Today's libraries offering varied collections

A library, by definition, is a collection. Most people associate The Library with books, but we can see from The Cambridge Dictionary definition that books are just the beginning: “A building, room, or organization that has a collection especially of books, music, and information that can be accessed by computer for people to read, use, or borrow.”

Today’s libraries are busting through the traditional stereotypes in order to stay relevant. I’m not saying that books are no longer relevant. We’ve seen locally, as well as nationally, that people love books. People love eBooks and audiobooks too, but they really just love good old fashioned page turners. That doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In addition to the popularity of books in physical and digital formats, The Library has become the go-to place for DVDs, CDs, and digital streaming too. In fact, our patrons borrow just as many DVDs every month as they do books, and our music and movie streaming options in the Digital Library (found at www.ebonnerlibrary.org) are increasing as well.

Some people are surprised to learn that their library card can get them more than books and media. I’ve compiled a short list of nontraditional items that you may not have known you could check out from the Sandpoint and Clark Fork Branch Libraries:

1. Gardening Seeds – Both Branch Libraries offer a seed exchange program that allows you to “check out” gardening seeds and bring back some seeds from your harvest. The Sandpoint Seed Library is closed until spring, but seed donations and returns are still being accepted.

2. Air Quality Monitors – Test your home for dangerous levels of air particulates by borrowing one of our Speck® monitors. They are kept at the Sandpoint Branch, but can be requested and returned at the Clark Fork Branch or Bookmobile.

3. Tutors – Borrow a foreign language, academic, or technology tutor for one-on-one coaching sessions.

4. Frisbee Golf – Kits are kept at the Clark Fork Branch, but can be requested and returned at the Sandpoint Branch or Bookmobile.

5. Video Games – We have Xbox 360, Xbox 1, Play-Station DS4, and Wii games. Borrow, conquer, and return.

It’s great that you love our books, and we hope you’ll expand your library repertoire and check out some of the nontraditional items in our “collection.”

On another note, the reality of Your Library Transformation is starting to sink in. Some computers and parts of the collection are in storage while we remove carpeting and install the fire suppression system. Some items are temporarily unavailable, while others have been relocated. We realize this is a huge inconvenience for you. Please ask our friendly library staff for assistance. The good news is that we will remain open throughout construction. You may want to check our website in advance of visiting us to make sure that the items you are looking for will not be out of circulation when you get here.

Here is the weekly schedule of library classes and events.

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.

- Saturday, Feb. 24 — 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.

- Saturday, Feb. 24 — Organic Gardening & Seed Saving. 1 p.m. at the Sandpoint Branch Library, 1407 Cedar, in the lobby. A community conversation about organic gardening and seed saving techniques. Information: Camisse Nitkowski 263-6248.

- Saturday, Feb. 24 — 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 at the East Bonner Co. Library District: 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Monday, Feb. 26 — 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 STEa.m. activity for teens. For more information about the current week’s theme, call Morgan at 263-6930 ext. 1245 or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Feb. 27 — 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. 27 — 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. 27 — Preschool Story Time. 11 a.m. at Creations. Stories and crafts for kids ages 2-5 yrs. Info: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Feb. 27 — 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. 27 — 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.

- Tuesday, Feb. 27 — Intro to 3D Printing for Adults. 5 p.m. at the Sandpoint Branch Library, 1407 Cedar. A free workshop to learn about 3D printing and design your own 3D printable object! Registration is required: 263-6930.

- Wednesday, Feb. 28 — 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. 28 — 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.

- Wednesday, Feb. 28 — Crafternoon. 2 p.m. at the Sandpoint Branch Library, 1407 Cedar. Free family fun with an artistic craft to take home. For more information, contact Suzanne, 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, Feb. 28 — Media Literacy – Part 1. 6 p.m. at Heartwood Center Grove Room, 615 Oak St. Learn and discuss how to critically analyze information for credibility, deconstruct media information, local vs. big media, sources for fact checking and conducting your own topical research. The workshops will be conducted in a casual discussion format with an expert facilitator present.

- Saturday, March 3 — American Sign Language class. 11:30 a.m.. For more information, contact Susan Schaller, susan.schaller@gmail.com.

- 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, Dover, and 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 McNearny 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.