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Coeur d’Con Cosplay Winners

The winners of the Cosplay Contest at the fourth annual Coeur d’Con at the library Saturday, Aug. 8 were: Youth – Ashton Dickinson as the 11th Dr. Who, front right, and, runner-up, Collin Decker as Robin; Teen – Logan Jaggi, center, as Jareth the Goblin King and Madison Jaggi as Sarah, and, runner-up, Becca Basta as Agent Carter; Adult – Tiffanie Berlin, second from the right, as Minty Chip, and, runner-up, Tyler Brostrom as Harley Quinn, and Professional, Phoenix Blossom, left, as Cacklerot, and, runner-up, Allyson Fiellen as Oreo. The winners were selected by a panel of judges from among finalists who were voted on by Coeur d’Con attendees.

Reading, Music Go Hand-in-Hand for Author

“Mudgy & Millie” author Susan Nipp beside the Tubbs Hill statue

 — created by Terry Lee — of her characters.Add caption

The elements that make music an important part of brain development in young children enhance their ability to read, do math, and even participate in sports, according to children’s author Susan Nipp, the creator of “Mudgy & Millie” and their new “Adventures” series.
Before she wrote about the moose and the mouse playing hide-and-seek in downtown Coeur d’Alene, Nipp was best known as the co-creator of the Wee Sing books and music series for children. She and collaborator Pam Beall began the series in 1977.
Nipp said that as music educators she and Beall understood the importance of sharing music with young children as their brains are developing.
“Through active music they gain skills in listening, vocabulary, coordination, and self-confidence,” she said. “This early involvement can enhance their future abilities in reading, math, and sports.”
She cites the old children’s song “Head and Shoulders.”
“While singing and moving, language is developing as kids learn their body parts. The words are heard as syllables and the child begins to enunciate the words more clearly, assisting with speech. The words have tone and rhythm and inflection which add to the phonemic awareness.” 
While “Mudgy & Millie” differs from the “Wee Sing” books, music, and videos, the locally based book does have its own song and a video on YouTube that was produced by Jeff Crowe of Bunkhouse Productions and CDA-TV. And there is a new song to go with “Mudgy & Millie Adventures: Australia.”
“Yes, and it is quite fun!” Nipp said. “There is a simple sing-along chorus and the verses tell the story in the book. You learn about the various animals and their silly names. I wrote the song and Brett Sommer created the arrangement and produced it. We have a great group of adults and kids singing on the chorus – including my grandchildren – whose dads sang on the Wee Sing tapes!”
The new song will be performed along with reading the new book at the tenth annual Birthday for Mudgy & Millie at the library on Saturday. Sept. 8 at 11 a.m.
It was observing animals that led to the development of the “Mudgy & Millie” characters, the author said.
“I thought long and hard about this. We live where moose occasionally wander through our yard. I find them fascinating and their appearance actually humorous with their long legs, big snout, and funny dewlap. I love the idea of opposites, thus, the huge moose and tiny mouse. I also love alliteration so found moose and mouse a great beginning for Mudgy Moose and Millie Mouse as a wonderful string of "M" letters.”
Australia was selected as the first subject for the new series, in part, because of its unique wildlife, but Nipp said a family link also played a role.
“I have an Aussie cousin whom we have visited several times,” she said. “Thus, I have been so enamored with the amazing animals of Australia and thought a great beginning country for our “Mudgy & Millie Adventures” series.”
She admits that forthcoming books in the series also give her an opportunity to travel, “for research.”
“We recently returned from Africa and I was enthralled with the beautiful animals,” she said. “I also loved the birds of Costa Rica when we visited. So, am thinking about one of those places as the next destination.”
Charles Reasoner is back as illustrator for the new books and will also return to Coeur d’Alene for the unveiling on Sept. 8, when Nipp reads it publically for the first time.
“Chuck has illustrated more than 400 books for a variety of publishers. He worked with us on several Wee Sing books and I especially liked his illustrations using watercolor. I asked if he would join me on the Mudgy & Millie project using that style and he loved the idea and the project.
Joining Nipp and Reasoner for the party will be sculptor Terry Lee, whose life-size bronzes have become a popular attraction for visitors and residents alike as they walk the 2.5-mile Mudgy Trail through Coeur d’Alene’s downtown area.
All royalties from the “Mudgy & Millie” books benefit the Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation, a reflection of the influence libraries have had on the author’s life.
“I grew up in the Hillyard area in Spokane. In grade school I would walk about a mile to the library and always check out lots of books. Afterward I would walk a couple more blocks to the ice cream store for a treat. Appreciating how those days transported me to different worlds as a child makes me want to give that same opportunity to kids today” she said.
Nipp said she hopes that families will also share that opportunity. She said she hopes that next month they will take away from the party, “ultimately, the love of reading. Because kids already know Mudgy and Millie, they can now look forward to spending more time with them. And to go on adventures with them, they need to read about them.”

Susan Nipp’s new book, “Mudgy & Millie Adventures: 

Australia,” will be available for the public for the first time 

on Saturday, Sept. 8. The author, illustrator 

Charles Reasoner, and sculptor Terry Lee will

 be on hand to sign copies of the new book and the original book.

Fall Reading Programs for Children Begin Sept. 10

The regular series of children’s programs resumes in the Seagraves Children’s Library beginning Sept. 10. The Fall Programs continue through Nov. 16.
Two special programs will be offered in September.
Environmental educator Savina Darzes will present “Bonkers for Bugs” during the Preschool Storytime on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 10:30 a.m. in the Shirley Parker Storyroom.
Darzes uses stories and songs to share captivating facts and folklore about insects and spiders.
Saturday with the Symphony resumes on Saturday, Sept. 29, at noon in the Community Room.
Members of the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra play classical music in a program just right for children. After the short program, children can get up close and personal with musicians to find out what it is like to play an instrument.
Weekly programs for fall include:
► Family Storytime: Mondays, 4-5 p.m. Stories and a craft for the whole family.
► Book Babies Lapsit:  Tuesdays, 10:15 a.m. and Fridays, 10:30-11 a.m., for children ages newborn to 2 accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
► Toddler Time Music & Motion: Tuesdays, 11-11:30 a.m., fun, songs, movement, and a story for 2-3 year olds.
► Stay & Play: Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., after Toddler Time, and Fridays, 11-11:30 a.m., after Book Babies, families can stay for fun and socializing.
► Lake City LEGO Club: Tuesdays, 4 p.m., at the Lake City Public Library in the high school on Ramsey Road.
► Preschool Storytime: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., stories and a craft geared to ages 3-5.
► Code Club: Wednesday, 4 p.m., learn coding basics with robots and video games. For ages 7-12.
► LEGO Club: Thursdays, 4 p.m., free play with the library’s huge collection of LEGOs. Generally for ages 5 -11.
Children under 6 visiting the libraries need to be supervised by an adult or a person who is at least 14 even during programs. Children ages 6-9 should be accompanied by someone who is at least 14 who will remain in the building.
For more information call 208-769-2315 Ext. 438 or e-mail Susan Thorpe, Youth Services Supervisor, at sthorpe@cdalibrary.org. The Branch Manager for Lake City is JD Smithson, and she can be reached at 208-763-0814 or jsmithson@cdalibrary.org.

Teens 8-Bit Party is Retro

Teens can party like it’s 1989 at the 8-Bit Party Saturday, Sept. 15, 4-6 p.m., in the library Community Room.
Participants can create Perler bead designs and play video games. This event is for age 12 and up.
On Friday, Sept. 28, 6-8:30 p.m. join us for an after-hours free Teen Movie Night in the Community Room. The featured film will be “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (PG-13). Snacks are provided.
Weekly programs for September include:
► Teen Makerverse: Tuesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. in the Nelson Room. There’s a universe of different making opportunities at the library –3 D printing, art, writing, jewelry-making, sewing, video game creation, and so much more. Basically, this is a creative hangout time. Come enjoy the social making atmosphere.
► Teen D&D: Thursdays, 4-6 p.m. in the Gozzer Room. Be part of an epic campaign. Have grand fantasy adventures, using your imagination, strategic skills, and the power of teamwork. Beginners welcome.
► Library League of Legends:  Fridays 4-5:30 p.m.  in the Shirley Parker Story Room. Play the online game "League of Legends" with other teens. Bring your own laptop, or borrow one of ours. Snacks provided.

For more information contact Angela Flock at 208-769-2315 Ext. 463 or by e-mail at aflock@cdalibrary.org.

Coeur d’Con Fan Art Winners Named

The winners of the 2018 Coeur d’Con Fan Art Contest at the library have been announced.
The winners were determine by votes cast by the public during the two weeks prior to Coeur d’Con and during the Aug. 18 event itself.
An estimated 2,000 people visited the library during the event.
The winners are: Adult – Brittany Kienke – “Chris Evans;” Teen – Jamie Provost – “Perspective;” and Youth – Jordyn Bridges – “Wonder Women”
Each of the winners received art supplies as prizes.

New Lecture Series Based On Historian’s Book

Coeur d’Alene around the turn of the Twentieth Century taken from the top of Tubbs Hill. Regional historian Robert Singletary will begin a series of lectures Sept. 27 at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library based on his upcoming book, “Coeur d’Alene: Beautiful and Progressive, 1878-1990.”

A new lecture series of Inland Northwest Milestones at the library will be based on material researched for Robert Singletary’s upcoming book, “Coeur d’Alene: Beautiful and Progressive, 1878-1990.”
The first program in the series will Sept. 27, at 7 p.m., and will examine Fort Sherman and the Beginning of Coeur d’Alene.
Singletary, regional historian and Program and Marketing Director for the Museum of North Idaho, said the description of the Lake City as “beautiful and progressive” was first used in a booklet written in the 1920s by George Weeks, former president of the local Chamber of Commerce.
“Even as a village of tents and log cabins, the emerging town next to Fort Coeur d’Alene was noted for its beautiful location,” Singletary said. “It was also known for its ability to adapt and grow, even in difficult times.”
The book and lecture series will give the reader and audience an overview of Coeur d’Alene’s major economic, political, social/cultural developments and some of the people that that made it happen, he said.  The time period covered will be from the town’s very beginning, with the founding of Fort Sherman up to 1990.
Most of the series presentations will be on the fourth Thursday of the month. The October program has been scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 7, and another program will follow on Nov. 27, to avoid the Thanksgiving holiday. There will not be a December program.
The subjects for the rest of the programs will be:

► Nov. 7: The Timber Boom, then World War I.
► Nov. 29: The Dynamic Twenties.
► Jan. 24: The ’30s in Coeur d’Alene.
► Feb. 28: Farragut’s Influence on Coeur d’Alene.
► March  28: Coeur d’Alene After the War and Into the '50s.
► April 25: Coeur d’Alene in the ’60s and ’70s.
► May 23: The Turbulent, but Progressive ’80s.

Library Will be Closed Two Days for the Labor Day Holiday

The library will be closed Sunday and Monday, Sept. 2 and 3, for the Labor Day holiday.
When the library is closed many library services are available through the library website – www.cdalibrary.org – including reference materials, career planning, travel information, automotive manuals, and more. Patrons can download e-books and music, and log on to check due dates and to place holds.
Most resources do require a user name and password. Obtain these before you need them by visiting the library or calling 208-769-2315.

Lake City Public Library will Reopen at High School Sept. 4

The last day for the Lake City Public Library at its temporary summer home at Skyway Elementary will be Thursday, Aug. 30.
The branch will reopen in its regular location, the school library at Lake City High School on Ramsey Road, on Tuesday, Sept. 4. It will also resume its regular hours, 3-6:30 p.m.
For the new school year the branch will add a day and be open Monday Through Friday.
The branch offers a LEGO Club activity at 4 p.m. each Tuesday.

Well-Knit Tale Knitting Club Welcomes All Skill Levels

The Well-Knit Tale Knitting Club meets the first and third Tuesday of the month – Sept. 4 and 18 – at 2:30 p.m. in the Jameson Room.
All skill levels of knitters and crocheters are welcome. Materials and refreshments are provided.

Color Up Some Creativity, Conversation With this Group

Coffee and Coloring for adults meets the second and fourth Tuesday each month, Aug. 11 and 25, at 10 a.m.
Drawing materials and refreshments are provided, or bring your own.

Pageturners Library Book Club Reading ‘Long Road Home’

The Pageturners Library Book Club is reading “Long Road Home” by Martha Radditz and will discuss it Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 10:15 a.m.
This is the second of four books in the club’s current series. The books are on loan from the Idaho Commission for Libraries through its Let’s Talk About It program.
Pageturners discussions are open to any adult reader. Copies of the books for each month are available to check out at the Research and Information Desk.
The other books in the series and their discussion dates are: “Passages West: Nineteen Stories of Youth & Identity” by Hugh Nichols, Oct. 24, and  “Love Medicine” by Louise Erdrich, Nov. 28.
The Pageturners Library Book Club is supported by a grant from the Friends of the Library.

Food For Thought Book Club Finds ‘Banana’ Appealing

The Food For Thought Book Club is reading “Banana: The Fate of the Fruit that Changed the World” by Dan Koeppel and will discuss the book Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m., in the Gozzer Room.
In the vein of Mark Kurlansky's bestselling “Salt and Cod,” this is a gripping chronicle of the myth, mystery, and uncertain fate of the world’s most popular fruit.
In this fascinating and surprising exploration of the banana’s history, cultural significance, and endangered future, award-winning journalist Koeppel gives readers plenty of food for thought.
Held in partnership with the Inland Northwest Food Network, discussions are open to anyone interested in the science, cultivation, and preparation of food.
Upcoming titles and their discussion dates include “The History of Spices, Salt, Sugar, Fat” by Michael Moss, Nov. 7; and “Butter: A Rich History” by Elaine Khosrova, Dec. 5.
For more information visit www.inwfoodnetwork.org.

Don Pischner to Share Story of ‘Lost Battalion’ During WWI

In honor of the 100th anniversary of WWI, area historian and former legislator Don Pischner will share the epic story of two local doughboys in a presentation at the library on Thursday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m.
The vets were part of what came to be know as the “Lost Battalion,” 600 soldiers who were isolated by the Germans in a struggle that began on Oct. 2, 1918, and lasted for six days of “hell.”
Given the option by the Germans to “surrender or die” the surrounded men chose a third option.
Pischner will relate the experiences of Ruben Hudlow and Irvin Pischner, the speaker’s dad.