Author – Spokane County Library District

Enjoy Quality Time with Your Family & Friends with Cold Weather Activities

Posted in Explore and Discover on November 29, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Alison Johnson Winter is a great time to curl up under a blanket with a hot cup of tea and a great book—especially if my dog is curled up too and warming my feet. But if you have an active family with young people like mine, then you might need to have some activities […]

Barking Good Books: An Engaging & Entertaining Short Booklist for Dog Lovers

Posted in Explore and Discover on October 3, 2023 at 6:00 am

I love to read books which feature dogs who have their own voice in the story. I find it fascinating to think about what my dog may be pondering… or scheming. Does he have a running narration inside his head like I do? Sometimes, based on the look in his eyes, I think he must. Here is a short list of books—some for kids and some for adults—th […]

Librarian Hacks: Quick & Helpful Tips for Tidying Up Your Home Library

Posted in Explore and Discover on August 9, 2023 at 6:00 am

I have books just about everywhere—probably because I love to always have a book within arm’s reach. I’ve come to realize that it can get a bit out of control in my house. When so many books are scattered about house—so much so that when I gather them up, they do not fit on my shelves—then I know I have some book weeding to do! If your bo […]

Preparing to Get Outdoors: Helpful Books, Guided Hikes & A Spring Essentials List

Posted in Explore and Discover on March 15, 2023 at 5:00 am

By Alison Johnson Around this time of year, I anxiously await getting outdoors with my pup. I have a high energy dog who loves tramping through the mountains and just about anywhere we can find a trail. If I can’t wait, this means we’ll run into mud, ice, snow, rain, and cold. But early spring […]

A Booklist for Bookworms: 5 Engrossing Titles About Books, Building Community & Mysteries!

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

By Alison Johnson Reading a book that revolves around books makes me happy. I am sharing my joy of books about books with other book lovers out there. Here are five books that feature either a fictional author, editor, librarian, bookseller, or a community of readers, and of course… books! I hope you’ll give one […]

Tags: adults, booklists, books, reading, teens

Benefits of Creating Routines for Back to School & Resources for (Dreaded) Homework

Posted in kids, Parents and Teachers on September 13, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Alison Johnson Getting back into a routine for school is always a transition. If you have had a relaxed schedule during the summer months, frantic mornings do not have to characterize the start of the school year. The challenge is creating a routine that works for you and your family. Setting up schedules […]

5 Tried & True Ways to Keep Kids Reading All Summer

Posted in Parents and Teachers on August 3, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Alison Johnson One of the most important things to do this summer is to encourage the children in your life to read. For some of us, this can be difficult task. If kids only read for school, they might think of reading as trudging through a “classic” book or reading comprehension assignments. And they […]

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! […]

Author: Alison Johnson