Building Project for Stanley Library
graphic of plans
Plans: south elevation view
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The Stanley Community Library broke ground in 2012 on a new, patron-owned, permanent home, as part of a larger redevelopment project that is bringing new commercial, retail, and housing to downtown Stanley. The new facility provides more space for users, with much better visibility and energy-efficiency, and includes a multipurpose room that meets many needs and is accessible after hours to community groups. We moved in January 2013, the new building is paid for, and the paperwork is done to complete the property purchase. We deeply appreciate the many friends and supporters who have helped the Building Committee over the past several years as we have worked toward finding the library a permanent home.

View the time lapse video of building the new library!

View south elevation plans

View floor plans

Follow the story of the construction of our new library.

What are your friends and neighbors saying about the library?

Our library is the heart of our community. It opens the door to the world beyond and brings to our community programs that inform and entertain. Our library has earned our affection and deserves our support.

- Hon. Orval Hansen, part-time resident, former Congressman

The Stanley Community Library's special programs for kids and adults bring the community together all year round. Book Club, Story Time, and the summer reading program always give us something to read and talk about.

- Amy Klingler, PA, Salmon River Clinic and mother

Redfish Lake Lodge loves the Stanley Library! Our crew of over 60 employees uses the library and my children do the same. The library is not only needed, it is a tremendous blessing to this beautiful area.

- Jeff Clegg, local business owner and father

The library helps us all stay up to date on what's happening in our country and in the world, so we can be good citizens. The library also offers programs and materials that can reinforce parents' efforts to get their children started reading early, which is important to their success later in life.

- Bob Dargatz, 17-year full-time resident

The Stanley Community Library is a vital resource for this small and often isolated community. The library has been an important partner with SIHA in providing educational and informational programs for the community.

- Terry Clark, Executive Director, Sawtooth Interpretive & Historical Association

The library is a center point for the town and you make it a welcome place for visitors to gather and get information.

- Janice Holman, long-time summer visitor

Stanley is fortunate to have one of the finest rural libraries in the state. I would encourage everyone to visit, utilize and support our local library.

- Laurii Gadwa, Stanley City Councilman

In a town the size of Stanley having a library as vibrant as we do is a huge plus. My two young kids look forward to weekly Story Time and many other seasonal events. It also gives my youngest daughter, who is 3, and I a place to go during the week. During the summer the library is a vital resource for our seasonal employees as well. We do not have internet access in our employee housing and they utilize the library for their internet needs.

- Erin Wilson, local business manager and mother

The Library, in our estimation, is at the heart of the community and deserves support. We are proud to do so and encourage the participation of others.

- Keith Reese and John Dean, Sawtooth Valley Builders

Find out more

Why did we need a new library building?
There were several issues with the previous facility:
  • It was too small for community needs (1,315 square feet on two floors; no separate meeting space)
  • There was inadequate space for books (shelving was full)
  • There was not enough space for computer users, especially those bringing their own laptops
  • The children's area was cramped and not visible to a one-person library staff
  • It was not ADA-compliant (steep stairs and poor shelving)
  • There was no work area for staff; there was inadequate storage for our needs
  • The facility was rented and could not be remodeled to meet current and future library needs
What advantages does the new library building bring to the community?
  • More space for users, with better visibility for a one-person staff
  • Increased shelving space
  • Cozy fireplace reading area
  • More staff work and display areas
  • Meets all ADA requirements
  • Much better energy-efficiency
  • Community Room (with full kitchen) provides more space and flexibility for library users and is accessible after hours to community groups
  • The library anchors new development that will include housing, retail space and a cafe, and a central community courtyard for events
  • The building and property are assets that now belong to the library district
  • Eliminating rent will cut operating costs significantly
How did the library pay for it?
  • No tax dollars were used for the project--only private funding
  • Our capital campaign raised $392,000 from 265 generous individual donors (2006-March 2013). Gifts ranged in size from $10 to $84,000.
  • We received 22 grants and gifts totalling $151,000 from foundations and businesses
  • Sales of the "Sawtooth Scenes" calendar and other fundraisers added $41,000
  • We paid for pre-construction expenses, the building ($373,000), and most of the furnishings ($22,000) by February 2013
  • We raised nearly all of the $146,000 purchase price for the lot by March 2013
  • We raised over $25,000 for a permanent maintenance fund
How can I help?
  • Visit and use the library; attend our programs and events; become a Friend of the Library
  • Stay up to date on library activities and plans via our newsletters and website
  • Share your ideas for programs or services to better serve the community
Have questions or suggestions? Contact us:
  • Library Director Jane Somerville: 208-774-2470
  • Board chair Phil Coonts: 208-774-2243
  • Trustee Sylvia Hamilton: 208-774-2251
  • Trustee Lynne Hutchins: 208-954-2007
  • Trustee Dave Lesser: 208-774-3819
  • Trustee Doug Plass: 208-774-2673
vertical line
How does the library serve our community?
Services
  • Nearly 7,000 books, audio books and magazines, plus Interlibrary Loan for items we don't own
  • Computer, print, copy, and fax services
  • Wireless Internet service 24/7
Children's Activities
  • Excellent children's book collection
  • Services to complement school programs
  • Weekly Story Time
  • Summer reading program
Adult Activities
  • Programs including Book Club discussions, readings, lectures, slide shows, and more
  • Computer classes, tech assistance, and test proctoring
  • Open house and used book sales
Usage by the Community in 2012
  • Nearly 350 registered borrowers
  • 7,241 patrons served, not including wireless users outside (compared to 1,928 patrons in 2000, the first full year in our previous location)
  • Over 3,100 items circulated
  • 29 children's programs with 334 participants; 40 adult programs with 417 participants
How the Library Makes Our Community Stronger
  • Provides no- or low-cost access to books and services for all
  • Fosters literacy skills proven to increase success in life
  • Nourishes creativity, independent thinking, egalitarianism, and democracy through access to information
  • Provides many people their only Internet access, with help finding information and understanding its value
  • Strengthens community through opportunities to come together
  • Attracts customers to business core
  • Cost to taxpayers: $27.18 per $100,000 assessed property in 2012

logo of Stanley Library

P.O. Box 230, 240 Niece Avenue | Stanley, ID 83278