How to love the library? Let us count the ways
When I tell people that I work at the library, a frequent response is “I love our library,” or “We have the best library.” I always enjoy hearing that, especially since I have worked for other organizations that did not elicit as kindly a response. Loving the library, or anything else, means more than simply stating the words. In this final article in the Library Lovers Month series, we will examine what we can do to express our love for our local library system, which includes the Sandpoint and Clark Fork branch libraries, the Bookmobile and the online library atebonnerlibrary.org.
Here are four ways to make an outward expression of your library love:
• Use it. Even regular patrons should explore other facets of the library. Continue to discover new materials, services and experiences.
• Advocate for it. Tell others why you love the library and how they can benefit from using and supporting it.
• Volunteer. Your skills sets can benefit others in the community whether you shelve books, tutor or present a program. There are plenty of other things volunteers do to make the library a place worth loving.
• Own it. Share feedback with library staff to drive the types of materials, services and programs that are offered. Make a monetary contribution toward Your Library Transformation and be part of something big for our community.
With just a few days left in this month dedicated to showing love for your local library, I invite you to demonstrate your fondness in one or more of these ways.
If you haven’t done so already, mark your calendar for Saturday, May 6, to attend A Novel Night – A Rotary Gala Benefiting the Sandpoint Library Expansion. The following article will discuss details of this and other news concerning Your Library Transformation.
All of the following take place at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., unless otherwise noted.
Library schedule
• Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25 — Clark Fork Friends of the Library Used Book & Media Sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Stock up on great reads and more.
• Friday, Feb. 24 — Teen Writers Club, 3 p.m. A young writers’ group with writing prompt activities, collaboration and more.
• 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
• Monday, Feb. 27 — Sandpoint Teen Center STEAM Activity, 3:30 p.m.; abstract water color art at the Sandpoint Teen Center, 104 S. Division Ave.
• Tuesday, Feb. 28 — Mother Goose Reading & Singing, 10:15 a.m.; for ages 0-3.
• Tuesday, Feb. 28 — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m.; for ages 2-5.
• Tuesday, Feb. 28 — Make It at the Library, 3 p.m. Makerspace activities for kids including robotics, Arduinos, Legos and fiber arts.
• Tuesday, Feb. 28 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm, 3 p.m.; for ages 8 and over. Event held at the Clark Fork branch.
• Tuesday, Feb. 28 — 3D printing workshop for adults, 5 pm. Learn what 3D printers are used for and how to design your own 3D printable object. This class is beginner level. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Information: 263-6930.
• Wednesday, March 1 — Clark Fork Stories and More, 10:30 a.m.; stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8. Event held at Clark Fork branch.
• Wednesday, March 1 — Make It at the Clark Fork Library, 2 p.m. Kids make age-appropriate crafts at the Clark Fork Branch.
• Wednesday, March 1 — Lego Club, 2 p.m.; create with open Lego play for kids of all ages.
• Wednesday, March 1 — Clark Fork 3D printing workshop for adults, 4 p.m. Learn what 3D printers are used for and how to design your own 3D printable object. This class is beginner level. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Event is held at the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main. Information: 266-1321
• Friday, March 3 —Family Game Night, 5:30 p.m. Join us for a light dinner and lots of fun games.
• Saturday, March 4 — Computer class on Microsoft Publisher basics, 8:15 a.m. Learn to create professional-looking brochures, newsletters and other documents. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Information: 263-6930
• Saturday, March 4 — Sandpoint Friends of the Library book sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This month’s selection features herbs, gardening and design books to get you ready for spring. Also find deals on mysteries and fiction books.