Library plays central role in families' lives

Karen Gilmore Peterson was a devoted mother, wife, and teacher. All who knew her remember her as a fun-loving, vibrant person with a special affinity for children.

Speaking of Karen’s own three children, her mother told me, “I never saw a greater love as the love she and her husband showed to their little ones.”

In 1993, after their daughter’s sudden passing, Ken and Margaret (Berniece) Gilmore, established the Gilmore Youth Fund for the library.

“She (Karen) wanted other kids to enjoy the library, learn to read, and enjoy the programs. We were firm believers in reading and using the library,” Berniece said.

In fact, the library plays a central role in the lives of the Gilmore family. Berniece, now widowed, volunteers at the library and her four adult children, Geoff, Mike, Terry, and Dawn contribute regularly in various ways. Every year, in lieu of Christmas gifts, the family gives books or other contributions to the library. This was an agreement the family made when the children established another fund in Ken and Bernice’s name for their 50th wedding anniversary. Later, the two funds were combined.

Funds go toward purchasing new children’s books and other materials and services for young patrons. The playhouse in the children’s area of the Sandpoint branch was donated by the Gilmore family.

“I just get a kick out of standing back watching the kids in the playhouse. They love to open and close the shutters,” Berniece shared.

Berniece enjoys her volunteer work at the library, currently serving as a tutor.

“Volunteering gives you a warm feeling that makes you want to keep doing it. It keeps me active and I enjoy it,” she said.

Bernice marvels at the amount of programs the library offers on a continual basis and comments frequently about the friendly and helpful staff.

“I don’t know of another community this size that does so much through the library. I hope people take advantage of it and support it (financially),” she added.

Voluntary contributions can be made in-person or online via our secured platform on the “Your Library Transformation” page at eBonnerLibrary.org. For information on charitable giving, contact me directly — marcy@ebonnerlibrary.org.

A plaque hangs in the children’s area as a memorial of Karen’s legacy and the children’s fund bearing her name. Karen Apple-gate, a close friend and colleague of Karen Gilmore Peterson, had it made for the library. The family still grieves the loss of their beautiful daughter and sister, but delight in the way her memory has served so many children over the years.

“I was proud to be her mother,” Berniece said.

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

- Friday, June 23 — Teen Writers Club, 3 p.m. Serious and budding writers of all writing platforms are welcome on a drop in basis to collaborate and exercise their skill. For information, contact Morgan 263-6930, ext. 1245, or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Saturday, June 24 — Computer class on the “digital library,” 8:15 a.m. sharp. Find out how to access downloadable books, music, magazines and much more — all available free to you with your library card. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 263-6930.

- Saturday, June 24 — Organic Seed Saving, 1-3 p.m. Come and discuss organic gardening and seed saving. Bring food and seeds to share if you can. If you can’t, come anyway! For more information, contact Camisse Nitkowski at 263-6248.

- Monday, June 26 — Instrument Petting Zoo, 10:30 a.m. Touch and try out various musical instruments, courtesy of the Sandpoint Music Conservatory. Open to all ages. Contact Suzannne Davis for details, 263-6930, ext. 1211.

- Tuesday, June 27 — Mother Goose Reading & Singing, 10:15 a.m.; early literacy and childhood engagement for ages 0-3. All welcome. Questions? Contact Suzanne Davis, 263-6930, ext.1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, June 27 — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m.; interactive reading and activities for ages 2-5 and caregivers. Contact Suzanne Davis for details, 263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org for more information.

- Tuesday, June 27 — Make It at The Library, 3 p.m.; kids and families create with robotics, Arduinos, needlework, Legos and other projects. For more information, contact Morgan Gariepy, 263-6930, ext. 1245; or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, June 27 — 3D printing workshop, 5 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. Call 263-6930 for questions and to pre-register.

- Wednesday, June 28 — Clark Fork Stories and More, 10:30 a.m.; stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8. Event is held at the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main. Call 266-1321 for more information.

- Wednesday, June 28 — Crafternoon, project on recycled robots; 1:30 p.m. Create a craft to take home. Free family fun. See the poster on the Events page at eBonnerLibrary.org. Drop in or call 263-6930, ext. 1211, for information.

- Wednesday, June 28 — Clark Fork Make It at the Library, 2 p.m.; Kids make a variety of age appropriate projects. • East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main St. Call Morgan at 263-6930, ext. 1245, or 266-1321 for details.

- Wednesday, June 28 — “The Ribbles Build A Residence”, 6:30 p.m. The Traveling Lantern Theatre Company puts on a family-friendly play with audience participation, event is part of the Build A Better World Summer Reading program for all ages. Questions? Call Suzanne at 263-6930, ext. 1211.

- Thursday, June 29 — STEM in the Park, 12:30 p.m.; a Build A Better World Summer Reading Program for kids age 5 and up from the East Bonner County Library District at Travers Park, 2100 Pine St. For more information call 263-6930, ext. 1211.

- Thursday, June 29 — Magic class and magic show, 2:30 p.m. Learn the art of magic and then watch a show at the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main. Preregistration is required; call 208-266-1321.

- Summer Reading Challenge. Pick up a Summer Reading game board and start logging your reading and read-to-me hours now through Aug. 21 for fun programs and prizes. Reading logs available for kids of pre-reading age through teen at the East Bonner County Library District’s Sandpoint and Clark Fork branch libraries or eBonnerLibrary.org. For more information, call 263-6930.

Marcy Timblin is in charge of public relations, marketing and community development for the East Bonner County Library District. She can be reached at 208-263-6930, ext. 1204.