District libraries get mass upgrade

RATHDRUM – Wearing a hard hat to the library might be a good idea this summer as six libraries in the Kootenai-Shoshone Area Library District undergo expansion, remodeling or other upgrading.

The work, partially funded by a $3.4 million bond passed in 2005, is expected to be completed this fall.

Libraries in Athol, Harrison, Hayden, Pinehurst, Rathdrum and Spirit Lake recently held groundbreaking ceremonies with local dignitaries as work began on those buildings.

When completed, each library will be larger. Each will be completely remodeled inside and will be upgraded technologically with additional computers, wireless Internet service and media equipment, including ceiling-mounted projectors.

According to John Hartung, Kootenai-Shoshone area libraries director, “The libraries, all built in 1992, had become outdated due to an unexpected 79 percent increase in area population and huge technological advances.”

Some of the libraries were out of room for shelving books, some needed larger meeting rooms, most needed more space for children and young adults and all needed more computers.

The Athol and Spirit Lake libraries were built identically but will look quite different after the remodeling.

The Spirit Lake library’s meeting room will be enlarged in its current location, while Athol’s meeting room will be an addition. Both libraries will receive more shelving, new furniture, eight public-access computers and appropriate software, new restrooms, a study room and a young adult area.

“The interior of the Rathdrum library will be dramatically changed,” said Hartung. “Only the meeting room, lobby and restrooms will remain the same.”

Other upgrades will be similar to those at the Athol and Spirit Lake libraries, except 16 online computers will be installed to serve the larger population at Rathdrum.

Increasing the children’s areas in the libraries was a priority.

“We have had a phenomenal increase in children’s programs – we serve more than 30,000 children per year in the district,” said Hartung. “What we’ve tried to do, particularly in Rathdrum, is give the children’s area more space, both for materials and for moms and their kids to sit so mom can read to her child.”

The bond funds were augmented by grant money from various organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. A Gates Foundation grant received in 2000, as well as several grants since then, was used to purchase many of the computers now in use and many to be installed this summer.

Library schedules during construction will be interrupted as little as possible, with no long-term closures planned.

Daily hours may change as work progresses, so watch for information.