Libraries come up aces against technology

Were you a regular feature at The Library in the past, but lost that loving feeling?

How could that happen? Some people argue that digital killed the paperback star and Google replaced the librarian. Is that true? Are eBooks the new physical books? Can a Google search perform better than library reference staff? These are just two of the myriad of reasons why some consider libraries to be irrelevant in the digital information age. Let’s nip those in the bud before moving on to the reasons why your local library, and libraries world-wide are so important to humanity.

First, while eBooks started out strong, they now make up only about a third of total book sales. We have experienced that here at the library as well. Print book circulation far exceeds eBooks across all age demographics. Not only do people seem to be exhibiting a preference of print and audiobooks over eBooks, but emerging research is showing that reading from a screen may not penetrate the memory as effectively as traditional print reading.

Regarding Google vs. the librarian – no doubt, Google has its place in the realm of quick answers to burning questions. The concern is that all of the answers may not be trustworthy. In addition, sometimes we don’t even know the key words to begin with, and when we do, the information we seek may not be openly accessible. Plenty of websites contain valuable information that requires paid subscriptions or is limited by other accessibility barriers, potentially keeping it from even popping up in a search. Libraries often have such subscriptions and public accessibility. Librarians themselves are a wealth of information, and they are professional researchers by trade. The quickest way to reliable information is through a librarian.

Consider too how libraries have been transforming in recent years, from a basic book lending service to community hubs of learning, collaboration and digital experience. People can explore the humanities, research their family tree, find a job, access the internet and do a lot of other things that might surprise you.

Probably, libraries of the past might not be as relevant today, but the truth is, libraries aren’t what they once were. Maybe it’s time you give your library a second chance at love.

East Bonner County Library District schedule

The following classes and events take place at the East Bonner County Library District Sand-point Branch, 1407 Cedar St. unless otherwise indicated. The monthly calendar can be viewed at ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Fridays — Explore virtual reality (reserve sessions), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; reserve a 15-minute session in the VR room at ebonnerlibrary.org/Events on the event listing.There will be no session on July 5. Information: Contact the Tech Desk 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

• Saturdays — Bookmobile at Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Farmin Park. Browse books, movies, and music. Sign up for a library card. Pick up holds (reserved materials) or return items. Chat with Michelle, our friendly bookmobile driver. Bookmobile will be at the Farmer’s Market every Saturday through the season. Information: 208-290-3622.

- Saturdays — Little Mozarts Music Class, 10:30 a.m. Drop-ins welcome. Program runs through August 3. No program on July 6. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Saturdays — Explore Virtual Reality (reserve sessions), 2-4 p.m. Reserve a 15-minute session in the new VR room at ebonnerlibrary.org/Events on the event listing. Information: Contact the Tech Desk, 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Monday, July 1-Saturday, July 6 — Fine Forgiveness Week. Celebrate 4th of July week with waived fines for overdue materials all week long. Does not apply to lost or damaged items. Children’s items do not incur fines at any time. Information: 208-263-6930.

- Monday, July 1 — Sign Language Class for Kids, 12:30 p.m. Four weeks. Geared to third to sixth graders, but all welcome. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211.

- Tuesdays — Mother Goose. Canceled. No Sandpoint story times on July 2.

- Tuesdays — Family Story Time. Canceled. No Sandpoint story times on July 2.

- Tuesdays — Mother Goose, 10 a.m., Clark Fork branch library. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers and their caregivers followed by 20 minutes of play times. Information: 208-266-1321.

- Tuesdays — Storytime, 11 a.m., Clark Fork branch library. Stories, music, and crafts geared to ages 3-8. All welcome. Information: 208-266-1321.

- Tuesday, July 2 — Edison Bots. 2 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch library. Build your own programmable robots that can respond to light and sound, follow lines and avoid obstacles, and communicate with other Edison robots. Part of the 2019 Summer Reading Challenge “A Universe of Stories.” Sign up for the challenge at ebonnerlibrary.org. Information: 208-266-1321.

- Tuesdays — Explore virtual reality (drop-in sessions), 3-6 p.m., drop-in 15-minute sessions. First come, first served. All ages welcome. Under 18 must accompany parent consent form. Youth under 10 years old must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian. Information: Contact the Tech Desk 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Tuesdays — Teen Role Playing Games (formerly MAGIC the Gathering), 3:30-5 p.m. in Laura Moore Cunningham Community Room A. Teens play Magic the Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and other role playing games. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245; or email kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, July 3 — Clark Fork 3D Printing Club, 4-5:30 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch library. Drop in to collaborate with others and learn more from staff about 3D printing and design. A few laptops will be provided or you may bring your own device. Open to all ages and skill levels. Information: 266-1321.

- Tuesday, July 4 — Clopsed for Independence Day. Look for the Bookmobile at the Fourth of July parade.

- Teen Lounge — A space for teens, seventh through twelfth grade (any school or homeschool). Open weekly during summer: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed 1-2 p.m. Teen Lounge will be closed July 3-14. Information: kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org; or 208-263-6930, ext. 1245.

- StoryWalk — Pages from a children’s book are posted along a trail for a fun, family experience. StoryWalk books will be updated at various times during the summer with titles based on the 2019 Summer Reading theme, “Universe of Stories.” Read, connect, and get outside at a StoryWalk, a partnership of The Library, Kaniksu Land Trust, city of Dover, and city of Ponderay. For more information, visit Facebook.com/BonnerStoryWalk.

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