Library finds start in free reading room

The roots of our present library system in Bonner County started in 1905 when a few individuals opened a “free reading room.”

Hope was expressed that “this most commendable enterprise” would eventually lead to the county having a public library. Little is known about this venture and five years passed before the subject of a library resurfaced.

The desire for a library for the area was rekindled in 1909 when the Commercial Club and the Women's Club took action. The Pend d'Oreille Review reported on Dec. 17, 1909, that a committee, headed by J.F. Reynaud, reported to the Commercial Club that a library association would be formed and that it would be self-supporting.

He further reported that Northern Idaho & Montana Power Company, the Sandpoint Water Company and the Humbird Lumber Company had each given $25 for the project.

There had been more than 100 volumes promised to the new library by the people of Sandpoint.

Two rooms were rented in the Westwood Building on First Avenue to house the new undertaking. The Women's Club, joined by the Commercial club, paid $17 a month for rent and an additional $15 for a custodian who also served as the librarian.

Gifts of books and magazines were accepted and a 25-cent monthly membership was charged to help offset expenses.

The small library had approximately 400 books on its shelves.

The group approached the City Council for some financial help but was turned down.

In 1911, funds became so low that books and furniture had to be moved to one room on the second floor of city hall.

On Feb. 22, 1912, the mayor of Sandpoint called for a mass meeting to discuss the library situation and a total of 12 people attended.

The first trustee for the Sandpoint Public Library was elected and two months later, the first librarian was hired.

The librarian, making $30 a month, served during the day and volunteers covered the evening hours.

The City Council again refused to assist financially so the group gave benefits and served meals to the Commercial Club to raise funds.

After the election of Don Moore as mayor and a council who saw the importance of a library the funds began to grow.

More people in town took advantage of the local library and it grew to fill four rooms in City Hall. They also added a section dedicated to children.

The number of books grew from 400 in 1910 to more than 16,000 in 1967. Local residents checked out 25,000 books, magazines, and records in 1967.