Agency Details:

Idaho Commission For Libraries

The Idaho Commission for Libraries assists libraries to build the capacity to better serve their clientele.

Description:
The Idaho Commission for Libraries (formerly Idaho State Library) assists libraries to build the capacity to better serve their clientele. The Commission's Talking Book Sevice provides books on tape, Braille and other accessible materials to Idahoans who aren't able to read standard print. The Commission provides continuing education, statewide reading programs, resources and technical assistance for libraries across the state and manages federal grant funds and statewide databases. Even though our name has changed, our agency has a long history. We recently celebrated our 100th Anniversary. For more information about the Idaho Commission for Libraries see our website http://libraries.idaho.gov

History:
Early in its statehood, stagecoaches delivered traveling libraries to Idaho settlements, mining camps, and outposts. The wooden boxes contained volumes for every age and every interest. The "Traveling Library," the precursor to the Idaho State Library, was formed by the Colombian Club of Boise in 1899.

The 1901 Idaho Legislative Session created the State Library with an annual operating budget of $3,000. Charged with organizing new libraries and improving existing ones, Idaho took pride in its State Library services. The traveling library brought a civilizing and educational force to 51 settlements - including large towns like Boise, Moscow, and Pocatello and small ones like Preston, St. Anthony, and Salmon. By 1904, 100 communities were receiving books.

Growing New Libraries
By the 1920s, every major city in Idaho and many smaller communities boasted a library. Ten of those were built with Carnegie grants. These grants required local community support, much like private and federal library grants of today. The State Library continued to deposit collections of books throughout the state. In the 1930s, continuing education to improve local library services began and continues to be in demand.

In 1957, the Idaho Legislature more than doubled the State Library's budget, allowing the agency to receive federal grants. With these monies, local libraries demonstrated innovative services such as bookmobiles and children's story times. These early grants were the precursors of $900,000 in federal funds administered by the Idaho Commission for Libraries in Idaho today.

After the Library Service Act was revamped in 1964, federal dollars went toward library buildings - the final grant was awarded in 1998. In 1973, the Talking Book Library began to serve people whose disabilities made it difficult to use printed materials. Today, special playing machines and recorded books are sent statewide to provide free literature to thousands of patrons. The Commission also has two digital audio recording booths where volunteers record Idaho literature so it can also be accessed through the Talking Book Service.

On to New Frontiers
In the mid-seventies, the State Library ushered in technology by awarding library automation grants. That legacy continues today through the Libraries Linking Idaho Network (LiLI)www.lili.org. The network hosts the popular LiLI databases, paid for by state dollars. Plans for LiLI include the development of statewide networking activities.

The Idaho Commission for Libraries strives to reach new frontiers by working with public libraries to offer high tech services. And while high tech may be the wave of the future, equally important is the high touch afforded through many local libraries. Through partnerships, the Commission works to impact lives on the community level, delivering both books and bytes.

Although library books no longer arrive by stagecoach, Idaho citizens still look forward to library services whether they come from a traditional library building or through a computer 24 hours a day. And the Idaho Commission for Libraries is prepared to take Idahoans into tomorrow as it continues to pioneer new frontiers.

On July 1, 2006 the Idaho State Library changed it's name to better reflect our ever evolving mission. We have become the Idaho Commission for Libraries. Our location and services remain the same.

Contact people:

Sheila Winther, Volunteer Services Coordinator, (208) 639-4169, (email) Sue Walker, Public Services Librarian, (208) 334-2150, (email)

Office fax number: (208) 334-4016

Address:

325 West State Street Boise, ID 83702 (See a map)

Web Site: http://libraries.idaho.gov

Directions:

The Idaho Commission for Libraries is located in the block between State and Jefferson Steets and 3rd an 4th streets. Our parking is at the corner of State and 4th streets.

Last updated on June 16, 2009