This Week at The Dalles Library: Sept 13, 2026

Sep 13

Written By Columbia Community Connection

By Joshuah Albert

The Dalles, Ore. Sept. 13, 2026 — The Dalles Public Library has a full week of activities planned Sept. 14-19, including family crafts, outdoor recreation classes, virtual author programming, children’s activities and a Hobbit-themed Saturday.

Monday, Sept. 14

Phonics Lessons Take-Home Kit for Families with Struggling Readers — All day. Families can pick up a free copy of Phonics for Parents: Teach Your Child to Read, Improve Basic Skills, and Overcome Reading Difficulties at Home by P.L. Stanton, along with four word-family sight-word flashcard flipbooks. Kits are intended for families supporting preschool and school-age children who are learning to read. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Maker Monday — 5:30-7 p.m. in the Makerspace. Teens and adults are invited to take part in an evening of arts, crafts and STEAM activities.

Tuesday, Sept. 15

Virtual: The Art of Fighting with Priya Parker — 1-2 p.m. Author and conflict facilitator Priya Parker will discuss her new book, The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict, and how healthy disagreement can strengthen relationships and communities. Registration is required for the virtual program.

Crazy Craft Club: Journal Pouch Cover — 4-5:30 p.m. in the Makerspace. Children ages 8-12 can get creative during the library’s colorful and sometimes messy craft club. An accompanying adult must remain with participating children.

Wednesday, Sept. 16

Movie Matinee — 4-6 p.m. in the Meeting Room. The library’s monthly family-friendly movie matinee returns with snacks provided. Our feature for this month is a new movie about a bounty hunter and his young ward in a galaxy far, far away...

Thursday, Sept. 17

Open Makerspace — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Teens and adults can use the library Makerspace for creative arts, crafts and STEAM projects.

Family Craft Night: Friendship Bracelets — 6-7 p.m. in the Main Library. Families can learn friendship-bracelet techniques and create bracelets to share with friends and loved ones. Supplies and instructions are provided. Children must attend with an accompanying adult.

Just Painting! with Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield — 6-7 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Teens and adults will explore acrylic painting techniques and artistic styles while creating small works on canvas. No experience is necessary and materials are provided. Registration is required.

Friday, Sept. 18

Outdoor Recreation 101, 201 and 301 — 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Search and rescue veteran Won Kim will lead three one-hour classes covering outdoor trip planning, navigation, emergency shelters, wilderness preparedness, winter survival and other outdoor safety skills. Participants may attend one class or stay for all three. All experience levels are welcome.

Fun Friday for Teens — 3:30-4:30 p.m. Teens are invited to the library for a Friday afternoon activity.

Fun Friday: Back-to-School Journal Cover — 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Wing. Children can make a back-to-school journal cover as part of the library’s weekly Fun Friday series. The program is designed primarily for ages 5-10, although everyone is welcome.

Saturday, Sept. 19

Take and Make: Embroidery with Steph Evans — Highland Cow — 10 a.m.-noon. Teens and adults ages 11 and older can participate in a Highland cow embroidery project. Registration is required.

Second Breakfast Storytime — 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Meeting Room. Families are invited for a playful Saturday storytime featuring stories, games and activities.

Hobbit-Themed Improv for Kids — Noon-1 p.m. in the Children’s Wing. Children ages 7-12 can create fantasy characters, explore imaginary forests and caves, tackle challenges and build their own adventure through theater games and improvisation. No acting experience is required. Registration is required.

Hobbity Birthday Party — 1-2:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room.

VR Gaming — 1-3 p.m. Teens can try virtual reality gaming at the library. Equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Miniature Hobbit Door Wreath Craft — 3-4 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Participants of all ages can make a 4-inch miniature Hobbit door to bring a little bit of the Shire home.