It’s Summer Reading Time—Let the Fun Begin!
We’re thrilled to kick off another season of sunshine, stories, and creativity! Our dedicated staff has poured their hearts into crafting an unforgettable Summer Reading Program for all ages. The theme is ‘Color Your World with Reading’. From paint-by-numbers reading logs to a vibrant community art project and a lineup of exciting events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to read, create, and connect all summer long!
JD Smithson
Communications Coordinator
SUMMER READING PROGRAMMING 2025
All Ages
Paint By Number Reading Logs
Rediscover the joy of reading and creativity with our Paint By Number Reading Logs for kids, teens, and adults! The kit includes all the paint you need and themed designs to complete, each marking a milestone in your summer reading journey. Read, paint, and win prizes from June 1 to August 31!
Adults can log their reading online here:
Artwalk at the Library (Everyone Ages 1-100) - June 20 (5-8 pm)
Color your world through reading! The library has joined Coeur d’Alene Arts and Culture Alliance’s June Artwalk event to celebrate our Summer Reading Program for all ages. Swing by the park-side of the library to pick up a paint-by-number Summer Reading log, which are available for children, teens, and adults! While you’re at the library, you can enjoy upbeat live music performed by Coeurimba, participate in a giant community art project, and partake in activities for all ages. There will be colorful snacks, funky tattoos, squirt-gun painting, artsy photo ops, edible necklace crafting, hot-rock coloring, button-making, fun games, exciting prizes, and more! If you utilize our outdoor pop-up library to get a library card or check out a great book to get started on your summer reading goals, you can even decorate a special bookmark to go with it!
Paint Party - July 11 (5 pm)
Grab your brushes and join us for a lively paint party lead by local artist Jessica Bryant! Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, this event is a great way to express your creativity. Follow along with our instructor to create your own masterpiece of our beautiful Tubbs Hill, while enjoying a relaxed and social atmosphere.
Pixel Art Bingo - August 8 (5-6 pm)
Combine the fun of bingo with the creativity of pixel art! Participants will receive bingo cards featuring pixel art designs. As you mark off each square, you'll gradually reveal a colorful image. This event is suitable for all ages and is a fantastic way to blend art and play.
Children’s Programs
Rainbow Reading Hour Story Time
Each week of summer storytime will feature a different color. You’re encouraged to come dressed in attire that corresponds with each week’s themed color!
June 17 - Pink
June 24 - Red
July 1 - Brown
July 8 - Orange
July 15 - Yellow
July 22 - Green
July 29 - Blue
August 5 - Grey
August 12 - Purple
Lap-Sit Baby Story Time (0-18 mo) - Tuesdays, June 17 -August 12 (10 am)
Celebrate summer with a colorful storytime that’s designed for caregivers to share quality time with their baby! As we color your baby’s world with reading, we’ll also bounce, giggle, listen to flannel stories, sing catchy songs, and make silly actions that will bring a smile to your little one’s face.
Toddler Story Time (18 mo-3 yo) - Thursdays, June 19 - August 14 (10 am)
Color your world with reading by bringing your toddler to the library for some summer fun! Of course, we’ll read a spectrum of colorful stories, but there will also be plenty of singing, dancing, and silly moves to keep youngsters busy.
Pre-School Story Time (3-5 yo) - Fridays, June 20 - August 15 (10 am)
Summer is a great time to introduce preschoolers to the fun of group activities such as storytime at the library! Color your world with 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. This event is intended for children ages 3-5 years old and their parents.
Creating with Color (Ages 5-8) - Tuesdays, June 17 – August 12 (11 am)
Make a masterpiece! Join us in the Community Room to have fun using a variety of mediums to mimic the styles of the world’s most famous artists. Prepare to learn fascinating tidbits about their lives and works while experiencing the joy of expressing yourself through art!
June 17 – Paint plein air like Claude Monet
June 24 – Swirl the sky like Vincent Van Gogh
July 1 – Design with dots like Georges Seurat
July 8 – Construct a collage like Pablo Picasso
July 15 – Fashion flowers like Georgia O’Keefe
July 22 – Create a creature like Salvador Dali
July 29 – Be bold & bright like Frida Kahlo
August 5 – Splatter and splash like Jackson Pollock
August 12 – Print pop-art like Andy Warhol
Artistry of Animals (All Ages) - Wednesdays, June 18 – July 30 (10 am at Higgens Point)
Meet nature’s original master craftsmen! This is a destination program for adventurous families that love getting outdoors to enjoy nature. Each week of this storytime at Higgens Point State Park will focus on an intriguing woodland creature, their “craft”, and the science behind it. We will also create a special project that’s inspired by animals and nature. While all ages are welcome, this program is designed for ages 4-10. Participants should allow time to hike an easy third-of-a-mile (paved) trail from the Higgens Point parking lot (at the end of E. Coeur d’Alene Lake Dr) up to the picnic shelter where storytime will take place.
June 18 – Spiders: The masters of weaving
June 25 – Birds: The masters of song
July 2 – Beavers: The masters of architecture
July 9 – Bees: The masters of dance
July 16 – Hares: The masters of disguise
July 23 – Bears: The masters of gourmet
July 30 – Owls: The masters of storytelling
Dabbling in Design (Ages 9-12) - Thursday, June 26 – August 7 (2-3:30)
Experience a handful of creative disciplines at the library! We will have fun trying out a variety of artistic endeavors that are sure to add some flair and friendships to your summer!
June 26 – Interior Design (macrame planters)
July 3 – Fashion Design (Tie dye)
July 10 – Landscape Design (zen gardens)
July 17 – Game Design (one-of-a-kind boardgames)
July 24 – Cupcake Design (confection decorating)
July 31 – Book Art Design (star accordion books)
August 7 – Stage Design (shadow puppet theaters)
Artsy Animation – Friday, June 13 (2 pm)
Kick off summer break by Joining us for popcorn and a kid’s movie on the big screen in the Community Room. We will be viewing Disney’s 2010 film, Tangled. You’ll love this story of a magically long-haired girl named Rapunzel who has spent her entire life in a tower. When a runaway thief stumbles upon her, she discovers the world for the first time, and who she really is. Rated PG and runs for 100 minutes.
Artsy Animation – Tuesday, August 26 (2 pm)
Finish up summer break by Joining us for popcorn and a movie on the big screen in the Community Room. We will be viewing Pixar’s 2007 film, Ratatouille. You’ll love this story about a rat who can cook and is dying to become a chef! His dream begins to come true when he makes an unusual alliance with a young kitchen worker at a famous Paris restaurant. Rated G and runs for 111 minutes.
Teen Programs
Teen Zine (Ages 12-19) - Posted every 1st Tuesday by 4pm
Want to be a content creator for a zine that’s by teens and for teens? Find out how to submit your ideas to be considered by the teen librarian (by the 15th of the previous month) and subscribe to future issues at cdateenzone.substack.com
#ClassicBookTok (Ages 12+) - Intro every 2nd Tuesday posted by 4pm
Each month, two Young Adult Classics will be introduced on the library’s TikTok, Instagram, and Substack accounts (@cdalibrary) on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Join the virtual book club on Storygraph!
Walk in the Park Club (Ages 12+) - Every 3rd Tuesday (4-5 pm)
Join us for a relaxing walk and talk! Bring your own audiobook player—or borrow a pre-loaded MP3 player from the library—and enjoy a free classic audiobook from the summer reading list on Libby or LibriVox. Prefer something else? Feel free to listen to your favorite audiobook, music album, or podcast instead. Meet at the amphitheater!
Art Game Tourney - Teen Kick-off (Ages 12-19) - Friday, June 27 (4-6:30 pm)
This is a special “COLOR YOUR WORLD WITH READING” edition of TGIF Club where we’ll be playing a wide variety of quick, quirky art games and compete to earn points. Who will win the coveted paintable Bob Ross Funko Pop trophy? Do you have what it takes? (in the Teen Zone)
Forbidden Coloring – Teen Anime Club (Ages 12-19) - Most Thursdays (4 pm)
Ever wanted to color in the forbidden black & white pages of manga? Now you can! Join us for Forbidden Coloring—where we repurpose withdrawn manga pages into unique coloring sheets. While you color, we’ll have anime playing on the Teen Zone big screen for background vibes. Come for the creativity; stay for the chill atmosphere!
Kawaii Glass Art - Thursday, July 31, (4-6 pm)
Get artsy with a kawaii twist! In this special edition of Anime Club, we’ll be creating reverse glass art. Choose a cute character, trace it onto a glass frame, and paint the back with acrylics to bring your design to life—backwards! No experience needed—we'll walk you through it! Just bring your love for all things kawaii to the Teen Zone!
TGIF Club (Ages 12-19) - Most Fridays, 4-5:30PM
Kick off your weekend with creativity and fun! Join us for TGIF Club, where you can play games, make art, and meet new friends in the Teen Zone. No pressure—just good vibes and great company!
Bookend Your Summer (Ages 12-19) - Saturday, August 30 (1-3 pm)
Bookend your Summer by decorating a bookend! We’ll provide two free bookends to the first 40 teens to attend. Stay the whole time and use the library’s random art supplies or take them home to work on them with your own art supplies. There will be popcorn and cold drinks, too! (in the Teen Zone)
Adult Programs
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)– Most 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.
Ukulele Club (All Ages) - 2nd Saturday of the month (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. Bring your own ukulele and find us in the Nelson Room.
Flower Printing - Saturday, June 7 (12-2 pm)
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon exploring the unique art of flower pounding. Tataki-Zomé is the ancient Japanese art of dyeing by hammering flowers and plants onto fabric or paper. Design a bandana using an assortment of fresh flowers and leaves, then, use hammers to transfer the natural pigments onto the fabric for a bandana unique to you! Meet us outside on McEuen Parks side of the Library. Please feel free to bring any fresh flowers or greenery you would like to use or share!
Papier Mache Bangles - Saturday, July 5 (1-3 pm) & 12 (11-3 pm)
Join us for a two-day eco-friendly workshop at the Library, where we'll transform recycled materials into beautiful paper mâché bangles! On the first day, participants will learn how to craft sturdy bangles using paper mâché techniques. On the second day, we’ll decorate them with decoupage. All materials will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring their creativity and enthusiasm.
Book Bedazzling Blowout – Friday, August 29 (11-3 pm)
We’re having an end of Summer Reading Party where you get to drink boba, eat snacks, and bedazzle your favorite book! Join us at any time from 11-3 pm as this craft may take awhile to complete. We'll have a variety of colorful rhinestones to make your book sparkle. Don't have a book? No worries, we'll have some available for you to choose from.
The Idaho Originals Project – Thursday, July 10 (5 pm)
The Idaho Originals Project is a live, musical travelogue that celebrates the people, places, and stories of Idaho. Through original songs and stunning artwork, the project paints a vivid picture of the state's unique and diverse history and culture. Join us outside (weather permitting) of the CDA Library’s Community Room in welcoming the duo Crazy Love, featuring Idaho pianist Heather Platts and Nashville guitarist Bruce Michael Miller, who bring Idaho's stories to life with their music.
San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers (All Ages)– Tuesday, July 29 (5-6:30)
Local Coeur d’Alene musicians will be performing with the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers in several locations in town this same week. Join us in the Community Room for a lively evening of music!
Making an Impression - Printmaking for Seniors
Saturdays July 19-August 9 or August 16-September 6 (1-2:30 pm)
We are excited to announce this exciting creative opportunity for seniors! Join us for four consecutive Saturdays to stretch your creativity, learn new skills, and socialize while local artist Sarah Windisch teaches the basics of printmaking. All experience levels are welcome as Sarah will be beginning with the very basics of printmaking. We encourage participants to attend each of the four sessions (this will be offered twice) as the lessons are cumulative and will build on each other. This series will finish with a final culminating event on September 13, where participants and community members are welcome to come and celebrate the art and accomplishments of all those involved.
JUNE PROGRAMMING
Children’s
Dog Days of Summer (All Ages) – Wednesdays, June 18, 25 (2-3 pm)
Join us on Wednesday afternoons this summer to practice reading 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!
Scavenger Hunt
Explore the children’s library during the month of June by participating in a fun search for hidden stickers! After using clues to find them and complete a paint palette handout, you can turn it in at the checkout desk to receive a small prize!
StoryWalk® in the Parks
Stroll through McEuen Park this summer while reading “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt. 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 “Mouse Paint” By Ellen Stoll Walsh.
Take & Make Crafts
While we take a break from weekly programs, you can pick up a summer craft to-go from the children’s library during the weeks of June 2, and June 9 (while supplies last).
Blocks Over Break – Thursdays, June 5, 12 (1-3 pm)
While we’re taking a break from weekly programs, come to the library to play with our collection of LEGO and Big Blue Blocks! We’re going to set out oodles of giant building blocks and LEGO bricks for kids to create whatever they’d like during this nonstructured play opportunity in the children’s library.
Saturday with the Symphony: A Children’s Program (3+yo) – Saturday, June 21 (11 am)
Come enjoy a morning of musical enrichment at the library! This free music education program is coordinated by the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra and recurs the third Saturday of each month. June’s program will be a percussion-filled hour that includes an interactives drum circle. This upbeat hour is sure to entertain all ages and allow participants to experience the joy of making music! A correlating storybook will also be read by the children’s librarian.
Teen
Chill & Checkout Challenge (for Teens 12-19) - June 1 to August 31 – Over the summer, 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 (9:30 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 June 4, 11, & 18 (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
*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.
Scribbler’s Society Writing Club (Ages 18+) - Mondays, June 9 & 23 (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
Idaho Department of Labor Job Fair (Ages 18+) – Wednesday, June 4 (12-3 pm)
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!
Wednesday, July 9 (12-3 pm)
Wednesday, August 6 (12-3 pm)
Wednesday, October 1 (12-3 pm)
Wednesday, November 5 (12-3 pm)
Lawyer in the Library (Ages 18+) - Thursday, June 5 and July 3 (4-6 pm)
REGISTER HERE: cdalibrary.org/library-events/lawyer/
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.
Legacy Planning Workshop (Ages 18+)– Tuesdays, June 10 & 17 (5-6 pm)
Join Jereme Roodhouse from North Idaho Legacy Planning in the Gozzer Room for a workshop on legacy and estate planning. Discover the difference between the government's plan for when you die and the one you can create. Learn what documents you need to properly protect, manage, and avoid being a burden to your loved ones. Learn how to properly assign and align your beneficiary statements on everything from life insurance to assets and titled property... remember tax follows title! Discover what gaps you may have in your current plan and how to avoid them. Assess how you would like your legacy to be protected from things like catastrophic health events and more.
Medicare Workshops (Ages 18+) - Wednesday, June 11 (3-4:30 pm)
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).
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.
The Role of Fiddling in the Northwestern Fur Trade – Wednesday, June 11 (5:30 pm)-Join Foy DeMoss, fur trading expert, for a lecture on the role fiddle music and dancing played in the Northwestern Fur Trade. Foy will discuss how the fiddle entertained fur traders during their stays at trading posts and was used as a diplomatic tool to communicate and build trade relationships with Native Americans. Foy will also dazzle the crowd with fiddle music, celebrating this uniquely American art form.
Meditation for a Peaceful Mind (Ages 16+) – Saturdays (10:30 am)
Join us for an enlightening experience. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, this class will guide you through the principles and practices of meditation in a calm and supportive environment. Our instructor will lead you through various techniques aimed at reducing stress, enhancing mindfulness, improving focus, and promoting overall well-being. We will meet on the second Saturday of the month, please check for the room location.
Saturday, June 14 (10:30 am)– Loving and Setting Boundaries-Community Room
Saturday, July 12 (10:30 am) – Forgiving Our Self-Community Room
Medicinal Plants in Your Backyard (All Ages)– Thursday June 19 (4-5 pm)
Have you ever wondered what medicines may live in your own backyard? Or what traditional uses and benefits a flower has beyond just being pretty to look at? Join local naturopathic medical doctor and former guide, Dr. Casey Carr on a walk on Tubbs Hill, to learn about which local plants serve as useful and powerful medicines in our area. Kids are welcomed and encouraged to join as this will be a family-friendly event. Please dress for the weather. We will meet outside the Children’s Library by the moose statue.
Pokémon GO Community Day (All Ages) - June 21, 28, & 29 (2-5 pm)
Join us in the Community Room for this month's Pokémon GO's Community Days! We’ll meet at the Library first and then we’ll explore McEuen Park and downtown Coeur d’Alene as a group from 3-5 pm.
Check-in at the time of the event on the Campfire app to receive free timed research themed to the event, and a point towards your Community Member badge. If you need assistance checking in, a staff member or community ambassador will be happy to assist you. Also, remember to respect other pedestrians and be aware of your surroundings while walking.
Dungeons & Dragons Guild (Ages 13+)- Friday, June 20 (4-7 pm)
REGISTER HERE: https://cdalibrary.libcal.com/calendar/events/DD
Adventurers from all walks of life may participate in one-shot dungeon campaigns for treasure, glory, and fellowship in the Nelson 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!
Pageturners Book Club (Ages 18+) - Wednesday, June 25 (10:15 am)
The Pageturners Book Club is discussing “Why Fish Don’t Exist” by Lulu Miller
“Why Fish Don’t Exist” explores the life of ichthyologist David Starr Jordan and the philosophical implications of scientific classification. It suggests that the complexities and ambiguities of life challenge our understanding of existence and categorization.
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