Trust, library team up on StoryWalk

Kaniksu Land Trust and East Bonner County Library District are partnering up with other community entities to bring a fun and educational Earth Day to local residents and visitors.

StoryWalk was launched last fall at Dover City Park with a children’s story and activities posted along a trail. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for families and communities to get outside and learn at the same time. StoryWalk locations change so that people can have new outdoor experiences, perhaps visiting areas they have never been before.

StoryWalk will feature four special Earth Day locations this weekend, each highlighting a different children’s story with related activities along the trail. They are:

n The city of Sandpoint and Friends of the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail sponsor the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail StoryWalk with “Scoot”, written by Cathryn Falwell.

n The city of Dover sponsors the Dover City Park location, featuring “The Great Blue House” by Kate Banks.

n “If You Plant A Seed” by Kadir Nelson is the theme of the U of I Recreation Center trail walk.

n “Oh No!” by Candace Fleming is the story at McNearney Park, sponsored by the city of Ponderay. The special Earth Day StoryWalk sites will remain until June when new locations and stories will be set.

“We want to find as many ways to support families of young children in finding ways to enjoy being outside,” said Suzanne Tugman, outreach director for Kootenai Land Trust.

Youth Services librarian Suzanne Davis cited other benefits to this initiative such as developing early literacy.

“This project emphasizes the importance of parents continuing to read to their children. It focuses on talking, playing, singing and reading,” she said.

StoryWalk locations and stories are updated periodically. Visit ebonnerlibrary.org for updates. The following classes, workshops and events will take place at the Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar, unless otherwise indicated.

n Friday, April 22 — Earth Day StoryWalk. Four special Earth Day StoryWalk locations and stories. Visit the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail, Dover City Park, U of I Recreation Center and McNearny Park for reading, activities, fitness and family fun. A partnership of The Library, Kaniksu Land Trust, City of Sandpoint, City of Dover, City of Ponderay, U of I and Friends of Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail.

n Friday, April 22 — Clark Fork Story Time, 10:30 a.m., East Bonner County Library Clark Fork branch. Reading, games, snacks and more.

n Friday, April 22 Teen Writers Club, 3 p.m.; “teens who write … unite!” Collaboration, peer reviews, brainstorming activities. Writing supplies and refreshments provided.

n Saturday, April 23 — Computer class on Microsoft Word basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn to create professional looking resumes, letters and other documents. Preregistration required; call 263-6930.

n Monday, April 25 — Toddler Dance Party, 10 a.m.

n Tuesday, April 26 — Mother Goose, 10:15 a.m.; story/singing program for children ages 0 to 3 and their caregivers.

n Tuesday, April 26 — Preschool Storytime, 11 a.m.; for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers.

n Tuesday, April 26 — Make It at The Library, 3 p.m. Kids create with robotics, Arduinos, needlework, Legos and other projects.

n Tuesday, April 26 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm, 3 p.m.; Clark Fork branch, East Bonner County Library District. For more information contact the Clark Fork branch library at 266-1321.

n Tuesday, April 26 — 3D printing for adults, 5 p.m. A beginner level class to become familiar with what 3D printers are used for and how to design your own 3D printable object. Space limited. Preregistration required; call 263-6930.

n Wednesday, April 27 — Crafternoon, change purse project, 2 p.m. Children’s craft workshop, families welcome.

n Wednesday, April 27 — Wrangling Words Writers Program, 5-6 p.m. Meet other writers, explore the writing craft and learn how to develop your own path as a writer. Always a fun flash fiction activity and monthly theme.

n Thursday, April 28 — Adventures in Coins, 3:30 p.m. April is Financial Literacy Month. Join us for a free Money Smart Week program with coin games, rubbings, piggy banks and coin exploration.

n Friday, April 29 — Arbor Day at the Clark Fork Library, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Come by the East Bonner County Library District, Clark Fork branch for posters, pamphlets and a free baby blue spruce tree. Come early as there is a limited supply of trees available.

n Saturday, April 30 — Computer class on Microsoft Publisher basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn the basics of Microsoft Publisher including templates, formatting and pictures. Preregistration required; call 263-6930.

n Saturday, April 30 — Take Charge of Your Personal Finances, 1 p.m. April is Financial Literacy Month. Get smart tips on managing personal and family finance for long-term financial security. Information: 263-6930.