Gala is 'literary' the best fun around these parts

I can’t wait to throw off my Sorels and slip on some heels for a fun night out for a good cause at A Novel Night Gala this Saturday. On second thought, I think I’ll dress as my favorite book character instead. She doesn’t wear heels.

This will be the third year in a row that Rotary Club of Sandpoint has organized a fundraising gala to benefit causes that align with its local mission. For the past two years, they have partnered with The Library to raise funds for Your Library Transformation. Rotary may continue to host an annual gala, but this is the final curtain on A Novel Night. I am convinced that this gala will be one of those iconic Sandpoint events that will be remembered for a long time. Fortunately, Rotary has extended the deadline for ticket sales so that more people will be able to attend.

The fancy dress party is only one aspect of this gala that makes it so unique from others. The whole theme of the gala is fun, with Literary Libations including Tequila Mockingbird and One Flew Over the Cosmos Nest, thanks to the 219 Lounge. The event programs, designed by the talented pair at Lone Tree Creative, will be bound inside recycled book covers. Each table will be adorned with a unique handcrafted centerpiece made, in part, from recycled books by library staff. Each will be raffled for attendees to take home.

Another cool feature is how other nonprofits are involved in supporting the event. Over 20 local nonprofit organizations created and donated beautiful gift baskets to be sold as silent auction items – all to benefit The Library and Rotary projects. Businesses and others who wanted to have a part donated some enviable live auction experiences and items such as the Schweitzer Season Pass, Beer Pairing Dinner, Kayak Wine and Dine Tour, and Festival at Sandpoint Sponsor Pass Package. Even local high schools have joined in supporting the event. The SHS and FBCHS Rotary Interact Clubs made and donated a unique ski bench and two little free libraries filled with books. There are some fascinating stories behind those projects that will be told at the event.

Sometimes, the most memorable aspects happen without much planning. None of us could have predicted the popularity of the “framed” photos we took of attendees last year. With an antique frame I’d pulled from my parents estate, we snapped candid and staged shots of attendees enjoying the evening. You can see those photos from last year on our Facebook page in the album titled “Novel Night.” We will do this again this year with the added option to purchase keepsake photos.

Add to all this, live music by Bright Moments Trio, gourmet appetizers and dinner by Tango Cafe, and a dessert auction with confections hand-crafted by culinary artisans. Print space prohibits detailing all of the other special experiences this year’s attendees will enjoy. Most of all, the event is a way to support Your Library Transformation and Rotary Club community projects.

Whether you are a person who loves to dress up or you have the perfect book character costume just waiting for the chance to be seen, make sure you don’t miss this final Novel Night Gala. Tickets and other options to participate can be found at www.NovelNightGala.org.

Daily – Visit eBonnerLibrary.org daily to make sure your materials are available during construction. Computers are out of service while carpet is installed upstairs. We are working on making a few computers available for tax preparation and other ciritical uses.

Now through Sunday — Fine Forgiveness Week. Return your overdue materials and get fines waved. Does not apply to lost or damaged items.

- Friday, April 13, and Friday, April 20 —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 14, and Saturday, April 21 — 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.

- 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 atnovelnightgala.org. Call 208-627-5790 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 208-266-1321.

- Monday, April 16 — 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 208-263-6930 ext. 1245 or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, April 17 — 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 17 — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m., at Creations. Stories and crafts for kids ages 2-5 years. Information: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, April 17 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm. 3 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch. Learn to build or code. For boys and girls age 8-plus. For more information, call 208-266-1321.

- Wednesday, April 18 — 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 208-266-1321 for information.

- Wednesday, April 18 — Make It at the Library. 2 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch. Kids make a variety of age appropriate projects. Information: 208-263-6930 ext. 1245.

- StoryWalk — Enter to win a $25 grocery gift card now through April 15. Visit Facebook/BonnerStoryWalk for details. StoryWalk 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. Information: Suzanne Davis 208-263-6930 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.