Board keeps library moving forward

People often tell us that the Sandpoint and Clark Fork branches of the East Bonner County Library District are the most innovative and well supported libraries they have ever seen. We are always quick to respond that it is because our community has made our library district that way. Of course, someone has to take that input from the community and make it a reality. Steering a ship this large and diverse requires more than a “someone.” To adequately weigh the wishes against practicality, a public institution like this needs a body of representatives from our community to keep it moving forward.

Each of the five members of the Library Board of Trustees brings a unique perspective. Whether they have local roots or are relatively new to the area, they bring our community into their decision-making processes. Would you like to know a little bit about the people who are responsible for making your library relevant to our community?

Jeanine Asche: Chair of the Board. Jeanine and her husband moved to Sandpoint about six years ago, and she began serving on the board shortly thereafter. She has a history with libraries from a young age.

“The library was my only source of books when I was little and a safe haven for me as a young adult,” she said. Having worked in an elementary school library in high school, she went on to public library work. Later, she got her master’s degree in library science making for a lifelong career of working in libraries and promoting literacy. Upon retiring, she says, “It was not ‘should I get involved with our library, but when.” She has been an active board member from day one, volunteering to lead various initiatives including the library side of the partnership with Sandpoint Rotary’s Novel Night Gala fundraiser. Her broad range of library experience augments her dedication to our community and her passion for ensuring that everyone has access to literacy and information.

Gil Beyer told me that he started his first stint on the library board some time in the late ‘80’s and served several times since then. He was part of the team during the Clark Fork and Sandpoint branch construction projects in 1999 and 2000. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education while in the US Navy, he went on to work as a substitute teacher locally while building his first home in Idaho. Employed with Health and Welfare for over five years, he learned a great deal about the economic and educational needs of our community. He went on to pursue a career in the building supplies business for over ten years. His experience in construction proved helpful during these projects. “I’ve always been curious as to how things work – be it mechanical, electrical, physics, or social/interpersonal relationships,” he said. He feels strongly that libraries should provide access to the resources needed for a 21st century education, filling any gaps in the public educational system. “It is a place where students and other patrons can have access to all kinds of information – not just recreational reading.”

Amy Flint is an English instructor for North Idaho College, former Family Services Coordinator for Sandpoint Head Start, and Past-President of the Angels Over Sandpoint. She has served on various local boards including the food bank, homeless task force, and the Angels. Each of these roles have given her a good understanding of local students’ and community members’ needs. She has seen first-hand how The Library supports limited income families and how important it is to the community overall. “I love our library and wanted to support it. I have been a public library patron all my life and worked in the acquisitions department at my college library,” she said. Of particular interest to Amy is the library’s role as a community hub and and how it addresses the changes and challenges of rapidly advancing technology. “I feel blessed to serve at such a momentous time for our library, and I’m proud of the staff and trustees for all their hard work and adaptability during the construction project.”

Next week, I will introduce you to the two newest members of the Library Board of Trustees; Judy Meyers and Susan Shea. I will also tell you a little bit about our amazing library director (hint: she wasn’t always a librarian).

Take a peek at our new digs at the Sandpoint Library, now completely open for your exploration.

Library events:

- Monday, June 11 — “Libraries Rock” Summer Reading Program. Start logging your reading to earn badges, win prizes, and stay sharp over the summer. Summer Reading is online this year (print logs are available, too). Register at ebonnerlibrary.beanstack.org to record your reading and read-to-me books. Meet your friends at Libraries Rock workshops and events all summer long. Details at ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, June 12 — 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 12 — Family Storytime, 11 a.m. at the Sandpoint branch. Stories and crafts for kids and their caregivers. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, June 12, 19 and 26 — Introduction to Visual Communication, 4:30 p.m. at the East Bonner County Library District 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 12 — Teen Swing Dance Lesson, 5 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch. Deanna Benton leads a fun, beginner-level lesson in swing dancing. No experience or partner necessary. A “Libraries Rock” Teen Summer Reading 2018 event. For details visit www.ebonnerlibrary.org, call 208-263-6930, ext. 1245, or email morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, June 13 — 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 13 — 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.

- 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.