Answers to library's seven most asked questions

So much has changed at The Library in recent months and it isn’t all because of Your Library Transformation at the Sandpoint branch.

Change is ongoing in libraries. That makes sense considering libraries are at the heart of the information age. Digital technology and information don’t stand still long enough to get cold and libraries have to keep up with that. It is no wonder that you, our library patrons, have so many questions. Here is a sampling of the most commonly asked questions we fielded this week and their answers:

1. What is that thing?

It is not some sleeping beast that you have to approach cautiously. It is a 3D printer. Her name is Freyja and she doesn’t bite. Located at the IT Help Desk on the second floor at the Sandpoint branch, Freyja runs staff and patron 3D prints pretty much all day.

You can learn about 3D printing and design your own object at a beginner-level workshop held on the foruth Tuesday of every month at 5 p.m. in Sandpoint and on the first Wednesday at 4 p.m. in Clark Fork (except this month because we are closed July 4). You can also design an object on your own and have it printed for the cost of the filament.

2. Where are the magazines and newspapers? Computers? Holds?

The periodicals are still located upstairs, now in the expanded section on the east side near the fireplace and cushy chairs, uh huh.

The computers are located upstairs in the digital area that does not have a cool name yet. Eventually, all of our computers will be set up there near the new IT Help Desk. Holds are always downstairs, but are a constantly moving target. It’s probably best to ask at the Informa-tion Desk.

3. Is it true you have virtual reality here?

Crazy, right?! But, we think it is important for people in our community to have the opportunity to experience new technologies once they are becoming mainstream. We are developing an Emerging Technology Department with equipment, policies, and stuff like that.

For now, the VR, drones, and other tech is not yet available. If you want to be personally notified when we launch it, you can sign up at the IT Desk for a notification email. We’ll publish it here when it is ready too.

4. What’s going on with the Bookmobile?

Poor, sad Booker. He has had us worried for some time now. He is running now, but not too reliably. We’ve been using the library vans as a temporary bookmobile while we wait to see if he will pull through. We will keep you posted. In the meantime, we are conducting a survey on Bookmobile usage. Pick one up at your usual Bookmobile stop or ask for one at the Information Desk.

5. Can you help me find a Wimpy Kid book? Other book? Movie?

Some of our materials are still in storage as we await our new bookshelves. If you don’t see stuff where it should be, ask one of our friendly librarians.

Even if things are where they should be, I’m the first to say that it can be a challenge to navigate a public library. If this is you, you are not alone. Just ask. Helping patrons is seriously what we live for.

6. How do I sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge? A library event? A Tech Tutor?

The Summer Reading Challenge is completely accessible online this year at ebonnerlibrary.beanstack.org. You can also participate off-line by picking up a reading log at the Youth Services office.

You can see our full schedule of events on our website, our Facebook Events listings, and in various print and online calendars. Most programs do not require preregistration, but if they do, the listing will tell you how – usually you just call the staff person who is organizing the event. At this time, we don’t have a way to schedule a Tech Tutor online; you need to call or come in to do so.

7. You’re going to have a garden out there?!

Why not? The quonset hut out back will be removed sometime soon, making way for us to create an educational garden. We have a steering committee made up of gardening, landscape design, accounting, and other skilled experts who have developed a strategic plan.

Idaho Forest Group, Kinnickinnick Native Plant Society, National Association of Realtors, National WIC Association, and Panhandle Health District have contributed funds or in-kind contributions.

For more information, contact Mike Bauer at The Library, 208-265-2665.

If this article didn’t cover your burning questions about The Library, post your questions to us on Facebook or contact me directly: marcy@ebonnerlibrary.org.

Library event schedule:

- Saturday, June 30 and Saturday, July 7 — Little Mozarts Music Class, 10:30 a.m. at the Sandpoint Branch. Music Conservatory of Sandpoint’s Michelle Handy leads a progressive music class series for kids.

Registration is required: 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org. This event is a “Libraries Rock” 2018 Summer Reading program. Information: www.ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, July 3 — Mother Goose Storytime. Canceled. Info: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211

- Tuesday, July 3 — Family Storytime. Canceled. Info.: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211

- Wednesday, July 4 — Closed for 4th of July holiday.

- Saturday, July 7 — Friends of the Library Book Sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch.

The monthly Friends of the Library Book Sale is back! Dig for deals on books, music, DVDs and possibly other great finds. Support your book habit while you support your library. We are now accepting materials donations.

- Libraries Rock Summer Reading Program — Log your reading to earn badges, win prizes, and stay sharp over the summer. The summer reading program 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.

- StoryWalk — Program is a partnership of The Library, Kaniksu Land Trust, city of Dover, and city of Ponderay.

In June enjoy “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 June featured non-profit. July StoryWalks: McNearney Park - “Searcher and the Old Tree” by David McPhail. Dover City Park - “Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads” by Bob Shea.