Library transformation continues

It has been a while since we last published a story about our big project. Have you stopped by to see the action lately? Things are moving rapidly while Northcon and their crews take advantage of the not-yet-freezing weather.

If you have driven by, you probably noticed that the structural steel has been set and framing was started this week. For several weeks, the Cedar Street parking lot approach has been closed while crews work on expanding the parking lot and pouring new Cedar Street sidewalks. We expect to have the lot and sidewalks accessible by early next week. Almost immediately afterward, the Oak Street parking lot approach will be closed while the fire suppression system line is installed. This should only take about a week.

Inside the library, things tend to be moved around a lot and there is a lot of noise and vibrations at times. We appreciate how patrons seem to take it in stride. It is difficult to concentrate sometimes, but we just keep thinking about how incredible the end product is going to be. Speaking of which, at this time, the project is a few weeks behind the original schedule. The building construction is expected to be complete in April, not including landscaping and any other asphalt or dirt work that may be interrupted by weather conditions.

Our community has been very supportive of this project. When we set out to do this, we needed $700,000. At this time, we need less than $100,000. From coins to major financial gifts, our community has voluntarily contributed almost enough to cover the costs of this $3 Million project in less than two years. We are thrilled and grateful to see how you have demonstrated your support.

For information on the project, donor recognition, and weekly updates, visit ebonnerlibrary.org and sign up for our monthly newsletter.

One more thing, Saturday is the last day of September and your final chance to enter the drawing for a $100 gift certificate to Beet & Basil at the Creek, just for signing up for a library card during National Library Card Sign-up Month. Other prizes, swag, and fun are spelled out on our website. Help us reach our goal of 220 new patrons during September.

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

- Friday, Sept. 29 — American Sign Language Practice, 9:30 a.m., the Sandpoint branch library, 1407 Cedar St. Silent signing practice. Free and open to anyone. Some signing experience suggested. Meet in the lobby. Information: 510-423-1079.

- Monday, Oct. 2 — Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes game, 3:30 p.m., at the Sandpoint Teen Center, 104 S. Division. One player is trapped in a virtual room with a ticking time bomb they must defuse. The other players are the “experts” who must give instructions on how to defuse the bomb by deciphering information found in the bomb defusal manual. But there’s a catch: the experts can’t see the bomb, so everyone will need to talk it out — fast. A partnership of the library and Sandpoint Teen Center. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245, or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Monday, Oct. 2 — Introduction to Non-verbal Communication & ASL, 4:30 p.m., at the Sandpoint branch library, 1407 Cedar St. Meet in the lobby. Class in progress. Information: 510-423-1079.

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

- Tuesday, Oct. 3 — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m., at Creations. Stories and crafts for kids ages 2-5 years old. The library’s Story Times will be at Creations on the Cedar Street Bridge for a while due to the construction project. Information: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Oct. 3 — Mindstorm Robotics, 3 p.m., at the Clark Fork Branch Library, 601 Main. Kids ages 8 and above learn to code with Lego Mindstorm.

- Wednesday, Oct. 4 — Clark Fork Stories & More, 10:30 a.m.; Stories & 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. 4 — Make It at the Library, 2 p.m., at the Clark Fork Branch Library. Tweens & teens make a variety of STEAM projects. Information: 208-266-1321.

- Friday, Oct. 6 — American Sign Language practice, 9:30 a.m., at the Sandpoint Branch Library, 1407 Cedar St.; silent signing practice. Free and open to anyone. Some signing experience suggested. Meet in the lobby. Information: 510-423-1079.

- Saturday, Oct. 7 — Pushing the Limits, 1 p.m. at Monarch Mountain Coffee, 208 N. Fourth Ave. A four-part book discussion series on climate change. Registration is full. For information or to be added to the waiting list, contact Mike Bauer at the library, 208-263-6930, ext. 1243, or mike@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Saturday, Oct. 7 — ZomeTool Expo, 1 p.m., at the Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave. Let your creativity flow as you design and build using Zometools. Prizes will be awarded to the most innovative designs. Open to children grades 4-7. A partnership of the library and city of Sandpoint’s Parks & Recreation Department. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245, or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- 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. Information: 208-266-1321.

- 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, 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.