There's plenty to love about local libraries

The whole idea of pinning the word “love” on everything in February is so overdone that if Library Lovers Month makes you want to tune out or gag, believe me, I get it.

That is exactly how I felt when I first heard that such an observance exists. It sounds like another “love your library” message that doesn’t really give non-library lovers a good reason to pay attention. If it weren’t my job to try to get people to give the library a double-take, I probably would not have dug a little deeper to find out what Library Lovers Month is truly about. But, you know the end of the story: I do, and I did, and I am moved to share what I learned.

At various times in our history, people have questioned the practical worth of libraries to the point of cutting funding when times are hard. Library Lovers Month keeps the value of libraries top of mind every Febru-ary regardless of what is going on in the financial, political and social arenas. This month, I will cover three principles that are central to Library Lovers Month:

1. Relevance — understand why libraries continue to be so valuable to our communities

2. Appreciation — experience its value to you personally

3. Expression — make an outward expression of your library love

As with any relationship, these three elements must be present to keep the love alive. This series of articles aims to do that, and I promise to keep the mushy love stuff out of it.

All of the following take place at the Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar Street, unless otherwise noted.

• Friday, Feb. 3 — Family Game Night, 5:30 p.m.; after-hours fun at the library with a light dinner and lots of fun games.

• Saturday, Feb. 4 — Computer class on computer basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Overwhelmed by the world of computers? Kick fear to the curb with this class! We’ll help you get over your fears by showing you how a computer works, what all those funny words mean, how to save your stuff and then find it later, and how to make the computer your friend. Space is limited and preregistration is required; call 263-6930.

• Saturday, Feb. 4 — Friends of the Library book sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This month we have a selection of books about sailing and flying, fishing, animals and a collection of books about politics and political figures, both past and present. CDs are four for $1 and DVDs are 50 cents each.

• Tuesday, Feb. 7 — Mother Goose Reading & Singing, 10:15 a.m.; for ages 0-3.

• Tuesday, Feb. 7 — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m.; for ages 2-5.

• Tuesday, Feb. 7 — Make It at the Library, 3 p.m. Makerspace activities for kids including robotics, Arduinos, Legos and fiber arts.

• Tuesday, Feb. 7 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm, 3 p.m.; for ages 8 and above. Event is held at the Clark Fork branch.

• Wednesday, Feb. 8 — Crafternoon, 2 p.m., felt birds. Free family fun with felt crafts to take home.

• Thursday, Feb. 9 — chess class, 4 p.m. All levels, including beginners come for four weeks of chess (Feb 2-23). Geared for kids, but all welcome.

• Saturday, Feb. 11 — Computer class on internet basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. The amount of information available on the internet is staggering. Learn how to sift through it efficiently to find useful information. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Information: 263-6930.

• Saturday, Feb. 11 — “Barking Water”, part of Native Heritage Film Series, two showings, 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. “Barking Water” is a film about a terminally ill man hoping to see his daughter and grandchild as he embarks on a road trip with his former lover. Directed by Sterlin Harjo, a Creek Cherokee, “Barking Water” is a tale of great love that looks at what brings us all together. A partnership of The Idaho Mythweaver, The Library and Vision Maker Media. Sponsored by Trans Eco Services, Idaho Community Foundation and Idaho Humanities Council.