Council Votes To Demolish Old Post Falls Library All-New Library Will Be Cheaper Than Expanding, Remodeling Old One

Say so long to the old Post Falls Library.

The City Council authorized its demolition Monday night to allow builders of the new library to start from scratch.

In November voters approved a $2 million levy to expand the library, which was stuffed so full librarians were turning away book donations.

The council on Monday made sure the new library won’t include any remnants from the current 18-year-old building.

It will cost about $10,000 less to demolish the building than to renovate it, said Marv Moore, an architect from Tan Moore Architects.

“Bottom line: We’re going to have a better building, a newer building, for less money” if they start over, he told the council.

If builders kept part of the old library intact, they would still have to replace the roof and add on to the foundation, Moore said. It’s also more energy efficient to rebuild, he said.

Library director Joe Reiss warned the council that it could be politically controversial to destroy the old library, but agreed it’s the best decision.

The council agreed unanimously.

The council also agreed to give the library $46,010 to install a fire-suppression sprinkler system - a cost the library board had originally hoped to circumvent.

In previous meetings, the council talked about the possibility that a sprinkler system could ruin the library’s collection and its computers if a fire broke out. But Reiss said the fire department is requiring the library to install one for safety. The money will come out of the city’s budget for next year.

Construction on the new library should begin sometime this fall. The building will be shaped somewhat like a wide L; part of the building will slant at an angle facing Spokane Street.

That way, “you’ll get a sense of the building and get invited in,” said architect Ron Tan.

Tan Moore Architects has designed 11 libraries so far, he said.

The parking lot will hold 85 cars, he said, and the main entry will be on the north side, where people will walk in through a covered area.

Upon entering, meeting rooms and a small lounge will be on the left and the main library - the books, a computer room with 24 stations, the children’s area and the circulation desk - will be to the right. The building will be designed so that the main area can be locked while meeting rooms stay open for groups to use after-hours.

The Rotary Club has already committed up to $10,000 in materials and labor to build an outdoor trellis on the east side of the building, Reiss said. The club also will continue to maintain and possibly improve the trellis in the future, he said.

The library board is still looking for sponsors to help pay for amenities such as a water fountain to put in the entryway, a fireplace in the main library and items for the children’s room. “We’re incredibly excited,” said Michele Veale, a member of the library board. “We’re like little kids. We can’t wait to get it started.”

TIME LINE Construction on the new library should begin this fall.