Can't make it to the library? The library can come to you

Cheryl (not her real name) was a constant feature at the Sandpoint Senior Center when Lynn first started bringing books there as part of The Library’s Outreach Services work. A “tiny spit-fire” with an accent, as Lynn describes her, she was always dressed and accessorized impeccably. Back then, she was active and often seen out walking. She kept Lynn busy finding enough books to quench her insatiable desire for reading (which is not an unreasonable challenge when you work at The Library).

One day, Cheryl said, “I can’t see the print,” so Lynn brought her a magnifying glass. Not long after that, Cheryl moved to Luther Park and Lynn introduced her to The Library’s large-print books.

As the years passed, Cheryl and Lynn looked forward to their visits and swapping out a steady supply of books. Eventually, Cheryl left Luther Park to live with her son. When the large print books were becoming difficult to read, Lynn suggested that Cheryl try audiobooks (or “books on tape” as Lynn sometimes calls them – even though they are actually on CD).

“I spent a whole year trying to get her to try the audiobooks. She’d always say, ‘Let’s try it next time,’ but the next time she would put it off again,” Lynn recalls. “Finally, I told her I was going to just bring the audio books next time unless she called me to tell me otherwise. She wasn’t one to call, so I knew it would work.”

Like many mature ones, Cheryl was apprehensive about change and trying something new, especially if it involved technology. Lynn made a special effort to make the transition easier, putting little markers on the buttons of the CD player so that Cheryl could easily navigate it.

She put the earphones on, but was clearly not pleased. Once the narrator began speaking, her eyes started lighting up. She was so happy! From that time on, Lynn would bring her eight or nine audiobooks each month, but Cheryl went through them so fast that her son would come in to The Library to get more.

“She’d blow through 15 books a month,” Lynn exclaimed.

Lynn has been The Library’s Outreach Services Coordinator for nearly two decades. She still drives the Bookmobile one day a week, but has recently devoted the majority of her time to visiting facilities and home-bound patrons all over the East Bonner County Library District. Not only does she deliver library materials, but she also gets to know people and reccommends books, movies, and music based on what they like. She can also recommend materials in alternative formats for the sight and hearing impaired. We like to say that she delivers discovery.

Outreach is not limited to the elderly. She also visits people who have home-bound children or who have a temporary injury that prevents them from getting to The Library or Bookmobile. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, call The Library to inquire about qualifications and scheduling.

Cheryl is now in her 90s and still lives with her son. She tells Lynn, “Never say goodbye – goodbye is final. I will see you later, Lynn. I’ll see you next time.”

Here is the weekly schedule of library classes and events.

Daily – Visit www.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.

Sat. 2/17 American Sign Language Class. 11:30 a.m. at the Sandpoint Branch. ASL Instructor Susan Schaller teaches a progressive ASL class for beginners. For more information, contact Susan Schaller, susan.schaller@gmail.com.

- Now to Feb. 18 — Fine Forgiveness Week. Return your overdue materials – no questions asked. Does not apply to lost or damaged items.

- Monday, Feb. 19 — Closed for President’s Day

- Monday, Feb. 19 — Teen Center Game. Canceled.

- Tuesday, Feb. 20 — ASL Practice. 10 a.m. at the Sandpoint Branch. ASL instructor Judy May will help you refine your sign language skills. Intended for ongoing students. Signing practice will be based on Saturdays’ ASL lesson, but good practice, even if you miss Saturday.For more information, contact Judy May at jwagner171@aol.com.

- Tuesday, Feb. 20 — Mother Goose. 10:15 a.m. at Creations on the Cedar St. Bridge. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers 0-3 yrs and caregivers. Info: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Feb. 20 — Preschool Story Time. 11 a.m. at Creations. Stories and crafts for kids ages 2-5 yrs. Info: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Feb. 20 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm. 3 p.m. at the Clark Fork Branch. Subject to cancelation. Please call the Clark Fork Branch Library, 266-1321 before attending.

- Tuesday, Feb. 20 — Beginning Chess for Kids. 3:30 p.m. at Homeschool Academy, 1333 Superior St., 2nd Floor. For more information, contact Suzanne Davis 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, Feb. 21 — 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, Feb. 21 — Make It at the Library. 2 p.m. at the Clark Fork Branch. Kids make a variety of age appropriate projects. For more information, contact Morgan Gariepy 263-6930 ext. 1245 or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Thursday, Feb. 22 — Clark Fork Crafternoon. 3 p.m. at the Clark Fork Branch. Free family fun with a craft to take home. Call 266-1321 for more information.

- Saturday, Feb. 24 — American Sign Language Class. 11:30 a.m.. For more information, contact Susan Schaller, susan.schaller@gmail.com.

- Saturday, Feb. 24 — Organic Gardening & Seed Saving. 1 p.m. at the Sandpoint Branch lobby. A community conversation about organic gardening and seed saving techniques. Information: Camisse Nitkowski 263-6248.

- Saturday, Feb. 24 — Winter Carnival Family Game Day with Bingo. 2:30 p.m. at Creations on the Cedar Street Bridge, 334 N. First Ave. For more information, contact Suzanne Davis 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Winter Reading Program — It’s time for The Library’s Winter Reading Program, a reading challenge for kids. Pick up a reading bingo log and track your reading and read-to-me hours to qualify for prizes. For more information, call Suzanne Davis, 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Winter Carnival StoryWalk Contest — Enter to win a $25 grocery gift certificate when you visit a Bonner County StoryWalk location during Winter Carnival week. Post a photo of your favorite page from the story and tell us how many people visited the StoryWalk with you on the Bonner County StoryWalk Facebook page, and you’ll be automatically entered. A partnership of The Library, Kaniksu Land Trust, city of Dover, and city of Ponderay. Pages from a children’s book are posted along a trail for a fun, family experience. Story books are updated monthly. At Dover City Park, read “The Mitten,” by Jan Brett. At McNearney Park in Ponderay (behind Panhandle Animal Shelter), enjoy “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” by Richard Smith and Felix Bernard. For more information, visit www.ebonnerlibrary.org or call Suzanne Davis, Children’s Services Librarian, 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

Read, connect, & get outside at a StoryWalk.