Thoughts & confessions of a nonreader

Actually, I do read. But, some people are appalled to learn that I don’t read a lot and almost never read fiction...and I work in a library. Gasp.

In fact, when I interviewed for my job as a library marketer, confessing my non-voracious approach to reading was rewarded with a job offer. It seems that I am not alone, and the interview panel felt that I could relate well to my kindred circle of “nonreaders.”

Before you jump to the conclusion that I wasn’t read to as a child or I didn’t have access to quality education, let me explain.

True, my formative years were spent in North Portland, Ore., where I spent most of my time exploring the “outdoors” of our yard at a dead-end street. I guess you could say, I was a born doer — with little interest in reading about others’ adventures. On the other hand, I loved to write short stories and poems. All of those interests transferred well to a tween-hood in North Idaho. I continued to write, mostly about my older sister who was a central figure in my young life and the brunt of my bratty expressions. Incidentally, those unflattering pieces were often my “best-sellers,” even with her.

If my interest in creative writing was from my dad, who was a storyteller and artist, then my mother should be credited for my nonfiction leanings (and probably for my ability to read and write at all). I rarely saw my dad read anything thicker than a newspaper, but he loved having books in the house to flip through. My mom, however, was a reader. She loved to read biographies of famous people and high profile news stories turned sensationalistic hardback. Books consumed a large percentage of the square footage of our home. This includes the teen romance series that my sister had stashed next to her bed in the ’80s. Little sisters know this stuff.

Aside from her shameless affinity for adult biographies, my mom loved to read children’s books to us kids. My mom was locally famous for her animated reading of Brer Rabbit. I think I’ve written about this before ­— how she would read in her authentic Oklahoma accent “Way down deep der in dee briah patch …” I don’t remember my dad reading to us, but it is interesting to note that he was a big Shel Silverstein fan.

As an adult, I almost exclusively read and write nonfiction. The content must have some practical value to me or it will not hold my attention. I’m curious about why I gravitated toward creative writing as a child, even though I didn’t read fiction unless it was read to me or part of a school assignment. The ironies pile up.

If you take one thing away from this little memoir, I hope it is that we all have a connection to reading, even if we are not the stereotypical “reader.” The branch libraries, Bookmobile, and digital library at eBonnerLibrary.org can fulfill the appetites of readers on both ends of the voracity spectrum and everything in between. And, if you are a doer who rarely reads anything thicker than a newspaper, you might enjoy some of the classes, workshops and events listed below.

As a reminder, get your tickets now for the Novel Night Gala. This is not an annual event, so make sure to capture this experience while you can. Dress up as your favorite book character, enjoy Literary Libations, bid on art and epic experiences, savor amazing cuisine and artisan desserts, and score an artistic centerpeice hand crafted by library staff, plus much more. Organized by Sandpoint Rotary and The Library. Sponsored by Alliant Americas, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, and 219 Lounge. Tickets still available at www.novelnightgala.org!

- 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. Computers have been moved upstairs. An elevator is available on the west end of the circulation desk.

- Friday, March 30 — American Sign Language course has been canceled for today. Resumes next week. For more information, contact Susan Schaller, susan.schaller@gmail.com.

- Saturday, March 31, and Saturday, April 7 — 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, April 2 — 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 STEAM activity for teens. For more information about the current week’s theme, call Morgan at 263-6930, ext. 1245, or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, April 3 — Mother Goose 10:15 a.m., at Creations on the Cedar St. Bridge. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers 0-3 years and caregivers.

- Tuesday, April 3 — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m., at Creations. Stories and crafts for kids ages 2-5 years. Info: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, April 3 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm canceled. For more information, call 266-1321.

- Wednesday, April 4 — 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, April 4 — 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, April 4 — Clark Fork Intro to 3D Printing Workshop for Adults, 4 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch. Preregistration is required: call 266-1321.

- Friday, April 6 — American Sign Language course, 9:30 a.m. at the Sandpoint branch. Learn American Sign Language from certified instructor Susan Schaller. This is an ongoing course in progress. For more information, contact Susan Schaller, susan.schaller@gmail.com for information on other courses.

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.