The East Bonner County Library in Sandpoint has been expanding and remodeling the building in the past months.

Plans for construction began in May of this year. It is anticipated to be completed by May of 2018.

The library will be expanding the community rooms, meeting rooms and the children’s lounge as well as the parking lot. They will also be adding on a teen lounge room as well as adding more children’s large print books.

Ann Nichols is the library district director and has played an integral role in the organization of the construction. “From the moment the doors opened to the current building, the library has been a place for kids to gather after school,” said Nichols, “The lobby is always crowded,”

The expansion is much needed as there is a lack of space for people to meet and space for books.

This project has a cost of around $3 million. The funds for the project have been provided by donors, grants and the sale of the past library building. There is still more money needed to finish the project.

“We hope to raise about $60,000 more at this point,” said Nichols.

The idea for the project was sparked about three years ago when the library wanted to create a space for teens that included classes off of the library property. The location they originally found did not meet their standards. This idea and many other needed expansions caused them to propose plans and start construction.

“The construction has already benefitted the community through partnerships developing between several groups in the area,” said Nichols.

While the building is planned to be finished by May, the landscaping will be completed when the weather is fair enough. The snow is not causing any additional delays to the renovation process.

The library construction will create more space for the community members to gather and learn.

“The library belongs to everyone in the community and the staff is here to help serve in any way we can.”