Ten reasons to use your community library

You can buy eBooks on Amazon and paperbacks at your local book store. You can enjoy free Wi-Fi with purchase at the coffee shop. You have access to educational opportunities during elementary and secondary years and with tuition, higher education. You can do extensive research using Google or another search engine.

So, is the library really even needed anymore? With more than 1,000 visitors and online users per day, the library is as relevant as it’s ever been. Here is a short list of the many things you can get at the library, and nowhere else.

1. One stop selection of books, music, movies, games and more.

2. Use of computers, scanners and fax service at no direct cost (your tax dollars already covered it).

3. Risk-free online orders. Transactions are made with your library card, not a credit/ debit card.

4. Ad free, no cost music and movie streaming.

5. Online language learning program, unique conversation-based method.

6. No late fees on eBooks or streaming services. Late fees on DVDs, books and other materials never exceed 50 cents (unless they are lost or damaged).

7. Education, skills development and humanities opportunities not limited by age, economic, professional, religious status.

8. Unlimited Wi-Fi (and you don’t even have to buy coffee to use it).

9. Trusted targeted search engines and knowledgeable reference staff for faster, more reliable research.

10. Employment resources. Research databases and materials, work experience opportunities, education and certification programs.

Communities need libraries to provide open access to resources we need every day. Take advantage of these and more services available to you with your library card.

- Daily — 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. Computers have been moved upstairs. An elevator is available on the west end of the Circulation Desk.

- Friday, March 23, and Friday, March 30 — American Sign Language course, 9:30 a.m. at the Sandpoint branch library. 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 24 and Saturday, March 31 — American Sign Language course, 11:30 a.m. at the Sandpoint branch library. This is an ongoing course in progress. For more information, contact Susan Schaller, susan.schaller@gmail.com.

- Saturday, March 24 — Furry Tales, 11 a.m. at Panhandle Animal Shelter, 870 Kootenai Cutoff Road. A free educational event for kids and families Enjoy pet stories, dog training demonstrations, a behind-the-scenes shelter tour, and volunteer projects. For more information contact Suzanne Davis at 208-263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Saturday, March 24 — Organic Seed Saving, 1– 3 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch library. Come and discuss organic gardening and seed saving. Bring food and seeds to share if you can. If you can’t, come anyway! Information: Camisse Nitkowski 208-263-6248.

- Monday, March 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 208-263-6930 ext. 1245 or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, March 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.

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

- Tuesday, March 27 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm, 3 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch. Subject to cancelation. Please call the Clark Fork Branch Library, 208-266-1321 before attending.

- Tuesday, March 27 — Intro to 3D Printing Workshop for Adults. 5 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch library. Learn what 3D printers are used for and how to design your own 3D printable object. This class is beginner level. Space is limited and pre-registration is required: 208-263-6930 or register online from the Events Calendar, ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, March 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 208-266-1321 for information.

- Wednesday, March 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 208-263-6930 ext. 1245 or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, March 28 — Crafternoon – Dragon Craft. 2 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch library. Free family fun with an artistic craft to take home. For more info, call Suzanne Davis at 208-263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, March 28 — “Fake News: Media Literacy in the Information Age Series - Ethics in Media,” 6-7:30 p.m. at the Heartwood Center, 615 Oak St. The second of a three-part discussion series organized by the East Bonner County Library District. What are the limits of free speech? How has mass media and technology challenged those limits? What can be done to hold media sources accountable for the information they deliver? Presenter/Resource: NIC Journalism Professor Geoff Carr and Cameron Rasmusson of the Sandpoint Reader. Free program. Information: Mike Bauer 208-265-2665 or mike@ebonnerlibrary.org.

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.