This Week at The Dalles Library: June 8, 2026

Jun 7

Written By Columbia Community Connection

By Joshuah Albert

The Dalles, Ore., June 4, 2026 — The Dalles Public Library will offer a full slate of June programs for children, teens, adults and families, including summer reading activities, STEAM learning, author talks, live music and games.

All events are at The Dalles Public Library unless otherwise noted.

Plant a Seed, Read — Miniature Reading Nook

Monday, June 8, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Makerspace

Adults can create a lighted miniature reading nook inside a magical book as part of the library’s Plant a Seed, Read summer reading program. The first session will focus on structure, paint and wallpaper. Future sessions will cover bookshelves and lighting, plants and decor, chairs, books and finishing touches. Registration is required, and participants must attend the first session to continue in the series.

Little Learners Lab: Kids in STEAM

Tuesday, June 9, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Children’s Wing

Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to explore hands-on STEAM activities through building, discovery, creativity and play. Children must attend with an accompanying adult. Drop-offs are not permitted.

Virtual Author Talk with Matt Dinniman

Thursday, June 11, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., virtual

Adults are invited to a virtual discussion with Matt Dinniman, New York Times bestselling author of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, including his latest book, A Parade of Horribles. Registration is required for the virtual event.

Family STEAM Night: Make Your Own Ice Cream

Thursday, June 11, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Main Library

Families can celebrate the end of school by making plastic bag ice cream while learning about chemistry. The program is open to all ages, though children must attend with an accompanying adult. Food allergy precautions apply.

Friday Concerts in June at Noon

Friday, June 12, noon to 1 p.m., library deck

The library’s free Friday concert series continues outdoors on the deck beneath the sycamore tree. The family-friendly June series highlights global sounds and includes a short educational element with each performance. Light snacks will be provided.

Fun Friday: Tie-Dye T-Shirts

Friday, June 12, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Children’s Wing

Elementary school-aged children can take part in a tie-dye T-shirt activity as part of the library’s weekly Fun Friday series. The program is intended for ages 5 to 10, but all are welcome.

Romeo and Juliet: Reader’s Theater Rehearsal

Friday, June 12, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Makerspace

Teens and adults are invited to rehearse for a reader’s theater performance of Romeo and Juliet scheduled for Saturday, June 27. No experience or memorization is required. The program is open to ages 13 and older, or ages 10 and older with a guardian.

Clogging with Becky Huskey

Friday, June 12, 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., Meeting Room

Teens and adults can learn the basics of clogging during a seven-week dance series with Becky Huskey. No experience is needed. Registration is required and covers all sessions in the series.

Celebrating Woody Guthrie’s Columbia River Songs — Author Talk

Friday, June 12, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Main Library

Author, DJ, producer and music historian Greg Vandy will discuss 26 Songs in 30 Days: Woody Guthrie’s Columbia River Songs and the Planned Promised Land in the Pacific Northwest. The event is part of a two-part program connected to America’s 250th anniversary and will explore Guthrie’s Columbia River songs, public power, labor and regional identity.

School’s Out Summer Movie

Friday, June 12, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., offsite

The library will host a screening of a film adaptation of Louis Sachar’s award-winning children’s novel about a juvenile-correctional facility run by an intimidating warden. The program is open to school-age children, teens and adults.

Chess Club

Saturday, June 13, noon to 1:30 p.m., Meeting Room

Chess Club returns on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Vanessa Bartsma will teach fundamentals, strategies and techniques for players ages 8 to 108.

Family Board Game Afternoons

Saturday, June 13, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Main Library

Families can gather for board games, snacks and weekend fun during a twice-monthly program held on the second and fourth Saturdays. Games include classics and newer titles for a range of ages.

KidQuest

Saturday, June 13, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Children’s Wing

Children ages 6 to 11 can learn role-playing game basics, create characters and take part in imaginative adventures. The program encourages creativity, teamwork and storytelling. Snacks will be provided.