MY TURN: Libraries flooded with joyful support

(Athol and Post Falls libraries have been closed to the public since mid-January’s burst pipes caused major water damage to the buildings and collections.)  

In mid-March, hundreds of people showed enthusiastic support for the Community Library Network. At a special book sale hosted by the Friends of the Post Falls Library, volunteers packed and unpacked boxes, set up and assisted with displays, helped people find books at a bargain price, accepted payment and donations and helped patrons load bags of books into their vehicles.

The optimism among the crowds of bargain hunters was palpable and contagious both days. A few times, when crowds were greater than the sale room could hold, people patiently waited in line under the pergola. As they chatted in the spring sunshine, or exchanged hugs, just being together at a library event felt like a celebration.

Almost 900 patrons visited during the sale days. Proceeds totaled $3,458, and another $2,312 was donated by eager-to-help community members.    

Karen Yother, Youth Services manager, headed up the Giving Campaign for the damaged libraries. She arranged for the Friends of the Post Falls Library to accept payments and donations. Athol manager Casey Peters coordinated the volunteers who had contacted the library to offer their help. Casey created an “epic spreadsheet of 130 volunteers with 50 alternates” on the waiting list. Everything was superbly well organized, which added to the joy.    

Assistant CLN Director Lindsey Miller-Escarfuller described how the book sale fit into the multi-stage repair project. She said the day before the sale, March 13, was the first of an anticipated five dates for a truckload of materials to be moved by Lake Coeur d’Alene Movers. Their owner had come to the Post Falls Library as a kid and insisted on donating his time and equipment, plus that of his four-man crew, which is the equivalent of a $75,000 donation; CLN is paying for gas. These professionals will return the approximately 63,000 items to Post Falls or Athol once facility repairs are complete.  

The moved library materials will be stored in a climate-controlled facility, to safeguard them from construction debris. Owners of CdA Tech Center have discounted their rental fee below market rates, in effect creating a donation of about another $75,000 over the renovation period (which may last up to six months). Some CLN staff who usually work in the Post Falls Library will also temporarily work in the CdA Tech Center location while demolition and repairs are underway.    

During the book sale, members of the public asked many questions about future plans. Storytime attendance has greatly increased in Hayden and Rathdrum libraries with some groups having 75 to 100 attendees! The staff is managing well with the larger groups and the kids seem as riveted as they always do. CLN staff will deliver more summer reading programs at parks and schools this year. And yes, the Friends of the Hayden Library will host their Book Sale on April 26 and 27.

Lindsey said staff teamwork is high because they always focus on doing whatever best serves the public. She smilingly added that staff are increasing their patience with ambiguity through this period. Her eyes twinkled as she wryly noted how “patience with ambiguity is a very good skill to be proficient in” right now.  

The spigot of community support is open, and hundreds of individuals, groups and businesses are contributing to the flow of affection. Clearly, Kootenai County loves their libraries!

• • •

Pat Raffee is a library user who lives in Post Falls.