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Library activities for July 2026

JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 hours, 47 minutes AGO
by JOEL MARTIN
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. | June 24, 2026 3:00 AM

COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s plenty going on for children and adults at libraries around the Basin. All activities are at the library unless otherwise indicated.

Coulee City

218 W Main St. – 509-632-8751

July 9: Grant County PUD Guest Program | 3 p.m.

Grant County PUD will share great information and fun activities for all ages.

July 10, 17 and 31 (Fridays): Preschool Storytime | 11 a.m.

Half an hour of stories, songs, rhymes, and fun. This program is designed for preschool-age children and their adult caregivers. Note that there will be no Preschool Storytime July 3.

July 14: Kids’ Crafternoon – Thaumatrope | 1 p.m.

Crafters will explore the basics of animation.

July 16: YA Makers – Air Dry Clay Beads | 3 p.m.

Interested in jewelry, beads, or bobbles? Create your own clay beads suitable for bracelets, necklaces, key chains and other decorations.

July 22: STEM Wednesday – Tree Puzzle | 3-4 p.m.

Design a tree from root to stem. Think about height, root systems, canopies. Trees are amazing and our puzzlers can put some together.

July 28: Kids’ Crafternoon – Veggie Plate | 3 p.m.

Children will develop fine motor skills through painting, cutting, and learning to thread a needle as they create their own plate full of delicious garden vegetables.

Ephrata

Note: Activities will be held at the Ephrata Rec Center, 112 Basin St. SW, due to construction at the library.

July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 (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.

July 7, 14, 21 and 28 (Tuesdays): Summer Storytime and Craft | 10:30 a.m.

Stories, movement, rhymes, songs and fun, finishing up with a craft. This Storytime is geared toward preschool through elementary school-aged children, but older and younger children and their grownups are welcome.

July 13: Meet the Grant County Sheriff K-9s |

Meet the doggy and human deputies of the Grant County Sheriff Department’s K-9 Unit. This event will be held outdoors at Sun Basin Plaza just behind the library.

George

403 S Washington Way – 509-785-7043

July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 (Fridays): Fridays at the Library! ¡Los viernes en la biblioteca! | 4 p.m.

Activities for the whole family, including reading, crafting, games, and more.

Mattawa

101 Manson Lane – 509-932-5507

July 18: 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.

July 21: Grant PUD Program | 2 p.m.

Grant PUD will host Monster Collective Detective, a program to educate children and families about public power and how it works. There will also be an energy-themed craft.

July 25: Wooden Animal Painting | 12 p.m.

Elementary and middle school kids will paint wooden farm animals using preassembled kits.

Moses Lake

418 E. Fifth Ave. – 509-765-3489

July 1 and 15: Stitch & Whinge Needle Craft Group | 4 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.

July 1: Make a Thaumatrope | 4 p.m.

Crafters 8 and older will explore the basics of animation by making a thaumatrope, an optical toy that blends two images together.

July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30: (Thursdays): Adults with Special Needs Storytime | 10:30 a.m.

Weekly Storytime with songs and crafts.

July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30: (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.

July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30: (Thursdays): Warhammer Painting Workshops | 4 p.m.

Paint miniature figures for Warhammer Alliance.

July 3: Bilingual Storytime | 10:30 a.m.

Story in Spanish and English. Twice the languages, double the fun.

July 3 and 17: LEGOs at the Library | 4:30 p.m.

Teens and tweens are invited to play and build with LEGOs.

July 6: 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.

July 7, 28: Summer Storytime | 10:30 a.m.

Songs, stories and crafts for preschoolers.

July 9: Ranger Storytime | 1 p.m.

Join Washington State Parks rangers for a story and a short program on local geography, geology, wildlife, and weather.

July 10: 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.

July 11: 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.

July 14: Storytime with Valor | 10:30 a.m.

Enjoy a story with Kids Hope comfort dog Valor.

July 15: Painted Wooden Animals | 4 p.m.

For children 11 and younger. All supplies provided while they last.

July 17: Adult Book Club | 5 p.m.

Young adults and seniors meet to discuss books chosen by the members in an open-forum conversation.

July 17: Sidewalk Chalk Storytime | 10:30 a.m.

Stories, songs and interactive games for preschoolers and families, followed by chalk drawing in a coned-off section of the library parking lot.

July 18: Friends of the Library Book Sale | 11 a.m.

Peruse through gently used books and take home a new treasure for your home library. Proceeds go to help fund library programs.

July 20: Candle Making 101 | 3 p.m.

Tweens and teens will create a rolled beeswax candle. All supplies will be provided while they last.

July 23: What the Smut?! Romance Book Club | 6:30 p.m.

Book discussion for adults over 21 only.

July 21: Kids’ Energy Learning Lab | 10:30 a.m.

Grant PUD will host Monster Collective Detective, a program to educate children and families about public power and how it works.

July 24: Crafts of Questionable Quality | 10:30 a.m.

Family-friendly crafts and a story for elementary-age and preschool children.

July 29: Paper Plate Vegetable Garden | 4 p.m.

For children 6 and older. All supplies provided while they last.

July 29: Moses Lake Public Library Foundation Meeting | 5 p.m.

This group is currently working to develop designs and raise funds for improvements to our public library facilities.

July 30: Bad Art Night | 5:30 p.m.

A low-pressure, high-fun creative program where teens and adults are encouraged to make the worst art possible.

Othello

125 E. Hemlock St. – 509-488-9683

July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 (Wednesdays): Preschool Storytime | 11 a.m.

Stories, songs, movement and play for children 0-5.

July 2: Water Rocket Challenge | 3 p.m.

Observe a chemical reaction and have a blast with these safe, colorful water rockets to celebrate America’s birthday. This program is designed for children ages 6-12.

July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 (Fridays): 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.

July 6: Junior Prospectors | 11 a.m.

Little explorers are invited to sift through sand and mud to discover rocks, minerals and maybe even some real fool’s gold with this sensory activity perfect for minor miners. This program is designed for children ages 3-5.

July 6: Creative Kids – Friendship Bracelets | 5 p.m.

Kids will explore their creativity, learn new skills, and create one-of-a-kind projects to take home.

July 6, 13, 20 and 27 (Mondays): LEGO Club | 5 p.m.

Participate in fun, creative building experiences and meet other LEGO fans. Blocks will be provided.

July 8: OMSI Science Festival | 3 p.m.

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry brings a world of wonder to the library. Explore exciting hands-on activities and mind-blowing experiments that will spark a love of science in young minds.

July 9: Geo-Treasures | 3 p.m.

Discover guaranteed treasure and learn about crystal creation with these DIY geodes. Kids will create a sparkling treasure using readily available household supplies.  This program is designed for children ages 9-12.

July 9: The Craft Collective | 6 p.m.

Unleash your inner crafter to relax, connect with others, and get creative making a unique stamped market tote bag. All supplies will be provided. This program is intended for adults, but open to everyone. Note: This event will take place at Moonshot Brewery in Kennewick, 8804 W. Victoria Ave., No. 140.

July 13: Magna-Saurus | 11 a.m.

Recreate rugged landscapes and imagine dino digs! Kids will explore the imagination and properties of magnets through collaborative play. This program is designed for children ages 3-5.

July 16: Primordial Goo | 3 p.m.

Did you know there are several ways fossils can be preserved? Learn about one of the rarest forms of fossilization – preserved remains – while playing with slime.  This program is designed for children ages 9-12.

June 20: Bilingual Storytime | 11:30 a.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.

July 20: Paint-a-Saurus | 11 a.m.

Kids develop fine motor skills painting and assembling a new 3D dinosaur pal. This program is designed for children ages 3-5.

July 20: Creative Kids – Perler Beads | 5 p.m.

Kids will explore their creativity, learn new skills, and create a one-of-a kind project to take home.

July 23: Pet Dinos | 3 p.m.

Pick out a miniature dino buddy and craft the perfect home for them, making sure they have the right landscape and plenty of food in this terrarium-inspired craft. This program is designed for children ages 9-12.

July 23: Dino Dig Site | 11 a.m.

Kids develop fine motor skills as they dig and identify treasures found in the dirt. This program is designed for children ages 3-5.

July 28: Detective Diggs and the Case of the Bone Bandit | 10:30 a.m.

A priceless dinosaur fossil has gone missing, and Detective Diggs needs help to crack the case. Help gather clues, question suspects, and work together to solve the case. Suitable for all ages.

July 30: Pastasaurus | 3 p.m.

Macaroni art is a time-honored craft tradition, so grab some glue and some strange pasta shapes to puzzle out and recreate delectable dinosaur skeletons. This program is designed for children ages 6-12.

Quincy

208 Central Ave. S. – 509-787-2359

July 2: Kids’ Energy Learning Lab | 10:30 a.m.

Grant PUD will host Monster Collective Detective, a program to educate children and families about public power and how it works.

July 7, 14, 21 and 28 (Tuesdays): Crafternoon for Kids | 2:30 p.m.

Each week features a brand-new craft, with all supplies provided. Kids can create and explore their imaginations in a welcoming, and safe space. Crafts are geared toward school-aged kids, but younger children are welcome too.

July 9: Kids Summer Storytime | 10 a.m.

Joyful stories, silly songs, movement fun, and a hands-on craft or coloring activity for children 1-11 and their grownups.

July 9: Grant County Health District Mobile Outreach | 1:30

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.

July 9: 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.

July 16: Tenzi Dice Game | 2:30 p.m.

A fast, funny, and delightfully loud afternoon of Tenzi, the wildly addictive dice-rolling game. Each participant gets their own set of colorful dice to keep, so the fun doesn’t stop when the event ends. Supplies are limited to 50 people, so it’s a good idea to arrive early.

July 23: 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.

July 30: Kids Bingo | 2:30 p.m.

Shake up your day with a lively game where fun comes first and surprises await. Bingo winners will score mystery prize grab bags, but everyone is guaranteed a good time in this friendly, low-stakes game.

Ritzville

302 W. Main Ave. – 509-659-1222

July 1: Karaoke | 4 p.m.

Come on down and sing at the library.

July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 (Thursdays): Sensory Playdate | 2 p.m.

Calm, welcoming play time with low light and quiet spaces where children can unwind, explore and simply be themselves. All welcome.

July 6, 13, 20 and 27 (Mondays): Preschool Story Hour | 10 a.m.

Stories, crafts and activities.

July 9: Page Turners Book Club | 4 p.m.

Get a free book every month, then come and talk about it the next month, along with a craft or activity inspired by the story.

July 11, 18 and 25: D&D Club | 12 p.m.

Thrills, excitement and extraordinary quests for all ages.

Royal City

109 Camelia St NW – 509-346-9281

July 1, 8, 15 and 22: Family Games | 2 p.m.

Play Uno, Matching, Tenzi, Chess, Catan, Dungeon Mayhem, Oregon Trail, Unstable Unicorns, Monopoly and more.

July 2, 9, 16 and 23 (Thursdays): Silent Book Club | 4:30 p.m.

Escape the noise and read what you love in quiet company.

July 7: Stories and Play with Toy Trains and Cars | 4:30 p.m.

Listen to stories and play with toy trains and cars For toddlers through preschool children.

July 9: Kids’ Energy Learning Lab | 10:30 a.m.

Grant PUD will host Monster Collective Detective, a program to educate children and families about public power and how it works.

July 9: Candle Making 101 | 2 p.m.

Tweens and teens will create a rolled beeswax candle. All supplies will be provided while they last.

July 14: Stories and Create | 4:30 p.m.

Listen to stories and create an egg carton flower to take home.

July 23: Sew an Emotional Support Chicken | 2 p.m.

Tweens and teens will make feathered friend for emotional support.

Soap Lake

32 Main Ave. E. – 509-246-1313

July 1-31 (Tuesday-Saturday): Kindness Rock Garden | All day

The library is teaming up with the Soap Lake Friends of the Library and the Soap Lake Schools to create a kindness rock garden. Pick up a rock, bring it in, paint it and put it in the rock garden. Use your own paint, or the library will supply some.

Warden

305 S Main St – 509-349-2226

July 2: Summer Storytime – 4th of July | 4 p.m.

For children of all ages. Action songs and birthday books, and participants will make a patriotic windsock and/or a red, white and blue necklace.

July 8: Summertime Craft for Adults | 3:30 p.m.

Meet other adults and create candles.

July 2: Summer Storytime – Safety with our Firemen | 4 p.m.

Kids will see and learn from Grant County Fire District 4. Chief Kisler will talk about indoor and outdoor fire safety. Kids will see a demonstration of all vehicles and equipment the firemen bring. And they will be able to touch and try as they learn and talk with the firemen.

July 15: Summertime Craft for Teens and Tweens | 3:30 p.m.

Crafts and conversation for ages 8 and up.

July 16: Folkloric Dance | 4 p.m.

A vibrant, cultural celebration where children perform traditional steps in authentic regional costumes. Accompanied by lively music, these performances feature percussive footwork and colorful storytelling.

July 23: Down at the Farm | 1 p.m.

4-H Club members will bring their farm animals to the library for children to meet. Staff will read farm animal-themed books followed by a craft.

July 30: Summer Storytime – What affects our water | 4 p.m.

The Grant County Conservation District will visit and show children how the water cycle works together with growing crops and how stormwater pollution affects the water. Kids will get a chance to look at microorganisms through a microscope.

Bookmobile schedule:

Desert Aire: July 6 and 20 at 2 p.m.

Beverly: July 6 and 20 at 3:30 p.m.

Wilson Creek 14 and 28 at 11:30 a.m.

Doolittle Dream Park, Moses Lake: July 14 and 28 at 1 p.m.


ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN

Eudaimonia Medical Spa helps people feel good in their own skin
June 24, 2026 3:20 a.m.

Eudaimonia Medical Spa helps people feel good in their own skin

MOSES LAKE — Merriam-Webster defines “Eudaimonia” as well-being or happiness. That’s what Dr. Hollie Matthews said she had in mind when she opened Eudaimonia Medical Spa in Moses Lake. Eudaimonia Medical Spa, which held a ribbon-cutting Thursday, offers treatments to improve patients’ self-confidence in their appearance, Matthews explained. “A lot of people will say that's just vanity,” Matthews said. “I don't think so. This is about helping you feel your best in your own skin. It's living your best life; it's that internal feeling of being happy, prosperous, flourishing, living your best life, and that has value. Because when you feel good in your own skin, you project that out onto the world. It makes you a happier person. It makes you want to help your neighbor. It makes you want to be out of the house.”

Library activities for July 2026
June 24, 2026 3 a.m.

Library activities for July 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s plenty going on for children and adults at libraries around the Basin. All activities are at the library unless otherwise indicated.

Hard-earned success
June 20, 2026 1:05 p.m.

Hard-earned success

BBCC students step into the world armed with diplomas and courage

MOSES LAKE — Genuine success is neither quick nor easy, as the students who graduated Thursday from Big Bend Community College attested. There's a simple story I remember when I was younger,” Associated Student Body President Pedro Lopez said, alternating between English and Spanish. “It's about a kid who plants a seed. At first nothing happens. They water it every day, but the ground still looks the same. They start to wonder if anything is happening at all. They think about digging it up to check, that maybe it didn't work. Maybe nothing is growing. But they keep watering anyway.