Library activities for May 2026
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 months, 1 week AGO
Busy little hands can get creative at Preschool Storytime and Craft Tuesdays at the Ephrata Public Library.
FILE PHOTO
Joel Martin has been with the Columbia Basin Herald for more than 25 years in a variety of roles and is the most-tenured employee in the building. Martin is a married father of eight and enjoys spending time with his children and his wife, Christina. He is passionate about the paper’s mission of informing the people of the Columbia Basin because he knows it is important to record the history of the communities the publication serves. | April 28, 2026 3:00 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s a lot going on at your local library. Find yours and check it out.
Coulee City
218 W Main St. – 509-632-8751
May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 (Fridays): Preschool storytime | 10:45 a.m.
Half an hour of stories, songs, rhymes, and fun. This program is designed for preschool-age children and their adult caregivers
May 7: Mother’s Day Crafternoon | 3 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a 3D heart-card that you created especially for that wonderful mom, grandma, aunt, or whoever needs some love this holiday.
Ephrata
45 Alder St NW – 509-754-3971
May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 (Fridays): Sit and Stitch | 1:30 p.m.
All ages and skill levels are welcome to share techniques, tips, patterns, and yarn. Crochet kits are available for checkout as well as hundreds of print and digital crochet books and magazines.
May 4, 11 and 18 (Mondays): Digital Music Open Lab | 4 p.m.
Are you a songwriter, podcaster, or digital creator, but don’t have gear or need help to get started? Level up your music and/or content-making skills with time in the Digital Music Lab. Librarian will be available to help participants use Library-owned devices equipped with Digital Audio Workstation software like Garage Band, Logic Pro and more, or participants can bring their own phone, tablet or laptop and DAW.
May 5, 12, 19 and 26 (Tuesdays): Preschool Storytime and Craft | 10:30 a.m.
A half-hour filled with stories, movement, rhymes, songs, and fun, finishing up with a craft. This storytime is geared toward preschool-aged children, but older and younger children and their grownups are welcome and should find it fun, too.
May 7, 14, 21 and 28 (Thursdays): A.T.L.A.S. – At The Library After School | 3:30-5 p.m.
Children in grades K-6 are invited to explore building with fun materials like KEVA Planks, LEGO bricks, and even cardboard, using special tools from Makedo.
George
403 S Washington Way – 509-785-7043
May 6, 13, 20 and 27 (Wednesdays): ¡A Jugar! A Community Game Hub | All Day
Drop in at the library to play games, spend time with family and laugh with friends of all ages. No registration needed. Games include dominos, Uno, Sushi Go!, Dragonwood, and That’s Pretty Clever with some new games thrown in every so often to keep things fun.
May 9: Craft & Chill | 11 a.m.
Relax, craft, and connect for cozy movie nights where you can bring your own handicraft or explore one at the library and share creative energy in a welcoming space that celebrates community and conversation. Whether you’re crocheting, sketching, painting, folding paper airplanes or just unwinding, there’s a place for everyone.
May 12, 19 and 26 (Tuesdays): Open Worlds, Open Minds: Virtual TTRPG for Middle Schoolers | 4 p.m.
Fun, beginner-friendly virtual tabletop role-playing game campaign designed especially for middle school adventurers. Over 3-4 weekly sessions, participants will develop their own unique characters, work together to explore a fantasy world, and solve creative challenges. No prior experience is needed, just imagination and a willingness to collaborate. This program offers a welcoming space for neurodivergent players and students with disabilities, encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and social connections in an accessible online environment. Pre-registration is required at https://bit.ly/GeorgeTTRPG5-12.
May 15: Bring Your Own Book Club | 5 p.m.
Readers meet and have a guided discussion about participants’ various books and maybe discover a new book or genre.
Mattawa
101 Manson Lane – 509-932-5507
May 2 and 16: Bilingual Storytime | 12 p.m.
Librarians will read stories in both English and Spanish and share culture and insights, teach simple words and phrases, and share an added activity or craft. Storytimes are geared towards preschool-age children and their families, but everyone is welcome.
Moses Lake
418 E. Fifth Ave. – 509-765-3489
May 1: Bilingual Storytime | 10:30 a.m.
Story in Spanish and English. Twice the languages, double the fun.
May 1: A Night with CALM | 6 p.m.
In partnership with Big Bend Community College and the Moses Lake Public Library, Patti Jones has created CALM, a Creative Arts Literary Magazine. CALM is a place where creative writing and art collide in a feast for the eyes and mind. Artists and writers will share their work from CALM and attendees can ask questions and mingle. Light Refreshments will be provided.
May 1 and 15: LEGOs at the Library | 4:30 p.m.
Teens and tweens are invited to play and build with LEGOs.
May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 (Saturdays): Creative Writing Series | 2:30 p.m.
Whether you’re new to writing or a published author, this writing group is for you. Program includes weekly prompts, writing topics and sharing work, and will evolve to fit the group’s interests, including plot structure, character development, getting started, writer’s block, editing, critiquing and more.
May 4: Messy Pages Club | 4 p.m.
A creative hangout where teens and tweens can cut, paste, scribble, glue, doodle and journal without worrying about perfection.
May 5, 19 and 26 (Tuesdays): Preschool Storytime | 10:30 a.m.
Children 3-6 years old sing songs, read books, and do crafts together.
May 6 and 20: Stitch & Whinge Needle Craft Group | 4-5 p.m.
For those who have experience or those looking to learn knitting, crochet, cross stitch, embroidery, hand-quilting and other post-apocalyptic life skills. Ages 18 and older.
May 7, 14, 21 and 28 (Thursdays): Adults with Special Needs Storytime | 10:30 a.m.
Weekly storytime with songs and crafts.
May 7, 14, 21 and 28 (Thursdays): Switch Gaming | 4 p.m.
Join other enthusiasts for gaming on the Nintendo Switch. A variety of games and controllers will be provided by the library.
May 7: 3-D Bookend Planter | 5 p.m.
Adults can celebrate “Make a Book Day” and plant a seed in a 3-D bookend planter to decorate a bookshelf at home. Provided by the Friends of the Moses Lake Library.
May 8: Make a Mother’s Day Card | 4 p.m.
All supplies provided; just bring your creativity.
May 8: Sensory Storytime | 10:30 a.m.
For children 3-7 years old with sensory needs. This storytime is especially welcoming to neurodivergent children and their families, with stories, songs, and play.
May 8: Pressed & Obsessed | 3:30 p.m.
Teens and tweens are invited to create beautiful pressed-flower sun catchers. Just bring your creativity and get a little obsessed with pressed petals. While supplies available.
May 12: Storytime with Valor | 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy a story with Kids Hope comfort dog Valor.
May 15: Adult Book Club | 5 p.m.
Young adults and seniors meet to discuss books chosen by the members in an open-forum conversation.
May 20: Friends of the Moses Lake Library Meeting | 1 p.m.
The Friends of the Library support the work of the librarians. All are welcome.
May 22: Crafts of Questionable Quality | 10:30 a.m.
Family-friendly crafts and a story for elementary-age and preschool children.
May 28: What the Smut?! Romance Book Club | 6:30 p.m.
Book discussion for adults over 21 only.
Othello
125 E. Hemlock St. – 509-488-9683
May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29: DIY Crochet Club | 4 p.m.
Hands-on opportunity for adults to explore a new hobby, create unique projects, and connect with fellow craft enthusiasts. Supplies provided.
May 4: Preschool Playdate – Pee Wee PE | 11 a.m.
Tire your little one out and develop gross motor skills while having fun with a variety of P.E. equipment. For children ages 3-5 years old.
May 4 and 18: LEGO Club | 5 p.m.
Participate in fun, creative building experiences and meet other LEGO fans. Blocks will be provided.
May 6, 13, 20 and 27 (Wednesdays): Preschool Storytime | 11 a.m.
Stories, songs, movement and play for children 0-5.
May 11: Escape Room | 5 p.m.
Teams unravel cryptic clues, solve intricate puzzles, and race against the clock in a printable escape room that challenges both their wits and teamwork. For children in grades K-2.
May 11 and 18: Little Learners | 11 a.m.
Stories, songs, and educational activities that help prepare your child for a successful start in school.
May 16: Bilingual Storytime | 1:30 p.m.
Vibrant, language-rich experience designed to prepare children for kindergarten while introducing or reinforcing Spanish and English language skills. For families with children of all ages.
Quincy
208 Central Ave. S. – 509-787-2359
May 4 and 11: English Citizenship Study Group | 4:30 p.m.
Guidance through the naturalization interview, exam prep, U.S. history, civics and eligibility requirements. All materials provided.
May 12: Adults Only Craft & Sip | 5 p.m.
Treat yourself to an evening of creativity, wine, and good company with spring-themed crafts taught by Kim Bacon and led by library staff. Perfect for date night, girls’ night, or a solo unwind. All craft supplies are provided – just bring your creativity. Space and supplies are limited, so arriving early is a great idea. Note: This event is held offsite at the Jones of Washington Tasting Room, Quincy Public Market, 1004 F. St. SW.
May 14: Grant County Health District Mobile Outreach | 1:30-3 p.m.
Education, resources, preventative care, and other types of support for those who may be in high-risk settings. Free hygiene materials, CPR face shields, Narcan, sharps containers, wound care, hand sanitizer, emergency blankets, seasonal warming materials, socks, condoms, and feminine products.
May 14: Latino Civic Alliance Community Outreach | 1:30 p.m.
Valuable information, resources and support, as well as information about LCA programs for youth, parents and families and small businesses.
Ritzville
302 W. Main Ave. – 509-659-1222
May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30: D&D Club | 12 p.m.
Thrills, excitement and extraordinary quests for all ages.
May 6: Crafternoon | 4 p.m.
Crafting for all ages. Children under 8 must be supervised by an adult.
May 28: Movie Matinee
Free, child-friendly movie with free popcorn.
Royal City
109 Camelia St NW – 509-346-9281
May 5, 12, 19 and 26 (Tuesdays): Read and Play/Leer y Jugar | All Day
Stories and playtime for preschool and elementary children.
May 7, 14, 21 and 28 (Thursdays): Silent Book Club | 4:30 p.m.
Escape the noise and read what you love in quiet company.
May 19: DOL2GO Department of Licensing Mobile Unit Event | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Renew your driver’s license or apply for an enhanced license. Debit or credit card payments only; no cash. Registration required at 509-787-2359.
Soap Lake
32 Main Ave. E. – 509-246-1313
May 7, 14, 21 and 28 (Thursdays): Children’s Storytime | 10 a.m.
Half an hour of stories, songs, rhymes, and fun, with the opportunity for language and literacy development as well as social and emotional growth.
Warden
305 S Main St – 509-349-2226
May 1, 8, 15 and 22: Friday Morning Storytime | 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs and crafts for children 0-5 and their grownups.
Bookmobile Schedule:
Desert Aire: May 4 and 18 at 2 p.m.
Beverly: May 4 and 18 at 3:30 p.m.
Wilson Creek May 12 and 26 at 12 p.m.
ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN
Quincy National Night Out scales down
QUINCY — Quincy’s National Night Out was more compact this year, which worked out well, said QPD Sgt. Joe Westby, who’s in charge of event planning for the Quincy Police Department. “National Night Out is a big event, and the fact that we’re able to shrink it up is like a breath of fresh air,” Westby said. “If you're always doing the same thing, it's kind of nice to switch things up and see how it works.” National Night Out took place Thursday on the block of C Street next to the police station, a shift from previous years when it was held at Lauzier Park. The smaller space meant fewer emergency vehicles for children to explore, but it also meant less walking for attendees. Grant County Fire District 5 brought a fire truck, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office had a patrol boat. Renew, the Grant County behavioral health agency, had a booth and so did Quincy Partnership for Youth. Veterans Operation Creation sang the national anthem, and the Quincy Animal Shelter brought kittens that piled over each other making friends with passersby. As before, the QPD served grilled hot dogs.
Quincy Police retirements leave big shoes to fill
QUINCY — There are some big shoes to fill at the Quincy Police Department. “We’re losing 48 years of experience between them,” Quincy Police Chief Ryan Green said at the retirement party for Capt. Jorge Trujillo and Det. Damon Powell Thursday. Trujillo, who grew up in Sunnyside, has been with QPD for 19 years, he said, coming on as a patrol officer fresh out of the military. From there he served as a field training officer, a detective and finally captain. “I consider him my left-hand man,” Green said. “He runs the operations side of the house … He knows the agency very well, and he knows the community.” Trujillo has some projects around the house to tackle now that he’s retired, he said.
Big fun on a small scale
Wheat Land Communities’ Fair opens Thursday
RITZVILLE — The Wheat Land Communities’ Fair isn’t as big or as flashy as some of the county fairs around central Washington, but the folks who keep it going like it just the way it is. “It’s somewhere you can go and get an old-time traditional feeling, and you’re comfortable letting your kids roam the grounds and experience all that it has to offer,” said Board Member Lori Williams. “It’s more of a feeling than (one) specific thing,” The fair starts Thursday in Ritzville and runs through Sunday. Starting Friday, the 56th Ritzville Rodeo will take place alongside the fair at the rodeo grounds. This year the entertainment budget was expanded, Williams said, to be able to offer more fun that’s covered by the cost of admission. For the kids, there’s face painting, balloon art, Lego crafts, races, contests and games. Children can also ride on a little train towed around the fairgrounds behind a tractor.