Between covers for spring break

Even if you're broke, you can still have a good break.

Others may flee their cold North Idaho coop for warmer climes, and we confess that some white beaches and warm breezes do sound pretty good right about now. But we're here to remind you that paradise is closer than you think.

Don't be disappointed when we tell you that the only lottery you've won gives you unlimited access to a local library near you. Simply by living here, you've earned the gift of a portal to virtually anyplace you'd like to go.

We might have to wait for summer, but we're blessed with an outstanding public library system that's ready to serve your imagination and your craving for knowledge. And sometimes, you'll even be treated to some unforgettable entertainment.

On St. Patrick's Day, for example, the Coeur d'Alene library hosted a sweet lass who sang Irish songs, played guitar beautifully and painted smiles on listeners' mugs with a good joke or two. The concert was free, but ask anyone in the crowd and they'd tell you that they enjoyed a round-trip visit to the Emerald Isle that was downright priceless.

Sister libraries in Post Falls and Hayden might not be quite as big or quite as new as Coeur d'Alene's, but they both offer an outstanding assortment of books, movies and music. Each also offers used books for sale, and for a pittance of their original price, some real treasures can be found.

So if it's sunshine on your shoulders you want but the wherewithal to get there you lack, make a family outing to a library near you. With the right book, you can hear the surf roaring and feel the cool pools caressing your feet. Just don't forget your hat. The sun can get really hot in there.

Coeur d'Alene Library

702 E. Front Ave.

Mon. - Thur. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sat. - Sun. noon - 4 p.m.

769-2315

Post Falls Library

821 N. Spokane St.

Mon. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday Noon - 5 p.m.

773-1506

Hayden Library

8385 N. Government Way

Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Sun. Noon-5 p.m.

772-5612

Rathdrum Library

16780 W. Highway 41

Mon., Wed., Thur. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tue. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

687-1029