Fall in love with libraries all over again

February may be Library Lovers Month, but this article and the next two that follow are for all of you out there who have lost that loving feeling or never developed an interest in libraries.

How could that happen? Some people argue that digital killed the paperback star and Google replaced the librarian. Is that true? Are eBooks the new physical books? Can a Google search perform better than library reference staff? These are just two of the myriad of reasons why some consider libraries to be irrelevant in the digital information age. Let’s nip those in the bud before moving on to the reasons why your local library, and libraries world-wide are so important to humanity.

First, while eBooks started out strong, they now make up only about a third of total book sales. We have experienced that here at the library as well. Print book circulation far exceeds eBooks across all age demographics. Not only do people seem to be exhibiting a preference of print and audioBooks over eBooks, but emerging research is showing that reading from a screen may not penetrate the memory as effectively as traditional print reading.

Regarding Google vs. the librarian — no doubt, Google has its place in the realm of quick answers to burning questions. The concern is that all of the answers may not be trustworthy. In addition, sometimes we don’t even know the key words to begin with, and when we do, the information we seek may not be openly accessible. Plenty of websites contain valuable information that requires paid subscriptions or is limited by other accessibility barriers, potentially keeping it from even popping up in a search. Libraries often have such subscriptions and public accessibility. Librarians themselves are a wealth of information, and they are professional researchers by trade. The quickest way to reliable information is through a librarian.

Consider, too, how libraries have been transforming in recent years, from a basic book lending service to community hubs of learning, collaboration and digital experience. People can explore the humanities, research their family tree, find a job, access the internet and do a lot of other things that might surprise you.

Probably, libraries of the past might not be as relevant today, but the truth is, libraries aren’t what they once were. Maybe it’s time you give it a second chance. How about you celebrate Library Lovers Month by making time to come in for a tour of the library?

All of the following take place at the Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar St., unless otherwise noted. Don’t forget to save the date: May 6 is the Rotary Club of Sandpoint’s 2017 gala fundraiser benefitting Your Library Transformation. More information on that in a future article.

• Friday, Jan. 27 — Teen Writing Club, 3 p.m. Collaborate and learn technique with other young writers. Authors of various writing platforms are welcome. Supplies and refreshments provided. For more information, contact Morgan at 263-6930, ext. 1245 or [email protected].

• Saturday, Feb. 11 — Computer class on internet basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. The amount of information available on the internet is staggering. Learn how to sift through it efficiently to find useful information. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Information: 263-6930.

• Saturday, Feb. 11 — Native Heritage Film Series – “Barking Water”, two showings, 12:30 and 3 p.m. “Barking Water” is a film about a terminally ill man hoping to see his daughter and grandchild as he embarks on a road trip with his former lover. Directed by Sterlin Harjo, a Creek Cherokee, “Barking Water” is a tale of great love that looks at what brings us all together. A partnership of The Idaho Mythweaver, The Library and Vision Maker Media. Sponsored by Trans Eco Services, Idaho Community Foundation and Idaho Humanities Council.

• Monday, Feb. 13 — Organic Seed Saving, 1 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! Info: Sandpoint Seed Library volunteer Camisse Nitkowski, 263-6248.

• Monday, Feb. 13 — Teen Center Escape Room, 3:30 p.m. Teens solve a series of puzzles and find items around a room to help them escape within a set time limit. Each room has its own fictional location; the zoo, Schrodinger’s Box or a dystopian society. Event is held at the Sandpoint Teen Center, 104 S. Division.

• Monday, Feb. 13 — Pajama Story Time, 6:30 p.m. Bed time stories, snacks and activities for little folks and their families. PJs and stuffies welcome.

• Tuesday, Feb. 14 — Mother Goose Reading & Singing, 10:15 a.m.; for ages 0-3.

• Tuesday, Feb. 14 — Preschool Story Time, 11 a.m., for ages 2-5.

• Tuesday, Feb. 14 — Make It at the Library, 3 p.m. Makerspace activities for kids including robotics, Arduinos, Legos and fiber arts.

• Tuesday, Feb. 14 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm, 3 p.m.; for ages 8 and older. Event is held at Clark Fork branch.

• Wednesday, Feb. 15 — 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, Feb. 15 — Make It at the Clark Fork Library, 2 p.m. Kids make age-appropriate crafts at the Clark Fork branch.

• Wednesday, Feb. 15 — Lego Club, 2 p.m. Create with open Lego play for kids of all ages.

• Thursday, Feb. 16 — Chess class, 4 p.m.; for all levels, including beginners. Come for four weeks of chess (Feb 2-23). Geared for kids, but all welcome.

• Saturday, Feb. 18 — Computer class on digital library offerings, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Find out how to access downloadable books, music, magazines and much more — all available free to you as an EBCL patron. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Information: 263-6930.

• Saturday, Feb. 18 — Wildlife Lecture Series: Non-Migratory Birds, 2 p.m. Back by popular demand, join us for a presentation brought to you by the American Heritage Wildlife Foundation. At the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch, 601 Main.

• Winter Reading Program continues. The library’s annual Kids Winter Reading program began Jan. 4 and runs through March 10. Pick up bingo sheets to qualify for prizes! For more information, contact Suzanne at 263-6930, ext. 1211 or [email protected].