APRIL PROGRAMMING AT THE COEUR D’ALENE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Children’s Weekly Programs
Spring Baby Lap-Sit Story Time (0-18 mo) – Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 (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, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (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, April 3, 10, 17, 24 (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, April 7, 14, 21, 28 (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
Salvaged Sprouts (Ages 6-12) – Wednesday, April 1 (10 am & 3 pm)
Looking for something to do over spring break? Come to the library to have fun making 3-dimensional egg-carton flowers. Use cardboard, paint, felt, twigs, and a variety of crafty materials to create your own blossoming branch arrangement in a tin-can vase. The library will showcase these one-of-a-kind bouquets in its glass display cases, so that the whole community can admire your work! We’re offering this program in the morning and afternoon to work around your spring break plans.
Paws to Read (All Ages) – Wednesdays, April 1 (3-5:30 pm) and April 15 (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!
National Park Explorers: Sequoia National Park (ages 6-12) – Wednesday, April 8 (1 pm & 4 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. March will feature a land of giants: Sequoia National Park. Home to some of the world’s largest trees and the tallest mountains in the lower 48 States, this park will inspire wonder in us all.
Connect the Bots! (Ages 6-12) – Thursdays, April 9, 16, 23 (4 pm)
Get ready to rev up some robots! The library has a collection of hands-on, screen-free KIBO bots waiting for you to discover all the coding fun they have to offer. Each week, we will explore the world of robotics as you learn about historical bots, try your hand at programming KIBO, and even build your own mini robots to take home!
American Girl of the Month Club: Courtney (Ages 6-12) – Wednesday, April 15 (1 pm & 4 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. In March, we will get to know Courtney Moore as she grows up in California’s San Fernando Valley. She’s a total ’80s girl who loves watching music videos after school, renting movies on the weekends, and going to the mall every chance she gets.
A-Tisket, A-Tasket… Make a May Basket! (ages 6-12) – Thursday, April 30 (1 & 4 pm)
Create a thoughtful May Day surprise for someone dear to you by making little baskets filled with flowers, cookies, and a special card. They’re sure to bring a smile to the lucky recipient’s face when you sneak it onto their doorknob on May first!
Teen
April Teen Zine Release – Submissions Open for May – 1st Tues, April 7, May 5, etc (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.) 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, April 14 (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. Have your parents sign a consent form and join us for the recording session to help decide what’s discussed!
TGIF Club (Ages 12-19) – Fridays, April 10, 17, 24 (4-5:30 pm)
Play games, make art, buttons, friends—hangout! It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend.
TGIF Special – Blackout Poetry (Ages 12-19) – Friday, April 24 (4-5:30 pm)
Join us for a special edition of TGIF Club! This month, we’ll have everything you need to make blackout poetry.
Teen Forbidden Coloring Club – Poet-tree (Ages 12-19) – Sunday, April 26 (1-3 pm)
Color and decorate what’s usually off-limits, like the walls, windows, and ceiling tiles (and withdrawn mangas). In April, we’ll be decorating the space with teen-created blackout poetry and painting the windows to look like a tree—a poet-tree. (in the Teen Zone)
LAST MONTH for Idaho Teen Reading Challenge (ITRC) – October 2025 to April 2026
Read a book. Win a badge (starting in Dec). Read 4 books. Get the fifth one free. Read 8 books from the 10 categories and get a free prize book and be entered into a grand prize drawing. Pick-up a journal or bookmark in the Teen Zone to get started!
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 April 1, 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.
*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, April 2, 9, 16, 30 (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, April 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.
Adult/All Ages Special Programs
Realtor in the Library – Wednesday, April 1 and May 6 (4-6 pm)
Curious about the real estate market? Wondering what your home is worth or thinking about buying or selling? Drop in for a complimentary real estate consultation at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. No appointment needed. Local Century 21 realtors Janene Kain, Lisa Patterson, and Michael Farrell will answer your questions about home values, downsizing or upsizing, relocation, second homes, and remodeling for the best return. Find them in the Gozzer Room on the first Wednesday of each month.
Lawyer in the Library (Ages 18+) – Thursday, April 2 and May 7 (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 assistwith 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.
How to Best Assist the Body’s Innate Healing Capacity – Thursday, April 2 (5 pm)
Join Dr. Toby Hallowitz and Dr. Thor Bostrom as they present the science of how the body heals. Dr. Toby will dive into the mechanisms of tissue healing and present some key nutrients and botanical extracts which assist the body in its healing functions from injury and chronic inflammation. Dr. Thor will present how SoftWave Shock Therapy promotes healing by stimulating the body’s natural repair mechanisms leading to pain relief, tissue regeneration, and faster wound healing in conditions like tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, back pain and chronic wounds. A demonstration will be provided. Find us in the Community Room.
Sacred Vision: Writing Spiritual Prose Poetry (Ages 14+) – Saturday, April 4 (10:30 am)
Elevate your writing by developing the transcendent vision of a poet, and produce striking and publication-worthy poems. Discover – or rediscover – the root of what drives you to write your most powerful metaphors. You’ll learn the subtle distinctions between prose and poetry, and utilize their intersections for a wide range of genres for style and subject. What spiritual elements are essential to a prose poem? To a memoir? To a story? How important is spirituality in literary genres? Find us upstairs in the Nelson Room.
Green Screen Series & Eco Film Forum – Saturday, April 4 (2 pm)
Join us for the Green Screen Series & Eco Film Forum, hosted by Kootenai Environmental Alliance. Each month, we screen an environmental film and open a community conversation about local impacts and solutions. This month’s film is Merchants of Doubt, a documentary revealing how industry-backed “experts” use disinformation to cast doubt on scientific consensus, from tobacco to climate change. Our panel will feature Marina Steiner, a PhD candidate in Environmental Science who recently traveled to the Aral Sea to speak with residents about the effects of climate change and government denial. Short, clear, and keeps the essentials.
Paul Revere’s Ride and the First Day of the American Revolution (All Ages) – Saturday, April 4 (11-1 pm)
The 19th of April 1775 was a day that forever changed the course of our Nation. Why is this such an important day and who was involved in the birth of our Nation? Join us in the Community Room to learn the true story of Paul Revere, the “Shot Heard Around the World”, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and the sacrifices made to gain our independence. This all ages “Libertyseed” program will be presented by Brad Foster, a local veteran and an instructor for Project Appleseed, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting civic responsibility through the teaching of colonial history and the American tradition of Liberty through a variety of programs in a safe, non-partisan environment.
Let’s talk about SAX (again!) – Thursday, April 9 (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! Craig’s talk will be followed by a concert featuring the saxophone with vocalist Ruth Pratt and musicians Tom Schager, Tom McKay and Doug Folkins. Indulge in a selection of beverages and snacks.
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.
- Kootenai County Genealogical Society (KCGS) Presents: The Anderson Family Bible Project – Wednesday, April 8 (5:30 pm) – What happens when a family Bible is rediscovered? Join the Kootenai County Genealogical Society for a journey of genealogy that follows the Anderson Family from Ottawa, Canada, to Coeur d’Alene. Laura Dabney, KCGS Research Coordinator, and Pam Heath, KCGS Secretary, will share how their research of a local woman’s family bible resulted in a tale of sawmills, the Dream Theater, and a musician’s love for her community.
Medicare Workshops (Ages 18+) –
SHIBA is presenting a series of Medicare 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.
- Tuesday, April 14 (1-2:30 pm)– Medicare Part B & Medicare Wellness – Part B & Wellness Benefits. Learn about Medicare coverage for outpatient services, medical equipment, and preventative and wellness benefits.
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. We will meet at the lower entrance of the library (outside the Community Room) by the moose statue unless otherwise specified and walk towards our destination together; 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.
- Trees, Forest Health, and Fire Mitigation (Ages 13+)- Wednesday, April 15 (9 am) – Learn about the health of Tubbs Hill. Mark Weadick and Steve Boedel, both foresters serving on the board of Friends of Tubbs Hill, will be joining us to talk about the City’s grant for fuel reduction on the hill and plans for future tree planting. We will be walking the Tubbs Hill main loop trail, learning about the various species of trees, how insect and disease activity on the hill affects forest health, and what measures will be taken in the future to help keep our forest healthy. We will meet at the east trailhead on the south- east side of Tubbs Hill (11th Street).
- Earth Day Morning Bird Walk (Ages 13+)- Saturday, April 18 (8:30 am & 9 am) – Celebrate Earth Day with a morning walk on Tubbs Hill and enjoy the sights and sounds of birds. The Coeur d’Alene Audubon Society will conduct a guided birding tour of the east side of Tubbs Hill. We will lead two groups, one at 8:30 and one at 9, starting at the bird sign at the east trailhead on the south- east side of Tubbs Hill (11th Street). The tour will last approximately an hour and a half. Binoculars are recommended and please no pets or children under the age of seven.
- Osprey Walk (Ages 13+)- Wednesday, April 29 (9 am) – Join David Taylor from the Friends of Tubbs Hill to view some of the active Osprey nests located on Tubbs Hill. Nest building/repair should be complete and hopefully the Osprey will be tending their recently laid eggs. We will meet at the city parking lot in front of the Museum of North Idaho’s new home, the White House.
Ukulele Club (All Ages) – Saturday, April 11 (3-4:30 pm)
Want to play the 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.
Sunday Matinee Contra Dance (All Ages) – Sunday, April 12 (2-4 pm)
Join us for a free community Contra Dance, sponsored by the Spokane Folklore Society and featuring the local Huckleberry String Band with Arvid Lundin. 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.
Earth Day (All Ages) April 18
Join us as we come together to honor Earth Day with activities focused on sustainability, community engagement, and environmental awareness. This annual event is a great opportunity to learn simple ways to reduce our impact, connect with others who care about the planet, and take part in hands‑on efforts that support a healthier environment. All are welcome—let’s make a positive difference together!
Book Repair Café – Earth Day Celebration (All Ages) – Saturday, April 18 (10-2 pm)
Save a worn book from the dumpster! Bring a book with a broken spine to the library, during KEA’s Earth Day Celebration, and we’ll glue it back together for you while you browse the event. (The symptoms of a broken spine may include a split in the text block, pages falling out, or a detached cover.) While an experienced library worker will be overseeing repairs, and every effort will be made to leave a book in better condition than it arrives, please don’t bring anything too precious or costly. (Before repairs can begin, a waiver must be signed, acknowledging that repairs will be performed for free by volunteers at the owner’s risk.) Don’t just replace it — repair it!
Interested in being a repair volunteer for potential future repair cafés? Swing by and let us know. Interested in being a teen volunteer for the Earth Day event? Let our teen librarian know.
Intuitive Collage & Poetry (Ages 14+) – Saturday, April 25 (10:30 am)
Intuitive collage is a creative process for self-discovery and inner exploration using images and words. In this workshop, you’ll explore this method to find your poetic voice. The class is for collagers and those new to the method with every level of writing experience. Inspired by Mary Oliver’s “Wild Geese,” you’ll write an original poem or bring your own poems. Combining collage cards and writing techniques, you’ll discover or fine-tune your poetic voice. The most important thing to remember is to honor your own process. We will provide collage materials for you to bring visual life to your words.
Fraud Awareness & Smart Money for Adults
- Fraud Awareness (Ages 16+)– Thursdays, April 30, July 30, & October 29 (10 am) -Join Global Credit Union to learn how to protect yourself from financial loss and stress in today’s digital landscape. Explore common types of fraud like phishing & skimming and learn how scammers constantly adapt to prevention measures. Gain insights about credit monitoring, the BBB Scam Tracker, online account security, and steps to take if you fall victim to fraud. Attendees will receive handouts and have the opportunity to ask questions. Find us in the Gozzer Room.
- Smart Money (Ages 16+)- Thursdays April 30, July 30, & October 29 (5 pm) – Join Global Credit Union for an adult financial literacy class focusing on intermediate topics such as budget basics, establishing good savings habits, understanding your credit report and the cost of credit, retirement investing, and more! Find us in the Gozzer Room.
From Moccasins to Heels: Randy’L Teton on the Sacajawea Story – Friday, May 1 (5:30 pm)
Randy’L Teton, the youngest & only living model on U.S. currency, is a nationally recognized presenter, author, and enrolled member of the Shoshone‑Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall, Idaho. She is best known as the official model for the Sacajawea Golden Dollar and as the author of the acclaimed children’s book “It’s Her Story: Sacajawea”, which shares a tribally grounded interpretation of Sacajawea’s life and legacy
Her work centers on Indigenous history, women’s empowerment, and reclaiming the narrative of Sacajawea through years of research and cultural knowledge. She has presented across the United States in partnership with the U.S. Mint and numerous cultural and educational institutions.
Randy’L Teton’s visit includes:
- A 35‑minute presentation exploring the story of Sacajawea from a Shoshone perspective, the history behind the Sacajawea dollar coin, and her personal journey as the coin’s model. Topics typically include Indigenous representation, historical accuracy, and women’s leadership.
- Audience Q&A following the presentation.
- A meet‑and‑greet and book signing, during which the public can purchase copies of “It’s Her Story: Sacajawea” for $20 each.