Plants, books, bikes at monthly Natural Connections
SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Library is continuing its monthly hands-on series, Natural Connections, in May with a full-day plant swap as well as multiple other presentations to prepare the community for spring activities.
On Saturday, May 18, guests can come for the plant swap, for all the events, or just the ones that sound interesting.
At 10 a.m., the library will host “Pedal Power,” consisting of a spring bike maintenance workshop.
“Get interactive with tools for basic repairs,” staff said. “Learn the basics of what is needed to get your bike ready for spring and summer riding.”
Instructor Marty Andrews, “cyclist, instructor, bike whisperer,” will be sharing helpful inspection techniques to make sure every bike is ready to ride. Attendees will be able to experiment with the tools for basic repairs as well as practice changing a tire. Guests will also learn how to inspect or repair a broken bike chain.
At noon, instructor Kelli Burt will host a gardening class for all skill levels. Regardless of the amount of space one has, Burt believes everyone can be a successful gardener.
“Work on your green thumb in almost any living situation with a culinary herb garden, container planters, raised beds, or an elevated raised bed,” library staff said. “We’ll discuss these different options and how to choose the one that best suits your needs.”
Burt will also demonstrate transplanting and direct seeding. Participants will be able to plant an herb planter to take home.
At 1 p.m., “Creative ReUse for the Artist Within” will have attendees explore the art of creative reuse by making a 3D collage from cast-off materials.
“Get ready to stretch your idea of art and make something meaningful to you,” staff said. “Remember, there is beauty in all things and the act of creating is beauty itself. Creative reuse is a unique form of art. We throw away broken and used items far too often in our daily lives that can be used to create unique and meaningful art.”
Guests will be allowed to peruse found, discarded and thrifted items for inspiration and create something gallery-worthy.
All the materials for this class, led by Molly Gentry, will be provided.
Book hinges will be the focus of the 3 p.m. class. Hinge diagnosis and replacement will be taught during this hour-long workshop by library staff member, Rhela. Little to no knowledge of hinges is welcomed.
“We will cover basic book anatomy, recommended repair materials and provide our participants hands-on experience replacing a book hinge using single-stitched binder tape,” staff said. “To avoid confusion, please note that this workshop is not the same tier as bookbinding or book conservation/restoration.”
All supplies will be provided and prepared in advance for guests. Attendees are allowed to bring a personal book to repair at their own risk, but are not required to. The instructor will not be handling personal books due to time limitations.
And if this wide variety of classes isn’t enough for the community, the library is also hosting an all-day plant swap in the library garden, which will take place at the same time as the classes.
“Rain or shine, we’ll be in the garden sharing plants throughout the event,” staff said. “If the weather is bad, we’ll have the greenhouse open and some easy-ups for cover. Come take a plant(s) even if you don’t have anything to share. The library will have vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers grown in the garden and greenhouse available.”
Guests are welcome to bring plants to share with others, but request that all plants be labeled prior to the event. All house and garden plants are welcome at any stage of growth.