Library goes above and beyond with STEM

As the library’s STEM coordinator, I’ve learned one important thing: Bonner County residents love space. This has been evidenced by the blowout participation we observed when Spacepoint held a rocketry competition in our meeting rooms earlier this year, and it has been supported by the numerous programs I’ve attended since then.

To fuel Sandpoint’s love of all things astronomy, I’m talking about two exciting new programs on the same day.

Stop by the library on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m., when author Dale Bekcsy will be visiting as a part of his book tour for "Above and Beyond: How Women Astronomers and Astronauts Brought Space Down to Earth." Take a trip through 4,000 years of female astronomers, from ancient Babylon to Mae Jemisin’s groundbreaking flight as the first female African American astronaut to leave the planet. A former Bonners Ferry resident, Bekcsy is excited to return to the Panhandle and share this incredible book with you.

At 6 p.m., Spacepoint launches its observatory on the University of Idaho Agriculture Center campus at 10881 N. Boyer Rd.

Spacepoint has had some stellar programs this year, and it's exciting to see them bring this amazing resource to our community. Head over to spacepoint.org for more information.

I can tell you, from personal experience, that the last few I’ve been a part of were a blast, literally.

Brenden Bobby can be reached at the East Bonner County Library, 1407 Cedar Street, Sandpoint, by phone at 208-263-6930, or by email at brenden@ebonnerlibrary.org.