Create a book club and enjoy a life-changing good time

When Matt and Mike, two college roommates, found themselves conversing about a book they had each read, they made a startling realization. Sharing how the book inspired and challenged them ignited a desire to put what they were reading into practice. With that discovery, they decided to read and discuss other books together. Over time, they invited other twenty-something friends to join in and discussed a new book each month. Their discussions led them to look introspectively at their lives and think about whether their current trajectories were truly aligned with what they wanted to get out of life. Matt compared the book club to a masculine-ified group therapy session for quarter-life guys.

“It felt like we were operating a cute pizzeria in the front during the day, and hosting Fight Club in the basement at night — albeit a much nerdier one, trading fists for books and violence for discussion and mutual improvement.” – Matthew Trinetti, author of the Give Live Explore blog post “How A Book Club Can Change Your Life.”

A book club doesn’t necessarily have to consist of dudes or quarter-lifers, nor does it have to be made up of a more stereotypical demographic. The Library’s Children’s and Teen Departments are currently hosting their own versions of a book club later this month. On March 23, 4th-6th graders are encouraged to come to “Book Theater,” a new kind of book club where kids can share their favorite reads with each other and play theater games afterward. Teens are meeting monthly to discuss a common book. On March 28, the book, “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens will be considered. Any group of like-minded individuals can benefit from coming together over an inspiring read.

The Sandpoint Friends of the Library totally get that. In fact, they are celebrating it. On Thursday, March 14, at 1:30 p.m. they are hosting “Koffee Klatch,” a book club for book clubbers. Whether you are a part of an existing book club or not, you are invited to join them for pie, coffee, and a discussion of favorite reads in honor of Pi Day (3.14, get it?) and Women’s History Month. Bring a copy of your favorite book to display on the book table or come to find your next great read. Maybe you’ll even discover your own book club therapy session.

Next week, we will discuss how you can find a physical or online book club and how to start your own.

All of the following classes and events take place at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar, unless otherwise noted.

East Bonner County Library schedule

- Fridays — Explore Virtual Reality (reserve sessions), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar St. Reserve a 15-minute session in the VR room at www.ebonnerlibrary.org/Events on the event listing. Info: Contact the Tech Desk 263-6930 ext.1251.

- Fridays — Clark Fork Mother Goose. 10:15 a.m. at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main St. A special story time for babies and toddlers followed by 20 minutes of play time. Info: 266-1321.

- Saturdays — Explore Virtual Reality (reserve sessions), 2-4 p.m. at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar St. Reserve a 15-minute session in the new VR room at www.ebonnerlibrary.org/Events on the event listing. Info: Contact the Tech Desk 263-6930 ext.1251.

- Tuesdays — Mother Goose. 10 a.m. at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar St. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers 0-3 yrs. and their caregivers with stay & play until 10:40 a.m. Info: 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays — Preschool Story Time. 11 a.m. at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar St. Stories and crafts for kids and their caregivers. Info: 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays — Explore Virtual Reality. 3-6 p.m., drop-in 15-minute sessions at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar St. First come, first served. All ages welcome. Under 18 must accompany parent consent form. Under 10 must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian. Info: Contact the Tech Desk 263-6930 ext.1251.

- Tuesday/Thursday, March 12/14 — Chess class. 3-4:30 p.m. in the glass children’s area. Work on your chess game with Dave Braun. All welcome. Info: 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays — MAGIC the Gathering. 3:30-5 p.m. at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar St. Teens meet in Community Room A to play the game, MAGIC. Info: 263-6930 ext. 1245 or kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays — Away with Words. 5:30 p.m. at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar St. in the YA Reading Area. A Creative Writing Workshop for teens with Beth Weber. Whether you are a poet, penner of short stories, or working on the great American novel, join us at the library to make your literary endeavor come to life. Info: kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org or 263-6930 ext. 1245.

- Wednesdays — Clark Fork Stories and More. 10:30 a.m. Stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8. East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main. No Story Time on February 13th.

- Wednesday, March 13 — Teen Heart Talk. 4:30-6 p.m. in the Teen Lounge. Local resident, Brad Huhta, retired Heart Surgeon, will lead us on a journey through the heart. We will explore the heart, its role in our body, career focuses, health, and just possibly a little bit of philosophy. Note: This presentation will show graphic images/forensic sample which may not be suitable for all students. Discretion is advised.

- Thursday, March 14 — Pi(e) Day Koffee Klatch. 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the Community Rooms. The Sandpoint Friends of the Library invite you to a gathering of community book club members to converse and share great reads, with an emphasis on female authors/protagonists in honor of Women’s History Month. Pie and coffee will be served.

- Saturday, March 9 — eSports League at The Library. 1 p.m. at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar St. in the Teen Lounge. Making eSports available to high school gamers by facilitating healthy competition on a varsity level in a comfortable environment is the mission of the HSEL. The Library is partnering with the SHS eSports team to further that mission. Info: dalton.hawkins@lposd.org

- Saturday, March 9 — Wild Babies – To Rescue or Not To Rescue. 2 p.m. at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main St. American Heritage Wildlife Foundation presents a discussion about what to do when a wild baby animal is found. Photos of actual patients will be shown and many tips and pointers to identify if the animal is truly in distress. Info: 266-1321.

- Saturday, March 16 — IWL Writers’ Contest – The Roar of March. 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Community Rooms. Calling all authors! You are welcome to come and share your work with a 5-minute reading of your original material. Mingle with other writers and listen to their work. No registration necessary for this free event. All ages, genres and experience levels are welcome with prizes awarded to winners in each category. Presented by the Sandpoint Chapter of the Idaho Writers League. Info: Sandy Anderson, 775-790-4443.

- Saturday, March 16 — Genealogy Workshop. 1 p.m. in the computer bank on the second floor. Get an overview of the many resources available to research your family tree from experts at the Sandpoint History Center. Bring your genealogy information if you have any, and be prepared to search for a relative. Computers furnished. Information: 263-6930.

- Now through March 15 — The Library’s Winter Reading Challenge. For all ages! A new adult reading challenge is now open! Register for the Winter Reading Challenge to log your reading and read-to-me time for prizes, drawings, and a party! Details at www.ebonnerlibrary.org. Contact Suzanne Davis for more information: 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- StoryWalk — Pages from a children’s book are posted along a trail for a fun, family experience. Enjoy “Winter is the Warmest Season” by Lauren Stringer at Dover City Park and “Wolfie the Bunny” by Ame Dyckman at McNearney Park. 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- 208-263-6930, ext. 1204.