This Week at The Dalles Library: Sept. 14, 2026

Sep 6

Written By Columbia Community Connection

By Joshuah Albert

The Dalles, Ore., Sept 6, 2026 — The Dalles Public Library has a full slate of activities during the second week of September, ranging from anime and chess to Pilates, clogging, family science, and a virtual conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Daniel Kraus.

Monday, Sept. 7 — Library closed for Labor Day: The Dalles Public Library will be closed all day in observance of Labor Day.

Tuesday, Sept. 8 — Anime and Manga Book Club: Teens can meet from 3:30 to 4 p.m. in the Teen Room to talk about what they’re currently reading and watch an episode of anime. There is no assigned reading, and prizes will be raffled at each meetup.

Tuesday, Sept. 8 — Writing the Nightmare with Daniel Kraus: Pulitzer Prize-winning author Daniel Kraus will join a virtual discussion from 4 to 5 p.m. celebrating the release of his new novel, “The Sixth Nik.” Kraus won the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for “Angel Down” and is also known for “Whalefall” and his collaborations with Guillermo del Toro and George A. Romero. Registration is required for the online event.

Tuesday, Sept. 8 — The Art of Storytelling: Nancy Turner will lead “The Art of Storytelling: Midlife & Elder Tales” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Main Library. The adult workshop is part of a series, and registration is required by Sept. 7.

Wednesday, Sept. 9 — Hobbity Seasonal Wreath: Teens and adults can create an autumn wreath, with or without a hobbit door, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Meeting Room. The workshop is the third installment in a four-part seasonal wreath series. Registration is required, and participants must be 13 or older.

Wednesday, Sept. 9 — Chess Club: Players of all experience levels can sharpen their chess skills from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Makerspace. Vanessa and Payten will teach fundamentals, strategies and techniques through lessons and practice games. The club meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays and is open to ages 8 to 108.

Thursday, Sept. 10 — Mat Pilates: Shannon Red Cloud will lead a Mat Pilates class from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Meeting Room. The adult class focuses on strength, flexibility and balance through controlled movement and can be modified for different fitness levels. No equipment is needed.

Thursday, Sept. 10 — Open Makerspace: Teens and adults can use the library’s Makerspace from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for arts, crafts and STEAM activities.

Thursday, Sept. 10 — Family STEAM Night: Microscope Mania!: Families can explore the microscopic world from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Main Library. Participants will use a camera-equipped microscope to examine prepared slides and samples brought from home, such as pond water, leaves, hair or insect wings. Children must attend with an adult.

Friday, Sept. 11 — Fun Friday for Teens: Teens can gather at the library from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for the library’s weekly Fun Friday program.

Friday, Sept. 11 — Fun Friday: Pokémon: Elementary school-age children can enjoy a Pokémon-themed edition of Fun Friday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Wing. The program is geared toward ages 5-10, although everyone is welcome.

Friday, Sept. 11 — Clogging with Becky Huskey: Teens and adults can learn the basics of clogging from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Meeting Room. The class is part of an eight-week dance series led by Becky Huskey. No previous experience is necessary, and tap shoes are available to borrow.

Saturday, Sept. 12 — VinYin and Violin: Yoga instructor Shannon Red Cloud and violinist Jeremy Clawson will combine yoga and live violin music from 9 to 10 a.m. on the library lawn beneath the sycamore tree. The morning program is open to teens and adults.

Saturday, Sept. 12 — Lunch & Learn: Emoji Improv for Kids: Children ages 7-12 can explore acting, improvisation, storytelling and imaginative play from noon to 1 p.m. in the Meeting Room. The program is designed to build confidence, creativity, teamwork and communication skills. Lunch is provided, and registration is required.

Saturday, Sept. 12 — KidQuest: Children ages 6-11 can enter the world of role-playing games from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Children’s Wing. Participants will create characters, learn role-playing game basics and embark on adventures built around imagination and teamwork. Snacks will be provided.