Books, donations and the start of a new life

Once upon a time there was a box of books tucked away in an attic. It sat in the dark for years waiting to be discovered by someone who would appreciate the books inside.

One day, the attic light came on and the box felt a warm embrace as it was lifted up. The box was opened for the first time in ages so that some CDs and DVDs could be stuffed inside. The freshness of the outdoor air surrounded the box as it was gently placed in a car. The natural light from the many windows and subtle vibration of the moving vehicle built anticipation until suddenly the movement stopped. A chill rushed over the box as the hatchback was opened. After some brief conversation between the driver and the librarian, the box was hoisted out of the car and taken to its new home. The books were sorted and shared with the Friends of the Library or added to the library collection where they lived happily ever after.

For a box of books, being donated is the best thing that could ever happen. But, there are a few things you should know before you load that box into your Subaru. Donating materials actually starts before you bring them in. Here is a guide to donating materials to The Library:

Thank you. First of all, thanks for thinking of us. Your materials donations have saved The Library money that would have been spent on buying materials for the collection. When items are not needed for circulation, we pass them along to the Friends of the Library who sell them at their monthly book sales. That money goes toward funding library programs and equipment.

• Inquire first.

We applaud your efforts to declutter. To save yourself and that hopeful box of books potential disappointment, you can call ahead to see if we are taking the types of formats you have to offer. We don’t take anything that is date-sensitive such as text books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, or computer manuals. We only take materials that we have in the collection, so, no 8-track tapes, cassettes, or VHS. Sometimes, we are overrun with a particular item that we can’t take any more of. Local thrift stores often take what we don’t.

• Flip, smell, & toss.

If you have materials that have been stored for some time, you may not know what is lurking in that box. Prior to loading it up in the car, please flip through the individual items for mold, mildew, and teeny critters that could infest other materials, as well as water damage, etc. If it looks like something you wouldn’t want to check out or buy from a thrift store, go ahead and toss it. Pacific Steel & Recycling takes books for recycling.

• Save your back.

After a big purge-fest, you might want to export everything out immediately. We can only take a maximum of three boxes of items at a time - good news for whoever has to haul them out to the car.

- Estimate in advance.

If you need a tax donation form, you can pick one up in advance or download one from www.ebonnerlibrary.org. We don’t have adequate space to allow you to sort through the materials to determine the value, so please do that before you arrive. There are restrictions for writing off donated materials to be aware of.

• Don’t dump & run.

Imagine how The Library would look if people left bags and boxes of materials outside, not to mention the potential weather damage to the items. Just pull up to the back of the library where the garage is located (near Oak Street) and ring the doorbell. One of us will come right out to assist you.

We know that your donated materials have a story of their own. We appreciate your contributions and want to make it a happy ending for everyone involved. For inquiries about donating materials to our branch libraries, call 208-263-6930.

East Bonner County Library District schedule

All events take place at the Sandpoint branch unless otherwise indicated.

- 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., Room 102. 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.

- Saturday, Dec. 7 — Sandpoint Friends of the Library book sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A book for everyone under the tree, that is what your eyes will see! Delectable cookbooks, how-to for crafters who like to give handmade items, books to tickle the funny bone, mysteries for the sleuth, classics and book sets. Book shelves brimming with current fiction authors and nonfiction subjects. Remember a book opens a door to imagination and empathy and so much more! Bonus sale: All electronic media (CD’s, movies) will be half price. No Scrooge here! paperback books $0.50 hardbacks $1.00 Some specially priced items.

- Saturdays, Dec. 7 and 14 — Visual Communication Skills and American Sign Language, 10:30 a.m., in the Virtual Reality Room. Open your eyes for a hands on workout in communication skills. Welcome anyone struggling with hearing loss or anyone interested in learning about American Sign Language and the visual culture of the deaf community. Open to new students until third class. Registration required. Information: Susan Schaller, susan.schaller@gmail.com.

- Saturdays — Explore virtual reality (reserve sessions), 2-4 p.m.; reserve a 15-minute session in the VR room at ebonnerlibrary.org/Events on the event listing. Infor-mation: Contact the Tech Desk 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Tuesdays — Mother Goose, 10 a.m. in Karen’s Room. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers 0-3 years old and their caregivers with stay & play until 10:40 a.m. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesdays — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m., in Karen’s Room. Stories and crafts for kids and their caregivers. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- 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: Tech Desk, 208-263-6930, ext.1251.

- Tuesday and Thursday, Dec. 10-12 — Make It (knitting), 3:30 p.m. in Karen’s Room. Kids learn to knit and take home their creation! Free, but registration is required. Information or to register: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesdays — Clark Fork Mother Goose, 10:30 a.m. at the Clark Fork branch library; stories, rhymes, and music for toddlers and their caregivers followed by 20 minutes of play time. Information: 208-266-1321.

- Wednesdays — Clark Fork Storytime, 11:30 a.m., Clark Fork branch library. Stories, music, and crafts geared to ages 3-8. All welcome. Information: 208-266-1321.

- Wednesdays — Teen Lounge Passive Pop-Up Programs, 4 p.m. in the Rotary Teen Lounge. Teen-driven art, engineering, robots, and science projects and workshops. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245; or kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7 — Clark Fork Holiday Silent Auction, at the Clark Fork branch library. Put those reading dollars from the Clark Fork Library Autumn Reading Program to use! Books for all ages, movies, music, and more! Great gift ideas for you or a loved one. *List all books, complete magazines, or audio books read between September 1st and December 1st. For each completed item, earn a bidding dollar for use in the silent auction. No real money accepted.* Auction is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. Information: 208-266-1321.

- Saturday, Dec. 7 — Sandpoint Friends of the Library Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Support your book habit while you support your library.

- Monday, Dec. 9 — Open play with marbles, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in Karen’s Room. This is a drop-in STEM-inspired “What can you build?” challenge. Younger children should have a parent present. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Wednesday, Dec. 11 — Calendar Making Craft, 2 p.m., at the Clark Fork branch library. Create your own unique calendar for the new year. Geared to ages 8-14, all welcome. Information: 208-266-1321.

- Wednesday, Dec. 11 — 12/11 3D Printing Community 4:30-6 p.m. in the computer area. Drop in the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month (canceled on 12/25 due to holiday closure) if you’re interested in 3D printing. Collaborate with others or learn more from staff about 3D printing and design. Some computer space will be reserved for the program. Open to all ages and skill levels. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1251.

- Thursday, Dec. 12 — Puppet Tales, 10:30 a.m. in Karen’s Room. Come listen to puppet, cutting, and drawing stories. All welcome! Information: 263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Saturday, Dec. 14 — SHS eSports at The Library, 1 p.m., in the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation Community Room A. Making eSports available to high school gamers by facilitating healthy competition on a varsity level in a comfortable environment is the mission of the HSEL. The Library is partnering with the SHS eSports team to further that mission. Information: kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Winter Reading Challenge — Register at ebonnerlibrary.beanstack.org for the first of three winter reading challenges. Our first one is a Holiday Challenge, from Nov. 4 through Dec. 13. Read and complete holiday-related activities to earn books and drawing entries. Drawing prizes include robots, knitting looms, and legos. Separate January and February Challenges will follow in the new year. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1211; or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Teen Winter Reading Challenge — Runs Nov 1 - Feb 29. Fun new format and great prizes. Visit ebonnerlibrary.beanstack.org for more information and to register. Information: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245; or kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Rotary Teen Lounge — Open to seventh-12th graders from any school/homeschool; Tuesdays-Thursdays, 2-6 p.m., and Fridays, 2-5 p.m. Information: kimber@ebonnerlibrary.org, or 208-263-6930, ext. 1245.

- StoryWalk — Pages from a children’s book are posted along a trail for a fun, family experience. Enjoy “The Wild Christmas Reindeer” by Jan Brett at Dover City Park and “A Very Fuddles Christmas” by Frans Vischer at McNearney Park. 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.