Library helps man earn degree in dream career

When Robert (name has been changed), a local Bonner County resident, decided it was time for a career change, he knew it would not be easy. After deciding on a field that was known to be high in demand, he looked into what it would take to get there. Making the decision turned out to be the easiest part.

Learning medical coding is not a quick “one and done process.” Robert learned that he would have to go back to school if he wanted to make this career change. Online courses are available, but without reliable internet at home, Robert would either have to move, commute to the nearest college, or give up on his goal. Then he remembered The Library.

For a full year, Robert went to The Library like a job. Using his laptop and The Library’s WIFI he worked toward obtaining the requirements for the degree. Robert completed his education and received his Associates of Science in Medical Billing and Coding last year. He told us that he loves The Library and appreciates all the wonderful help he received from all the staff.

Fall is a great time to turn over a new leaf. If you are considering making a change or stacking some marketable skills onto your already glowing skills set, remember The Library as Robert did. In addition to WiFi, internet computers, books, and other resources you may be aware of, The Library also has online databases to help you take it to the next level. Here are a few that we are highlighting this fall:

- Mango Languages – If you know a second language, you are already ahead of the competition. Mango Languages offers a fun, interactive language-learning system in over 70 languages and dialects (including Pirate, which will come in handy on International Talk Like a Pirate Day, September 19th).

- Small Business Reference Center - I’ve heard it said that entrepreneurship is in the DNA of Bonner County residents. If you are dreaming of starting your own gig, here is where you can get reliable information on the business side of launching your passion.

- Learning Express Library – This is where to start if you just need to brush up on some basic education. Also do career • GCF Global – Take tutorials on Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, learn about nutrition and household finances, or brush up on basic computer skills.

All of the databases listed above can be found in the Digital Library at www.ebonnerlibrary.org. You can turn over a new leaf, just like Robert did. Your library card lets you own your future on your terms. Explore the Digital Library or ask your librarian for more information.

The following classes and events take place at the East Bonner County Library District Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar St. unless otherwise indicated.

East Bonner County Library District schedule

- 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. Information: Contact the Tech Desk 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Fridays — RPG and MAC (Role Playing Games and Manga/Anime Club) for Teens, 3-5 p.m., in the Innovia Founda-tion Community Room B. Teens play Magic the Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and other RPGs. Celebrate fandom at The Library. Read, write, and watch your favorite manga and anime with other enthusiasts. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245; or kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Friday, Sept. 13 — Spooky Stories in the Cemetery, 7 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery, 901 S. Division. Kid-friendly, scary stories told in a real cemetery. Families are invited to share their favorite stories, as well. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Saturday, Sept. 14 — SHS eSports at The Library, 1 p.m., in the Laura Moore Cunningham Community Room A. 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. Information: kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Saturdays — Explore virtual reality (reserve sessions), 2-4 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.

- Monday, Sept. 9 — Open play, marshmallow structures; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Karen’s Room. This is a drop-in STEM-inspired “What can you build?” challenge. Younger children should have a parent present. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays — Mother Goose, 10 a.m. in Karen’s Room. 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 suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays — Clark Fork Mother Goose, 10:15 a.m. at the Clark Fork branch library; stories, rhymes, and music for toddlers and their caregivers followed by 20 minutes of play time. Information: 208-266-1321.

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

- Tuesdays — Clark Fork Storytime, 11 a.m., Clark Fork branch library. Stories, music, and crafts geared to ages 3-8. All welcome. 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: Tech Desk, 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Wednesdays — Crafts in the Garden, 2:30 p.m. in The Library Garden. A different garden-inspired craft each week. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesdays — Teen Lounge Passive Pop-Up Programs, 3 p.m. in the Rotary Teen Lounge. Teen-driven art, engineering, robots, and science projects and workshops. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245; or kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, Sept. 18 — Science Café: Unpacking Diet Myths. 5:30-7 p.m. Ammi Midstokke, nutritional therapy practitioner and owner of Two Birds Nutrition, will unpack some myths or common beliefs, and examine the research and information available to come to a better understanding of the impacts of diets, nutrition, and disease processes affected by them. This is a discussion forum. Information: Mike Bauer, 208-265-2665.

- Thursday, Sept. 19 — Puppet Tales, 10:30 a.m. in Karen’s Room. Join us for puppets, cutting and drawing stories. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Thursday, Sept. 19 — Teen Book Club, 4 p.m. in the YA Reading Area. This month’s title for discussion is “This Book Is Not Yet Rated” by Peter Bognanni. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245; or kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Teen Lounge — Open to seventh-12th graders from any school/homeschool; Tuesdays-Thursdays until 6 p.m., and Fridays until 5 p.m. 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. Enjoy “Knuffle Bunny” by Mo Willems at Dover City Park and “School’s First Day of School” by Adam Rex 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.

- Now through Sunday, Dec. 1 — Clark Fork Autumn Reading Program — for all ages. Read between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1 and record the name of each book, full magazine, or book on tape with the author’s name. For each completed item, earn a library bidding dollar for use in the Holiday Silent Auction held on Dec. 6 and 7. Information: 208-266-1321.

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.