February Programming at the CDA Library
FEBRURARY PROGRAMMING
Children’s Weekly Programs
Winter Baby Story Time (0-18 mo) - Tuesdays (9 & 11 am)
Warm up this winter with a cozy storytime that’s designed for caregivers to share quality time with their baby! We’ll bounce, giggle, listen to flannel stories, sing catchy songs, and make silly actions that will bring a smile to your little one’s face. Participants are encouraged to stick around afterward for playtime and adult conversation. You might even leave with ideas for new engaging ways to introduce developmental activities at home!
Winter Toddler Story Time (18 mo-3 yo) - Thursdays (9 & 11 am)
Bring your toddler to the library for some winter fun! Of course, we’ll read great stories, but there will also be plenty of singing, dancing, and silly moves to keep youngsters busy. All of the activities are intended to delight and emphasize early learning concepts. After storytime, you’re invited to stay for unstructured playtime filled with creative opportunities and fun toys.
Winter Pre-School Story Time (3-5 yo) - Fridays (9 & 11 am)
Winter is a great time to introduce preschoolers to the fun of group activities such as storytime at the library! You can expect entertaining stories that nurture your child’s imagination along with fun activities that fuel their curiosity and build literacy skills. In addition to offering plenty of music and movement, this storytime always ends with an exciting, crowd-pleasing craft.
From Books to Bricks (Ages 6-12) - Mondays, February 3, 10, 24 (4-5 pm)
Bring your creative ideas and building skills to the library for this LEGO program! Each week, the library will share a favorite book that’s chosen to inspire a LEGO building challenge, then participants will have the rest of the hour to create a masterpiece. One noteworthy creation will be chosen at the end of each program to feature in the library’s glass display case for the community to admire throughout the week.
Children’s Special Programs
Winter Reading Bingo for Emerging Readers (Ages 2-5) - January 1 through February 28
This Winter Reading Challenge for toddlers and preschoolers is designed to encourage families to read together and generate fun ideas for winter activities. Pick up a bingo card from the children’s library to get started. When you’ve completed an entire row of challenges to get a bingo... bring back your card to receive a prize (one prize per child) and grand prize drawing ticket. If you black out all the spaces, you’ll get to pick out a new book, and another ticket for the grand prize drawing!
Kids Winter Reading Bingo (Ages 6-12) - January 1 through February 28
Expand your reading repertoire this season by participating in a Winter Reading Challenge. Pick up a bingo card from the children’s library, and let the reading begin! When you’ve completed an entire row of challenges to get a bingo... bring back your card to receive a prize (one prize per child) and grand prize drawing ticket. If you black out all the spaces, you’ll get to pick out a new book, and another ticket for the grand prize drawing.
National Park Explorers: Mammoth Caves (ages 6-12) – Thursday, February 13 (1-2 pm and 4-5 pm)
A program where science meets adventure! Join us on the second Thursday of each month to explore the natural beauty, history, wildlife, and geological wonders of America’s National Parks. Each month will highlight a different park’s unique features, and we’ll conduct a hands-on experiment designed to explore the science behind them. This month we’ll be exploring Mammoth Caves National Park in Kentucky, the gateway to the largest known cave system in the world! Over 400 miles of this limestone labyrinth have been mapped, and more caves are being discovered every day!
Paws to Read (All Ages) – Mondays, February 10 (10:30-12 pm) and February 24 (3:30-5 pm)
Bring your young reader to the children’s library to read to a real, live therapy dog. This is the perfect program for children who are working on building their reading confidence or who love sharing books with a furry friend. These dogs love to hear stories and are ready to help you become the best reader you can be!
Pop-Up Paper Engineering (Ages 6-12) - Tuesdays, February 11, 18, 25 (4-5 pm)
Explore the fun art of pop-up making! We’ll Use basic paper engineering principles and your imagination to create one-of-a kind greeting cards for multiple occasions. The first week of this program will begin with a Valentine, followed by “get-well” and “happy birthday” cards.
American Girl of the Month Club: Addy (Ages 6-12) – Thursday, February 20 (1-2 pm and 4-5 pm)
Join us on the third Thursday of every month to celebrate the diverse culture of the United States! Each month will feature one of American Girl’s historical dolls and include fun activities that are inspired by her era and heritage. This month will feature Addy Walker, a courageous girl who dreams of a better life for herself and her family. Born into slavery in North Carolina, she is determined to find freedom in the midst of the Civil War.
Saturday with the Symphony: A Children’s Program (3+yo) – Saturday, February 15 (11 am)
Children 3 and older can enjoy “Saturday with the Symphony” from 11-11:45 a.m. Saturday, at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. The free music education program is coordinated by the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra and recurs the third Saturday of each month. The music-filled hour typically includes a fun musical performance, an interactive activity and a book reading by the children’s librarian.
Idaho Battle of the Books Club: Elementary (Grades 4-6) – February 15 (1 pm)
It’s like sports, but with books! Participate in a fun statewide reading experience by joining a team at the Coeur d’Alene Library. IBOB is a program that brings booklovers together to compete in book-themed trivia competitions that focus on quality literature, comprehension, and teamwork.
Idaho Battle of the Books Club: Middle School (Grades 6-8) – February 15 (2 pm
We added a new division this year! Now middle school students can join an IBOB team at the Coeur d’Alene Library. This is a great option for homeschool students or kids who attend local schools that aren’t participating in this program. Please visit our website to learn more about the curated reading list, commitment details, and registration information. Get ready to read! IBOB is a program that brings booklovers together to compete in book-themed trivia competitions that focus on quality literature, comprehension, and teamwork.
National Library Lovers Day Pajamarama (Ages 4-10) – Friday, February 14 (6-7 pm)
Our love for the library is the perfect thing to celebrate on Valentines Day! Join the Children’s Librarian in your pajamas for a special evening storytime that’s centered around our collective fondness for libraries and books! Of course you’ll hear fantastic stories, but also be prepared to sing, dance, craft, and snack the night away!
Scavenger Hunt
Explore the children’s library during the month of February by participating in a fun scavenger hunt! After searching to find hidden items, you can turn in the completed activity sheet to receive a small prize!
StoryWalk® in the Parks
Stroll through McEuen Park this winter while reading Woodland Dreams by Karen Jameson. Each page of the book is posted alongside a path that stretches from the library to the playground. The Library’s Higgens Point State Park StoryWalk will feature Snuggle Down Deep by Diane Ohanesian.
Teen Weekly Programs
Creative Arts Club (Ages 12-19) – Thursdays (4-5 pm)
Make art—and friends! Explore your creative, crafty, artistic side, and get help when you’re struggling creatively. We’ll have art and crochet supplies available to inspire your creations, or you can bring a project from home! Find us in the Teen Zone.
Gamers Guild (Ages 12-19) – Fridays (4-5:30 pm)
Play games together! Hangout with other local teens while playing games like chess, UNO, Wild Rift using our iPads, retro Nintendo games using our Switch Lites, board games from our Library of Things, or bring your own game to play! Find us in the Teen Zone.
Teen Special Programs
Idaho Teen Reading Challenge (runs October 1 to April 30)
Read 8 books from 10 categories and win prizes! Get 1 prize book for every 4 books you read. Be eligible for a grand prize for reading all 8! (Prizes are specific to the Coeur d’Alene Public Library.) Pickup a Reading Journal (from the Teen Zone) for more information, or go here: cdateenzone.weebly.com/books/itrc-24-25 for an informational bookmark, booklists, and more!
Chill & Checkout Challenge (for Teens in middle/high school) - January 1 to February 28
In the months of January and February, teens can earn an extra prize book for completing 4 of 6 challenges! Three challenges encourage you to chill (hangout) in the Teen Zone. And three challenges encourage you to checkout items from our collection. Pick-up a punch card from the Teen Zone to track your progress and get more information!
In a Teen Zone Minute (Ages 12+) – Every 1st Tuesday, February 4 (released by 4 pm)
Get a quick virtual update from our Teen Librarian about teen events, library services, volunteer opportunities, and more on TikTok (@cdalibrary), Instagram (@cdalibrary), or our Teen Zone Newsletter Substack: cdateenzone.substack.com. (Need something more accessible? The updates on Substack are available in video, podcast, & text-only formats.)
ClassicBookTok (Ages 12+) – Every 2nd Tuesday, February 11 (released by 4 pm)
Each month, a new Young Adult Classic will be selected to be introduced on TikTok (@cdalibrary) and on Substack. Find out if it’s available as a Digital Book Club title, too! Use the accompanying #ClassicBookTok guide (in CDA Library’s copy only) to create a classic book club with your friends and/or join the virtual readalong on Storygraph! Subscribe to classicbooktok.substack.com to stay updated.
"Be Our Palentine!” Party (Ages 12-19) – Saturday, February 15 (1-3 pm)
Make friendship bracelets in the newly upgraded Teen Zone! A wide variety of embroidery thread, beads, and patterns will be available. (Take-home options will also be available, in case you only have time for a quick drop-in.) Or just celebrate Palentine's Day with ice cream!
Adult/All Ages Weekly/Biweekly Programs
Yoga for You! (Ages 18+) - Mondays and Fridays (9:30 am)
Join us for this Yoga program for adults. This blend of stretching, strengthening, and balance work, along with relaxation, may be just what you’re looking for. Come enjoy the many benefits of this ancient practice! Your instructor, Gerry Bryak, will adapt poses to your needs so this yoga is truly for YOU! All levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced. Please bring a mat to class.
Tai Chi & Qi Gong (Ages 18+) - Mind Body Movement- Tuesdays (10 am)
Improve strength, balance, coordination, focus, breathwork, and relaxation, all while exploring different movements from Tai Chi and Qi Gong styles. All movements can be done within your own comfort zone and mobility level. No special equipment or clothing needed, wear what is comfortable for you. Avoid wearing flip flops or slides. Chairs will be available for those that need to sit or use for extra balance. This program is for anyone at any age and any ability level. Your instructor Christine brings over 25 years of experience in teaching and sharing Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Find us in the Community Room.
Stronger in Body & Mind (Ages 16+) – Wednesdays, February 5, 12, & 19 (9:30 am)
Low-impact fitness & strength training class for all levels of strength. Feel stronger, fitter, refreshed and more focused! Jeannette, a trainer with over a decade of experience, will guide you to work at your own personal level, with modifications as needed. Whole body workout, using dumbbells, body weights, and simple resistance training. We’ll add a bit of cardio, flexibility and finish with guided mindfulness practice. For any questions email Jeannette at StrongerBodyMind@gmail.com
*It is recommended to please bring a pair of light weights/dumbbells, a mat and a bottle of water! Find us in the Community Room.
Sit-n-Stitch (Ages 12+) - Wednesdays (11 am)
New to crochet and knitting? Always wanted to learn? Want to come and craft with some friendly faces? Join us every Wednesday for our crochet Sit-n-Stitch! Materials, patterns, and project help will be provided. All skill levels are welcome, feel free to bring your own handwork projects! You can find us this month in the Jameson Room.
Community Sew-In (All-Ages)– Thursdays (12-3 pm)
Join us in our weekly sewing sessions! Are you working on a quilting project and want to connect with fellow enthusiasts? Come along and socialize, ask for advice, or whatever else you might need. Don't forget to bring your sewing machine (or your hand-sewing materials), your fabric, your extension cord, and your enthusiasm for sewing! Meet us in the Community Room and let's get creative.
Scribbler’s Society Writing Club (Ages 18+) - Mondays, February 10 & 24 (2 & 5 pm)
Join fellow writers for an hour of brainstorming, critiquing, and inspiration — in-person every 2nd and 4th Monday from 2-3 and 5-6 in the Gozzer Room. All skill levels and genres welcome. Geared toward adults. Please email lmoore@cdalibrary.org for more information.
Adult/All Ages Special Programs
36th Annual Julie Meier Writer’s Competition (All Ages) - January 31 - March 31
The Writer's Competition at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library is one of the oldest and most prestigious contests of its kind in the Inland Northwest. In 1987, Library Director Julie Meier perceived the need to discover and recognize talented writers in our regional community and to challenge young people and adults to take an interest in writing and to hone their skills. Another goal of the Writer's Competition is to reveal great authors living in our midst.
Volunteer Opportunity
The Writer's Competition is judged by a group of volunteers composed of professional writers and editors working in North Idaho and Spokane. If you feel you are qualified to act as a judge submit your contact information here:
High-Demand Careers: Your Guide to Landing the Right Job (Ages 18+) – Wednesday, February 5 & March 5 (2-4 pm)
Looking to step into a career that’s thriving and full of opportunity? Join us for High-Demand Careers: Your Guide to Landing the Right Job, a dynamic presentation from Equus Workforce Solutions. Explore the industries that are hiring, uncover the skills employers value most, and learn about resources designed to help you secure your dream job. Whether you’re starting fresh, shifting gears, or enhancing your current expertise, this event will provide you with the tools and insights needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
Discover how Equus Workforce Solutions goes beyond job placement. We connect job seekers with employers, provide on-the-job training and job-shadowing opportunities, and offer tuition assistance for certifications. Additionally, we can help remove barriers to success by potentially covering expenses such as gas vouchers, tools, equipment, interview attire, and uniforms.
Equus is committed to empowering individuals like you to reach their career goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to take the next step in building a brighter future! You can find us on the first Wednesday of every month, in the Nelson Room.
Lawyer in the Library (Ages 18+) - Thursday, February 6 and March 6 (4-6 pm)
The Library is partnering with the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program (IVLP) to provide resources for low-income individuals and families in Idaho who require civil legal services and cannot afford to pay for them. Although they are unable to assist with criminal issues or fee generating cases, these free legal clinics are an opportunity to receive advice and counseling from local attorneys who volunteer their time and expertise. Registration is required and must be done at least 24 hours before the clinic, every first Thursday of the month in the Gozzer Room.
Valentine’s Day Mindful Doodling (Ages 16+) – Friday, February 7 (4 pm)
De-stress after a long week with our Mindful Doodling hour. Mindful Doodling is a cozy, self-directed art program in which we will relax with light music, tea, cider and hot chocolate while doodling special patterns on tiles following the ZenTangle © Method. The first half of the program will be spent learning how to make a special Valentine’s Day creation, followed by "freestyle" doodling for the rest of the hour (directions and materials will be provided). No previous art skill required. This program is appropriate for adults, teens, and tweens. The ZenTangle © Method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas and is copyrighted.
Ukulele Club (All Ages) - 2nd Saturday, February 8 (3-4:30 pm)
Want to play ukulele with others? Join local ukulele enthusiast, Brittany Clapp-Abdella, for a monthly community Ukulele Club. Learn to play the ukulele or just join the ukulele jam session. Learn basic skills, such as tuning your strings, chord positions, strumming patterns, etc, as well as songs to reinforce your learning. Find us in the Nelson Room.
At this time, you must bring your own ukulele. If you don’t have one, but you would still like to participate, please contact Angela Flock at aflock@cdalibrary.org
Happiness is an Inside Job: Meditations that are Kind (Ages 16+) - Saturday, February 8 (10:30-1 pm)
Nobody can give us happiness, and money cannot buy it. But we can find it and create it in our own heart, just by thinking differently. If we change our attitude, we change our life. Buddha said, “you should be your own protector, you should not be your own enemy.” Often, due to certain attachments, we can be hard on ourselves and hard on others. In this meditation workshop lead by Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Rinzin, we will explore attitudes and meditations that will start to free ourselves from this. Class includes guided meditation, instruction, and time for Q&A. Gen Rinzin is an American Buddhist monk, and Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Washington. He has been guiding and teaching meditation classes for over 20 years. Find us in the Community Room.
Building Resilience Through Gratitude (Ages 16+)
Feeling stuck with writer's blah? Yes, this is a common feeling for writers with untold stories. We all have them. Stories of courage, hope and laughter. Uplifting stories can recharge your positive energy. Our book study will center on resilience and the practice of gratitude. This upbeat, supportive group will help you craft your own story of resilience. Plus, you'll learn the four truths of the wise storyteller archetype! Find us in the Nelson Room.
Journaling Gratitude – Saturday, February 8 (10:30 am)
Study of “Chicken Soup for the Soul”: Resilience Writing Project – Saturday, February 22 (10:30-11:30 am)
Medicare Workshops (Ages 18+)
SHIBA is presenting a series of senior health workshops at the Library. Join us for any of the series. Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) serves Idahoans on Medicare and those who help them by offering free, unbiased Medicare benefits information and assistance through workshops, group presentations and personal counseling. SHIBA is Idaho’s provider for the federal network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs). The program is partially funded by and operated under the authority of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living (ACL).
Tuesday, February 11 (1-2:30 pm)– Medicare Basics and Resources – Learn about the basic parts of Medicare and the basic choices for coverage. This will help you gain a basic understanding of Medicare & getting started.
History Hour Lecture (All Ages)
In this monthly lecture series, join us in the Community Room at the Library for a special presentation with the Museum of North Idaho, featuring a local author or historian who will talk about Idaho’s fascinating heritage. Find us in the Community Room.
Nellie Stockbridge: Then and Now – Wednesday, February 12 (5:30 pm) - For more than 60 years, Nellie Stockbridge photographed the people, events, and mines of the Silver Valley. Today, her photos provide us with a valuable record of the changes in the Silver Valley. Join Historian Jordan Thomas as she discusses Nellie Stockbridge’s impact on the history of the Silver Valley and compares photos from the Stockbridge collection to recent photos.
Improv Playground (Ages 15+)- Thursdays, February 13 & 27 (5:15 pm)
Want to dip your toes into improv without having to commit to a full-length class? Take a break from the busyness of life and come make up funny stuff with us! This is a FREE-to-attend open improv hangout for people of all (or no) improv experience levels and is designed to be a space for people to take a step from their everyday lives, exercise their creativity, and spend an hour and a half experiencing something new, magical, probably weird, and super FUN! Join us in the Gozzer Room on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month starting in January.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sax – Thursday, February 13 (7-8:30 pm)
Tickets - $20 suggested donation at the door
Join us for an engaging and delightful event featuring the multi-talented musician, director, and teacher Craig Catlett. He will present an entertaining and educational program about the alluring and captivating instrument...the saxophone! Following this, enjoy a serenade of popular Valentine's Day music performed by the talented vocalist Ruth Pratt. Indulge in a selection of beverages and snacks.
This promises to be a memorable experience filled with beautiful melodies and fascinating insights. Don't miss out on this wonderful musical journey!
This is a Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation fundraiser event.
Dungeons & Dragons Guild (Ages 13+)- Friday, February 21 (4-7pm)
Adventurers from all walks of life may participate in one-shot dungeon campaigns for treasure, glory, and fellowship in the Community Room every third Friday of the month from 4pm to 7pm. Campaigns will be based on a simplified version of 2014 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons rules so that anyone can participate. Campaigns hold 3 to 4 players and will be one-shot gaming sessions that finish within 2-3 hours. No follow-up by participants is required. Pre-made character sheets are available, but adventurers may bring their own homemade characters (3rd level only please). Please visit our website for more information. Every Friday will be a new adventure! Wandering adventurers are welcome but registration is encouraged to help us prepare. Adventure, gold, and glory awaits! HUZZAH!
Clay Creations: Refrigerator Magnets (Ages 14+) – Saturday, February 22 (1-3 pm)
Is your fridge looking a little boring? Come join us at the Library for an afternoon of crafting where we will be making refrigerator magnets out of clay! Create food magnets to help you remember what to put on your grocery list or cute clay creatures to give to a friend. Clay, tools, and paint will be provided for your use. Registration is required.
Friends of the Library Meeting – Fourth Tuesday of the month (10:30 am)
The Friends of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library raise funds to support library programs for children and adults, and to purchase special items for the the collection, furnishings, and equipment. This monthly meeting is open to anyone interested in supporting the library.
Pageturners Book Club (Ages16+) - Wednesday, February 26 (10:15 am)
The Pageturners Book Club is discussing “Bury My Heart at Chuck E. Cheese's” by Tiffany Midge
“Bury My Heart at Chuck E. Cheese’s” is a powerful and compelling collection of Tiffany Midge’s musings on life, politics, and identity as a Native woman in America. Artfully blending sly humor, social commentary, and meditations on love and loss, Midge weaves short, standalone musings into a memoir that stares down colonialism while chastising hipsters for abusing pumpkin spice.
Pageturner discussions are lecture-based and open to any adult reader. Books are available for check out at the the Reference Desk. For more information call or email JD Smithson, 208-769-2315 ext 455., communications@cdalibrary.org
Upcoming Title:
March 26 - “Verge” by Lidia Yuknavitch
Coeur d’Alene Library Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting – Fourth Wednesday of the month (4 pm)
The Coeur d’Alene Library Board of Trustees meets typically on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 4 pm. The public may join in the library’s Community Room.
Sunday Serenades: a Monthly Music Event (All Ages) – Sunday, February 23 (2-3:30 pm)
Enjoy a delightful assortment of coffee, tea, and treats as you listen. Connect with friends and discover the rich musical talent of our community. Mark your calendar! This month, we will are pleased to present Bill Bozly.
Upcoming performances:
Sunday, March 16 (2-3:30) - St. Patrick’s Party
Learning Community for Families and Child Care Providers - Saturday, March 1st (9-1 pm)
Join the North Idaho Early Learning Collaborative and Idaho STARS for our FREE Winter Professional Learning Community session. Giveaways, raffle prizes, light refreshments, and opportunities to network with other early learning professionals and parents. Earn up to 4 PD hours
Session's topics include:
From Stems to STEAM - Using Nature to Build Inquisitive Minds Hands on STEM
Early Math – What does it look like?
Hands-on STEM activities
Planning Your Perfect Garden – Saturday, March 1 (2:30-4 pm)
Join us at the library for an engaging and informative program on planning your garden from seed to harvest! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a green thumb newbie, our workshop will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to make your garden thrive. Local gardener Tylr Pearson will share his 20+ years of experience in landscaping, gardening, and as an arborist. We will begin with a short Q&A session, then move on to cover topics such as starting seeds indoors, transplanting outdoors, selecting seeds, planting times, crop rotation, companion planting, and succession planting.