Libaries power our imaginations

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.” – Albert Einstein

Imagining is more than day-dreaming. It is how we refresh ourselves in order to be more productive. Without imagination, innovation isn’t possible.

If I could change the name of The Library, I would call it “the imagination factory.” Through books, movies, music, technology, art, and community events, The Library is a launch pad for creativity. There is no limit to how far you can go with a creative imagination.

When life’s circumstances prevent you from getting away from it all, you can still take a vacation to your library. Think of your library card as a passport that lets you travel to any exotic destination without the hassle of packing.

Read – Whether you like fiction or nonfiction, a good book can take you to a completely new place. Like an actual vacation, it can change your outlook long after you return. Our awesome library staff can advise you on good titles based on books you already love. In case you weren’t aware, we have books in pretty much all formats; hard back, paperback, large print, playaways, Talking Book Service®, books on CD, eBooks, and eaudiobooks in the Digital Library at www.ebonnerlibrary.org.

Watch – While books allow our imaginations to generate a completely authentic picture, video stories reach our minds through our emotions. When the characters are startled or heart-broken, so are we. When they are trudging through the desert, we get thirsty. If you can’t go on a road trip, pick up a DVD from our huge collection, including lots of new releases and TV show season sets. We also recommend streaming (AKA binge-watching) from Hoopla in the Digital Library.

Innovate – Another way to escape is through technology. For instance, you could visit our Virtual Reality Room and immerse yourself in space, the ocean, or a fantasy desert. Our attentive staff will help you decide on a program you will love.

Take a trip this week with your library card at the Sandpoint or Clark Fork Branch Library, the Bookmobile, or the Digital Library at www.ebonnerlibrary.org. Mountain West Bank and The Library are tempting you to travel throughout the month of May with an exhibit on library travel resources at the Mountain West Bank Ponderay Branch. Go check it out and see the many ways that The Library can take you anywhere.

East Bonner County Library District

schedule

- Fridays — Explore virtual reality (reserve sessions), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; reserve a 15-minute session in the VR room at ebonnerlibrary.org/Events on the event listing. Information: Contact the Tech Desk 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Saturday, May 18 ­— 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. Booker will be at the Farmer’s Market every Saturday through the season. Information: 208-290-3622

- Saturdays — Explore virtual reality (drop-in sessions), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; drop-in 15-minute sessions. First come, first served. All ages welcome. Under 18 must accompany parent consent form. Under 10 must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian. Information: Contact the Tech Desk at 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Tuesdays — Mother Goose, 10 a.m. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers 0-3 years old and their caregivers with stay & play until 10:40 a.m. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or email suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m., in the glass children’s area. Stories and crafts for kids and their caregivers. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- 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 — MAGIC the Gathering. 3:30-5 PM in Community Room A. Teens play the game, MAGIC the Gathering. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245; or email kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays — Away with Words, 5:30 p.m., 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. Information: kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org or 208-263-6930, ext. 1245.

- Saturday, May 18 — Book Theater, 11 a.m. in the glass children’s room. A new kind of book club: Theater games, acting, and your favorite books. For third to sixth graders. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, May 22 — 3D Printing Club, 4:30-6 p.m., in the VR Room. Drop in the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month to join us at our 3D Printing Club. 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: 208-263-6930, ext. 1251.

- Wednesday, May 22 — Science Café: Beauty and the Beak, 5:30-7 p.m., in the Community Room. The story of a beak-deprived bald eagle who was saved by 3D printing technology as told by author Janie Veltkamp of Birds of Prey Northwest. Skype presentation and live discussion on raptor conservation by local expert Suanne Ellis. Information: 208-265-2665

- Thursday, May 23 — Friends of the Library Presents: Canine Companions, 12:30 p.m., in Community Room B. Canine Companions for Independence is a national non-profit organization that places expertly-trained assistance dogs with adults, children and veterans with disabilities free of charge. Join local Canine Companions volunteer puppy raisers for an informational presentation about this wonderful organization and meet a Canine Companions puppy. Information: 707-577-1703

- Thursday, May 23 — Thursday Movie Matinee, “Indiana Jones”, 3:15 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch library. Free family-friendly movie screenings on Thursdays: May 30, “How to Train Your Dragon”

- Thursday, May 23 — Afterschool Gardening, 3:30 p.m. in the Library Garden or Community Room B. Come make seed tape … and help us plant. You’ll get some to take home, too. (Project may change depending on the weather and gardening needs). Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or via email, suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- StoryWalk — Pages from a children’s book are posted along a trail for a fun, family experience. Enjoy “They All Saw A Cat” by Brendan Wenzel at Dover City Park and “The Water Hole” by Grahame Base 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- 208-208-263-6930, ext. 1204.