February – Digital Literacy, with a mom teaching her daughter how to use a tablet (mobile device).
 
Community Library Network District Newsletter
February 2026
 
 
In this Issue

From The Director's Desk
Library Lover's Month
Winter Reading Challenge
Program Highlights
Announcements and News
Featured Titles
Digital Resource Spotlight
Follow Us
 
Digital Literacy: Empowering Our Community in a Connected World
 
Digital literacy goes beyond simply using technology—it’s about building confidence and competence in a wide range of digital skills that help us learn, work, and connect in today’s world. From navigating the internet safely to evaluating information critically, these skills empower us to make informed decisions and participate fully in our digital society.
 
At the Community Library Network, we believe digital literacy includes:
  • Basic computer skills for everyday tasks
  • Safe and effective internet use
  • Evaluating online information for accuracy and reliability
  • Digital communication that is clear and respectful
  • Media and data literacy to understand and manage information
  • Responsible digital citizenship
  • Familiarity with digital tools and software
  • Critical thinking in all digital interactions
Technology is always changing, and so are the skills we need to thrive. CLN is here to support you on this journey—whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your digital expertise. Together, we can ensure that everyone in our community has the tools to succeed in an increasingly connected world.
 
Explore our digital resources at this link.
 
Check out the Digital Resource Spotlight section of this newsletter.
 
From The Director's Desk
 
"The worst of all listeners is the man who does nothing but listen."
- Charles Dickens  
Black Line
 
February is Library Lover’s Month! Here at the CLN we appreciate the love and support provided by our community. To show our appreciation, we listen to our community. In our recent community survey, one of the questions asked was to rank our services in order of importance. Providing Quality Collections (Books and Periodicals) was the number one ranked service. In second place was Early Childhood Literacy Programs. In third place was Providing a Comfortable and Welcoming Physical Space. Rounding out the top four services was Providing Technology (Wi-Fi, Computers, Printers, Copiers). For the CLN, listening is not enough. In 2026, we will be launching our next strategic plan that will turn listening into action for the benefit of our community. Stay tuned for a more in-depth look at our community needs assessment data and the resulting—exciting—new strategic priorities that will shape our future.
 
-Martin Walters
 
 
Library Lover's Month
A library with a large fireplace and seating. February Library Lover's Month.
 
Join us in celebrating Library Lover's Month!
 
Share your story about how a service, staff member, or program has helped grow your love of libraries.
 
Access the story submission form at this link.
 
Winter Reading Challenge
Our 2026 Winter Reading Challenge from January through February will be Libraryopoly
 
Register on Beanstack, to track your reading, at this link.
 
Complete a challenge and earn a ticket to enter into the prize drawings.
 
Prize options:
  • Tolkien Fan, special edition The Lord Of The Rings
  • Cozy Book Lover's Tote filled with goodies
  • Gift Card to a local bookstore ($75 value)
Game board brochures are available at every branch. For Adults (18+ yrs).
 
 
Program Highlights
Find your next activity here!
The programs listed are only a sample. Find more ways to: learn, have fun, and connect. Click the button below!
 
Youth Programming
 
Book Babies (Birth-2 yrs)
This is an early learning program that gives your baby the opportunity to hear lots of language while you get to know other young families.
 
Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs)
Open up the world of language, culture, music and play.
 
Kindergarten Boot Camp(3-5 yrs)
Designed to provide parents and care-providers hands-on experiences, based on developmental stages, so children enter kindergarten ready
to learn.
 
Afterschool Adventures (5-10 yrs)
Something cool to do after school!
 
Tween Hanout (8-12 yrs)
Join us for activities, projects, games, and
social time!
 
Teen Hangout (13-17 yrs)
Take this opportunity to hang out with friends while trying new things and exploring themed games, crafts, and activities.
 
Adult Programming
 
Connect over Coffee
Join us for a cup of coffee and conversations or book discussions both in and out of the library! 
 
Explore Health Activities
From Yoga or journaling, to fitness that improves your lifestyle, explore what we have to offer
this month!
 
All things Technology
Get help with your devices, explore 3D printing, learn about Apps like Libby and Aspen, and so much more!
 
Book Clubs
Find a Book Club that fits your style,
availability, and prefered genre, we have a lot
to choose from!
 
Get Crafty
Want to learn an new craft? Experienced at crafting and want to share with others? We have a wide range of available opportunities!
Large button that says check out more awesome programs here.
Do you want to hear more about specific youth or adult programs? We have a newsletter highlighting each of these groups. Follow this link to subscribe
 

Announcements and News
US Flag with Presidents' Day sign that includes Uncle Sam's top hat, and the CLN logo.
 
 
 
 
All Community Library Network Libraries will be closed Monday, February 16th in observance of
President's Day.
 

Featured Titles
 
Humans Vs AI by Nancy Dickmann
Humans Vs AI
by Nancy Dickmann

Read about how AI compares to human brains, and the things it can do better (or worse!) than we can. Includes activity, glossary, books and websites for further research, and index.
The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World by Jonathan Haidt
The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World
by Jonathan Haidt

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - Inspired by the award-winning phenomenon The Anxious Generation, this new book for kids and tweens is a comprehensive guide for living a happy and exciting life that isn't hijacked by a smartphone. A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year Jonathan Haidt's blockbuster book, The Anxious Generation, has sparked a global conversation about the effects of smartphones and social media on young people's development, and has inspired millions of parents, teachers, and leaders to take action. Now, Haidt and Catherine Price, author of the bestselling How to Break Up with Your Phone, have teamed up to create a new book that speaks directly to kids. Their goal? To empower young people to stand up for themselves by choosing a life not dominated by screens and social media. Whether or not kids already have smartphones or social media accounts, this engaging guide is packed with surprising facts, a graphic novel, interactive challenges, secrets that tech leaders don't want kids to know, and real-life anecdotes from young adults who regret getting smartphones at a young age and want to help the next generation avoid making the same mistakes. But this isn't just a book about what not to do. It's a bold, optimistic, and practical guide to growing into your most authentic, confident, and adventurous self. Readers won't just discover how to avoid becoming the next Anxious Generation. They'll learn how to become amazing.
Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on Tiktok by Oliver James
Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on Tiktok
by Oliver James

As a result of childhood learning disabilities and educational neglect, Oliver James graduated from high school and became one of approximately 45 million functionally illiterate Americans. However, at age 32, with big dreams and few tools to actualize them, he dedicated himself to learning the key skill that had evaded him his entire life: reading. Oliver has become a TikTok/BookTok sensation for the way he's candidly documented his decision to learn to read as an adult, and his struggles and triumphs along the way. Here, he tells the full story behind his journey for the first time through the 21 key books that shaped and informed his experience. His story reveals the ways in which reading can teach each of us how to be better, more empathetic people. In just 365 days, Oliver went from barely being able to read a restaurant menu to closing in on his goal of finishing 100 books in a year. Unread is a moving reminder to all of us that words and stories have power, and that, no matter our past, it's never too late to grow.
Power on: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family by Ash Brandin
Power on: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family
by Ash Brandin

Parents are feeling mounting pressure to minimize screen time, but are struggling to do so in our technologically driven world. In contrast to the fear and pressure parents are facing, Ash Brandin's Power On offers a calm and reassuring message that keeps the wellbeing of the whole family in mind. Power On powerfully reframes our current dialogue around technology, beginning with the morality placed on screen time and leisure, and the systemic factors contributing to it.--
Laptops for Seniors in Easy Steps, 9th Edition: Covers All Laptops with the Windows 11 2024 Update by Nick Vandome
Laptops for Seniors in Easy Steps, 9th Edition: Covers All Laptops with the Windows 11 2024 Update
by Nick Vandome

Stay connected, stay confident - with Laptops for Seniors in easy steps, 9th edition at hand!Laptops open up a world of possibilities, and you can use them anywhere! Laptops for Seniors in easy steps, 9th edition is your friendly guide to getting started and making the most of your laptop, especially mastering the key features of Windows 11. You'll learn how to: Master the Windows 11 interface with ease.Explore apps for fun and practical tasks. Use MS Teams to connect with loved ones. Set widgets of interest and stay up-to-date. Enjoy online shopping, watching movies and TV, photo editing and sharing, and more. Share your laptop without giving up privacy. Keep your laptop working in tiptop condition. Avoid ergonomic issues so that you can use your laptop comfortably for years to come! Perfect for beginners - empowering for all!
Digital Resource Spotlight
Woman in cap and gown. Prep for college admissions essays and exams with LearningExpress Library from LiLI.org. ICfL logo.
LiLI Resources
Lili.org
 
Made possible by the Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICFL); LiLi (Libraries Linking Idaho) brings you many useful resources and databases.
 
Prep for college admissions essays and exams with LearningExpress Library.
 
Free 24/7 access to a wide range of online resources that support the education, business, and recreational needs of Idahoans.
 
 
Idaho Digital Skills
IdahoDigitalSkills.org
 
Gateway to work and life digital skills for all Idahoans.
 
Explore topics like creating strong password, avoiding commons scams, or addressing your digital footprint.
 
Learn more about being safe online at this link.
 
Made possible by the Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICFL).
Person holding a magnifying glass surrounded by icons like a graph, target, lightbulb.
 
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Community Library Network
821 N. Spokane Street,
Post Falls, Idaho 83854
208-773-1506, ext 323

https://CommunityLibrary.Net