Collaboration expands library's offerings

Helen Keller is quoted as saying, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” A lot of what we do here at the library is a collaboration with other organizations and businesses that effectively expand our ability to reach so many with such a variety of needs. Our community partners are experts at what they do. We want to give a shout out to those organizations that lock arms with us to make great things happen in our community.

In addition to the myriad of people, businesses and entities that partner with us on short-term projects, our community partners allow the library to offer programs and resources that would not be possible otherwise.

The Idaho Department of Labor partners with us to provide skills development programs through Microsoft Imagine Academy and CertiPort. This gives patrons access to training and certification in Microsoft applications. American Heritage Wildlife Foundation brings nature education to the library through the Wildlife Lecture Series. Kaniksu Land Trust and the library pair literacy and the outdoors through StoryWalk. The Idaho Mythweaver brings native cultural experiences and education to the library with the Native Heritage Film Series.

Last October we hosted the first annual Indie Author Day, organized by The Idaho Writers League and the library. We also partner with the Lake Pend Oreille School District and Sandpoint Teen Center to bring hands-on learning programs to kids and teens. The Sandpoint and Clark Fork Friends of the Library coordinate efforts with library staff and trustees on a variety of projects.

Hun-dreds of local organizations have worked with us in the past and currently collaborate with us on events and other projects. Our community benefits from a wide spectrum of programs, materials and services thanks to these and many other unique collaborative efforts.

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

- Saturday, April 1 — Computer class on the library’s digital 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, April 1 — Friends of the Library book sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. To help you recover from the effects of the gray winter days, we are featuring our collection of humor books. Also find Annie’s Attic Mysteries, gardening and sports books.

- Mondays and Wednesdays, April 3, 5, 10 and 12, 17, 19, 24 and 26 — American Sign Language three-week course, 9-10 a.m. Learn American Sign Language from certified instructor Susan Schaller. This is an ongoing course that concludes April 12. Please contact Susan Schaller, susan.schaller@gmail.com for information on other courses.

- Monday, April 3 — Homework help, 3 p.m.; geared for high school students. Quiet study space with peer-to-peer collaboration.

- Tuesday, April 4 — Make It at The Library, 3 p.m. Kids and families create with robotics, Arduinos, needlework, Legos and other projects.

- Tuesday, April 4 — Clark Fork movie matinée, 1 p.m. “The Secret Life of Pets”; complete with popcorn! This movie is rated PG. Free family spring break fun at the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main.

- Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27 — American Sign Language three-week course, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Concludes April 13 and a new three-week course runs April 18-May 4. Learn American Sign Language from certified instructor Susan Schaller. This is an ongoing course in progress.

- Tuesday, April 4 — 3D printing workshop, 5 p.m. Learn what 3D printers are used for and how to design your own 3D printable object. This class is beginner level. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

- Wednesday, April 5 — Clark Fork Stories and More, 10:30 a.m. Stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8. At the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main.

- Wednesday, April 5 — Clark Fork Make It at the Library, 2 p.m. Kids make a variety of age-appropriate projects. Event held at East Bonner County Library’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main St.

- Thursday, April 6 — Friends of the Library presentation, noon, “Poem in a Pocket.” Join the Friends of the Library as they celebrate National Poetry Month. Put a poem in your pocket to share, come and enjoy refreshments and participate in a choral reading of a poem at noon in the Rude Girls Room at the library.

- Saturday, April 8 — Computer class on Microsoft Word basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn the basics of Microsoft Word, including toolbars, formatting and highlighting. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Information: 263-6930

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.