Robinson to receive Library of Congress honors
—Photo courtesy EAST BONNER COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT Local author, KJ Gillenwater visited the East Bonner County Library on Saturday to share her unique author experiences. She has published four books including her most recent novel, “Acapulco Nights”. All are available at the East Bonner County Library District branch libraries.
“Housekeeping”, Marilynne Robinson’s 1980 debut novel, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and won a Hemingway Foundation/ PEN Award (PEN is an acronym that formerly stood for Poets, Essayists, Novelists, but now stands for Poets, Playwrights, Editors, Essayists, Novelists).
She went on to write nine more books, including “Gilead”, winner of the 2005 Pulitzer; “Home”, for which she received the UK Orange Prize for Fiction; and “Lila”, National Book Award Finalist and winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award. Thus far, Robinson’s works have won her more than eight prestigious awards. With fans such as President Barack Obama and Rowan Williams, one might not consider that it all began right here in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Marilynne was born in Sandpoint and after her parents moved the family to Coeur’d Alene, she would spend summers and holidays here with her grandparents. She now lives in Iowa and is a professor at Iowa Writers Workshop, but she has returned to the area on occasion and even performed a reading reception at The Panida in 2006 featuring the library’s former youth writer’s group, Blue Dragons, as an opening act. She still writes and refers to her grandparents’ Sagle homestead as her true home.
Last week, acting Librarian of Congress, David S. Mao, announced that Robinson was selected to be the recipient of the 2016 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction. She is invited to accept this lifetime achievement award at the Library of Congress National Book Festival on Sept. 24.
Robinson’s books are available to check out from the East Bonner County Library.
Also, check out the following classes, workshops and events coming up this week. All are at the Sandpoint branch, 1407 Cedar, unless otherwise indicated. Remember, on Fridays and Saturdays the Sandpoint branch opens later, at 10 a.m., and closes earlier, at 5 p.m.
n Saturday, April 9 — Computer class on Internet basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn how to navigate the Internet for useful information. Preregistration required; call 263-6930. Held at the East Bonner County Library District’s Sandpoint branch, 1407 Cedar.
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 landscapes in North Idaho. Event takes place at the East Bonner County Library District’s Sandpoint branch, 1407 Cedar.
n Tuesday, April 12 — Mother Goose. 10:15 a.m.; story/singing program for children ages 0 to 3 and their caregivers.
n Tuesday, April 12 — Preschool Storytime, 11 a.m.; for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers.
n Tuesday, April 12 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm, 3 p.m., Clark Fork branch, 601 Main. For more information, contact the Clark Fork branch library at 266-1321.
n Tuesday, April 12 — Make It at The Library, 3 p.m. Kids create with robotics, Arduinos, needlework, Legos and other projects.
n Wednesday, April 13 — Make It at The Library, 2 p.m. Kids make a variety of age appropriate crafts at the East Bonner County Library’s Clark Fork branch.
n Wednesday, April 13 — Crafternoon, 2 p.m.; create poetry pinwheels. April is National Poetry Month. Put a poem inside of a spinning pinwheel. East Bonner County Library District’s Sandpoint branch, 1407 Cedar.
n Wednesday, April 13 — Clark Fork 3D printing workshop for adults, 4 p.m. Learn what 3D printers are used for and how to design your own 3D printable object; free, beginner level class at the East Bonner County Library District’sClark Fork branch, 601 Main. Space is limited; preregistration required. Call 266-1321.
n Friday, April 15 — Clark Fork Story Time, 10:30 a.m., Clark Fork branch, 601 Main. Reading, games, snacks and more.
n Saturday, April 16 — Computer class on library’s online education resources, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn more about online resources available through the library’s website. Preregistration required; call 263-6930. Event held at the East Bonner County Library District’s Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar.
n Saturday, April 16 — Thirty-Nine Years of Bloomsday, 1 p.m. Join Bloomsday “perennial” Gary Berg as he shares his experiences running in every Bloomsday since 1977. Bring your memorabilia and stories to share! Preregistration required; call 263-6930.
n Saturday, April 16 — 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 Every day: StoryWalk Project; partnership with Kaniksu Land Trust. Visit the two StoryWalk locations at Balto Park and McNearney Park 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.