Library works hard to meet customers' wishes

When does impeccable customer service pose a problem? Well, never. Still, the library district’s policy of making sure our patrons have access to the materials they need and want does pose a stack space problem.

Patrons often laud our library district for generously filling requests for materials. If the library doesn’t have a particular item in the physical or digital collection, we will often order it, as long as it is priced reasonably and likely to be checked out by more than a few people. If it is a more obscure item, the Interlibrary Loan system kicks in and staff search the planet to find that item so we can borrow it from another library.

You may have heard that the printed book is becoming obsolete. Not true. Requests for physical books continue to pour in and we strain our creativity to find space on the shelves for more books. For example, at the Sandpoint branch, our large print section has reached its limits so that for every new book we add, one must be removed from the collection. Since baby boomers make up the greatest age demographic in Bonner County, are the largest sector of library patrons and are the primary users of large print books, the lack of space for these items is a real concern.

The Young Adult section is another area that requires constant weeding (pulling books that haven’t checked out in a while) to make room for newly requested items.

“I’ve weeded as much as I can and I still don’t have enough space to keep up with current interest,” said Morgan Gariepy, Young Adult Services librarian. “I’m still ordering books, but I can’t buy as many popular books as I would like because there’s not enough space on the shelves.”

Open access to information and inspiration is at the heart of the existence of public libraries. Clearly, our community values these opportunities that many would not have access to otherwise. As we strive to keep up with public demand for materials that enrich the daily lives of residents and visitors, we hope that you will visit often and take full advantage of a growing selection of books, CDs, DVDs, games and other items for knowledge and entertainment.

In addition to the abundance of materials you can discover at the Sandpoint and Clark Fork branch libraries, the Bookmobile and ebonnerlibrary.org, you can also enjoy the following classes and events. All take place at the Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar, unless otherwise indicated.

• Saturday, July 23 — Computer class on Microsoft Publisher basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn to create professional looking brochures, newsletters and other documents. Preregistration required 263-6930.

• Monday, July 25 — Juggling school, 2 p.m. Make juggling balls and learn to juggle. Preregistration required; 263-6930, ext. 1211.

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

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

• Tuesday, July 26 — Make It at The Library, 2 p.m. Teens, kids and families create with robotics, Arduinos, needlework, Legos and other projects.

• Tuesday, July 26 — Knight Life, 6 p.m. Kids and families can try on chainmail and learn about medieval times. Includes a sword fighting demonstration.

• Wednesday, July 27 — Clark Fork Stories and More, 10:30 a.m., East Bonner County Library’s Clark Fork branch; stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8.

• Wednesday, July 27 — Crafternoon, paracord bracelets project; 1:30 p.m. Make a free bracelet to take home. Class is for kids and families.

• Wednesday, July 27 — Make It at The Library (Clark Fork); East Bonner County Library’s Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main St. Kids make a variety of age appropriate crafts from 2-3:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, July 27 — Clark Fork Game Night, 7 p.m. A free Teen Summer Reading activity to help you Get In The Game & Read! Play some of our board or card games, or bring some to share. Event will take place at the East Bonner Co. Library District’s Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main St.

• Thursday, July 28 — Hammered Ring Making Workshop, 10:30 a.m. Learn to make a beautiful metal ring for yourself or for a gift. It’s free family fun.

• Friday, July 20 —Teen Lock-In and Nerf Battle, 8 p.m. A night of fun and games with teens from libraries across the country! Join live web chats with authors, stay overnight in the library and have pancakes in the morning. A free Teen Summer Reading program. Preregistration required; 263-6930.

• Saturday, July 30 — Computr class on computer basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn about computer tools such as printers, DVDs and flash drives, decipher the computer keyboard and learn how to use a mouse. Preregistration required 263-6930.

• StoryWalk — New StoryWalk locations and stories. Visit Farmin, Kootenai and Northside elementary schools and Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High. StoryWalk is a community partnership between The Library and Kaniksu Land Trust.

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