Time to put your winter reading into OverDrive

Here at the library, we like to encourage people of all ages to read. That might mean something different for each of us.

Maybe you like a good book you can hold and smell, while your BFF prefers audio books. In addition to physical books and audio books on CD, the library has Playaways (a device similar to an iPod loaded with a single audiobook) and digital books that can be borrowed from our website, www.ebonnerlibrary.org.

To access the eBook collection, go to the Digital Library and click on OverDrive. You will find a huge selection of eBooks and eAudiobooks, and you never have to worry about returns or fines because the materials return themselves on the due date.

As an FYI – OverDrive recently updated the library’s OverDrive website, giving it a whole new look and feel. After the update, some patrons using the OverDrive app on Android devices reported problems logging into their accounts. If you experience difficulty accessing your account using the OverDrive app, we recommend that you uninstall and reinstall it. Of course, you are welcome to request assistance from our friendly and knowledgeable library staff.

Another great way to experience the joy of reading is to participate in the children’s Winter Reading Program.

Yes, even adults can get in on the fun by bringing the family to the library to select books and pick up a Book Bingo Reading Log.

Prizes are geared for ages 3 to 11, but others are welcome to participate. Parents who read to their pre-reading-age children can help their kids qualify for prizes, too!

The program culminates in a Winter Reading Party on March 9 with cookie decorating and a grand prize drawing.

What-ever kind of reading you like to do, you can warm up with a good book from the East Bonner County Library District’s Sand-point and Clark Fork branch libraries, the Bookmobile and the “digital library” on www.ebonnerlibrary.org.

All of the following classes and events take place at the Sandpoint branch of the library district, located at 1407 Cedar Street, unless otherwise noted.

• Friday, Jan. 6 — Teen Writers Club, 3:30 p.m.; teens who write … unite! Collaboration, peer reviews, brainstorming activities. Writing supplies and refreshments provided.

• Saturday, Jan. 7 — 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, Jan. 7 — Sandpoint Friends of the Library book sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The January highlights of the Sandpoint FOL’s monthly book sale are self-help, exercise, New Year’s resolution and a naval warfare collection. Also find great deals on mysteries, nonfiction and youth/children’s books. Music CDs are four for a dollar!

• Monday, Jan 9 — Escape Room, 3 p.m. Teens solve a series of puzzles and find items around a room to help them escape within a set time limit. Each room has its own fictional location; the zoo, Schrodinger’s Box or a dystopian society. Location: Sandpoint Teen Center, 104 S. Division.

• Monday, Jan 9 — Night Sky – The Moon & The Planets with Astronomer Sandy Nichols, 6:30 p.m. View the night sky through telescopes at the viewing location on Great Northern Road. Completely weather dependent. Organized by the East Bonner County Library District. Contact Suzanne Davis for details 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

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

• Tuesday, Jan. 10 — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m.; for ages 2-5.

• Tuesday, Jan. 10 — Make It at the Library, 3 p.m. Makerspace activities for kids including robotics, Arduinos, Legos and fiber arts.

• Tuesday, Jan. 10 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm, 3 p.m.; for ages 8-plus. Event held at Clark Fork Library.

• Wednesday, Jan. 11 — Clark Fork Stories and More, 10:30 a.m. Stories, crafts, and snacks; for kids ages 3-8. East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork Library.

• Wednesday, Jan. 11 — Make It at the Clark Fork Library, 2 p.m. Kids make age-appropriate crafts at the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork Library.

• Wednesday, Jan. 11 — Crafternoon – Modge Podge Mania, 2 p.m. Free family fun with modge podge crafts to take home.

• Thursday, Jan. 12 — Musical theater class script pick-up day, 3:15-4:30 p.m. Parts will be handed out along with scripts for a live performance of Aesop’s Fables starring second- and third-graders taking place on March 6. Preregistration required; call 263-6930, ext. 1211; or email, suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

• Saturday, Jan. 14 — Computer class on library’s digital programs and offerings, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Find out how to access downloadable books, 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, Jan. 14 — Native Heritage Film Series double feature: “Spirit in Glass” and “Horse Tribe”. “Spirit in Glass” celebrates the spectacular beadwork of cultures and artists of the Columbia River plateau. “Horse Tribe” describes how one of America’s legendary horse tribes, the Nez Perce, brought horses back to their land and lives to help tribal youth. Sponsored by the Idaho Mythweaver, TransEco Services, the Idaho Community Foundation and the Idaho Humanities Council. Screenings are at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Discussion to follow led by Jane Fritz of the Idaho Mythweaver. Free program. Information: 263-6930.

• Every day - StoryWalk, anytime. Don’t let the winter weather stop you and your family from getting outside, spending time together and building reading skills. Visit the permanent StoryWalk location at Dover City Park for quality time, literacy, health and fun. A partnership between Kaniksu Land Trust, city of Dover and The Library.

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.