'Your Library Transformation' grand opening set

| June 1, 2018 1:00 AM

Your Library Transformation has been the focus of my professional life for the past 10 months, but as the grand opening approaches, it is even more consuming. I dreamt about it last night. With the typical end of month deadlines looming, all of us are scrambling to make the Sandpoint Branch Library beautiful – yet, as I write, it still looks somewhat like a construction zone.

Even though the project is not quite complete, we have already had some heartwarming experiences. There was the child who pulled her grandparents in by their hands to show them “her” new children’s area to find that the caution tape had been removed so that she could now go in! In fact, many kids are claiming their square of “grass” carpeting as they pull a book from the temporary shelves to sit on the floor and read.

Also amusing is how the project has exposed patrons to aspects of The Library that are not new. For instance, the IT Help Desk that was installed on the second floor last week is now home to the 3D printer. We’ve had it on display at Info Desk for over a year, but people are noticing it and asking about it for the first time. Wait until you see the new technology we are revealing at the grand opening!

Construction has forced us to close the stairs temporarily several times during this project. We were surprised to learn that most of our patrons were never aware that we have an elevator until they had to use it. Well, now you know.

Some book shelves and other furnishings are on order and expected to arrive sometime in July, so the transformation continues after the grand opening event.

Join us to celebrate this momentous occasion on Saturday from Noon to 4 p.m. with some brief presentations, a special announcement, cake, tours, and entertainment. Find the details on our Facebook Event listing at facebook.com/ebonnerlibrary.

EBCLD events:

- Saturday, June 2 — Your Library Transformation grand opening, 12-4 p.m., Sandpoint branch. The remodel and expansion of the Sandpoint Library is undergoing a transformation to better serve our community! Speeches will be kept brief and followed by a ribbon-cutting and ceremonial book passing. Don’t miss the special announcement from Library Director Ann Nichols. Cake will be served along with hourly entertainment by SHS Chamber Choir, Cecil the Magician, Folk Remedy, and Bridges Home with Dave and Tami Gunter. Enjoy tours of the entire facility. Information: 208-627-5790.

- Monday, June 4 — Teen Center games. Canceled for summer. Will resume in the fall. Information: 208-263-6930 ext. 1245 or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, June 5 — Mother Goose Storytime, 10:15 a.m. at the Sandpoint branch. Story Times are back at The Library – now in the brand new children’s program area! Stories and singing for babies and toddlers 0-3 years and caregivers. For more information, contact Suzanne Davis, 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, June 5 — Family Storytime, 11 AM. at the Sandpoint Branch. Stories and crafts for kids and their caregivers. Information: 208-263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, June 5 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm. Canceled for summer. Will resume in the fall. Information: 208-266-1321.

- Tuesday, June 5 — Teen Tech Mixer, 4-5:30 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch in the new Rotary Teen Lounge! It’s an open house just for teens and their parents with music, munch, swag, and tech demos including VR, drones, and more. Check out the huge YA section and score cool freebies. At 6:30 p.m. pizza from Babs’ Pizzeria will be served (thanks to LPOSD!) and we will draw a winner for a Babs’ gift certificate. Youth Safety in the Digital World follows at 5:30 pm. Information: 208-263-6930 ext. 1245 or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, June 5, June 12, June 19 and June 26 — Introduction to Visual Communication, 4:30 p.m. at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar. Late-deafened, age-related hearing loss or hard of hearing persons are encouraged to attend. For beginning ASL students, this visual language class is a good start. For more information, contact Susan Schaller susan.schaller@gmail.com.

- Tuesday, June 5 — Youth Safety in the Digital World. 5:30-7:30 pm at the in the new community meeting room! Investigators from the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force show parents and their children how to safely navigate the digital world. For children 13 and over. Topics include cyberbullying, exploitation, human trafficking, and other sensitive subjects. At 6:30 pm pizza from Babs’ Pizzeria will be served (thanks to LPOSD!) and we will draw a winner for a Babs’ gift certificate. Co-organized by Kootenai Co. Prosecutors Office and Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Sponsored by Lake Pend Oreille School District Information: Mike Bauer, 208-265-2665.

- Wednesday, June 6 — 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, June 6 — Make It at the Library, 2 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch. Kids make a variety of age appropriate STEAM (science, tech, engineering, art, math) projects. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245.

- Wednesday, June 6 — Clark Fork Library Intro to 3D Printing Workshop. 4-6 pm. at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main. A beginner level class to learn what 3D printers are used for and how to design your own 3D printable object. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Contact 208-266-1321 for more information.

- StoryWalk — A partnership of The Library, Kaniksu Land Trust, city of Dover, and city of Ponderay. In May: At Dover City Park, read “The Perfect Nest” by Katherine Friend. At McNearney Park in Ponderay (behind Panhandle Animal Shelter), enjoy “Kitchen Dance” by Maurie J. Manning. In June: “I Love My Pirate Papa” by Laura Leuck at McNearney Park and “My Father Knows the Names of Things” by Jane Yolen at Dover City Park. Enjoy a pop-up StoryWalk at Evans Brothers Coffee with “Curious George Plants a Tree”. Kaniksu Land Trust is Evans Brothers featured non-profit for the month of June.

Marcy Timblin is in charge of public relations, marketing and community development for the East Bonner County Library District. She can be reached at 208-208-263-6930, ext. 1204.