Second Sandemonium coming up

Flash back to Aug. 29 of last year. If you happened to show up to the Sandpoint Library, unaware that a major community event was taking place there, you were likely shocked to see Spiderman, Princess Leia and hundreds more people than you would typically see there on a summer Saturday. Most people, though, were probably aware that Sandemonium, Sandpoint’s first comic-con style event was making its debut at the library as part of last year’s summer reading theme, heroes.

The event was spearheaded by Teen Librarian Morgan Gariepy and me, whose diabolical schemes (AKA project goals) included attracting millennials to the library, establishing new community partners, engaging the community in the 2015 summer reading theme and launching an annual event that would draw visitors to our community. We pulled in a few other hard working volunteers, including Cameron Rasmusson, Patricia Walker, Sarah Alli Brotherton and Andrew Sorg and got cracking with event planning.

When around 500 people showed up for the cosplay contests, performances, gaming competitions, expert panel sessions, vendors and general fandom fun, we were amazed. It quickly became apparent that we had outgrown our venue in the first year. We also knew all along that the event should be autonomous from the library. We launched it, but we hoped that the community would own it. That is exactly what has happened.

Sandemonium 2016 is taking place on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Forrest Bird Charter School Campus, 614 S. Madison Ave. Organ-ized by a grassroots committee of community partners, this sci-fi, fantasy and Anime convention has become an independent entity with an amazing group of energetic volunteers running the show led by co-chairs Cameron Rasmusson (The Reader) and Sara Alli Brotherton. We also pulled in some new talent including Drew Quesnell (Another World) Tarra Millheim and Kevin Penelerick (Grivante Press). This year’s event will feature many of the aspects that worked well last year with some new, exciting additions. This article is already getting lengthy, so let me just direct you to the website for the full schedule of activities at www.Sandemonium7B.com.

The library’s role in Sandemonium has changed from primary organizer to event partner, which has given the Sandemonium steering committee some leeway to make a few changes. For instance, after much serious consideration, it was decided that fees would be implemented for participating vendors and event goers. In order for the event to be self-sustaining (not funded by the library or any other entity), a $2 entry fee will be charged to attendees over 5 years of age. Debit and credit cards may be used. These funds, along with vendor fees and proceeds from sales at the event will go directly toward funding the 2017 event. The library, nor any of the hard working volunteers who organize the event will receive any of the proceeds.

The new venue has had a huge impact on the number of amazing panels, vendors, artists and activities we are able to offer this year. At any given time, attendees will have up to eight different activities to choose from, resulting in some tough choices. The Artist Alley, vendors and children’s section will all be expanded this year as well.

The library is proud to be a part of Sandemonium’s humble roots and we look forward to seeing the event grow in years to come.

The following classes and events take place at the Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar, unless otherwise indicated.

• Friday, Aug. 26 — Teen Writers Club, 3 p.m., collaboration, peer reviews and brainstorming activities for young writers. Writing supplies and refreshments provided.

• Saturday, Aug. 27 — Computer class on Microsoft Publisher basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn to create professional looking brochures, newsletters and other documents. Preregistration required; call 263-6930.

• Saturday, Aug. 27 — Sandemonium! 10 a.m., Second Sandpoint comic con takes place at the Forrest Bird Charter School campus this year with even more vendors, cosplay, expert panels, prizes, performances food and more! Info: sandemonium7b.com, facebook/sdptsandemonium, or marcy@ebonnerlibrary.com.

• Tuesday, Aug. 30 — Mother Goose – Canceled.

• Tuesday, Aug. 30 — Preschool Storytime – Canceled.

• Tuesday, Aug. 30 — Make It at The Library, 2 p.m. Teens, kids and families create with robotics, Arduinos, needlework, Legos and other projects.

• Wednesday, Aug. 31 — Clark Fork Stories and More, 10:30 a.m., East Bonner County Library Clark Fork branch. Stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8.

• Wednesday, Aug. 31 — Make It at The Library (Clark Fork), 2 p.m., East Bonner County Library Clark Fork branch, 601 Main St. Kids make a variety of age appropriate crafts.

• Thursday, Sept. 1 — Speed Dating For Book Lovers, noon-1 p.m. Meet other book lovers and find your perfect book match at the Sandpoint Friends of the Library’s September community interest program.

• Saturday, Sept. 3 — Computer cass on computer basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn about the parts of a computer, computer terminology, memory, navigation and accessibility. Preregistration required; call 263-6930.

• Saturday, Sept. 3 — Friends of the Library Book Sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sandpoint Friends of the Library host a used book sale with a new theme and special featured selections each month.

• StoryWalk — Visit Farmin, Kootenai and Northside elementary schools and Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High for family friendly fun with literacy and health benefits. StoryWalk is a community partnership between the East Bonner County Library District and Kaniksu Land Trust.