Author – Spokane County Library District

Yummy Flavors, Recipes & Tips in These Cookbooks for National Barbecue Month

Posted in Explore and Discover on May 18, 2022 at 6:00 am

May is National Barbecue Month, and I have to say that is fitting since Memorial Day unofficially kicks off barbecue and grilling season across the nation. Everyone does barbecue a bit differently, and the flavors of barbecue can be varied and delicious, from region to region, culture to culture. From spicy to sweet, there is something for everyone […]

Time for STEAM: Exploring the Great Outdoors & Trying New Activities for All Ages

Posted in Explore and Discover on March 9, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Alison Johnson Spring is just a few weeks away! I am looking forward to getting outside and enjoying some sunshine. If, for you, spring is all about sunshine and projects, the library has some great STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) resources and programs to get the whole family learning and creating both […]

Creative Pumpkin Carving: Make Scary, Spooky & Spirited Jack-O’-Lanterns

Posted in Explore and Discover on October 21, 2021 at 6:00 am

I have always loved to carve pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns. There is something about creating a scary or silly face on a pumpkin which brings me great joy! I have rounded up some clever ideas to take your jack-o’-lanterns to the next level this Halloween! […]

Summer Picnic Tips & Books to Assure the Best Outdoor Dining Experience

Posted in Explore and Discover on August 4, 2021 at 6:00 am

Eating outside has always been a great way to spend time with family and friends, especially during the summer months.... Whether you are packing a picnic for the park or for the top of a mountain, there are ways to make it easier and more fun, and a little bit of planning before you leave the house can go a long way. […]

Tags: adults, books, food, outdoors, picnic, teens, tips

Yummy Reads and Recipes for National Doughnut Day

Posted in Explore and Discover on June 3, 2021 at 6:00 am

BY ALISON JOHNSON From black licorice doughnuts to the Cronut (doughnut made from croissant batter), everyone can find a favorite. Even savory doughnuts exist for those who don’t have a sweet tooth. Tomorrow is National Doughnut Day, the first Friday in June! You could celebrate by eating a doughnut, reading about doughnuts, and by doing […]

Judging a book by its cover: Weird, wonderful fantasy books that delivered

Posted in Explore and Discover on March 24, 2021 at 6:00 am

BY ALISON JOHNSON How do you pick out your books? Favorite authors and genres are one way. How about serendipitous discovery instigated by a flash of color or intriguing artwork? What attracts you to a book before you even read the title or know the author? When I am browsing through books, online or in […]

Tags: booklist, books, fantasy, reading

Gale Courses for lifelong learning, personal growth & creative pursuits

Posted in Explore and Discover, News on February 9, 2021 at 6:00 am

By Alison Johnson As many of us are settling into our new normal, you may find that there are still many new things to learn and explore. Many households with children are schooling from home. Everyone I know is still figuring out their busy virtual lives. Finding an enjoyable focus and taking a time-out from […]

Seriously fun things to do on cold, snowy days

Posted in Explore and Discover on December 30, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Alison Johnson I know it may be hard to believe, but there are times when a marathon of Disney movies or Doctor Who is just not appealing. Sometimes I am so tired of being inside, that even if it is cold and snowy, I just have to get outside and do something. I think […]

Trick-or-treat alternatives for an enjoyable celebration

Posted in Explore and Discover on October 21, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Alison Johnson I really love Halloween. Thinking up the perfect costume is fun, and then there is the excuse to indulge in sweets! You may be wondering, as am I, how we can still have a fun Halloween celebration with the restrictions we face right now. Many of us may err on the side […]

STEM at home: Learning anywhere and everywhere

Posted in kids, News, Parents and Teachers on May 19, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Alison Johnson The DIY approach to learning fun activities at home can be a great boredom buster. We miss having your kids and families at our in-person library programs. You are what make those programs so enjoyable and interesting for us! And you can continue to explore STEM at home. Here, I share the […]

Author: Alison Johnson