Where reading magic happens

COEUR d'ALENE — The excitement was palpable Thursday morning as parents escorted their little ones to see the unveiling of a new addition at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.

In the center of the children's library stood a wooden structure, wrapped with a bow and engraved with the words, "Kids who read succeed." The new story cabin was already piquing the imaginations of the children in attendance, many who peeked in the windows and waited patiently to go inside and explore.

Children's librarian Sharalee Howard read a special poem about the library to commemorate the moment before Mudgy Moose cut the ceremonial ribbon.

"The space for kids was awesome, it had tons of books that rhymed. It had computers, kits and discs, plus rooms for class and story time," she read. "But there wasn't a space where kids could play pretend, puzzle or build, a place where toys belong, are encouraged and refilled. It lacked a cozy reading space with kid-sized furnishings that children could call home, but not grown-ups or teens. Lucky for this library, a foundation has its back, that raises funds all year to provide amenities that lack. Then, one day last year, as the leaves gave way to snow, this amazing group inquired if any pipe dreams needed dough. Because a dealership in town who highly values reading desired to fund the project to aid kids in succeeding."

The cabin was built by the whole town, Howard read, where people help each other and let the kids and books abound.

Grandma Cheryl Beckett attended with 9-year-old granddaughter Lucy Beckett and 7-year-old grandson Toby Beckett, who live in Coeur d'Alene.

"They love this library," she said. "It's such a wonderful place for children, inspiring. I cannot believe what they've done here. It's a special place."

Toby and Lucy were two of the first to check out the cabin.

"I love it," Lucy said. "I love everything."

"I like the fish and the picture," Toby said.

The $25,000 story cabin project was funded by Knudtsen Chevrolet, with help from Architects West, Ginno Construction, Accurate CNC Services and All Wall Contracting. Contractors have been onsite throughout the summer, wowing kids in the library with their design and craftsmanship skills.

"Everyone's been so excited," Coeur d'Alene Library communications coordinator JD Smithson said. "They loved having the construction guys here."

The cabin has a knitted 14-inch rainbow trout on display, a hand-sewn window seat, a child-sized broom and other little details one might find in a North Idaho cabin in the woods.

Coeur d'Alene Library Director Michael Priest said Howard was the driver behind this project.

"She had a vision for this space," he said. "She felt that just being in the children's library should be an event in itself. She wanted a space that inspired creativity, inspired learning and inspired the love of stories. I feel like the cabin behind me really represents a lot of that and makes this space a whole lot bigger."

He said what made it a reality were all the community partners who came in and helped the library with finances and built the special cabin.

Knudtsen Chevrolet President Eve Knudtsen, who provided the quote "Kids who read succeed" for the cabin, attended the unveiling with her daughter and granddaughter.

"It takes a community," she said. "So happy to be part of this."

When the financial request for the project came across her desk late last year, Knudtsen said she asked how much was needed.

"I said, 'Great, how much are you hoping to raise?' They told me $25,000 and I said, 'OK,'" she said during a phone interview with The Press later Thursday.

Knudtsen said with some of the disappointing things happening in the community, she was overwhelmed by the number of people and their children who came to the event. More than 230 people, including babes in arms and strollers, were in attendance.

"It's been really an overwhelming day for me," Knudtsen said. "It's not often I get to see in such a way sometimes that the dollars invested are appreciated."

Knudtsen said she believes if a child can read, they can do anything. If they read well in third grade they'll graduate, then become a skilled employee who gives back to the community.

"I firmly believe that," she said. "I got to look around and see a lot of success coming our way in our community today."