Family fun taking center stage

Those of us who live here or visit frequently in the summer know that August is all about family fun in Sandpoint. This is when we all say, “Whoa! The summer window is closing. We had better get it all in this month.”

Every day seems to be packed with events like the Long Bridge Swim, County Fair, The Festival, Arts and Crafts Fair, Wings Over Sandpoint Fly-In, the Spokane to Sandpoint Race, and Sandemonium. Add to the list, the one-off and emerging events like the total solar eclipse, Shakespeare in the Park, and Bikes, Brews, & Blues. I know many of you are staying busy enough just keeping up with the regular fare; beach days, Farmer’s Market, Movies in the Park, and Yappy Hour.

I hope you take full advantage of the opportunities for family fun in Sandpoint during the month of August – National Family Fun Month. Here is how you can use The Library to make the most of it.

- Tune up for The Festival – stream and download music from artists who will be performing at The Festival using the Digital Library at eBonnerLibrary.org or check out CD’s from our exhaustive music collection. Impress Jake Owen by learning the lyrics to all of his songs before the concert with a little help from The Library.

- Nerdify your astronomy skills – Go to the Solar Eclipse presentation with Astronomer Jim Pletsch before the total eclipse happens and wow your friends and family with your superior knowledge of the subject.

- Hit the Fair – At our booth you can get updates on Your Library Transformation, get your library card, browse our catalog, Digital Library, and staff blogs, and score freebies.

- Book it to Farmer’s Market – Tour the Bookmobile and leave with your limit of books, movies, and music.

- Cosplay it up – Our booth at Sandemonium showcases the National Library Card Sign Up Month Honor-ary Chairs, the Teen Titans. Sign up for a library card, get more freebies, and explore and check out sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture materials. Visit the Friends of the Library table to score deals on sci-fi books for your own collection.

There is no excuse to miss Family Fun Month in Sandpoint. The Library makes sure of that.

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All of the following classes and events take place at the Sandpoint Branch Library, 1407 Cedar, unless otherwise indicated.

- Friday, Aug. 4 — Teen Writers Club is canceled for summer. For information contact Morgan, 263-6930 ext. 1245 or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Saturday, Aug. 5 — Friends of the Library Book Sale, annual bag sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Inventory reduction due to construction! All FOL books will be included in this fill-a-bag for $1 sale. Bring a friend and take home excellent selections for your book shelves. Proceeds benefit The Library.

- Saturday, Aug. 5 — Pushing the Limits Climate Change Series: Program Launch, 1 p.m. The first in a four-part reading, viewing, and discussion series on climate change. An orientation to the series and distribution of the first of 3 books (all free) that we will be discussing in September, October and November. Program location: Monarch Mountain Coffee, 208 N. Fourth Ave., Sandpoint. Pre-registration required: 263-6930. For more information, visit ebonnerlibrary.org/Events or contact Mike Bauer, 265-2665, email mike@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Aug. 8 — Bonner County Fair – theme: Remembering Our Roots, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Our indoor booth will feature a timeline of the library’s history. Sign up for a library card and discover the amazing benefits of having one. Qualify for a free book and pick up some other freebies.

- Tuesday, Aug. 8 — Storytimes; Mother Goose & Preschool is canceled for the month of August.

- Tuesday, Aug. 8 — Make It at The Library is canceled for summer. For information, contact Morgan, 263-6930, ext. 1245; or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, Aug. 9 — Clark Fork Stories and More, 10:30 a.m. Stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8. Event is being held at the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main. Call 266-1321 for more information.

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

- Saturday, Aug. 12 — Solar Eclipse & Other Astronomical Wonders: An Observer’s Guide, 1 p.m. at Travers Park. Join Jim Pletsch, astronomer with the Spokane Astronomical Society for a look at how to prepare for the eclipse plus answers to all your questions on astronomy. Jim will be bringing a solar scope and other equipment to see — please bring your questions! Free eclipse glasses! A partnership of East Bonner County Library District, Spokane Astronomical Society and Sandpoint Parks and Recreation. More information: 265-2665.

- Summer Reading Challenge — Pick up a Summer Reading game board and start logging your reading and read-to-me hours now through August 21 for fun programs and prizes! Reading logs available for kids of pre-reading age through teen at the East Bonner County Library District’sSandpoint and Clark Fork branch libraries or eBonnerLibrary.org. For more information, call 263-6930.

- StoryWalk — Take the family out for a walk and a story anytime! At Dover City Park, read “Ragweed’s Farm Dog Handbook” by Anne Vittur Kennedy. At McNearney Park in Ponderay, enjoy “Max Found Two Sticks” by Brian Pinkney. New stories are updated at the Northside School StoryWalk weekly! For more information, visit ebonnerlibrary.org.

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.