Books, and movies, and music; oh my

I set out a few weeks ago to observe Library Lovers Month by trying to win over those who are not big on libraries. Not that I think there is a significant segment of our population who are library loathers, but there are plenty of people who admire, but seldom or never use the library. Why do you suppose that is?

I suspect that these folks do not see a personal value in using the library. I also suspect that the library has something that they would find exceptionally valuable if they knew it was there. That something (typically more than one something) is unique to each person. Listing everything to be gained from having a library card would not be practical here, but in a general sense, we should talk about why the library is relevant to you.

The library is full of stuff you can borrow. You don’t have to exchange money or secure it with collateral. Everyone knows we have books, but if you are not much of a reader, that won’t appeal to you. We have new release movies, TV series DVDs, music, games, gardening seeds and the list goes on. If you are not interested in saving money, however, this is irrelevant to you.

We have a digital library, free Wi-Fi, internet and special feature computers and tech tutors, but if that is not your thing, it is of no interest to you.

The point is, everyone who uses the library gets something special that relates to them personally. The library is not all things to everyone, but the odds are that you will find what you long for at the Sand-point or Clark Fork branch libraries, Book-mobile or in our digital library at www.ebonnerlibrary.org. Come in and see us and find what you have been missing. Library Lovers Month is the perfect time to do so.

Save the date for Saturday, May 6, — the Rotary Club of Sandpoint’s 2017 gala fundraiser benefiting your library’s transformation.

More information coming soon.

All of the following take place at the Sandpoint branch, 1407 Cedar St., unless otherwise noted.

• Saturday, Feb. 18 — Computer Class: Digital Library, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Find out how to access downloadable books, music, magazines and much more — all available free to you as an EBCL patron. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Information: 263-6930.

• Saturday, Feb. 18 — Wildlife Lecture Series: Non-Migratory Birds. 2 p.m. Back by popular demand, join us for a presentation brought to you by the American Heritage Wildlife Foundationt the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main.

• Tuesday, Feb. 21 — Mother Goose Reading & Singing, 10:15 a.m.; for ages 0-3.

• Tuesday, Feb. 21 — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m.; for ages 2-5.

• Tuesday, Feb. 21 — Make It at the Library, 3 p.m. Makerspace activities for kids including robotics, Arduinos, Legos and fiber arts.

• Tuesday, Feb. 21 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm, 3 p.m.; for ages 8 and above. Event held at Clark Fork branch.

• Wednesday, Feb. 22 — Crafternoon – Found Art, 2 p.m. Free family fun with crafts to take home.

• Thursday, Feb. 23 — chess class, 4 p.m. All levels, including beginners come for four weeks of chess (Feb 2-23). Geared for kids, but all welcome.

• Saturday, Feb. 25 — computer class on Microsoft Word basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn the basics of Microsoft Word, including toolbars, formatting and highlighting. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Information: 263-6930.

• Saturday, Feb. 25 — Seed Saving Workshop: Planning the Garden, 1 p.m. Learn how to plan your garden in order to save seed for the years ahead from gardening expert and Sandpoint Seed Library volunteer Duane Church. Information 263-6930.