Library readies for grand opening
(Courtesy photo)The East Bonner County Library District is readying for Saturday's grand opening celebration of the newly expanded Sandpoint Library, pictured above.
(Courtesy photo)An exhibit being installed at the newly renovated Sandpoint Library. A grand opening celebration will begin at noon Saturday.
(Courtesy photo)A room in the newly expanded Sandpoint Library waits for furniture. A grand opening of the library is planned for Saturday.
SANDPOINT — If it has been a while since you last visited The Library, you may be surprised to see some big changes. The East Bonner County Library District’s Sandpoint Branch has been undergoing a remodel and expansion for the last ten months and it is nearing completion.
The public is invited to attend the grand opening of Your Library Transformation on Saturday, June 2, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch library, 1407 Cedar.
The 30,000 square-foot-building, located in the heart of the educational corridor on Division Street has been a popular community hub since it was built in 2000.
Burgeoning use and changes in local and national trends spurred the decision to expand with the goal of addressing the literacy, technology, skills development, and community engagement needs in Bonner County.
The four-hour event includes brief words from State Librarian Ann Joslin, Northcon regional operations manager for Western U.S. Brandon Spry, Architects West Architect Marcus Valentine, and Library Board of Directors Chair Jeanine Asche.
“The transformation of the Sandpoint branch of the East Bonner County Library District beautifully combines form and function in ways that will allow library staff to serve patrons like never before,” said Ann Joslin. “The strong support of this expansion project demonstrates the critical role the library plays in this community.”
Introductions to key players and special announcements by Library Director Ann Nichols will follow.
“We are keeping the speeches short so that our guests can get right into exploring their new space,” said Nichols.
After the announcements and introductions, the library will continue its tradition of holding a ceremonial book passing. Cake and refreshments will be served with music by the SHS Chamber Choir followed by Cecil the Magician, Folk Remedy, and Bridges Home with Dave and Tami Gunter. The Folk Remedy duo features Gordon Anderson, the former Sandpoint branch circulation desk supervisor.
Library staff will host their respective departments to welcome guests on the guided and self-guided tours through 4 p.m. Guided tours will include access to staff areas for a rare behind-the-scenes peak.
Guests will enjoy the Friends of the Library’s display of the 1905 free reading room which was the original concept for today’s public library. The exhibit was brought to life through a partnership with the Bonner County History Museum.
“My hope with the mini-exhibit is to transport the viewer back for a moment in time; as they peer inside the room,” said curator Heather Upton who designed the exhibit. “I wish I could bottle up the fragrance of old books and layer it in.”
The grand opening will celebrate a transformation that includes the addition of approximately 8,000 square feet to the Sandpoint branch library. The added space makes room for a children’s area facelift and expansion, a new teen lounge and maker space, more tutoring rooms, larger community meeting rooms, comfortable reading and study areas, improved technology access, and new emerging technology offerings including virtual reality and drones.
As an extension of the grand opening, the library will host a special open house for teens and parents on Tuesday, June 5th at 4 p.m. in the new Rotary Teen Lounge. Teens can explore their new hang-out and make suggestions for outfitting the space “for optimum adulting and chillin’ after school,” as the event poster reads. Attendees can demo virtual reality and check out drones, 3D printing, gaming, circuitry, and other tech toys.
At 5:30 p.m. the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will present an eye-opening discussion on digital safety.
Since topics include cyberbullying, exploitation, and human trafficking, the program is limited to parents and teens 13 and older. The entire evening program is free. Event sponsor, Lake Pend Oreille School District will provide pizza and Babs’ Pizzeria has provided a prize drawing.
For more information about Your Library Transformation, the grand opening event, or the Teen Tech Mixer and Safe Tech programs, visit www.ebonnerlibrary.org or call 263-6930.