Sandpoint Library - Years of Maturity
by Bob Gunter
In July 1966 the people of Sandpoint got the news that the former U.S. post office property, located at Second and Alder, would be turned over to the city for use as a library. The city fathers set up $20,000 in the budget for preliminary work on the building to assure its safety for library use.
In September 1966 people gathered in the city hall council chambers to witness the signing ceremony that would transfer the post office building to the city. Clayton S. Brown, representing the Federal government and Sandpoint Mayor Floyd Gray signed the legal papers. After the signing there were many speeches by the local politicians as well as those from Boise. The program ended with the turning over of a box of keys to Mayor Floyd Gray by Postmaster Robert Willer.
The keys worked well in unlocking the knowledge of the world for the citizens of Bonner County, both young and old. More and more people appeared at the library and the once "spacious and beautiful" facility was full to overflowing. The two story building, plus abasement, could not fulfill what the citizens of the county expected of it. New books were a must and modern equipment was mandated to keep abreast of an ever-changing world. The words of H. John Runkel, of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, proved prophetic when he said at the early signing ceremony in 1966, "...we paid for this property as tax payers and we should get as much use out of it for as long as we can."
Many people had a sentimental attachment to the old building that was "our library" but slowly the realization came that it had functioned for as long as it could. 1999 saw the beginning of a new library located on Cedar and Division in Sandpoint and construction for a new library was also started in Clark Fork. The dedication of the first Clark Fork library took place on 16 January 1985 with Paul Croy and Patrick McManus in attendance. To meet the needs of the citizens of the area a new building was constructed and an open house was held on 31 November 1999.
The new East Bonner County Library is scheduled to open in the spring of the year 2000. The building measures 31,000 feet and will easily house the 90,000 books, magazines, tapes and other items the library possesses. It is projected that the new structure will be able to manage a growth period of over 20 years.
Located in Sandpoint at the junction of Cedar and Division the new facility will be easily accessible and adequate parking will be available. There will be new services as well as expansion of some existing ones. Three meeting rooms will be available for free public meetings. Additional computers will be available for on-line cataloging as well as genealogical research. Anyone on the "Net" will be able to connect to the library, look up a book in the catalog files and request that the book is held for them to pick up at a later date. Equipment for teleconferencing and the Internet will be another service offered. Display cases will show artifacts as well as art works of the Bonner County area and a special mural will adorn the children's section.
The statue of Mr. Lincoln that once stood in the entrance of Farmin School will still grace the entrance of the new library. After some much-needed repairs and a new base "Old Abe" will be placed in a lighted area so that he can be seen both day and night.
To see more great old photos of Sandpoint and the surrounding areas :: Click Here ::
All photographs have been used with permission of the Bonner County Museum.
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