Grant will help build library in Inkom

INKOM, Idaho (KIFI) - A grant from the Idaho Commission of Libraries will help build a new library in Inkom.

The South Bannock Library District's - Inkom Branch will receive a grant of $500,000 from the commission. The funds will be used to build the library on the corner of US Highway 30 and Holstein Street.

The district currently only has limited bookmobile access.

Inkom is just one of 15 different libraries awarded grants from the commission totaling $3.25 million. The funding was made available from the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Capital Projects Fund.

The other recipients include:

• Bear Lake County Library District (Montpelier) -- funding amount $4,800
  Funding will be used to create safe, usable parking spaces on the library lot to improve accessibility and safety of parking for winter/year-round access and to resolve roof drainage issues.
• Benewah County Free Library District – Tri-Community Library (Fernwood) -- $500,000
  Funding will be used to build a new library to replace an existing structure that is no longer functional nor meets the needs of the community.
• Burley Public Library -- $500,000
  Funding will be used for a 1,900-square-foot expansion of the library space and the remodeling of 600 square feet of existing space. The work will bring the library up to current building codes, create a new flexible-use community meeting space, and create two private study/telehealth rooms.
• ICfL Announces +$3.25 Million in Facilities Grants to Idaho Libraries – Continued from Page One
  The Facilities Improvement Grant recipients are:
• Cascade Public Library -- $500,000
  Funding will be used to add 1,000 square feet of interior space and 1,500 square feet of usable exterior space. The library will add a dedicated media/telehealth room, kitchen space, and two ADA-accessible restrooms. There will also be a separate children’s area.
• Clearwater County Free Library District (Weippe) -- $107,000
  Funding will be used to improve accessibility and safety of parking for winter/year-round access; to install a generator to address frequent winter power outages; to upgrade the IT network infrastructure to expand Wi-Fi access; and to create outdoor seating with charging stations for 24-hour access to Wi-Fi.
• Eagle Public Library -- $15,000
  Funding will be used to enhance ADA compliance of restrooms and for the purchase of additional library seating to allow for full usage of existing spaces.
• Elk River Free Library District -- $43,000
  Funding will be used to address various access and safety issues, including creating ADA-accessible walkways, installing some outdoor roofing/covering to allow for outdoor programming, and addressing the flooding and drainage issues in the parking lot that make it difficult and hazardous to access the library during the winter/inclement weather.
• Emmett Public Library -- $53,000
  Funding will be used to improve building access by installing ADA-compliant doors, adding a pergola cover to expand usable outdoor space and improve the usability of the 24-hour holds locker, and installing an awning over the meeting room entrance to improve safety and accessibility.
• Garden City Public Library -- $92,000
  Funding will be used to remodel an existing space to create two ADA-compliant private study/telehealth meeting spaces.
• Hailey Public Library -- $50,000
  Funding will be used to enclose the current computer lab to better facilitate use of the space and to purchase additional seating for part of the library that is underutilized.
• Homedale Library District -- $19,000
  Funding will be used to upgrade an underutilized building to create a community center/program area, upgrade an electrical system, and to purchase additional shelving and a storage shed.
• Prairie River Library District - Lapwai Branch -- $200,000
  Funding will be used to repair and rebuild a portion of the library building that has been deemed unsafe and is currently unusable. This will allow the library to reoccupy the full footprint of the building and provide for future expansion of the library.
• South Bannock Library District - Inkom Branch -- $500,000
  Funding will be used to construct a new library branch in a community that currently only has limited bookmobile access.
• St. Maries Public Library -- $500,000
  Funding will be used to enclose a 1,300-square foot open-air daylight basement that will be used as meeting space. It will include ADA-compliant restrooms and a kitchen.
• Wilder Public Library District -- $175,000
  Funding will be used to remodel the library’s existing meeting space, which will include systems and electrical upgrades; remodel restroom for ADA accessibility; replace the furnace; enclose the entryway for better accessibility; and create usable outdoor space for meetings and programming.

Stipulations in the grant say the projects need to be completed by August of 2026.