Library heads to the fair this weekend

| August 23, 2019 1:00 AM

I didn’t grow up on a farm, but I did enter a few things into the county fair as a kid. I remember the weight of responsibility for completing projects by the deadline and the feeling of accomplishment and recognition that followed. It felt good to finish the project and to know that my work was seen and appreciated by people in the community. I could only imagine what those kids who raised cows and pigs must have felt like.

Not only can participation in a county fair impact a child’s self-esteem, but it also teaches kids to give back to their communities, appreciate the efforts of others, and respect the judges and their decisions. Participation in the fair at a young age can establish a good work ethic and other positive qualities that have lifelong benefits. As our society changes, these qualities become more critical.

The evolution toward a more digitally connected society has some people concerned that communities are losing their cohesiveness. The county fair is a convergence of the community. It is a tangible manifestation of hard work, nostalgia, family, and neighborly cooperation. It’s evidence that volunteering matters. It’s a time to celebrate furry, feathery, and not-so-fluffy creatures. It’s a genuine display of local talent and it showcases what our version of what “local” means. It’s a time to splurge on elephant ears and corn dogs.

The week of the county fair may not be the ideal time to start a diet, but it is a great time to get to know your library. The Bookmobile will be on site and open for tours all day on Friday, Aug. 23 and Saturday, Aug. 24. Sign up for a library card, check out or return materials, and get answers to your burning library questions. We’ll have information about the new library garden and current Book-mobile schedule available. Chal-lenge your friends to a game of cornhole while you’re there. You’ll find a bounty of fun with the Bookmobile at the Bonner County Fair.

The following classes and events take place at the East Bonner County Library District Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar St. unless otherwise indicated.

The following classes and events take place at the East Bonner County Library District Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar St. unless otherwise indicated. The monthly calendar can be viewed at ebonnerlibrary.org.

East Bonner County Library District schedule

- Friday, Aug. 23, and Saturday, Aug. 24 — Bookmobile at the Bonner County Fair

- Fridays — Explore virtual reality (reserve sessions), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; reserve a 15-minute session in the VR room at ebonnerlibrary.org/Events on the event listing. Information: Contact the Tech Desk 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Fridays — M.A.C. (Manga/Anime Club) for Teens, 3-5 p.m., in the Teen Lounge. Celebrate fandom at The Library. Read, write, and watch your favorite manga and anime with other enthusiasts. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245; or kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Saturdays — Explore virtual reality (canceled for Aug. 24 and Aug. 31). Information: 208-263-6930 ext.1251.

- Tuesdays — Mother Goose. Cancelled For Aug. 27. Information: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays — Clark Fork Mother Goose, 10 a.m., Clark Fork branch library. Stories, rhymes and music for babies and toddlers and their caregivers followed by 20 minutes of play times. Information: 208-266-1321.

- Tuesdays — Family Story Time canceled for Aug. 27. Information: suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays — Clark Fork Storytime, 11 a.m., Clark Fork branch library. Stories, music, and crafts geared to ages 3-8. All welcome. Information: 208-266-1321.

- Tuesdays — Explore virtual reality (drop-in sessions), 3-6 p.m., drop-in 15-minute sessions. First come, first served. All ages welcome. Under 18 must accompany parent consent form. Youth under 10 years old must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian. Information: Contact the Tech Desk 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Tuesdays — Teen Role Playing Games, 3:30-5 p.m. in Laura Moore Cunningham Community Room A. Teens play Magic the Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and other role playing games. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245; or email kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, Aug. 28 — Optical illusions, 1 p.m. in Karen’s Room. Kids build and experiment with optical illusions. Information: 208-263-6930, ext.1211; or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, Aug. 14 — 3D Printing Community, 4:30-6 p.m. in the VR Room. Drop in the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month to join us at our 3D Printing Club. Collaborate with others and learn more from staff about 3D printing and design. A few laptops will be provided or you may bring your own device. Open to all ages and skill levels. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1251.

- Thursdays — Thursdays in the Garden,10 a.m., in The Library Garden. Learn about planting, growing, and harvesting. Geared to ages 6-9 and families. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Thursday, Aug. 29 — Seed Saving Workshop, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Library Garden. Seed saving expert Duane Church will show you how to collect, prepare and store seed for use in next year’s garden through the Sandpoint Seed Library. This is a hands-on workshop in the garden, so dress appropriately. Pre-register as space is limited by calling Mike Bauer at 208-265-2665.

- Teen Lounge — Open weekly during the summer to seventh-12th graders from any school/homeschool; Mondays through Fridays. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; open weekly to 7th-12th graders from any school/homeschol. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245; or kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- StoryWalk — Pages from a children’s book are posted along a trail for a fun, family experience. StoryWalk books will be updated at various times during the summer with titles based on the 2019 Summer Reading theme, “Universe of Stories.” 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 208-208- 208-208-263-6930, ext. 1204.