The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 30, 2026 — The Dalles Public Library has a busy week planned for Nov. 2-7, with activities ranging from a Día de los Muertos celebration and hands-on crafts to a winter coat exchange, a Nerf battle, and a visit from mermaids.
Most activities are open to the public, although some have age restrictions, limited supplies or registration requirements.
Here is a look at what's happening at the library.
Monday, Nov. 2
Spice Kit Take and Make — All day
Teens and adults can pick up a monthly spice kit featuring recipes selected by local librarians and a selection of spices needed to prepare the dishes. Kits are available at the circulation desk on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Día de los Muertos celebration — 5-8 p.m.
The library will host a free, family-friendly celebration of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, featuring live music from Mariachi Internacional Los Gallos, traditional ballet folklórico performances by the Chenowith Dancers and a Catrina costume contest.
The evening will also include Mexican pastries, tacos from Pueblito Lindo, Lotería with prizes, bilingual storytime, arts and crafts, and face painting.
The celebration is presented in partnership with Juntos and The Next Door. All ages are welcome.
Tuesday, Nov. 3
Book Kit Take and Make: Dungeon Runners — All day
School-age children can pick up a book kit featuring "Dungeon Runners: Hero Trial" by Kieran Larwood. Each kit includes a book to keep, themed activities and crafts.
Children who read the book can write a letter to the library's kid librarian to receive a prize. Kits are limited to one per family and are available while supplies last.
Four Directions Bracelet Take and Make — All day
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the library is offering bracelet-making kits inspired by the Four Directions.
Participants will use colored beads representing east, south, west and north, learning about their symbolism in Indigenous traditions.
The activity is designed for school-age children, teens and adults. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Virtual author talk with Asha Frost — 11 a.m. to noon
Indigenous author and healer Asha Frost will discuss her book, "You Are the Medicine: 13 Moons of Indigenous Wisdom, Ancestral Connection, and Animal Spirit Guidance," during a virtual presentation.
Frost, a member of the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation, will explore ancestral connections, self-care and traditional Indigenous teachings.
The program is intended for adults. Registration is required through the library's virtual author talk program.
Quilling with Corina — 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Participants of all ages can learn the art of paper quilling, a craft that uses rolled and shaped strips of paper to create decorative designs.
The hands-on workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced crafters. All materials are provided.
Location: Library meeting room.
Crazy Craft Club: DIY Squishy — 4-5:30 p.m.
Children ages 8-12 can create their own squishy toys during this week's Crazy Craft Club.
The club encourages creativity through colorful, hands-on projects. Parents or accompanying adults must remain with their children during the program.
Location: Library makerspace.
Wednesday, Nov. 4
Adult Art Club: Beaded Bookshelf Ornament — 1-2:30 p.m.
Adults are invited to the library's makerspace for a craft session creating beaded bookshelf ornaments.
Location: Library makerspace.
Hot Chocolate Wednesdays — 2-4 p.m.
Teens can stop by the library's teen room for a warm cup of hot chocolate during this recurring afternoon program.
Location: Teen room.
Beaded Bookshelf Ornament for Teens — 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Teens can create beaded bookshelf ornaments during an afternoon craft session.
Location: Teen room.
Thursday, Nov. 5
Patchwork with Corliss, Part 1 — 1-4 p.m.
Teens and adults can participate in the first session of a patchwork crafting program led by Corliss.
Location: Library makerspace.
Family Sweets and Stories Night — 6-7 p.m.
Families can enjoy an evening of stories, desserts and coloring during this monthly gathering.
A librarian will read aloud selections that may include short stories, poetry or chapters from a featured book while families relax with sweet treats and art supplies.
All ages are welcome.
Location: Main library.
Friday, Nov. 6
Fun Fridays: Disguise a Duck — 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Children can transform ordinary yellow rubber ducks into imaginative characters during this week's Fun Fridays activity.
Participants might turn their ducks into Jedi, monsters or other creations before hiding them throughout the library for a scavenger hunt.
The activity is geared toward elementary school-age children.
Location: Children's wing.
Nerf War — 6:30-8 p.m.
Children ages 9-13 can participate in an evening Nerf battle at the library. Pizza will be provided.
Registration is required and closes at 3 p.m. Nov. 6. Parents must complete a waiver for each participating child.
Participants may bring their own unmodified Nerf blasters, but the library will provide all ammunition. Children are expected to help clean up after the event.
Saturday, Nov. 7
Second annual Winter Coat Exchange — 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The library will host its second annual winter coat exchange, giving community members an opportunity to donate or pick up warm coats for children and adults.
Clean, laundered coats can be dropped off at the library's front desk through the morning of Nov. 7.
Coats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Location: New books area.
A Magical Mermaid Morning — 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Mermaids will visit the library for a morning of stories, songs, face painting, fairy hair and underwater-themed fun.
The event begins with a mermaid welcome from 10:30-10:45 a.m., followed by interactive storytime, sing-alongs, face painting and fairy hair activities until 12:15 p.m.
The morning concludes with a mermaid farewell and photo opportunity from 12:15-12:30 p.m.
The event is open to all ages.
Location: Main library.
"Pride and Prejudice" movie marathon — 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fans of Jane Austen can spend the day watching the celebrated 1995 adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice," featuring Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
Light refreshments will be provided, and guests can work on embroidery projects while enjoying the film.
The event is intended for teens and adults.
Location: Library meeting room.
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