A love for libraries
By BRIAN WALKER
Staff Writer
Wilma Beauchot loved the Post Falls Library.
She left a nice check to prove it.
Library officials plan to build a 1,200-square-foot teen and multi-use area within the existing building, thanks to $47,900 the longtime library user donated.
"She was very friendly to all of the staff and interested in the library from the beginning," said John Hartung, Community Library Network director.
Beauchot died last year at 86. She also made an earlier donation for library improvements.
Construction on the project is expected to start soon. The donated funds will cover placement of modular walls, electrical outlets and data lines.
"Because the walls will be mostly transparent, the area will feel spacious," Hartung said.
The rest of the project will be completed in stages as a fundraising campaign develops. An estimated $50,000 will be needed to finish the project.
"Flooring, furnishings, lighting and technology are all needed," said Jennifer Craft, Post Falls Library community librarian and manager. "The idea is to create a space that is welcoming to teens and ideal for staff-led programming."
Some 40 teens were surveyed about what features they would like to see. Among the top elements are color-changing lights, a craft closet, beanbag chairs and technology.
In 2016, when the district held community meetings about library services, the top concern was teens loitering near entrances and being noisy in the library, Craft said.
The new space will give teens a place to call their own.
Teens currently use a smaller area that lacks charging stations.
"A lot of teens don't hang out there because it's like a fish bowl where everybody can see them," Hartung said.
ATHOL UPDATE
Another recent library district project featured a $25,000 remodel of the Athol Library thanks to donations from the community and library foundation.
The improvements include a sleek computer bar, laptops and a new check-out desk to allow for better traffic flow.
"We were happy to pitch in and donate money to help make this transformation happen," said Tom Lien, foundation treasurer. "There are six more libraries in the district and every one of them needs to be renovated to accommodate their communities."