Novel Night Gala books success for expansion project

When my sister and I were preparing my parents’ estate for sale last summer, I came across a large decorative frame that I decided to keep for some unknown future purpose. Who knew that it would be one of the biggest hits of the evening at Saturday’s Novel Night Gala?

Gina Emory, the library’s information technology manager, captured hundreds of memorable moments, roving through the audience to offer selfies and snapshots of attendees. After years of dust and darkness, that old frame was cleaned up and given the chance to shine once again.

A Novel Night Gala, a Rotary Club of Sandpoint event, was organized by a steering committee consisting of Rotarians and librarians (well, library staff and a trustee) to benefit the Sandpoint Library transformation project.*

This energetic bunch formed an unexpected chemistry, resulting in a one-of-a-kind gala. Viewing it as a rare opportunity to get “gussied up,” as my dad used to say, I found myself in the minority as a surprising number of attendees took the suggestion to dress or accessorize as their favorite book character or author. Our selfie frame captured moments with characters such as Betty Crocker and Abraham Lincoln as well as authors like Sandy Compton (not the real Sandy Compton) and Jennifer Leo (the real Jennifer Leo). I urge you to go to our Facebook page and check out the photos in our feed and Novel Night album.

The costumes and accessories certainly made this event unique from other gala fundraisers, but that wasn’t the only distinctive quality. The entire event — from the invitations to the decorations — had a literary theme. All of the beautiful visual graphics were designed by Lone Tree Creative’s Elana Westphal and Travis Westphal. Our community’s collaborative nature was demonstrated in the way that more than 25 local nonprofit organizations donated gift baskets for the silent auction. Library staff and trustees, Rotarians, and Friends of the Library conceived and created amazing centerpieces for each table that were raffled off during the live auction. The live auction, hosted by Curt Hagan, included some priceless experiences, such as a guided tour through Sherwood Forest with hosted lunch and a sunset sail on Lake Pend Oreille. The Friends of the Library sold Mystery Book Bags filled to the brim with genre books — some hiding gift certificates to local shops and eateries purchased by The Friends to support local businesses. Rotary hosted a “wine wall,” selling mystery bottles from “Two Buck Chuck” to highly valuable wines.

Guests were welcomed with the jazzy sounds of Arthur Goldblum and Bright Moments and a bar (donated by 219 Lounge) that served themed drinks such as One Flew Over the Cosmos Nest. All attendees received a program nestled inside a recycled book cover with their Raise the Paddle number posted on the back. It was brilliant. KRFY Community hosted a live broadcast and interviewed attendees so that those who could not attend … could attend.

When guests were seated, they enjoyed a gourmet meal crafted and served by the talented staff at Tango Café. Premium table guests enjoyed handcrafted truffles donated by library volunteer, Nannette Heintzelman, metal clip bookmarks created by Karen Benedict of Willow Run Crafts, and keepsake champagne flutes from Clearwater Gear with complimentary bubbly. Desserts, provided by local confectionery artisans were auctioned to each table, with the highest bidding table getting first pick of the treats.

Rotary president Dyno Wahl and Rotarian Pierce Smith were lively emcees of the evening. Library director Ann Nichols and Jeanine Asche, library board chairperson, presented a video showcasing the library’s value to the community and its remodel and expansion plans. Author Jennifer Leo shared her heartfelt love for libraries in a special appearance followed by the live auction with library staff dressed as demo models for each item. What a hoot those librarians are. Just before the Raise the Paddle, SHS Interact Club Member Jacob Aanes spoke to the hearts of guests about what the library means to him, and what the Rotary-sponsored teen room and resources will do for local teens. When the Raise the Paddle was complete, guests flocked to the check-out area to collect their items and get on the dance floor with music from DJ Brad Thew.

All of our partners, sponsors and donors contributed something special that made this event an amazing success. Thanks to 219 Lounge, Barney and Carol Ballard, Bright Moments Trio, Curt Hagan, Encoder, The Festival, Friends of the Library, Jacob Aanes, Jennifer Leo, KRFY, Lone Tree Creative, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, STCU, Tango Café, Trinity at City Beach, and all those who supported this event. To the Rotary Club of Sandpoint, thank you so much. We look forward to dedicating a special place for teens in the expanded Sandpoint Branch Library in your honor.

Whether or not you were able to score a seat at the sold-out venue, you can take in the experience in photos and videos on the East Bonner County Library Facebook page. Look for yourself, your friends and your items to tag, like and share. When you are admiring the photos, pay special attention to that old frame that got another shot at the limelight.

* To stay informed about Your Library Transformation, visit www.eBonnerLibrary.org often.

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

- Friday, May 12 — Teen Writers Club, 3 p.m. Serious and budding writers of all writing platforms are welcome on a drop in basis to collaborate and exercise their skill. For information, contact Morgan 263-6930, ext 1245, or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Saturday, May 13 — “Pie, Whiskey and Mothers” event, 1 p.m. Join Lost Horse Press with Sam Ligon and Kate Libo — founders of Get Lit.’s “Pie & Whiskey” — as we celebrate Mother’s Day with readings, book signings and samples of pie and whiskey.

• Monday, May 15 — Pajama Storytime, 6:30 p.m. Put on your jammies, grab a stuffie, and join us for stories.

- Monday, May 15 — Homework Help, 3 p.m.; geared for high school and middle school students. Led by library staff and volunteers, program offers quiet study space with peer-to-peer collaboration.

- Tuesday, May 16 — Mother Goose Reading & Singing, 10:15 a.m.; ages 0-3.

- Tuesday, May 16 — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m.; ages 2-5.

- Tuesday, May 16 — Make It at The Library, 3 p.m.; kids and families create with robotics, circuitry, fiber arts, Legos and other projects.

- Wednesday, May 17 — 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 Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main.

- Wednesday, May 17 — Clark Fork Make It at the Library, 2 p.m.; kids make a variety of age appropriate projects. East Bonner Co. Library Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main St.

- Wednesday, May 17 — Lego Club, 2 p.m.; create with open Lego play for kids of all ages.

- Saturday, May 18 — Celtic Knot Drawing with Weezil, 2:30 p.m. Learn to draw ornate Celtic knot designs. Information call Morgan, 263-6930, ext. 1245.

- Saturday, May 18 — Introduction to Nonverbal Communication, American Sign Language and Visual Storytelling, 5 p.m. Dancers, film makers and actors have discovered how much we can learn from Deaf people and other visual communicators (like horses) on how to use our eyes, our hands, our faces and our bodies to talk. Come open your eyes to a new way of seeing. For more information, contact, Susan Schaller at susan.schaller@gmail.com.

- Friday, May 19, to Saturday, May 20 — Clark Fork spring used book & media sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Get spring deals on great books, DVDs and CDs at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main.

- Saturday, May 20 — Annual Seed Library Plant Swap, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Bring your plants and starts to share and adopt some new ones. Talk gardening with some fellow gardeners and learn about the Sandpoint Seed 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.