Library expansion construction to begin August 10

By Reader Staff

The Sandpoint branch of the East Bonner County Library District will begin construction on a facilities expansion project Monday, Aug. 10, with safety barriers and temporary parking corrals to be erected around the building site on the northwest corner of the building. 

A portion of the parking lot near the Library Garden will also be enclosed for construction staging and equipment.

The 4,667-square-foot, two-level expansion carries a price tag of $2.5 million and was funded through donations and local sales tax revenue. Once completed around March 2027, the library will include more meeting spaces, study rooms and behind-the-scenes workspace improvements, according to library staff. In addition, the project will result in a cafe featuring a coffee bar leased to a local business or entrepreneur, open during library hours.

In the meantime, on-site parking at the library will be slightly reduced, with additional parking available on Oak Street and the North Summit Church parking lot on Division Avenue.

Although the library does not currently anticipate requiring public closures during construction, certain activities may create noisy conditions or require limited closures of spaces adjacent to the construction. 

Physical signage will be posted as needed, but for the timeliest updates, follow the library’s Facebook or Instagram, or check the “Expansion” page at bit.ly/SandpointLibrary.