Check it out: Library turns 5
<p>Barbara Bohna browses the internet while visiting the Coeur d'Alene Public Library on Friday. The library will be hosting an open house in celebration of its fifth year.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - The Coeur d'Alene Public Library is five years old.
On Sept. 9, 2007, amid speeches and a great sense of accomplishment, the ribbon was cut and patrons poured in to see the first city-owned building in Cd'A constructed specifically for a library.
Since then the library has been visited about 1.25 million times by area residents and community visitors.
The library will celebrate its fifth anniversary Friday, Sept. 14, with an open house featuring exhibits highlighting the library's collection and services.
Patrons can learn about downloading e-books and e-audiobooks through the OverDrive system, accessing databases through the library website, and using the Koha check-out system to set up holds and to retain personal reading records. Refreshments will also be served.
The Coeur d'Alene Library Foundation - one of the partners in the construction of the new library going back to the 1990s - has declared September "Love Your Library Month."
The foundation has set up an exhibit in the Parkside Gallery on the lower level depicting the efforts to raise funds for the library and some of the projects undertaken by the foundation in the past five years.
The foundation is sponsoring a drawing for Kindle readers for visitors who can identify the literary works pictured in its special fundraising calendar. Individual, family, and corporate memberships in the "Love Your Library Society" are available by contacting the foundation at the library or by calling 769-2380.
On Sunday, Sept. 16, children of all ages are invited to gather in the Community Room for the fourth annual birthday party for "Mudgy & Millie."
Children's author Susan Nipp, who along with illustrator Charles Reasoner created the popular book, will be on hand to read the book and lead the singing of the "Mudgy & Millie Song."
Sculptor Terry Lee, creator of the five life-sized sculptures along the city's Mudgy Trail will also talk about creating his work. Lee and Nipp will sign copies of the book. Proceeds from the sale of "Mudgy & Millie" books, special ornaments, and plush animals benefit the foundation.
Juggling master David Groth and jugglers from the Sorensen Magnet School will also be on hand.
Birthday cake, courtesy of The Coeur d'Alene Resort, will be served.