IDAHO STATE POLICE & IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT will offer FREE winter driving classes on these dates & times. Coeur d'Alene classes are held at Idaho State Police Dist. 1 Office, 615 W. Wilbur Avenue.

• Nov 4 (Wed), 6-8 pm, CdA

• Nov 7 (Sat), 10 am-noon, CdA

• Nov 14 (Sat), 10 am-noon, CdA

• Nov 21 (Sat), 10 am-noon, CdA

• Dec 5 (Sat), 10 am-noon, CdA

• Dec 12 (Sat), 10 am-noon, CdA

• Dec 19 (Sat), 10 am-noon, CdA

Registration is required & classes fill up quickly. HERE is the link to register. (If you're viewing the schedule on a phone screen, you may need to scroll to the right for the "registration link".)

 

Taught by ISP Troopers & ITD Operators, the course covers proper vehicle preparation, equipment, road conditions, crashes, & snowplow safety. For drivers of all ages & skill levels; however, teen drivers & those new to winter driving are especially encouraged to attend.  ​​​​​​

​

Varies - Free!

Actually, (2) FREE workshops are planned:

• Nov 7 (Sat), 10-11 am, "Emergency Preparedness: Save Your Photos Now!"

• Nov 17 (Tues), 12:30-1:30 pm, "You May Be Accidentally Deleting Your Photos"

​

The Nov 7 workshop, presented by photo manager & preservation expert Katherine Becker, will be held at CdA Library, 702 E. Front Avenue. We realize that wildfires, floods & other sudden emergencies can destroy precious photos, but what safeguards can be put into place before such events? This workshop will cover: storage, vulnerable files, & how to create reliable backups & a simple emergency plan for digital & physical collections. More info & registration link can be seen HERE.

​

On Nov 17, a class on how to avoid deleting photos is planned at Post Falls Library, 821 N. Spokane Street. Did you know that 34% of lost photos were accidentally deleted? Join "Photo Memories Preserved" for a presentation about risks of losing pictorial memories & how to preserve them. More info HERE.

​

Varies - Free!

NORTH IDAHO LIBRARIES offer special classes too for all ages, & they are always FREE! If registration is required, it will be noted.

 

See library addresses, phone numbers, website links & event schedules HERE for these libraries: COEUR D'ALENE, HAYDEN, POST FALLS, RATHDRUM, ATHOL, SPIRIT LAKE, HARRISON, ST. MARIES, PLUMMER, PINEHURST, MULLAN, OSBURN, KELLOGG, & WALLACE.

​

COEUR D'ALENE LIBRARY:​​

• Yoga for You! - M & F, 9:30 am for ages 18+

• Tai Chi & Qi Gong - Tues, 9:30 am for ages 18+

• Stronger in Body & Mind - Wed, 9:30 am for ages 16+

• Sit-n-Stitch - Wed, 11 am, for ages 12+

• Community Sew-In - Thurs, noon-3 pm for all ages

• 3D Craft & Chat - 3rd Tues, 1-4 pm, for ages 13+ in Room 210

• Realtor in the Library, 1st Wed, 4-6 pm. No app't needed. Stop in for a real estate consulation by Century 21 agents - your home's current market value, downsizing or upsizing strategies, relocation or buying a second home, & remodeling for maximum investment return.

• Lawyer in the Library - 1st Thurs, 4-6 pm, must register 24 hours in advance HERE​​​​

​

COMMUNITY LIBRARY NETWORK

• Get Started with 3D Printing - 1st Fri, 2-3:30 pm, Hayden; 3rd Thurs, 2:30-4 pm, Post Falls. How does it work & what free resources can be found. Monthly open house program. All ages welcome!

• Zen Doodle - 3rd Thurs, 10:30-11:30 am, Hayden. Relax while creating beautiful pieces using step-by-step repetitive patterns. 

• Origami Bookmarks & More - 4th Mon, 10:30 am, Hayden

• CNL Library App - 1st Fri, 10:30 am, Hayden

• Game On! - Tues, 3 pm, Pinehurst. All ages are welcome.

• Spirit Lake Chess Club - 1st Tues, 3 pm, Spirit Lake. All ages are welcome.

• Cookbook Club - 3rd Sat, 11 am-1 pm, Spirit Lake; 3rd Tues, 3 pm, Harrison

• ​Sublimation Transfer Printing - 3rd Mon, 5-6:30 pm, Post Falls

• Your Tech Program: Computer Basics - 3rd Tues, 2-4 pm, Post Falls

• Painting (registration required) - 3rd Tues, 3:30 pm, Rathdrum

• Realtor in the Library​​​​​​

​

Varies - Free!

THE LITERACY PROJECT OF NORTH IDAHO offers FREE of charge:

• English as a Second Language (ESL) - one-on-one tutoring & classes

• Low Literacy - one-on-one confidential tutoring sessions

All books & study materials are provided.

​

Classes are held at NIC's Hedlund Bldg, 420 N. College Dr., CdA. Tutoring takes place wherever the tutor & student agree to meet. Coverage area is from Sandpoint to Plummer.

 

For more info or to register for classes, call 208-450-2669, click HERE or email info@theliteracyprojectni.org. 

​​

Want to volunteer either as a tutor/instructor, or in another capacity? Email Nicole at office@theliteracyprojectni.org 

​

Varies - Free!

​Every M & F  |  9:30 am

COEUR D'ALENE LIBRARY

702 E. Front Ave., CdA

208-769-2315

 

Gather for a blend of stretching, strengthening & balance work every Monday & Friday. Taught by Gerry Bryak, all levels are welcome FREE of charge! Take your own mat, please.

​​​​

Varies - Free!

NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE 

Adult Education Center

1000 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d'Alene

208-665-5099 (info & registration)

​

NIC provides assistance to individuals who want to prepare for the GED® test. Tuition is FREE for students & most learning materials are provided! Choose online or in-person instruction.

• Language Arts

• Mathematics

• Science & Social Studies

• English Language Acquisition (ELA)

 

The AEC program allows students to progress at their own pace & offers small group instruction to achieve goals. Locations are CdA, Sandpoint & Bonners Ferry.

 

Are you ready? Click on North Idaho College link above, call 208-665-5099, or email aec@nic.edu. 

​

Varies - Free!

Tuesdays  |  11 am-noon

"Smart Phone Class"

LAKE CITY CENTER

1916 Lakewood Dr., Coeur d'Alene

208-667-4628

​

Smart phone instruction is held each Tuesday FREE of charge! Designed for seniors, learn about "apps", storing info, navigation, calling, taking photos & using albums, texting & emailing.

​​

Tuesdays - Free!

IDAHO STATE TAX COMMISSION

1910 Northwest Blvd., Ste. 100, CdA

800-972-7660

(Classes offered as Webinars)

​​​

Geared for people who recently started a small business in Idaho, or who are considering a start-up, these FREE classes cover: employer requirements, ID tax permits, exemptions, withholding, sales tax & more. See schedules & register HERE.

​

Varies - Free!

It's that time again to compare Medicare coverage, so here's a list of classes scheduled for various dates at KELLOGG ELKS LODGE #1841, 202 1/2 McKinley Ave. West.

 

All classes are FREE & open to the public at 2 pm & 6 pm on these dates:​

• Nov 4 (Wed)

• Nov 12 (Thurs)

• Nov 18 (Wed) 

Choose wisely. ​​​​​​For more info, call Linda Alldredge at 208-682-2556. Take your Medicare book & a pen.

​

Varies - Free!

​​GIZMO-CDA

North Idaho College Hedlund Bldg.

238 Hubbard Ave., Ste. 102, CdA

208-929-4029

​

GIZMO-CDA is Coeur d'Alene's non-profit community makerspace for all ages. It is a "place where ​art, design, technology & tools are connected by the hands & minds of the people of this community." At varous times, FREE classes, workshops & educational seminars are offered. Click HERE to see what's going on.

​​

Note there are membership fees - providing a low-cost alternative to purchasing tools/equipment. Members gain access to a phenomenal makerspace, in addition to Gizmo's collection of tools, equipment, & computers/software. Membership perks include FREE training! Degree-seeking students enrolled at North Idaho College are eligible for discounted rates.

​

Educators looking for STEAM or Makerspace resources can borrow equipment from Gizmo's "Lending Library". More info HERE.​

 

Curious? FREE walk-in tours are available on Wednesdays, 7-9 pm,, & Saturdays, noon-2 pm. Call 208-929-4029 for more info.

​

Varies - Free!

PANHANDLE HEALTH DISTRICT

8500 N. Atlas Rd., Hayden

208-415-5142

"Fit & Fall Proof" exercise classes are designed for older adults ages 65+ to prevent falls. FREE classes focus on strength, flexibility, mobility & balance. 

​

Here are some of the locations:

• Athol

• Bonners Ferry

• Coeur d'Alene

• Clark Fork

• Fernwood

• Harrison

• Hauser

• Hayden

• Kellogg

• Post Falls

• Priest River 

• Rathdrum

• Sandpoint

• Spirit Lake​

• St. Maries

Click HERE for schedules. For more info, call 208-415-5142 (Carolyn Jaeger, Program Coordinator), or email cjaeger@phd1.idaho.gov. 

​​

Varies - Free!

INLAND NORTHWEST SIDS FOUNDATION "SAFE START PROGRAMS"

3649 N. Cederblom St., CdA

206-582-6191

 

Car seat checks are offered at various scheduled locations (app't recommended by texting CHECK to 844-619-2048 or email safestartnw.org) by certified technicians FREE of charge at various locales, including the CdA office (above). As part of the Rural Education Outreach Program. North Idaho locations may include: Kellogg, Osburn, Clark Fork, St. Maries, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Worley, & Plummer.​​​​

**Note that new, safe car seats & cribs will be available for those in need.

​​​​​

"Child Safety 101" via Zoom

This is a FREE class for parents, grandparents, babysitters, or anyone who cares for a child from birth on.

Class covers CPR, choking of infant or young child, severe allergic reactions, how to use an epi-pen, seizures, bleeding, eye injuries & more. The last 35 minutes of class will focus on newborn care including feeding, soothing a fussy baby, swaddling & early baby care. (For those not caring for a newborn, this part of class is optional.) More info HERE.

​​​​​​​​​​​

"Safe Sleep 101" via Zoom

This FREE class teaches parents/grandparents/caregivers safe sleeping techniques for infants. Participants receive a FREE Halo Sleep Sack. More info HERE. **This class fulfills the City of CdA's requirement for licensed child care providers. Also fulfills the requirement to receive a portable crib. 

​​​​​​​​

"Car Seat Safety 101" via Zoom

Learn how to choose the correct car seat, safest location for installation, when to graduate to next size & more. FREE! More info HERE. This class fulfills the requirement to receive a car seat if needed.

​​​​​​​​

"Childbirth" via Zoom

This is a 4-part series on childbirth: Pregnancy & Labor, Birth, Medical Procedures, & After the Birth. Classes can be taken in any order & are FREE! Zoom link will be provided on the day of the class. Register online HERE.

​

"Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero.”  --Mr. Fred Rogers

​

Varies - Free!

TBA  |  5-7:30 pm (W)

"UTV Training"

TBA  |  5-7:30 pm (W)

"ATV Training"

IDAHO PARKS & RECREATION

FARRAGUT STATE PARK

13550 Hwy 54, Athol​

​

Pre-registration is required for the FREE "IDPR Responsible Riders" course for ATV/UTV operators. Lessons include pre-ride inspection, starting/stopping, quick turns, hill riding, emergency stopping/swerving & obstacles.

​

For ages 6 & up, a parent must be present for riders under 16. Proper riding gear must be worn. Take own ATV/UTV. Click the IDPR link above for more info.

​

Varies - Free!

UI EXTENSION, KOOTENAI COUNTY

1250 Ironwood Dr., Ste 107, CdA

208-292-1377

Email: kootenaimg@uidaho.edu

Offers FREE assistance in horticultural topics such as food production, pest management, forestry, identification of insects/weeds/plants, soil improvement, growing turf grass, & sustainable yards & gardens. Stop into the office for advice or to pick up gardening handouts. 

 

Workshops are also held on these topics:​​

• Idaho Panhandle Forestry

• Food, Health & Nutrition

• 4-H  Youth Development

• Idaho Master Gardener Program

Stop by the office for a FREE Plant Clinic on T & Th, 9 am-3 pm, to get questions answered on gardening, lawn or landscaping. Walk-in consultations are offered (no app't needed).  

   ​

For classes/workshops, fees are minimal, which cover handouts & refreshments. Space is limited, so view schedules & register online HERE.

​

Varies - Minimal Cost

TBA  |  4-5 pm

PANHANDLE HEALTH DISTRICT

8500 N. Atlas Rd., Hayden

208-415-5273

 

This FREE 4-week session program (4 Wednesdays) is designed specifically for middle & high school students in all 5 counties of North Idaho. Teens - this is your chance to quit the unhealthy smoking & vaping habit. 

 

In-person classes take place at the PHD office in Hayden w/remote options for outlying county areas. 

​

Contact Shalisha at 208-425-5273  or Smoreno@phd1.idaho.gov for more info or to register.

​​​

Varies - Free!

TBA  |  TBA

"Avalanche Awareness"

​​​​​​

FRIENDS OF IDAHO PANHANDLE AVALANCHE CENTER presents FREE instruction for those interested in avalanche safety. No registration is needed for the evening classes. All levels of experience are welcome. ​

​

The session consists of (1) hour "Know Before You Go" (KBYG) presentation followed by a Q&A/social hour. See the destructive power of avalanches, understand when/why they happen, & learn how to have fun in the mountains while being cautiously aware of snow danger.

​

Varies - Free!

​Nov 2  |  5-7 pm (M)

"Filmmaking Meet & Greet"

NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE

Edminster Student Union Bldg (SUB)

Lake Coeur d'Alene Room, 2nd floor

495 N. College Dr., CdA

​

Filmmaking opportunities exist in North Idaho, so explore ways to get involved & be a part of the industry. Aspiring actor, director, writer, cinematographer, or no experience at all? Open to all - community members & students, & FREE! Presented by NIC & CdA Arts Commission. View flyer HERE.  ​

​

Varies - Free!

IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME offers certification classes for hunter/bowhunter, & trapper at various times/locations. Cost is minimal.

 

Hunter & Bowhunter Certification:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Dec 1, 3 & 5 - Athol

Introduction to Dutch Oven Cooking:

• TBA

Wolf Trapper Certification:​​​​​​​​

• Dec 5 - CdA

Trapper Certification:

• Oct 30 - Medimont

• Dec 4 - CdA

Hunting & Shooting Skills Field Day:​

• TBA - Athol​

​​Click link above for details & registration links, or call 208-769-1414. Note: Classes fill up quickly & there may be waiting lists. Pre-study requirements w/manuals & additional consecutive dates may apply.​

​

Varies - (Almost Free) $8-$9.75

​​IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Post Falls Office

600 N. Thornton St., Post Falls

208-457-8789

Time for a change - a new career/job? Attend monthly hiring events to meet employers ready to hire.

 

Part-time, full-time & seasonal; entry level, skilled trades & professional. Many employers will be on site to hire. Take resume, ask questions & dress for success. Questions? Contact Tara McKelvey, 208-457-8789, Ext 3141 or email tara.mckelvey@labor.idaho.gov. 

​

IDOL also offers in-person classes on various dates to help job seekers succeed - resume & cover letter workshops, computer basics, maximizing job searches, & more. See calendar of FREE events HERE.

​

Varies - Free!

​Dec 9  |  3-4:30 pm (W)

"Medicare Workshop"

TBA  |  1-2:30 pm (T)

"Importance of Medicare Review; Ads & Scams"

TBA  |  1-2:30 pm (T)

"Changes to Medicare for 2027" & "Using Medicare Plan Finder"

COEUR D'ALENE LIBRARY

702 E. Front Ave., CdA

208-769-2315

Need help with Medicare choices? SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) provides FREE unbiased information via in-person workshops (no registration needed).
​

Classes focus on the annual enrollment period, using the Medicare Plan Finder & changes to Medicare.​​

​

FREE guidance for Medicare choices are provided by SHIBA. More info - 208-666-6131 or email stephanie.wood@doi.idaho.gov

​

Whether you're on a Medicare plan, or just heading into the maze of plans & coverages, SHIBA counselors will guide you through. The program is a service of Idaho Department of Insurance.

​

SHIBA Region 1 is located at 2005 Ironwood Parkway, Ste. 143, CdA. Phone: 800-247-4422.

​

Varies - Free!

TBA  |  TBA

"Motorbike: OHM or Dirt Bike Training"

IDAHO PARKS & RECREATION

Farragut State Park

13550 Hwy 54, Athol​

​

Pre-registration is required for the FREE "IDPR Responsible Riders" course for dirtbike riders, held at Farragut State Park. Lessons include starting/stopping, quick turns, hill riding, emergency moves & riding over obstacles.

​

For ages 6 & up, a parent must be present for riders under 16. Proper riding gear must be worn. Take own vehicle. Click the IDPR link above for info.

​

Varies - Free!

Curious about your family history? FREE genealogy help is provided at Hayden Library by KOOTENAI COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY. Call 208-772-5612 for more info, or drop in from 1-4 pm on Wednesdays.

 

Another source of assistance &/or classes is HAYDEN LAKE FAMILY HISTORY CENTER, located at 2293 E. Hanley Ave., CdA. Genealogists gather for informative topics monthly & are classes FREE & open to the public. ​

​

More info - 208-765-0150 or email haydenlakefhc@gmail.com.

​

Varies - Free!

Varies  |  Varies 

LOWE'S

901 Appleway Ave.

208-665-1313

FREE home improvement workshops for all are offered at Lowe's. Experts in their departments teach the DIY classes. Online registration is easy. Set zip code, see list of classes & register HERE.

 

Varies  |  Varies

HOME DEPOT

220 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID

208-676-1441

Register online for FREE workshops taught by Home Depot experts - tile, drywall, birdhouses, flooring, paint, lighting, plumbing, special kids' events & more. Easy online RSVP HERE.

​

Varies - Free!