Event celebrates region's indie authors

| October 13, 2017 1:00 AM

By MARCY TIMBLIN

I have loved to write since I can remember. I think I developed the interest because I could use my imagination and express myself without having to do a lot of “sharing.” Writing is an art form, just as painting, dancing, and stick-figure drawing are.

Writers, like other artists, have a lot of mediums to work with. I know some people who have published books and magazine articles, and I know others who are bloggers. Some people write poetry and songs and others write content that never sees thelight of day.

We are thrilled to partner with the Idaho Writer’s League again this year to bring local, independent writers and their readers together for the second Indie Author Day on Saturday, Oct. 14. Due to our big construction project, we could not have it at The Library, but we are excited about our downtown venue this year. The event will take place at the Little Panida Theater, 300 First Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Writers of all platforms will relish in the rich network of expert writers and publishers, panelists and poets. A series of short how-to videos, not previously released, will be streamed at the event. I happened to get a sneak peak at a couple of them. Trust me - you don’t want to miss this.

This is much more than a conference for writers, though. Non-writers will enjoy several open mic readings and performances, author meet and greets, book signings, and great story-telling.

Everyone will enjoy the refreshment table sponsored by the hard-working Sandpoint Friends of the Library.

Whatever your artistic leanings are, make plans to celebrate local talent with us at Indie Author Day 2017, the event of the year for independent local writers and their readers.

• Friday, Oct. 13 — Teen Writers Club, 3:30 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch library, 1407 Cedar. Young writers of all writing platforms are invited to drop in for collaboration, writing prompt activities, and refreshments. For more info, contact Morgan at 263-6930 ext. 1245 or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Satur-day, Oct. 14 — Indie Author Day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Little Panida Theater, 302 N. First Ave. The event of the year for local independent authors and their readers, with open mic readings, book signings, expert panelists, national programming, and more. Info: 263-6930 ext. 1243 or mike@ebonnerlibrary.org. A partnership of The Library and the Idaho Writer’s League, sponsored by the Sandpoint Friends of the Library.

- Sunday, Oct. 15 — Oktoberfest Fall Celebration, 11 a.m. at Beet & Basil, 105 S. First Avenue. Family friendly games, crafts, food and drinks with an authentic German theme. Proceeds benefit Your Library Transformation. For more info visit BeetandBasilBus.com.

- Tuesday, Oct. 17 — Mother Goose, 10:15 a.m. The library’s Story Times will be at Creations on the Cedar St. Bridge for a while due to the construction project. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers 0-3 yrs and caregivers. Info: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Oct. 17 — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m. at Creations. Stories and crafts for kids ages 2-5 yrs. The Library’s Story Times will be at Creations on the Cedar St. Bridge for a while due to the construction project. Info: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Oct. 17 — Mindstorm Robotics, 3 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch library, 601 Main. Kids 8+ learn to code with Lego Mindstorm.

- Wednesday, Oct. 18 — Clark Fork Stories & More, 10:30 a.m. Stories and more is back after taking a few weeks off. Kids and their caregivers enjoy story time, songs, snacks, and crafts at the Clark Fork branch library, 601 Main.

- Wednesday, Oct. 18 — Make It at the Librar, 2 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch library. Tweens & teens make a variety of STEAM projects. Info: 266-1321.

- Thursday, Oct. 19 — Clark Fork Crafternoon, 3 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch library. Free family fun with artistic crafts to take home. Info: 266-1321.

- Saturday, Oct. 21 — Computer class on the “digital library,” 8:15 a.m. at the Sandpoint branch library, 1407 Cedar. Virtually everything you can borrow from The Library can be found in electronic format in the Digital Library at ebonnerlibrary.org. Learn how your library card gives you access to free music and movie streaming, language learning, digital and audio reads and more. Preregistration is required: 263-6930.

- Clark Fork Autumn Reading Program. For all ages at the Clark Fork Library, 601 Main St. Earn silent auction “bucks” when you log your reading between September and December. Info: 266-1321.

- StoryWalk — Take the family on a special back-to-school StoryWalk! At Dover City Park, read “School’s First Day of School” by Adam Rex. At McNearney Park in Ponderay, enjoy “Wemberly Worried” by Kevin Henkes. For more information, visit ebonnerlibrary.org or call Suzanne Davis, Children’s Services Librarian, 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

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.