Library patrons, supporters are amazing

If you’ve been coming to The Library for any amount of time, you probably know Molly. You can often find her at the customer service window upstairs at the Sand-point Branch Library. Molly has worked at The Library for 26 years, so I highly value her opinion. With a looming deadline approaching, I asked her, “What should our Daily Bee column be about this week?”

She responded, “You should write about how amazing our patrons and supporters are. When I think about our building project and how it is all coming together because of individual donations, sometimes I can’t believe it.”

She is not alone. I rub my eyes in disbelief sometimes too. We introduced this $3.5 million project to you less than two years ago.

Our initial goal was to raise $700,000. Today, we need less than $50,000 for construction costs (does not include furnishings, fixtures, and equipment). While we have secured a few large grants, the vast majority of funds raised has been through individual and small business contributions.

Even though fundraising is an important piece, it is only part of our overall goal. Our community libraries in Clark Fork and Sandpoint are transforming to meet the needs of local people, businesses, and organizations. We decided to run a capital campaign so that we could involve everyone in the process of making that transformation happen. Our goal is to see our local community members recognized for transforming The Library. We want this project to have the names of the people and businesses who invested in Your Library Transformation all over it.

Your Library Transformation has eight donor tiers built into the campaign so that virtually everyone, any age, can participate and be recognized. A five dollar contribution qualifies for our Granite-level tier, which allows the donor to select a book of their choice from our collection and affix a book plate inside with their name or the name of a loved one inside. Some people have made this a gift of legacy to their families.

One donor recently made a large contribution upon receiving an inheritance. Her family member loved to read and instilled in her a love for reading and The Library.

Local companies who have invested in Your Library Transformation are recognized in various ways. We have experienced the whole-hearted generosity of business people who contribute funds, organize and attend fundraising events, and advocate for Your Library Transformation. Some have done so over and over again.

As many people are making their year-end contributions, Library Director Ann Nichols would like to thank our community for taking on this epic project with us.

“Asking for money is one of the hardest things for me as the library director to do. Surprisingly, it has also become difficult to thank you! I don’t even know most of you. Yet you have given time and again to the library. You have given money, but also your time as volunteers, your support and encouragement, your expertise in leading classes and tutoring students. You have brought your children and dreams, your concerns and suggestions. My hope is that our library expansion and transformation will help provide opportunities for discovery, curiosity and a love of lifelong learning for everyone.

This community is overwhelmingly the most generous and giving of any I have ever known. I am so thankful for all you do.”

If you would like more information about how you can make a year-end contribution, visit www.ebonnerlibrary.org or contact me directly.

- Friday, Dec. 22 — Teen Writers Club is canceled.

- Monday, Dec. 25 — Closed for the Christmas holiday.

- Monday, Dec. 25 to Sunday, Dec. 31 — Fine Forgiveness Week. Sneak your overdue materials in this week and get your fines waived – no questions asked! Does not include damaged or lost items.

- Tuesday, Dec. 26 — Mother Goose and Preschool Story Times is canceled.

- Tuesday, Dec. 26 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm, 3 p.m. Learn to build or code. For boys and girls age 8-plus at the Clark Fork Branch. Subject to cancelation. Please call 266-1321 to confirm before attending.

- Tuesday, Dec. 26 — Intro to 3D Printing Workshop for Adults, 5 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch. Now is your chance to dabble in coding and design. Learn about 3D printing technology and how it is being used in innovative ways. Preregistration is required 263-6930.

- Wednesday, Dec. 27 — Clark Fork Stories & More, 10:30 a.m. Kids and their caregivers enjoy story time, songs, snacks, and crafts at the Clark Fork Branch.

- Wednesday, Dec. 27 — Make It at the Library, 2 p.m. at the Clark Fork Branch Library. Tweens & teens make a variety of STEAM projects. Info: 266-1321.

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.