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Library offering summer nature, reading programs for kids

LAUREN REICHENBACH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 4 months AGO
by LAUREN REICHENBACH
I’ve spent most of my life in northeastern Washington and graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2021. After that, I spent roughly two years working for a small online newspaper in North Seattle before realizing big city living wasn’t for me. Me and my pup, Kodak, headed east, where we eventually landed in Sandpoint. When I’m not writing, you can find me spending time exercising and taking photos. I ran two half marathons in high school and after spending the past few years recovering from various injuries, I’m hoping to complete my first full marathon by the end of the year. I also love any outdoor activity, none of which would be complete without my dog. Kodak and I love going for walks and hikes, and I can’t wait to try to convince him to get in my kayak and spend the hot months of the year on Lake Pend Oreille. While he’s not a fan of baths, he sure does love chasing the ducks. | June 18, 2024 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Library is encouraging kids to both get out in nature as well as get their reading in with multiple kids’ programs being offered this summer.

Every Wednesday, join library staff along with Kaniksu Land Trust for their Let’s Hike youth program, where kids enjoy some fresh air while also reading new books. From 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., local rangers will lead kids on an immersive outdoor experience.

“Each hike will commence with a storybook session and an introduction to the ranger or hike leader,” library staff said.

This summer program is geared for kids ages 6 years and older.

The next Let’s Hike will be held at Riley Creek Recreation Area on June 26. The distance of the hike will be roughly 1.4 miles and the theme will be learning about the plants and vegetation that inhabits Riley Creek.

Hikes will take place each Wednesday through the end of July, with an exception on the week of Fourth of July.

Today, and every Tuesday until Aug. 6, join library staff at the Pine Street Woods for its Trails and Tales program, another hiking experience for young ones. This weekly event is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome if interested.

“The hikes will be conducted at preschool/toddler pace and will be approximately one mile,” said library staff member Suzanne Davis. “We will stop for a story twice and read a story at the end as well.”

Trails and Tales will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. and snacks will be provided for the kids.

Book Adventures is for kids in third grade and up, Davis said.

“It is part book club, part activity hour,” she added.

During this program, Davis will spend roughly 15 minutes reading her favorite part of a book, then kids will answer trivia questions about that book. Afterward, kids will have the opportunity to read their favorite part of the book out loud. The program will end with a craft or other activity and snacktime.

Book Adventures will also take place each Wednesday until the end of July, minus the week of Fourth of July. The next book adventure will be held June 26 and kids will be reading “Dragon Adventures — The Dragonet Prophecy.”

Copies of each week’s book will be available at the end of the current week’s club meeting. Remaining copies will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis, as supplies last.

Each of these three programs is free and open to all children in Bonner County.

The Let’s Hike and Book Adventures programs do require pre-registration. Visit bit.ly/3xiqF4X to register for these programs or to learn more about these upcoming events.

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