Head to library and cook up some fun

Has this weather got you thinking about some comforting kitchen-time? How about a night in with an exciting new dinner recipe and a movie? With over 400 cookbooks to choose from, you can find exactly what you’re craving at The Library. While you’re there, browse the huge selection of DVDs for a classic favorite or a new release. Redbox is nice, but free movies are so much better, and you won’t sacrifice selection just because it’s a good deal. Plus, if you’re a little bit old school like me, you’ll appreciate the fact that The Library is one of the last places where you can read the DVD jacket when choosing a movie.

For a truly relaxing night in, order takeout and log on to ebonnerlibrary.org to stream movies for free with your library card number and Hoopla. It’s like Netflix … but it’s free.

If getting out of the house sounds more relaxing, below are a few opportunities to enjoy some inspiration at the East Bonner County Library District this week. All events take place at the Sandpoint branch library Library, 1407 Cedar, unless otherwise indicated.

A special note for parents of infants and pre-walkers: you are invited to join us for a weekly small-group class for babies. Infant Lapsit is specially designed for pre-walking children and their caregivers. Early language development and socialization are introduced in a fun and welcoming environment. If you or someone you know has children who are not yet walking-age, consider joining us for this new offering at the Sandpoint Library or call Suzanne Davis at 208-263-6930, ext. 1211.

- Monday, Dec. 10 — Family Christmas movie, 3:15 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch library. Movie title is yet to be determined. Information: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Dec. 11 — Moth-er Goose, 10 a.m.; new format, six-week sessions. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers (0-3 years old) and their caregivers with stay and play until 10:40 a.m. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Dec. 11 — Preschool Stories, 11 a.m.; stories and crafts for kids and their caregivers. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Dec. 11, and Thursday, Dec. 13 ­— Seventh- and eighth-grade homework help, 3:30-4:30 p.m., at the Sandpoint branch library in the Teen Lounge. Tutors are available for drop-in math and other homework help. Information: 208-265-2665 or mike@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Dec. 11 — Robotics. 3 -5 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch library, 601 Main. Explore STEAM with Lego Mindstorm robotics. Information: 208-266-1321.

- Tuesday, Dec. 11 — Explore virtual reality; open session. 3-6 p.m., drop-in 15-minute sessions. Explore the world with Google Earth VR, swim in the deep sea, go on a virtual tour, play arcade style games or walk a plank suspended from an 80-story building — all from the safety of The Library. First come, first served. Under 18 must accompany parent consent form. Under 10 must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian. Information: Contact the Tech Desk, 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Tuesday, Dec. 11, and Thursday, Dec. 13 ­— Knitting Class for Kids, 3:30 p.m.; geared for third- to sixth-graders. Make hats for Christmas presents. A four-session class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Preregistration is required: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, Dec. 11 — MAGIC the Gathering, 3:30-5 p.m.; teens meet in Community Room B to play the game, MAGIC. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245 or kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, Dec. 12 — Clark Fork Stories and More, 10:30 a.m.; stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8. At the Clark Fork branch library, 601 Main.

- Wednesday, Dec. 12 — Seventh- and eighth-grade homework help, 2-3 p.m. in the Teen Lounge. Tutors are available for drop-in math and other homework help. Information: 208-265-2665 or mike@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, Dec. 12 — Christmas origami, 2:30 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch library. Information: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, Dec. 12 — Drone basics. 3-4:30 p.m.; kids and teens age 10 to 16 can learn about drone anatomy, terminology, and basics of flight in this three-week course. Includes field experience. Preregistration is required: ebonnerlibray.org/Events. Click on the 12/12 calendar entry. Information: kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org or 208-263-6930, ext. 1245.

- Wednesday, Dec. 12 — Make It – Christmas, 4-6 p.m. in the Teen Lounge. Teens work on a variety of Christmas projects throughout the month of December. Information: kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Thursday, Dec. 13 — Infant Lapsit, 10 a.m.; rhyme time for pre-walkers and their caregivers. Six-week sessions. Pre-registration is required: Suzanne Davis 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Saturday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 15 — Explore virtual reality; reservations, 2-4 p.m. New: reserve a 15-minute session in the new VR room at ebonnerlibrary.org/Events on the event listing. Under 18 must accompany parent consent form. Under 10 must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian. Information: Contact the Tech Desk 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Now through March 1 ­— Winter Reading Challenge. For toddlers through teens. Register for the Winter Reading Challenge to log your reading and read-to-me time for prizes, drawings, and a party. Details at ebonnerlibrary.org. Contact Suzanne Davis for more information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- StoryWalk — Pages from a children’s book are posted along a trail for a fun, family experience. Enjoy “Animal’s Santa” by Jan Brett at Dover City Park and “Merry Moosey Christmas” by Lynn Plourde at McNearney Park in Ponderay. 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 208-263-6930, ext. 1204.