MAY PROGRAMMING AT THE COEUR D’ALENE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Children’s Weekly Programs
Spring Baby Lap-Sit Story Time (0-18 mo) – Tuesdays, May 5, 12 (9 & 11 am)
Celebrate spring with a 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. Spring themes will include birds, flowers, and bugs!
Spring Toddler Story Time (18 mo-3 yo) – Thursdays, May 7, 14 (9 & 11 am)
Bring your toddler to the library for some spring 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 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. Spring themes will include trees, trucks, and rain!
Spring Pre-School Story Time (3-5 yo) – Fridays, May 1, 8 (9 & 11 am)
Spring 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. Spring themes will include fairies, snails, and gardening!
From Books to Bricks (Ages 6-12) – Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 19 (4 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
May Scavenger Hunt
Explore the children’s library during the month of May by participating in a fun scavenger hunt all about bird identification. After tracking down local birds hidden around the room, you can turn in the completed activity sheet to receive a small prize!
StoryWalk® in the Parks
Wander through McEuen Park this spring while reading Hogbert by Briony May Smith. 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 A Pond, A Poet, and Three Pests by Caroline Adderson.
Paws to Read (All Ages) – Wednesdays, May 6 (3:30-5 pm) and May 20 (10:30-12 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!
Minecraft Makers (Ages 6-12) – Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21 (4 pm)
Join us in May to have fun creating multiple Minecraft-inspired activities! This pixel-happy program will utilize your imagination and block-building skills to fabricate a different design each week. You will be growing grass blocks, crafting an exploding creeper, and even making your own pet slime!
National Park Explorers: Pinnacles National Park (Ages 6-12) – Wednesday, May 13 (1 pm & 4 pm)
A program where science meets adventure! Join us on the second Wednesday 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. May will feature Pinnacles National Park, a special place in California with giant, jagged rock spires, dark caves to explore, and lots of fascinating animals. In the spring, the park is filled with wildflowers and is home to more species of bees than anywhere else on the planet. Come find out what all the buzz is about!
A Lark at the State Park (All Ages) – Friday, May 15 (11 am)
Celebrate birds at Higgens Point! Meet up with the Coeur d’Alene Public Library and the Idaho State Parks Department for an outdoor program that’s all about our region’s feathered friends. Your love for birds will take flight with our silly stories, fascinating facts, bird ballads, and avian activities. Kids of all ages will even receive a beautiful book about birds, plus a warbler whistle so the fun can continue at home! 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 the event will take place.
Saturday with the Symphony: A Children’s Program (Ages 3+) – May 16 (11 am)
Children 3 and older can enjoy “Saturday with the Symphony” from 11-11:45 am Saturday, at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. The free music education program is coordinated by the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra and recurs on 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 include traditional classical music, jazz, pop, and world music. Come for a lively morning of musical enrichment.
American Girl of the Month Club (Ages 6-12) – Wednesday, May 20 (1 pm & 4 pm)
Join us on the third Wednesday of every month to celebrate the diverse culture of the United States! Don’t miss our program in May as we celebrate all the American Girl Historical Dolls that we have featured in our program. We will also wish our nation a happy 250th birthday with some exciting festivities! Come look back on 250 years of history through the eyes of American Girl.
Take & Make Crafts
Pick up a spring craft bag from the children’s library during the last 2 weeks of May. Starting Monday, May 18, we’ll have kits to create a magnetic clothespin bug. Then, starting Tuesday, May 26, we’ll offer a Very Hungry Caterpillar necklace craft… while supplies last!
Big Blue Blocks over Break – Thursday, May 28 (10am-Noon)
While we’re taking a break from regular programs during the last week of May, 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.
Teen Programs
May Teen Zine Release – Submissions Open for June – Tuesday, May 5 (Ages 12-19)
Want to be a content creator for a zine that’s by teens and for teens? Start dreaming up content now. (Submissions are due before next month’s release date.) Fancy yourself a good judge of books? Write book reviews. Are you a poet (and you don’t know it)? Save your best poetry. Enjoy creating comic strips or small masterpieces? Digitize them and send them our way. Think you have great advice? Write an advice column. Have an important opinion that needs sharing? Send it in. Write short stories and one-act plays? Share them with us to be published. Made anything you think should be shared with the world? Send it our way.
Teen Leadership Council (Ages 12-19) – Tuesday, May 12 (4 pm)
Help decide what the library does for teens and the community. Learn how to advocate and support causes you care about. TLC’s current project is to make a podcast. Join us for the recording session and help decide what’s discussed!
TGIF Club (Ages 12-19) – Fridays (4-5:30 pm)
Play games, make art, buttons, friends—hangout! It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend.
TGIF Special – Book Royale (Ages 12-19) – Friday, May 22 (4-5:30 pm)
Join us for a special edition of TGIF Club! This month, we’ll be playing the interactive, chaotic group game of Bring Your Own Book. Will your chosen book be the last book standing? Find out at this event.
Teen Zone Connect – A Teen Resource Fair (Ages 12-19) – Saturday, May 30 (10-2 pm)
Hey teens! Want to find out how to get plugged into your community? Join us for Teen Zone Connect, a day of job-seeking advice, real-life assistance, civic engagement ideas, boredom-busting clubs, freebies, and more!
Teen Zone Connect is designed to “connect” teens (like you) with local organizations that want to assist, educate, empower, and advocate for teens. There will be informational booths both inside and outside the library, where organizations will be sharing their teen-centered resources, job skills and adulting activities, freebies, handouts, and more. It’s free to attend, and nothing will be for sale.
Adult/All Ages Weekly/Biweekly Programs
Yoga for You! (Ages 18+) – Mondays, May 4, 11, & 18 and Fridays, May 1, 8, 15, & 29 (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, May 12, 19, & 26 (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, May 13 & 20 (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.
*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!
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.
Dream Interpretation Group (Ages 14+)- Thursdays (5:30-7 pm)
Ever wonder what your dreams mean? Join us in the Nelson room for our weekly dream group where you can share your dreams or just listen in to learn more about dreams and their interpretations. This group is led by Spirit Dream North Idaho, a team of people from various backgrounds with years of experience in dream interpreting, spiritual guidance and inner healing. Since 2010, Spirit Dream has offered their services free to the public, meeting in diverse locations like coffee shops, Coeur d’Alene City Park, and outdoor vendor markets. Bring your questions, your curiosity and your dreams. We’d love to have you join us!
Scribbler’s Society Writing Club (Ages 18+) – Monday, May 11 (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.
Adult/All Ages Special Programs
Spring 2026 Walking Adventures (Ages 13+)
Come learn about the natural wonders and history that are right in your backyard! This series of walks will take us around Tubbs Hill and the surrounding area as we explore the flora, fauna, geology, and history of the local area. Each walk will be led by a local community member eager to share their passion and knowledge. Each walk will be about two hours. It is recommended that you park in the lower parking lot. Please dress for the weather, wear appropriate shoes for a moderate hike, bring water, and please no dogs.
- Medicinal Plants in Your Backyard (All Ages)– Tuesday, May 5 (3:30 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.
- Tubbs History Walk (Ages 13+) – Wednesday, May 27 (9 am) – There is history to be found and seen on Tubbs Hill. David Taylor will be leading a hike around Tubbs Hill to see evidence of historic past uses of Tubbs Hill along with photos from the Museum of North Idaho showing what these locations looked like in the early days of Coeur d’Alene. From the hill we also have the opportunity to view other Coeur d’Alene locations and their past uses. We will meet at 9 am at the museum trailhead in front of the Museum of North Idaho. Our walk will be approximately 2 miles long on the main loop trail.
Realtor in the Library – Wednesday, May 6 and June 3 (4-6 pm)
Curious About the Real Estate Market? Thinking about buying, selling, or just wondering what your home is worth? Stop by for a complimentary real estate consultation at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library! No appointment needed—just bring your questions and connect with your local real estate experts for honest, helpful guidance. We’ll provide insights on your home’s current market value, downsizing or upsizing strategies, relocation or buying a second home, and suggestions for remodeling to maximize return on investment. Janene Kain, Lisa Patterson, and Michael Farrell are realtors with Century 21 and can be found in the Gozzer Room on the first Wednesday of the month.
Lawyer in the Library (Ages 18+) – Thursday, May 7 and June 4 (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.
Flowerpot Painting (Ages 14+) – Saturday, May 9 (2-4 pm)
Looking for a thoughtful, last-minute Mother’s Day gift or a way to brighten a friend’s home for spring? Join us for a afternoon of crafting where we’ll transform plain terracotta pots into vibrant, hand-decorated works of art! Use our extensive supply of paint pens and decoupage supplies to personalize a pot for a friend and choose a plant cutting to take home to plant. All supplies will be provided but participants are welcome to bring a plant cutting to share.
Ukulele Club (All Ages) – Second Saturday, May 9 (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.
Pop-Up Dance for Parkinson’s Class (Ages 18+) – Tuesday, May 12 (11:30 am)
Join us for a class of Dance for Parkinson’s hosted by the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation. Designed for individuals with Parkinson’s, their families, and community members interested in experiencing this unique approach, the class offers a supportive environment to explore movement. Over the course of an hour, participants will engage in gentle exercises starting from seated in a chair, progressing to standing, and ultimately moving across the floor. Although labeled as a dance class, it primarily focuses on movement, stretching, connection, enjoyment, and physical activity.
Idaho Department of Labor Job Fair (Ages 18+) – Wednesday, May 13 (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!
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.
- A Brief History of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office – Wednesday, May 13 (5:30 pm) – Join Detective Jeff Snell for a deep dive into the history of the people, places, and events that shaped the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. From its early beginnings in Rathdrum, Idaho, to the modern, innovative office it is today, Det. Snell will share newly unearthed facts, describe famous (and infamous) characters, and tell a fascinating story of one of America’s premier law enforcement agencies. A 33-year active member of law enforcement, Detective Snell enjoys learning about his adopted home and looks forward to sharing his discoveries with you.
Snowy Owls & Lemmings: 35 Years of Predator-Prey Dynamics in the Arctic – Wednesday, May 13 (7:30 pm)
Denver Holt, founder of the Owl Research Institute (ORI), will share insights from 35 years of dedicated snowy owl research in Utqiaġvik / Barrow, Alaska. He will highlight the intricate relationship between snowy owls and their primary prey, the lemming, and explore the alarming declines both species have faced at that location over the recent decades. Holt will discuss the critical role of predator-prey dynamics in Arctic ecosystems, the potential causes of these population shifts, and why understanding these changes is essential for conservation efforts. This presentation offers a rare glimpse into the nuances of Arctic wildlife and the ongoing challenges they face.
Community Plant Swap – Saturday, May 16 (10-1 pm)
LOCATION: Shared Harvest Community Garden
Did you plant more starts for your garden than you need? Bring them to the Shared Harvest Community Garden on the corner of 10th and Foster and we will make sure they go to a good home! Bring your extra bedding plants and take some of ours!
This event is Sponsored by the Coeur d’Alene Public Library and Shared Harvest Community Garden
The Healing Power of Nature: Healing with Nature Cure, Hydrotherapy and Permaculture Gardening (Ages 16+) – Thursday, May 21 (5 pm)
We intuitively know nature heals, and science is catching up! Join Dr. Toby to connect modern nature immersion therapies with the traditional roots of naturopathic medicine. You will explore how simple elements—like hydrotherapy and forest bathing —activate the body’s self-healing capacity. We will also cover how permaculture gardening fosters a thriving, self-sustaining environment. Together, these practices create a lifestyle of health and reciprocity, proving that wellness is our natural state when we live as part of nature.
Resilience Writing Workshop (Ages 16+) – Saturday, May 23 (10:30 am)
Get unstuck from (almost) anything through simple daily practice. This flexible, participant-directed space meets you where you are. Get inspired writing poetry. Reimagine your multigenre work. The pen holds more than ink — it becomes a tool of courage, clarity, and resilience-building. With guided prompts, you’ll find words that heal, uplift, motivate, and inspire. Learn how to journal gently through stress or grief. Reframe perceived failure with mindful awareness. Find joy in the journey. Come prepared with a pen and notebook, diary, sketchbook, etc. Find us upstairs in the Nelson Room on the fourth Saturday of the month.
Kirtan By Dharmmele: An Evening of Meditation, Kirtan & Live Music (All Ages) – Saturday, May 23 (3-5 pm)
Join us for an uplifting hour and a half of meditation, sound bath and live Kirtan — a joyful, heart-opening practice of call-and-response group singing. We use live music to quiet the mind, open the heart, and connect us with peace and community.
No experience is necessary! All voices are welcome — just come as you are, sit back, listen, or sing along. This free program is open to all ages and backgrounds and is a beautiful way to relax, recharge, and experience the power of yoga sound together.
Pageturners Book Club (Ages 18+) – Wednesday, May 27 (10:15 am)
North Idaho College’s Cardinal Read selection is I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán. Pageturners will feature this title as the May Read.
In this timely and engaging guide, journalist and Braver Angels chief storyteller Mónica Guzmán explores how curiosity can help repair broken conversations across deep differences. Drawing from real cross‑partisan experiences, she offers practical ways to better understand, learn from, and connect with people whose worldviews differ from our own.
Pageturner discussions are lecture-based and open to any adult reader. Books are available for check out at the the Reference Desk.
Step into Summer with Tai Chi Walking (Ages 18+) – Fridays May 29 – June 26 (12-1 pm)
In this gentle indoor practice, you’ll learn slow mindful balanced walking inspired by the ancient art of Tai Chi. These Tai Chi walking patterns are designed to enhance stability, improve coordination, reduce stress, and to help you reconnect with your natural rhythm. No special equipment or experience is required—just wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for movement. Led in a friendly, supportive environment, this program is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Come for one week or join us every week to discover the benefits of Tai Chi Walking.
Backpacking 101: Get Trail-Ready (All Ages) – Thursday, June 4 (5:30 pm)
Curious about backpacking but not sure where to start? Join us for a one-hour Backpacking 101 course at the Library, hosted by Idaho Trails Association and led by experienced long-distance hiker Taylor Tevis. Taylor has completed the coveted “Triple Crown” of hiking—the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Continental Divide Trail—and will share practical, real-world knowledge to help you hit the trail with confidence. This beginner-friendly session will cover everything you need to know including trip planning basics & safety tips, how to choose the right gear, what to pack, and intro to beginner snow travel. As an organization dedicated to keeping Idaho’s hiking trails open and accessible, Idaho Trails Association is excited to help more people feel confident getting outside and exploring public lands. Come with questions, leave inspired to explore!
Sunday Matinee Contra Dance (All Ages) – Sunday, June 7 (2-4 pm)
Join us for a free community Contra Dance, sponsored by the Spokane Folklore Society and featuring Arvid Lundin and the Huckleberry String Band. Contra dancing is a type of traditional folk dance from New England. Dancers face each other in “contra” lines and move up and down the formation as couples, in figures directed by a caller. The Virginia reel is a dance in this style. You don’t have to be experienced – the caller teaches all the moves! Special clothing is not necessary, and no partner is needed – singles and couples are invited, and families are welcome.