Athol, Rathdrum, Spirit Lake Libraries celebrate 25 years

It’s the silver anniversary for Athol, Rathdrum, and Spirit Lake Libraries buildings. In November 1992, the Community Library Network opened the doors at these three brand new libraries. The buildings came about as promised with the passage of a bond in 1991.

Library staff will celebrate Monday, Nov. 6. Birthday cake will be served and historical photographs will be on display.

All three libraries hold a place of pride in their communities. Athol Library is the youngest of the three, having been founded by the community in 1971. It joined the Library Network in 1984, and was housed in the City Hall until the new building opened.

In 1950, the Spirit Lake Library was formed. It has served the community from several locations until it moved into the Woolen-Brown Building in 1963 and joined the Library Network in 1985. Concerned citizens created the Rathdrum Library in 1914. When the library joined the District in 1982, it was housed in a doublewide trailer at the current location of City Hall.