Statistics ... and the great thing about libraries

| July 29, 2016 1:00 AM

If you put one foot in a bucket of ice water and the other in fire, statistically speaking, you would be comfortable.

Statistics are a funny thing. In the 2013 Pew Research Center Library Services survey about three-quarters of those surveyed said that they want quiet study spaces, but an almost equal number said that they want libraries to provide collaborative opportunities.

Clearly, people want many things from their libraries; a place to concentrate, meet with friends, attend meetings and more. I hear a lot of comments from both sides of the tranquil versus turned-up debate. I even have one friend who says the library scares her because it is so quiet (I still catch her in here, so she must have a high fear tolerance). Many others expect the library to be the last sanctuary for solitude in an over-stimulated world. Thankfully, there are ways to achieve both, as many other libraries have discovered.

You may have seen the American Library Association’s Libraries Transform marketing initiative that speaks to the way libraries have changed and continue to do so as the interests and priorities of people in local communities change.

For example, in Bonner County employment is a hot topic. The disparity between quality jobs and candidates who are qualified to fill them — the skills gap — is an issue that affects us all in terms of our local economy. The library currently offers materials, services and programs that address the local skills gap and will be able to do so much more with the new space after the Sandpoint branch library’s remodel and expansion. Experience-based learning opportunities that are not limited to a certain age can have a huge impact on the success of local businesses, the esteem and standard of living of residents and the vitality of our local economy. But these spaces are not quiet.

The architectural designs are not yet complete, but the preliminary renditions show a layout that includes quiet study areas, reading space, social and collaborative spots and rooms designated for classes, meetings and other functions. As libraries transition into something closer to “a community center without the pool and basketball court,” as I heard it described by a webinar facilitator recently, the library will always be a place where silence-seekers find refuge. Whatever side of the debate you are on, you win because you have a say in what the library becomes. Tell us your thoughts on our library expansion survey on www.ebonnerlibrary.org.

Visit the Sandpoint and Clark Fork branch libraries, the Bookmobile and ebonnerlibrary.org and check out these classes, workshops and events. All take place at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar, unless otherwise indicated.

• Saturday, July 30 — 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; call 263-6930.

• Monday, Aug. 1 — Teen Make It at The Library, 3 p.m. Makerspace for 7th grade teens and older to create with robotics, Arduinos and 3D printing.

• Tuesday, Aug. 2 — Mother Goose, canceled

• Tuesday, Aug. 2 — Preschool Storytime, canceled

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

• Tuesday, Aug. 2 — 3D printing workshop for adults, 5 p.m.; beginner class. Explore the potential of 3D printing and design a 3D printable object. Preregistration required; call 263-6930.

• Wednesday, Aug. 3 — Clark Fork Stories and More, 10:30 a.m., East Bonner County Library Clark Fork branch. Event includes stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8.

• Wednesday, Aug. 3 — Make It at the Library (CF). East Bonner County Library Clark Fork branch, 601 Main St. Kids make a variety of age appropriate crafts from 2-3:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, Aug. 3 — Sandpoint Photo Club, 5 p.m. Learn and share with other photographers.

• Wednesday, Aug. 3 — 3D printing for adults (CF), 4 p.m. A beginner class. Explore the potential of 3D printing and design a 3D printable object. At the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main. Preregistration required; call 266-1321.

• Thursday, Aug. 4 — Clark Fork Crafternoon; create enchanted bubble wands, 1:30 p.m. Kids and families make bubble wands to take home. Free family fun at the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main St.

• Saturday, Aug. 6 —Sandpoint Friends of the Library book sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sandpoint FOL is expanding its book sale to the garage in the adjacent lot again this month! Also visit the regularly scheduled sale in the library lobby.

• 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 East Bonner County Library District and Kaniksu Land Trust.