A little history….
The Friends of the West Bonner Library District was formed in 1998 and played a major role in the successful formation of the West Bonner Library District in November 2000. In December 2001, the Friends worked with Dr. Charles Falter, who donated a large portion of the Priest River Medical Center building and adjoining properties to the group. In six months, the Friends completely renovated the building and on June 1, 2002 the West Bonner Library opened its doors at 219 Main St. in Priest River.
In 2002, the Friends added a new roof, installed insulation, and constructed a meeting room.
In 2003, the group renovated the grounds, turning a yardful of rubble, trash and noxious weeds into a beautiful park for the enjoyment of the community.
The Friends were also instrumental in the annexation of the unserved portions of west Bonner County, and in November, 2003 voters supported expanding the library district to include the Oldtown, Blanchard and Freeman Lake areas. Thanks to a Library Services and Technology Act grant awarded to the library in March 2004, the Blanchard Branch Library opened on February 24, 2005.
The Friends continue to support the special projects of the library. Friends fundraisers include monthly book sales, seasonal raffles, an annual wine tasting and auction in March and an annual plant sale each May.
Membership info:
The Friends meet on the second Tuesday of the month, noon, at the Priest River Library.
Dues: $5/individual, $10/family, $2/students and seniors. Corporate and lifetime memberships are also available.
Please join us and help our library be the best that it can be!