Leases signed for 2 new libraries in Bonneville County and here’s where they’ll be
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AMMON – Two new libraries will open in Bonneville County this fall.
After months of lease negotiations, the Bonneville County Library District has officially signed a lease for a new library at 3015 South 25th East. It’s the space formerly occupied by Lane Bryant adjacent to Bed Bath & Beyond and Deseret Book.
A renovation project is currently underway on the 7,000-square-foot building to update the electrical work, flooring and paint, along with other cosmetic changes. A crew will also be adding a conference room.
“We anticipate the projects will take about four weeks, and then we will be ready to start installing bookshelves, furniture, and books,” the library district reports in a news release.
They’re planning to open on Oct. 1. A grand opening and open house will be held in conjunction with its completion.
“We believe this will be an excellent location in the prime retail area of Ammon. We’re pleased about the large, open floor plan, excellent parking, and convenient location for residents shopping in Ammon,” the district writes.
A second library will open the same day on the west side of Idaho Falls. It will be in a 1,300-square-foot office building at 250 South Skyline Drive, Ste. 6.
Plans for the second location began after some suggested the Ammon location was not very convenient for county residents living in this area. Bonneville County Library trustees started shopping around and they’re pleased to have found something and signed a lease much sooner than expected.
“The building owners are finishing up the cosmetic remodeling of the building, and the library district is able to take occupancy on July 1,” the library district writes.
Both branches will have a connected collection, meaning patrons can request books from either location and have them transferred for pick up. A variety of services and programs will also be available, including regular story times.
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The announcement for a new library in Ammon comes more than a month after the library district opted not to renew the service agreement with the city of Idaho Falls. Since 1981, the county has paid an annual service fee to the city so that county residents could check out books and have access to resources at the Idaho Falls Public Library without paying a $120 nonresident fee.
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The addition of two new libraries provides an alternative option.
After months of contentious debate between the public library board and the Bonneville County Library District, the county is feeling much better about the two entities working relationship in the future.
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“We have … met with IFPL recently and had some positive conversations concerning recent disagreements, and we expect good things for both the county and city libraries moving forward,” the news release says.
The District is looking for volunteers to help with moving, sorting, cataloging, and shelving books. To get involved, join the “Friends of Bonneville County Libraries” Facebook group. You can also visit the website.