The importance of the Clearwater Memorial Public Library in Orofino, Idaho, goes well beyond books. Serving 3,800 patrons every week, the small-town library is a safe after-school hangout for kids to do homework, a place for low-income families to access free internet, and a hub for cultural and educational activities.
Thanks in part to a Community Strategies grant from Innovia Foundation, the library will expand to better serve even more people in the community. The grant will fund building materials for 2,750 square feet of new space for a larger children’s area, additional books, more computers, a family restroom and a room for young adults. The project will also add 20 needed parking spaces.
“With more space, the library can offer more much-needed services to our community,” said Danielle Hardy of the Clearwater Memorial Public Library Foundation.
The expansion will allow the library to not only grow its current services but also add new programs and resources, such as a Nez Perce Tribal cultural center, elementary school visits and a new venue for the community to gather for meetings and events.