theatre. Thanks to the Colville Community Arts Association, musical performances, puppet shows, plays and art exhibits have graced our stages since 1982. The CCAA also sponsors a scholarship awarded to an area senior each year that intends to pursue performing arts at the college level.

Museums include the Keller Heritage Center, which features a lookout tower, pioneer machinery, Colville's first schoolhouse, trappers' cabins, a blacksmith shop and a pioneer sawmill. The museum arranges its galleries in a story-telling chronological order to assist visitors in understanding our city's history. The People of the Falls Interpretative Exhibit Center allow tourists to experience Native American lifestyles up close. History buffs should also plan to make stops at Fort Colville and Meyers Falls, the oldest continually used source of industrial power in the Pacific Northwest.