Give the gift of your time to help others

When I was in the 10th grade, my grades were slipping. I had trouble following teachers.

I didn’t understand math and the teacher went too fast, so when I didn’t understand a part of the homework, I fell behind.

In English and social studies, it was the same. I read slowly, so reading a chapter was a painstaking effort which would go unfinished in many cases.

In most cases, I struggled to make a C average.

During the summer between my sophomore and junior year in high school, my parents sent me to a tutor twice a week.

They showed me how to study. I gained the confidence I needed to succeed. Slowly, my grades got better, but more importantly, I began to think of what I could do for my future. Without that experience, I think my life would have turned out very differently, and without the fulfillment of many of the goals I achieved.

I have a great job as coordinator of the Library’s Lifelong Learning Center; I see successes very day. I see students and their parents come into the library seeking help, and I know they are at the same turning point in their education I was many years ago.

I see adults who, for whatever reason, have been left behind by their education and want to improve their reading and writing. I see new and future citizens who have adopted English as their second language look to improve their proficiency.

I see volunteer tutors bring their expertise to help these students. In many cases, they’ve received the same help when they were younger and feel it contributed to their success in life, and now they want to give back. I see their relationships with their students turn into friendships and the initial quiet exchanges turn into laughter. In some cases, I see students become tutors themselves.

The Lifelong Learning Center has a great opportunity to help the many students that have applied this fall, but we need more tutors to accomplish that goal.

Tutors don’t need to be retired school teachers or math geniuses with lots of time on their hands. They just need carve out one or two hours from their busy schedule each week to give back to their community who want to help. We’ll provide excellent training, private tutoring rooms and administrative support.

If you are in a position to share your time and talents to make a difference to a struggling student — at a mere, two hours per week, please contact Mike Bauer at 265-2665 to schedule an interview.

You may find that, in your quest to give something back to the community, you are the one to receive the reward.

All events take place at the Sandpoint branch unless otherwise indicated.

• Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 — Computer Class: Library eResources. 8:15 am sharp. Patron Perks! Find out how to access downloadable book, music, magazines and much more - all available free to you as an EBCL patron. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Information: 263-6930.

• Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 — Sandpoint FOL Book Sale. 10 AM – 2 PM. This month’s features include Christmas books, decorations and cookbooks plus lots of non-Christmas cookbooks too. Get nonfiction titles at half price and westerns at a dollar a bag!

• Monday, Nov. 7 — Night Sky. 6:30 PM. Astronomy viewing program for families. Contact Suzanne for location and additional details. Suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org or 263-6930 ext. 1211.

• Tuesday, Nov. 8 — Mother Goose. 10:15 AM. A story/singing program for children ages 0 to 3 and their caregivers.

• Tuesday, Nov. 8 — Preschool Storytime. 11 AM. For children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers.

• Tuesday, Nov. 8 — Make It at The Library. 2 PM. Teens, kids and families create with robotics, Arduinos, needlework, Legos and other projects.

• Tuesday, Nov. 8 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm. 3 PM. Learn to build or code. For boys and girls age 8+ at the East Bonner County Library District Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main.

• Wednesday, Nov. 9 — Clark Fork Stories and More. 10:30 AM. Stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8 East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main.

• Wednesday, Nov. 9 — Crafternoon – Sassy Salts. 2 PM. Free family fun making bath salts to take home! For ages 7 to adult.

• Wednesday, Nov. 9 — Clark Fork Make It at The Library. 2 PM. Kids make a variety of age appropriate projects. East Bonner Co. Library Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main St.

• Thursday, Nov. 10 — Homeschool Rocks! – Dewey Decimal Basics. 9 AM. Homeschool families are invited to learn how to locate books using the Dewey Decimal System through a scavenger hunt and other games.

• Thursday, Nov. 10 — Homeschool Book Club. 10:30 AM. Bring your favorite book to share and “sample” others’ recommendations. Learn about the library’s Mock Newberry program and enter a drawing for a free book.

• Thursday, Nov. 10 — Safe Space. 3 PM. A Safe Space for middle school LGBTQ+ students and allies. Includes discussions, games and other activities.

• Saturday, Nov. 12 — Computer Class: Basic Microsoft Word. 8:15 am sharp. Learn the basics of Microsoft Word, including toolbars, formatting and highlighting. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Information: 263-6930.

• Saturday, Nov. 12 — Native Heritage Film Series: For the Rights of All: Ending Jim Crow in Alaska. The first in a five-part monthly series of film screenings showcasing Native American culture. Sponsored by the Idaho Mythweaver, TransEco Services, the Idaho Community Foundation and the Idaho Humanities Council. Screenings are at 12:30 and 3 pm. Discussion to follow led by Jane Fritz of the Idaho Mythweaver. Free program. Information: 263-6930.

Mike Bauer is the Lifelong Learning coordinator for the East Bonner County Library District.