Questions about our expansion? We have the answers

This week, we announced our exciting plans to expand and remodel the Sandpoint branch of the East Bonner County Library District. The additional space and reconfiguration of some of the floor plan will reflect what you have told us you need from the library, either by saying so or by demonstrating what you use most.

This project is all about making the library more relevant to the needs of this community and that is why we want you to know these three things.

n Why you need a library expansion.

You’ve got to admit, the library isn’t very old. Built in 2000 and meticulously cared for, the Sandpoint branch library looks new. Still, our community has changed a great deal in the way that we seek information in the last 16 years and the methods are as varied as the people who use them.

Additional room for materials, social and quiet spaces, larger meeting rooms and multipurpose areas are needed as indicated by your materials requests, usage and comments over the last couple of years. We know we need more room, but we also want to hear what you think the priorities should be.

n Your input counts.

Whether you are a regular patron or have never stepped foot inside of a library, your opinions matter.

Tell us what you think should never change about the library. Tell us why you don’t use the library.

Tell us what kinds of materials, programs, initiatives and layout you would include if you were calling the shots on the expansion … because you are.

Share your comments with the staff, on Facebook, in a letter or you can call or email me at 627-5790 or marcy@ebonnerlibrary.org.

We will record all comments so that we can identify patterns and use that information to formulate design recommendations to the architect.

n You own this.

Libraries only exist because community members need free and open access to information and inspiration without censorship or limitations of income, education, physical and mental abilities or other potential barriers. The library is shaped by the needs of the people who use it.

Local folks want to support the library and contribute to this project voluntarily, based on what they can and want to share. That is why we are not proposing another bond to fund this project. We are absolutely confident that we can raise $900,000 by December 2016.

It sounds like a lot of money (believe me, it is), but if a thousand of us Bonner County residents put up a $100 each, boom, we would have it. Of course, smaller contributions will do the trick, too.

You have the opportunity to contribute financially and in other ways to this exciting project, but you should know that we also plan to write some grants, use some funds we have set aside and pursue some other fund raising activities.

If you are interested in making a financial contribution or would like to support the project in another way, you can get in touch with me or any other library staff member.

We will do our best to keep you in the loop every step of the way.

Library staff and trustees will be visiting community meetings to present updates and collect input from various groups.

We will also provide regular updates to local media and share progress and news on our website and social media platforms.

The following classes, workshops and events will take place at the Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar, unless otherwise indicated.

n Friday, March 31 — Clark Fork Story Time, 10:30 a.m., East Bonner County Library Clark Fork branch. Reading, games, snacks and more.

n Saturday, April 2 — Computer class on computer basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn about the parts of a computer, computer terminology, memory, navigation and accessibility.

Preregistration required; call 263-6930.

n Saturday, April 2 — Sandpoint Friends of the Library Book Sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Featuring the magnificent collection of Joseph and Lois Wythe including Lois’ gardening newsletters, “Lines From Lois.”

Timely gardening books plus lots of children’s, tween and teen reads.

Poetry books for National Poetry Month in April and travel books, too.

n Saturday, April 2 — Fly Tying Group; fly tying enthusiasts of varying levels of expertise meet at 1 p.m. Please bring your own supplies. Meets every first and third Saturday.

n Saturday, April 2 — Clark Fork Library presents program on raising backyard poultry, 1 p.m. Our resident poultry expert, Brenden Bobby will present a hands-on approach to backyard poultry and rabbit management at the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main. Preregistration required; call 266-1321.

n Monday, April 4 — Teen Make It at The Library, 3 p.m. Makerspace for seventh-grade teens and older to create with robotics, Arduinos and 3D printing.

n Tuesday, April 5 — Mother Goose, 10:15 a.m. A story/singing program for children ages 0 to 3 and their caregivers.

n Tuesday, April 5 — Preschool Storytime, 11 a.m.; for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers.

n Tuesday, April 5 — Make It at The Library, 3 p.m. Kids create with robotics, Arduinos, needlework, Legos and other projects.

n Wednesday, April 6 — Sandpoint Photo Club, 5 p.m. Learn and share with other photographers. Email ptim9999@gmail.com for information.

n Thursday, April 7 — FOL presentation on bird watching in North Idaho, 12 p.m. Rich Del Carlo will lead a fascinating discussion on local birds and how to identify them. Light refreshments provided.

n Friday, April 8 —Teen Writer’s Club, 3 p.m. Collaborate with other young writers.

n Saturday, April 9 — Computer class on Internet basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn how to navigate the internet to find useful information. Preregistration required; call 263-6930.

n Saturday, April 9 — Landscaping with native plants in North Idaho, 1 p.m. Gail Bolin from the Kinnickinnick Native Plant Society will share her expertise on how to adapt native plants and care for them in North Idaho landscapes.

n Every day: StoryWalk Project; partnership with Kaniksu Land Trust. Visit the two StoryWalk locations, one at Balto Park in Dover and the other at McNearney Park in Ponderay for reading, activities, fitness and family fun. Locations and stories change periodically.

For more information, go online to www.ebonnerlibrary.org or contact Suzanne at 263-6930, ext. 1211.

The Clark Fork Robotics and Sandpoint Lego Club programs are canceled this week due to spring break.