Week celebrates nation's libraries

National Library Week is April 8-14. Nestled within that annual observance is Library Workers Day.

While we have been enjoying the rapid transformation that has been taking place at the Sandpoint branch over the past few months, it has definitely added new dimensions to most of our job descriptions. It has been amazing to see how staff are stepping up to do work as needed in an effort to keep The Library open for patrons during construction. I have always known that our staff rocks, but I was not aware of their depth of appreciation for The Library and our patrons until now.

As you might imagine, keeping a public library open during a major remodel and expansion project can pose challenges. When project schedules change in an instant, communication lapses, or it’s all hands on deck for an urgent task, it can make us less than enthusiastic in the moment. Overall, we are thrilled to do what we can just to be a part of this epic community project. There are times, though, when we are so ready for this to be done!

Perhaps it was one of those moments that inspired one staff member to suggest a unique way to celebrate National Library Workers Day this year. On Tuesday, April 10th, library staff are encouraged to let their hair down and get silly in whatever random way they want to; spike their hair, wear a clown nose, or speak Pig-Latin all day. Librarians are known to be quirky. This will confirm it.

Feel free to join us in a celebration of hard-working librarians in your own random way or just to say thank you to a staff member who had an impact on your life. We hope our unique way of observing National Library Workers Day proves that this massive transformation is not making us loony...or is it?

On another note... A Novel Night Gala is not an annual event, so make sure to capture this experience while you can. Dress up as your favorite book character, enjoy Literary Libations, bid on art and epic experiences, savor amazing cuisine and artisan desserts, and score an artistic centerpeice hand crafted by library staff, plus much more. Organized by Sandpoint Rotary and The Library. Sponsored by Alliant Americas, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, and 219 Lounge. Tickets on sale through April 10th at www.novelnightgala.org.

- Daily — Visit eBonnerLibrary.org daily to make sure your materials are available during construction. We will be moving stacks over the next several weeks and some materials will be temporarily unavailable for check-out. Computers have been moved upstairs. An elevator is available on the west end of the Circulation Desk.

- Friday, April 6, and Friday April 13 — American Sign Language course. 9:30 a.m. at the Sandpoint branch. Learn American Sign Language from Certified Instructor Susan Schaller. This is an ongoing course in progress. For more information, contact Susan Schaller, susan.schaller@gmail.com for information on other courses.

- Saturday, April 7, and Saturday, April 14 — American Sign Language course, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch. Learn American Sign Language from certified instructor Susan Schaller. This is an ongoing course in progress. For more information, contact Susan Schaller, susan.schaller@gmail.com for information on other courses.

- Monday, April 9 — Teen Center Game, 3:30 p.m. at the Sandpoint Teen Center, 104 S. Division. Teen librarian, Morgan Gariepy hosts a library-sponsored game or STEAM activity for teens. For more information about the current week’s theme, call Morgan at 263-6930 ext. 1245 or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, April 10 — Mother Goose, 10:15 a.m., at Creations on the Cedar St. Bridge. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers 0-3 years and caregivers.

- Tuesday, April 10 — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m., at Creations. Stories and crafts for kids ages 2-5 years. Info: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, April 10 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm. Canceled. For more information, call 266-1321.

- Wednesday, April 11 — Clark Fork Stories & More, 10:30 a.m., at the Clark Fork branch. Story time, crafts, prizes, and snacks for kids ages 3-8. Call 266-1321 for information.

- Wednesday, April 11 — Teen Raspberry Pi workshop, 2 p.m., at the Clark Fork branch. A Raspberry Pi is an amazing micro-computer. Learn to code in Python and build your own game. Preregistration is required: 263-6930, ext. 1245.

- Wednesday, April 11 — Make It at the Library in Clark Fork canceled due to Raspberry Pi workshop.

- Saturday, April 14 — A Novel Night Gala. 5:30 p.m. at the Columbia Bank Atrium, 414 Church St. Dress up as your favorite book character, enjoy “literary libations,” bid on art and epic experiences, savor amazing cuisine and artisan desserts, and score an artistic centerpeice hand crafted by library staff, plus much more. Organized by Sandpoint Rotary and The Library to help outfit the new Teen Lounge and other Rotary projects. Sponsored by Alliant Americas, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, and 219 Lounge. Tickets: $80 at www.novelnightgala.org. Call 627-5790 for more information.

- Saturday, April 14 — Clark Fork Wildlife Lecture Series: What Bugs You? Invertebrates – The Insect World, 2 p.m., at the Clark Fork branch. Brought to you by the American Heritage Wildlife Foundation – now accepting empty aluminum cans as donations for recycling. For more information, call the Clark Fork Library 266-1321.

- StoryWalk — Enter to win a $25 grocery gift card now through April 15th! Visit Facebook/BonnerStoryWalk for details. StoryWalkÔ is a children’s book posted along a trail with actitivies to go with the story line. At Dover City Park, read “Curious George Plants a Tree” by Monica Perez. At McNearney Park in Ponderay, enjoy “The Busy Tree” by Jennifer Ward. Info: Suzanne Davis 263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org. Read, connect, & get outside at a StoryWalk, a partnership of The Library, Kaniksu Land Trust, city of Dover, and city of Ponderay.

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.