Every five years, the National Endowment for the Humanities, of which we are an affiliate, does a deep evaluation of our work and its impact. We are immensely proud of the report that was just issued in late 2021. “Humanities Washington,” it said, “is poised to build on its mission to ‘open minds and bridge divides’ by facilitating, for all Washingtonians, rich, engaging programs that welcome and respect all experiences and perspectives.” READ THE FULL REPORT >

Children discussing literature together at a Prime Time Family Reading series in Spokane. Photo: Kirk Hirota.

“The Prime Time program has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding opportunities I have experienced in the 10 years I have been a children’s librarian. One mom said that her son decided that they need to continue visiting the library every week. She requested a consistent day off from work, and now they plan on visiting the library every Monday!”

-Prime Time Family Reading storyteller, Pierce County Library System

Think & Drink panelists discussing race and sports at a Seattle event. Photo: Matt Owens.

“We are absent many resources, being so rural and spread out. …. We’re so grateful for Humanities Washington and all the wonderful speakers that you all offer. It’s so rare to find a resource that really helps us take part as a rural community. Thank you!”

-Speakers Bureau host, Chewelah Public Library

“Your talk was so wonderful. Not only do I feel better and understand what needs to be done now, but I have been sharing this information with anyone who will listen to me. So your gift is going out further. Just want you to know that you are effective and reaching more people than you saw. Thank YOU!”

-Speakers Bureau program attendee, Omak

Audience comment from a Think & Drink event in 2018.

Children reading together at a Prime Time Family Reading series in Spokane. Photo: Kirk Hirota.

“The kids were all so excited about the books. They wanted to read, to hear the stories, to share their ideas. In some cases, they could almost not contain their excitement to share an insight or observation about the books.”

-Prime Time storyteller, Pierce County Library System

“Honestly reading was a chore before. It was something I dreaded because it was one more thing after a long day. After this program though I’ve learned how little it takes to get her engaged and it’s becoming a really enjoyable time.”

-Mother and Prime Time participant, Port Hadlock

Speakers Bureau presenter Mayumi Tsutakawa at a Moses Lake elementary school. Photo: Mayumi Tsutakawa.

“I heard that the students went back to their classrooms and continued to bring issues up and have discussions about what you shared and connections they were making.  It was very powerful!”’

-Fifth Grade Teacher and Speakers Bureau host, Moses Lake

Comments from her students:

Rena Priest, current Washington State Poet Laureate

“Rena did a terrific job with each different audience and presentation, and made poetry more approachable and understandable to the community.”

—Poet Laureate host, Toppenish