A year like no other in EBCL's history
This last year was like no other in our library’s history. When COVID struck a year ago, we had no idea what we would have to do to continue with our library services. Our goals have been day to day to stay open and keep staff and patrons as healthy and happy as possible We were able to stay open much more than many other libraries in Idaho. Some are still only providing curbside service.
Meeting rooms were closed for most of the year. The teen room was closed and is now being used to store and sort materials for quarantine.
During our closure we were able to begin curbside services. The bookmobile service was also able to provide holds using a tailgate service and library vans.
In August we were invaded with insurrectionists who refused to wear masks. Staff and trustees alike were threatened with law suits and were harassed with phone calls and emails. The district was closed to everything but curbside service for the month. We were able to reopen in September to the public inside the buildings, and have been able to stay open since.
We were able to add virtual/remote programs and tutoring. “Take it-Make it” kits have been added for youth to pick up and take home. They have been very popular as well as educational.
A new webpage has been in the works for most of the year and will be up and running in the near future.
Another project that was completed included relabeling of all the young children’s materials with three letter author spines. Finding children’s books is unbelievably easier now.
The Donor Appreciation Wall for thanking those who helped with our library transformation remodel was completed and installed. COVID kept us from having any kind of community gathering to show it off, but hopefully people will see it now and know how thankful we are for all the help with our library expansion two years ago!
Another improvement was the completion of artistic paintings on the columns in the children’s area. the columns into a forest with birds and insects that meld with the larger murals that she painted for the opening of the Sandpoint branch in 2000.
The “Artsy Bear” was also repainted and repaired by the original artist. The bear fits in nicely with the rest of the “forest creatures”.
The Clark Fork branch has been under a renovation. It was slowed by COVID issues, but is starting to progress again. Our goal with that construction is to make better use of the square footage in the building. If you haven’t been there, it is worth a trip!
The Sandpoint garden is another work in progress. Gardens have a way of morphing as they grow. This one will be beautiful when last fall’s plantings start to spring up. The garden now has a fountain, decorative plants, grass, brick walkways created from the library brick patio remodel and sun shades. We anticipate chairs and tables in the future and a mini “little free library” inside part of the greenhouse. Patrons will be able to select books and read them while relaxing in the garden!
Another donated fountain has been ordered and will be put in place this spring. It will be installed on the northwest corner of the Sandpoint building’s area.
We are all looking forward to a calmer year.
Ann Nichols is administrator of the East Bonner County Library District.