Lynx Member Library
| Boise Public Library 715 S Capitol Blvd Boise ID 83702 (208) 384-4238 Hours: Website:
http://www.boisepubliclibrary.org |
 |
Boise Public Library traces its roots to February
18, 1895, when the women of the Columbian Club opened a subscription library
and free reading room in City Hall. For 10 years, the Club kept the reading
room alive while helping to secure funds from Andrew Carnegie to construct
a true public library. Club
members persuaded city fathers to provide the matching funds necessary for
the administration and maintenance of a Carnegie library. Andrew Carnegie
awarded library grants to 1406 communities in the early 1900's with the
provision that the communities supply land and on-going maintenance.
Boise's Carnegie Public Library opened its doors at 815 W. Washington on
June 22, 1905. The institution remained at that site until April 27, 1973,
when it moved to its present location at 715 South Capitol Boulevard. City
leaders decided that purchasing and renovating the Salt Lake Hardware building
at this site was more cost effective than tearing down and rebuilding on
the Carnegie site. Boise Towne Square branch was added in 1989, soon after
the mall opened. The Boise Public Library also serves patrons via the Bookmobile,
which makes weekly stops at eight locations, and through Homebound Service.
Two new branch libraries - one for Southeast Boise and one for West Boise
- are in the planning stages.
As technology has evolved, so has the library. Electronic databases and an
integrated online system have replaced the traditional card catalog, and
patrons can now check out videotapes, audio tapes, compact disks, and computer
software, as well as traditional print materials. Internet access is also
available on each floor of the downtown facility.
Approximately 115 employees and many volunteers work together to provide
library services to the community. Each year, more than 62,000 cardholders
check out over 1 million items. Many access information from the Library's
web site (www.boisepubliclibrary.org)
and dial-in catalog.
Boise Public Library is a part of the City of Boise government and is funded
through local property taxes. The Board of Trustees sets policy for operations,
while the Friends of the Boise Public Library and the Boise Public Library
Foundation provide additional financial support.
To learn more about the history of Boise Public Library, check out a
"A Light in the
Window of Idaho,"
edited by Kathleen Rubinow Hodges. The book is an extensive account of the
first 100 year
s of public library service in Boise.