Family Fun Month packed with lots of library fun

August is Family Fun Month. You didn’t know that? Well, you had better get cracking on quality time with the kiddos because August is waning. Since summer weather has only recently landed on us here in North Idaho, I encourage you to get outside as much as possible before puffy jackets are back in style.

The library may be an unlikely suggestion, but hear me out. The Sandpoint and Clark Fork Branch Libraries and the Bookmobile can help you get outside in several ways. The Bookmobile is like the TARDIS; it’s bigger on the inside (if you don’t know what a TARDIS is, it is an acronym for Time And Relative Dimension In Space. In other words, it’s a time machine from the hit TV show, Dr. Who). Visiting the Bookmobile could be considered an outdoor activity since it is parked outside. You will find it at Farmers Market on Saturdays and a host of other locations across the county most other days of the week. Check ebonnerlibrary.org for the schedule.

The branch libraries of the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. have beautiful outdoor areas for family picnics, bubble blowing, hill rolling (maybe not so much) and other family friendly activities. Inside (dare I say), you will find lots of books, publications and videos to help you prepare to connect with nature – think field guides, maps and how-to guides. Of course, there are lots of fun books to read together as a family. The Gary Poulson books are perfect for Dad or Mom to read to the family while camping, sun bathing or picnicking.

As the library’s summer reading program comes to a close, we hope you will wring every last memory out of summer 2016 with lots of good times during Family Fun Month.

Visit the Sandpoint and Clark Fork Branch Libraries, the Bookmobile and ebonnerlibrary.org for resources that inform and inspire. The following classes and events take place at the Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar, unless otherwise indicated.

• Saturday, Aug. 20 — Beginner computer class Microsoft Word basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn to create professional looking resumes, letters and other documents. Preregistration required; call 263-6930.

• Tuesday, Aug. 23 — Mother Goose is canceled.

• Tuesday, Aug. 23 — Preschool Storytime is canceled.

• Tuesday, Aug. 23 — Make It at The Library, 2 p.m. Teens, kids and families create with robotics, Arduinos, needlework, Legos and other projects.

• Wednesday, Aug. 24 — Clark Fork Stories and More,10:30 a.m., East Bonner County Library Clark Fork branch. Stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8.

• Wednesday, Aug. 24 — Make It at The Library (CF), 2 p.m., East Bonner County Library Clark Fork branch, 601 Main St. Kids make a variety of age appropriate crafts.

• Thursday, Aug. 25 — End of Summer reading party, 3 p.m. After reading all summer, you deserve a party! Turn in your reading logs and qualify for more prizes, food and fun as you say “sayonara” to summer. Contact Suzanne for information; [email protected].

• Friday, Aug. 26 — Teen Writers Club. 3 PM Collaboration, peer reviews & brainstorming activities for young writers. Writing supplies and refreshments provided.

• Friday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Aug. 27 — Clark Fork FOL Used Book & Media Sale. 10 AM – 4:30 PM. Great Autumn gifts, cook books galore and back to school reads – all at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main St.

• Saturday, Aug. 27 — Beginner Computer Class – Basic Microsoft Publisher. 8:15 AM sharp. Learn to create professional looking brochures, newsletters and other creative documents. Preregistration required 263-6930.

• Saturday, Aug. 27 — Sandemonium! 10 a.m.. The second Sandpoint comic con takes place at the Forrest Bird Charter High School campus this year with even more vendors, cosplay, expert panels, prizes, performances food and more! Info: sandemonium7b.com, facebook/sdptsandemonium, or [email protected].

• StoryWalk — Visit Farmin, Kootenai and Northside elementary schools and Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High for family friendly fun with literacy and health benefits. StoryWalk® is a community partnership between The Library and Kaniksu Land Trust.

Marcy Timblin is the public relations, marketing and community development speicalist for the East Bonner County Library District.