Two New Libraries for Boise in 2007

By Jill Kuraitis, 2-21-07

More libraries for Boise was one of Mayor Dave Bieter’s agenda items, and the city council voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve the expansion of Library services.  The move means the citizens of Boise will have more opportunities to use Library services than ever before in the city’s history. 

(Perhaps we should say Library! since that’s what the sign on the Capitol Boulevard library building says.)

The first phase of the expansion means two storefront libraries will open later this year in the Hillcrest and Collister shopping centers.  Both storefront libraries will be open fifty hours a week and will be full-service branch libraries.

“The citizens of Boise will now have two additional neighborhood libraries where they can hold meetings and have access to reading and information,” said Boise Mayor David Bieter in a prepared statement.  “We want a smart and well-read workforce.  We want our children to have a safe place to go and be exposed to great literature; a place where they can have access to the internet and quiet study space.  This is good for all the citizens of Boise and we are eager to move forward on two additional libraries.”

Following the opening of the two storefront libraries later this year construction on two additional community libraries is planned within the next several years at Bown Crossing, in Southeast Boise, and Cole and Ustick Roads, in the central part of the city.

The plan, endorsed by the Boise School Board and the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, evolved after a spirited public input period from November 2006 through February 2007.  The plan is also endorsed by the Vista and Bench Depot Neighborhood associations.