Books offer tips to happy living

While flipping through Book Page, an independent book review publication that the library subscribes to, I came across a feature on newly published books about happiness — one of my favorite subjects.

Two of the five books were about Danish secrets to happy living. For the past few years, I have been hearing a lot about how Danish people are the happiest people on earth, so this piqued my interest. Columnist Julie Hale revealed the reasons for this renowned happiness phenomenon in her review of “Happy as a Dane: 10 Secrets of the Happiest People in the World” by Malene Rydahl:

“… (T)raits such as trust, a supportive educational system, a sense of unlimited opportunity and an appreciation for simple pleasures,” are characteristic of the citizens of Denmark, according to the review.

Similarly, the libraries of the East Bonner County Library District engender trust, education, opportunity, and simple pleasures. Perhaps the coveted secret of contentment that Danish people enjoy is not so elusive for the rest of us. In fact, the Sandpoint Library currently has a book display on happiness. You are welcome to stop by and peruse the selection and check one or more out for yourself. We will be adding Rydahl’s book as well as the other title on this topic mentioned in the review, “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living”, by Meik Wiking to the library collection. We also currently have, “The Cozy Life”, by Pia Edberg and an eBook called “The Year of Living Danishly” (physical copy on order). To cultivate more personal happiness, visit the Clark Fork or Sandpoint branch libraries, the Bookmobile or log on to www.ebonnerlibrary.org.

Pick up a free copy of the January 2017 Book Page at the Information Desk, and while you are here, plan to attend one of our many educational and inspirational library programs. All of the following classes and events take place at the Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar Street, unless otherwise noted.

• Friday, Dec. 23 — Fine Forgiveness Week. It is the final day to bring in your overdue library materials and narrowly escape fines! Does not apply to lost or damaged books.

• Friday, Dec. 23 — Teen Writers Club, 3:30 p.m. Teens who write … unite! Collaboration, peer reviews, brainstorming activities. Writing supplies and refreshments provided.

• Saturday, Dec. 24 — Closed; Christmas Eve holiday.

• Monday, Dec. 26 — Closed; Christmas holiday observed.

• Tuesday, Dec. 27 — Mother Goose Reading & Singing, 10:15 a.m.; for ages 0-3.

• Tuesday, Dec. 27 — Preschool Story Time,11 a.m.; for ages 2-5.

• Tuesday, Dec. 27 — Make It at the Library, 3 p.m. Makerspace activities for kids including robotics, Arduinos, Legos and fiber arts.

• Tuesday, Dec. 27 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm, 3 p.m.; for ages 8 and over. Event held at Clark Fork Library.

• Tuesday, Dec. 27 — 3D printing workshop, 5 p.m. Learn what 3D printers are used for and how to design your own 3D printable object. This class is beginner level. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Information: 263-6930.

• Wednesday, Dec. 28 — Clark Fork Stories and More, 10:30 a.m. Stories, crafts, and snacks for kids ages 3-8. East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork Library.

• Wednesday, Dec. 28 — Crafternoon – Animal Tracks, 2 p.m. Make animal track casts and learn how to identify animal tracks in the wild.

• Wednesday, Dec. 28 — Make It at the Clark Fork Library, 2 p.m. Kids make age-appropriate crafts at the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork Library.

• Thursday, Dec. 29 — Winter holidays, 1 p.m. Bring the family to the library for a fun time learning about holidays such as Kwanzaa and Hanukkah with games and crafts. Contact Suzanne for more information 263-6930, ext. 1211.

• Friday, Dec. 30 — Computer class on computer basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn about the parts of a computer, computer terminology, memory, navigation and accessibility. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Information: 263-6930.

Marcy Timblin is in charge of public relations, marketing and community development for the East Bonner County Library District. She can be reached at 208-263-6930, ext. 1204.