Programs mark anniversary of fires

In August 1910, wildfires consumed 3 million acres of forests in North Idaho and Montana, killed 85 people, and burned hundreds of structures, including more than a third of Wallace.

Programs at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave., will commemorate one of the biggest natural disasters to ever impact our region:

• Sunday, Aug. 15: Free screenings of 'Ordeal by Fire,' a new film by George Sibley, in partnership with the Museum of North Idaho, Community Room, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• Wednesday, Aug. 18: Stephen Pyne, author of 'Year of the Fires,' Community Room, 7 p.m.

• Sunday, Aug. 22: Tour of Forest Cemetery, with Forest Service historian/interpreter Steve Coady in partnership with the Coeur d'Alene Parks Department, Forest Cemetery, Government Way, 10 a.m.

• Through Aug. 31: "Summer of Fire 1910," an exhibit of photos from the "Big Burn" is on display in the main library. These photos were provided courtesy of USFS Region 1 Archives. Photo printing and mounting was funded by the Friends of the Coeur d'Alene Public Library. The exhibit is scheduled to be on display at the Spokane Public Library during September.

The free full-length movies in the Seagraves Children's Library are moving to Wednesdays beginning July 28. The movies will still start at 1 p.m. in the Shirley Parker Storyroom.

Family films have been scheduled through Aug. 18. For film titles, visit the children's library or call 769-2315 Ext. 438.

The library is able to do public showings of movies due to licensing funded by the Coeur d'Alene Public Library Foundation. The foundation plans to begin showing monthly films at the library this fall.