This Week at The Dalles Library: Jan. 5, 2026

Jan 6

Written By Columbia Community Connection

By Joshuah Albert

The Dalles, Ore., Jan. 4, 2026 — The Dalles Public Library will host a full slate of January programs, including winter reading, STEAM activities, crafts, storytimes, and family events, with offerings for preschoolers through adults throughout the month.

Ongoing
Thursday, Jan. 1–Sunday, Feb. 1
Books & Blankets Winter Reading Challenge, all day. The Dalles Public Library. Open to all ages. Participants may pick up a bingo card at the circulation desk and complete all squares to earn a prize. Open to Wasco County residents or holders of a valid The Dalles Public Library card. Winter Reading begins Jan. 1 and ends Feb. 1. Prizes may be picked up after submitting a completed card.

Friday, Jan. 2–Saturday, Jan. 10
Pint-Sized Playdates, all day. The Dalles Public Library. For preschool and school-age children. Weekly themed tabletop activities for young children, including crafts and hands-on play. This week’s theme is Sasquatch.

Monday, Jan. 5
Spice Kit Take & Make, all day. The Dalles Public Library. For teens and adults. Stop by the library to pick up a spice kit with herbs, spices and a librarian-selected recipe card. Available the first Monday of each month while supplies last.

Tuesday, Jan. 6
Little Learners Lab: Kids in STEAM, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Children’s Wing, The Dalles Public Library. For preschoolers. A hands-on STEAM program for toddlers and preschoolers focused on building, discovery and creative play. Children must attend with an accompanying adult.

Literacy Launchpad, 4:15–5:15 p.m. Children’s Wing, The Dalles Public Library. For preschool and school-age children. A literacy support program using movement, songs, games and hands-on activities to build early reading skills.

Sensory-Friendly Storytime, 5:30–6 p.m. Children’s Wing, The Dalles Public Library. For preschool and school-age children. A calm, low-sensory storytime with dimmed lights and quiet activities. Children must attend with an accompanying adult.

Wednesday, Jan. 7
Create Night with Denae Manion: Neon Northern Lights Painting, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Meeting Room, The Dalles Public Library. For teens and adults. Participants will use neon black-light paint to create a northern lights scene. Registration is required and closes at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 7.

Thursday, Jan. 8
Family STEAM Night: Candy Bridges, 6–7 p.m. Main Library, The Dalles Public Library. Open to all ages. Families are invited to build candy-and-toothpick bridges and test their strength. A STEAM-themed hot beverage will be available. Children must attend with an accompanying adult. Food allergy notice applies.

Friday, Jan. 9
Fun Fridays, 3–4:30 p.m. Children’s Wing, The Dalles Public Library. For school-age children. A rotating series of activities including art, crafts, games and STEAM projects. Materials are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fun Fridays for Teens: DIY Muddy Buddies, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Meeting Room, The Dalles Public Library. For teens. Participants will make Muddy Buddies using Chex Mix, chocolate, powdered sugar and candy toppings.

Saturday, Jan. 10
Craft Store Desert Craft Supply Exchange, 2–4 p.m. Meeting Room, The Dalles Public Library. For adults. Bring new or gently used craft supplies to trade. Drop-off is from 2–2:30 p.m., with browsing beginning at 3 p.m. Unclaimed items left after 4:15 p.m. will be donated to the library.

KidQuest, 2–4 p.m. Children’s Wing, The Dalles Public Library. For school-age children ages 6–11. A role-playing game program where participants create characters, learn game rules and work together on imaginative adventures. Snacks will be provided.