Children’s Weekly Programs
Winter Baby Story Time (0-18 mo) - Tuesdays, January 14, 21, 28 (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, January 16, 23, 30 (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, January 17, 24, 31 (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, January 6, 13, 27 (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). If you black out all the spaces, you’ll be entered into a 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). If you black out all the spaces, you’ll be entered into a grand prize drawing.
Blocks over Break – Thursday January 2 (1-3 pm)
While school’s out and we’re taking a break from regular programs, come to the library to play with our collection of Big Blue Blocks! We’re going to set out oodles of giant building blocks for kids to create whatever they’d like during this nonstructured play opportunity in the children’s library.
Take & Make Crafts
While we take a break from regular storytime programs over the holidays, you can pick up a Winter birdfeeder craft to-go from the children’s library during the week of January 6th.
National Park Explorers: Everglades (ages 6-12) – Thursday, January 9 (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 go all the way across the country to Everglades National Park in Florida. Far from the icy days and long, cold nights of Idaho, Everglades National Park is a warm, sunny paradise that is bursting with life.
Paws to Read (All Ages) – Mondays, January 13 (10:30-12 pm) and January 27 (4-5:30pm)
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!
DIY Animal Calls (Ages 6-12) - Tuesdays, January 14, 21, 28 (4-5pm)
Calling all wildlife enthusiasts! Get ready to bugle, croak, and warble. Did you know that you can use ordinary household objects to craft noisemaking devices that mimic the sounds of animals in nature? This 3-week series will walk participants through the creation process to produce a variety of animal calls, including moose, bullfrogs, and ducks! You’ll also learn fascinating facts about each animal’s communication process.
American Girl of the Month Club: Kirsten (Ages 6-12) – Thursday, January 16 (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. Our January program will feature Kirsten Larson, an immigrant girl of strength and spirit who travels with her family from Sweden to Minnesota in the 1850s. Kirsten learns to balance her Swedish heritage and traditions with learning how to be an American while working hard at school and on her family’s farm.
Saturday with the Symphony: A Children’s Program (3+yo) – Saturday, January 18 (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. Past musical performances have included traditional classical music, jazz, pop and world music. Come for a lively morning of musical enrichment.
Idaho Battle of the Books Club: Elementary (Grades 4-6) – January 18 (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. Registration is required, along with a commitment to join a 4-person team, read at least 4 of the 16 IBOB curated book titles, and attend 1pm book club meetings on the 3rd Saturday of each month from January through February. Participants will be expected to attend our library’s competition in March, with the possibility of moving on to district or regional competitions where they’ll battle kids from other libraries and schools. Registration and the list of book titles are available online at cdalibrary.org/library-events/ibob3-5
Idaho Battle of the Books Club: Middle School (Grades 6-8) – January 18 (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. Registration is required, along with a commitment to join a 4-person team, read at least 4 of the 16 IBOB curated book titles, and attend 2pm book club meetings on the 3rd Saturday of each month from January through February. Participants will be expected to attend our library’s competition in March, with the possibility of moving on to district or regional competitions where they’ll battle kids from other libraries and schools. Registration and the list of book titles are available online at cdalibrary.org/library-events/ibob6-8
National Library Shelfie Day – Wednesday, January 22 (All day in the Children’s Library)
Celebrate your love for reading on this special day by taking a photo in the children’s library. We’ll have a fun backdrop and amusing props available to help you get the perfect selfie in front of our bookshelves. If you’d like, you can proudly post your photo on the Library’s facebook page to broadcast that you’re a proud family of library users!
Piggy Bank Basics: Financial Education (Grades K-3) Thursday, January 23 (4-5pm)
What is money? Join Global Credit Union at the library to learn all about money, how it works, and the value of saving. This is a great opportunity to prepare young kids for the future with money management skills and responsible financial habits. There will even be fun goodies to take home to make this a memorable experience.
Piggy Bank Basics: Financial Education (Grades 4-8) Thursday, January 30 (4-5pm)
Plan for tomorrow! Join Global Credit Union at the library to learn how to make money, set goals, and budget responsibly. An experienced instructor will help your child become a future consumer that’s knowledgeable in financial matters. In addition to the tools they’ll need for the years ahead, participants will also go home with some fun goodies!
Scavenger Hunt
Explore the children’s library during the month of January by participating in a fun search! After using clues to find hidden clues, 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
In a Teen Zone Minute (Ages 12+) – Tuesdays, January 21 & 28 (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) or our Teen Zone Newsletter Substack. (Need something more accessible? The updates on Substack are available in video, podcast, & text-only formats.)
Creative Arts Club (Ages 12-19) – Thursdays, January 23 & 30 (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, January 24 & 31 (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: https://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!
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 January 8, 15, & 29 (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 a guided mindfulness practice. For any questions email Jeannette at StrongerBodyMind@gmail.com
Sit-n-Stitch (Ages 12+) - Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, & 29 (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 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.
Adult/All Ages Special Programs
2025 Adult Winter Reading Challenge - Like Reading For Pizza
January 2 - February 28 Get started on your New Year's Reading Goals with our 2025 Winter Reading Challenge. We’re Reading For Pizza again! We’re harkening back to our grade school days and giving away pizza for participation. Pick up a wallet-sized challenge card at the Adult Circulation Desk, write down the books you’ve read on it, and turn it in to the desk. Each book you read gets you entry into the prize drawing, the drawing prizes are 10 $10 pizza gift cards.
Lawyer in the Library (Ages 18+) - Thursday, January 2 and February 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.
The Decorated Journal (Ages 14+) – Saturday, January 4 (10:30-11:30)
Kick off the new year with a creative journaling workshop focused on intention setting. This program is designed to help you start the year with clarity and purpose by creating a personalized journal that captures your goals and ambitions. Creating a vision board with your journal can help identify and focus your goals. Learn how vision boards work and techniques for making your own with your journal. We will provide art supplies, mini journals, and inspiration to help you clarify and articulate your goals and intentions for the year. Feel free to bring your own journal to decorate!
Year of Birthdays: Card Crafting Event (Ages 12+) – January 4 (1-3 pm)
It’s the new year and we want to help you cross something off of your to-do list, while having fun at the same time. Bring your list of birth dates for all of your friends and family, and craft your birthday cards for the year! Our library will be transformed into a vibrant crafting haven, complete with an array of scrapbook materials. You’ll find patterned cardstock in every color and design imaginable, a plethora of paper punches to create unique shapes and borders, and a treasure trove of embellishments like stickers, ribbons, and stamps. This is the perfect opportunity to get ahead on your birthday greetings while enjoying a fun and social atmosphere. Bring your creativity and leave with a stack of beautiful, handmade cards that will bring joy to your loved ones all year long.
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.
Busted: A Century of Federal Intervention in America's Last Western Town – Wednesday, January 8 (5:30 pm) - How did outsiders' attempts to control the people and resources of Wallace influence the town's values and way of life? Learn about the history and lasting impact of Wallace's fight for autonomy. Using research support provided by an Idaho Humanities Council grant, Dr. Heather Branstetter will discuss the development of mining culture and its connection to three periods of time when the town's independence was threatened by federal government intervention: the labor "troubles" of the late 19th century; the so-called "North Idaho Whiskey Rebellion" of 1929; and the FBI raid of 1991.
Improv Playground (Ages 15+)- Thursdays, January 9 and 23 (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.
Mindful Doodling (16+) - Friday, January 10 (4-5 pm)
De-stress after a long week with our Mindful Doodling hour. Mindful Doodling is a monthly self-directed art program in which we relax with light music, tea, and hot chocolate while doodling special patterns on tiles following the ZenTangle © Method. The first 15 minutes of the program will be spent following an instructional video on how to make a special ZenTangle creation, followed by "freestyle" doodling for the rest of the hour (directions and materials will be provided). No previous art skill required. Mindful Doodling is the perfect opportunity to practice your New Year's resolutions to practice self-care while creating beautiful art! 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, January 11 (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 Community 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
Journaling Gratitude (Ages 16+) – Saturday, January 11 (10:30 am)
Join us in the Nelson room every second Saturday of the month with your journal. Come ready to relax, open your journal, and write. Kim E. Morgan will use self-awareness activities, mindfulness practices, and expressive writing to help you express your most authentic self. Guided journal work will give you skills that clear mental chatter, enhance awareness, and deepen access to the imagination. Let’s journal together toward your authentic self.
Scribbler’s Society Writing Club (Ages 18+) - Mondays, January 13 & 27 (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.
Dungeons & Dragons Guild (Ages 13+)- Friday, January 17 (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!
Banned Together Screening (Ages 12+) - Sunday, January 19 (2 pm)
Celebrate the Freedom to Read by joining us for a pre-release Screening of the new documentary film Banned Together.
Banned Together is a 90-minute feature documentary film about the current wave of book bans in the United States. It tells the local story of Beaufort, S.C., where 97 books are suddenly pulled from their school libraries after two adults threaten to take legal action against the school board. Viewers follow three teenagers through their senior year of high school as they work together to fight book bans in Beaufort and then at the state and national levels. This community’s story is interwoven with the larger national landscape of book banning, including interviews with best-selling authors, policymakers, and experts.
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, January 22 (10:15 am)
The Pageturners Book Club is discussing “Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk” by Ben Fountain. Three minutes and forty-three seconds of intensive warfare with Iraqi insurgents—caught on tape by an embedded Fox News crew—has transformed the eight surviving men of Bravo Squad into America’s most sought-after heroes. Now they’re on a media-intensive nationwide tour to reinvigorate public support for the war. On this rainy Thanksgiving Day, the Bravos are in Texas Stadium, slated to be part of the halftime show. Over the course of this day, Billy will drink and brawl, yearn for home and mourn those missing, face a heart-wrenching decision and discover pure love and a bitter wisdom far beyond his years.
Poignant, riotously funny, and exquisitely heartbreaking, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk is a searing and powerful novel that has cemented Ben Fountain’s reputation as one of the finest writers of his generation.
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 Titles:
February 26 - “Bury My Heart at Chuck E. Cheese's” by Tiffany Midge
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.
Winter Warmth Exchange
Want to help your community stay warm this winter? Coeur d’Alene Public Library is holding a handmade item drive this January; keep your hands busy and your neighbor warm by crafting hats, scarves, mittens, and cowls and bringing them to the donation bin at the library. Free yarn and patterns will be provided to make the act of crafting for a cause as easy as possible! Donations of yarn are welcomed, but we unfortunately cannot accept premade second-hand items. New to handwork but still want to participate? Stop by the Sit ‘N Stitch, now offered every Wednesday at 11am!
10th Annual Seed Swap (All Ages) - January 25th (1-3 pm)
Bring your extra seeds (home-saved or purchased) to share with others and go home with some seeds for your spring and summer planting! Learn about seed saving from some of our region’s avid seed savers, and take home seed varieties that you won’t find anywhere else and that are well-adapted to our growing conditions. No seeds to swap? Come anyway, and consider making a donation to help cover costs and help our seed program grow.
Sunday Serenades: a Monthly Music Event (All Ages) – Sunday, January 26 (2-3:30)
Welcome to a world of music and community warmth at Sunday Serenades! Join us at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library every last Sunday of the month for an afternoon of wonderful live music in a cozy, coffee house setting. 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 be serenaded by Lake City Strings Duo.
Upcoming performances:
Sunday, January 26 (2-3:30)– Lake City Strings Duo
Sunday, February 23 (2-3:30)– Bill Bozly
Sunday, March 16 (2-3:30) - St. Patrick’s Party (note this is the 3rd Sunday)
Idaho Department of Labor Job Fair (Ages 18+) – Wednesday, January 29 (1-4 pm)
Start off the new year with a new job! The Idaho Department of Labor will be hosting a community job and resource fair where various employers will be on-site, offering a wide range of job opportunities, including full-time, part-time, seasonal, entry-level, and skilled trade positions. Bring copies of your resume and come prepared with questions for future employers. Let’s get you hired!
36th Annual Julie Meier Writer’s Competition (All Ages) - January 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.
Cash Prizes
Prizes have been funded by the Friends of the Coeur d'Alene Public Library for several years. The prizes are as follows: First - $100, Second - $50, Third - $25 for fiction and non-fiction in each age category. In case of ties, full duplicate prizes will be awarded
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, please contact Communications Coordinator JD Smithson here: communications@cdalibrary.org.
Entry
Official Writers Competition entry forms and rules are available beginning January 31 each year. Forms can be picked up at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library or downloaded by clicking this link cdalibrary.org/events/writers-competition beginning January 31. Requests for mailed forms must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Entries must normally be returned to the Library by March 31.
Community Improv Night (Ages 13+) – Thursday, January 30 (6 pm)
Join us for an unpredictable night of laughter and fun! The Coeur d’Alene Public Library is partnering with the Levity Theatre to bring you a FREE Community Improv Night! A rag-tag group of local improvisers will gather under one roof to perform comedy from the tops of their domes, fueled by suggestions from the audience. This show will be downstairs in the Community Room.