A few key skills to survive Your Library Transformation

A sign posted at the Sandpoint Branch Library reads, “Attention. Due to construction: expect mind-jarring noise, dust on everything, and the inability to find anything where it should be.” The sign has been posted since July when we first broke ground on Your Library Transformation; the Sandpoint Branch remodel and expansion project. Meant as a light-hearted joke about the minor inconveniences we could expect during construction, it is now a reality.

Up until recently, most of the construction has taken place on the expansion portion of the project, with little more than noise and temperature fluctuations to deal with. Now, however, crews are working on the fire suppression system, carpeting, and other aspects of the remodel that directly impact patrons, staff, and the “ability to find anything where it should be.”

First, I just want to thank all of you who are braving the construction zone to visit us. You have been patient and empathetic to our staff who are sincerely devoted to providing the best service possible. We understand how frustrating it is to arrive only to find that what you came for is not available. For instance, you might come to use one of the internet computers and they’ve all been moved. When you find them, they are all occupied.

We are reduced to 9 computers for public use right now. For the time being, users will not be able to extend their time beyond the 60 minute limit during busy times. You may want to plan to use the computers in the mornings and evenings after 5 p.m.

- Survival Skill 1: If you need to use a computer and none are available, we encourage you to to reserve one. You can do this from the Print Station computer (which is being moved upstairs) or you can ask a librarian to do it for you.

We respectfully ask that you do not hover over patrons using the computer you are stalking. We also ask that you do not remain (or sit) at a computer station if you are not using it. Space is so limited that it is starting to get a little bit “Cabbage Patch” around here (if you don’t know what that is, ask someone who remembers the great Cabbage Patch Doll wars of 1983).

- Survival Skill 2: Ask a librarian to help you find materials. Entire collections have been put in storage and are temporarily inaccessible to staff and patrons. Other materials are moved almost daily. We don’t expect you to know where things are. Let us help you.

- Survival Skill 3: Let your fingers do the walking (another 80s reference). Visit eBonnerLibrary.org and click on the web feature that reads, “Some Collections & Computers Are Temporarily Unavailable” to find out what materials are temporarily out of commission before you make the trip over. While you are online, you can place holds on materials for easy pick up when you arrive – as long as they are from a collection that staff can access. Better yet, search for your items in the Digital Library, since the project does not impact availability of digital materials. The Clark Fork Branch and Bookmobile are also unaffected by construction.

- Survival Skill 4: Try to view all of this as an endurance race. For the next few months, there will be mind-jarring noise, dust on everything, and collections will be moved in and out of circulation. The good news is that we are staying open.

If you remember only one Survival Skill, remember this: Ask a librarian.

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.

- Friday, March 2 — American Sign Language course. 9:30 a.m. at the Sandpoint Branch. Due to popular demand, a second course is starting: American Sign Language from Certified Instructor Susan Schaller. For more information, contact Susan Schaller, susan.schaller@gmail.com.

- Saturday, March 3 — American Sign Language course. 11:30 a.m. at the Sandpoint Branch. This is an ongoing course in progress. For more information, contact Susan Schaller, susan.schaller@gmail.com.

- Monday, March 5 — 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, March 6 — 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, March 6 — Preschool Story Time. 11 a.m. at Creations. Stories and crafts for kids ages 2-5 yrs. Info: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, March 6 — 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.

- Wednesday, March 7 — 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, March 7 — 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, March 7 — Clark Fork Intro to 3D Printing Workshop. 4 p.m. at the Clark Fork Branch. Registration is full for this class. Please call 266-1321 to be added to the waiting list or for more information.

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