Skip to content

About Us

Library History

Our local library grew from an “Astronomy/Missing Civilizations Club,” formed in 1977. Efforts to find books and materials for club projects led to the official formation of the Stanley Community Volunteer Library on January 18, 1979. At that time, volunteers operated the library from the Mountain Village Lodge lobby, and later moved it across the street to the Stanley Steamer Building. From 1983 to November 1999, the library was in the Community Building on Highway 21.  It then operated for almost 15 years from a small rented house located at 33 Ace of Diamonds Street. 

For many years, the library thrived solely through volunteer efforts and assistance from the Idaho State Library (now the Idaho Commission for Libraries) and Eastern Idaho Regional Library (now the Library Consortium of Eastern Idaho). Funding came through donations and option-tax money from the City of Stanley. 

In May of 1998, the community of Stanley voted to form a library taxing district, and the Stanley Community Public Library District was established.  

In 2012, ground was broken to build a new, patron-owned, permanent home for the library as part of Stanley Town Square, which brought new commercial, retail, lodging, and housing space to downtown Stanley. This time lapse video (YouTube) depicts the building of the library on Niece Avenue.

The Stanley Community Library moved into its new home in 2013 with more space for users, better visibility and energy efficiency, and additional features such as a multipurpose room that meets many needs and is accessible after hours to community groups. The many friends and supporters who helped establish the library’s permanent home are greatly appreciated, and your patronage and continued support is highly valued.

Library when it was at the Community Building.
1998 Community Building
Library when it was on Ace of Diamonds Street.
2008 Ace of Diamonds St.
Photo of Stanley Community Library
2013 Niece Ave., photo by David Bagnard

Usage by the Community

Libraries across the state submit annual statistical reports to the Idaho Commission for Libraries. It’s a useful way to track how people are using our library over time. Recent years have averaged about:

  • 500 registered users annually
  • 5,600 visitors (not counting users who accessed WiFi outside the library)
  • 90 programs for varied ages with over 1,100 attendees
  • 5,000 items circulated
  • 5,500 items held, including print materials, audio books, DVD movies, and Community Closet items, with access to 60,000 digital assets through the Idaho Digital Consortium (IDC) and E-Book Alliance (IDEA).
Circulation desk, bookshelves, and computer stations at Stanley Community Library.
Library Circulation Area

Library Services

The library is open to the public 36 to 40 hours per week and offers many services, including: 

  • Wireless Internet
  • Print, copy, and fax services
  • 4 public-access computers
  • Research assistance
  • Test proctoring
  • Community Closet
  • Puzzle Exchange
  • Book discussions, lectures, and readings
  • Monthly visits for Stanley students
  • Read’N’Feed programs for kids and young adults
  • Weekly Story Time and activities for children 5 years and under (during school year)
  • Summer Reading and STEM programs
  • Ongoing used book sales on the Community Center porch and at the Library
  • Multipurpose Community Room
  • Interlibrary Loan system
  • Notary Service (limited hours)
People sitting at table working on block printing skills.
Block printing class being taught in Community Room.
Community closet with guitar, board games, and other library materials.
Community Closet

Testimonials

Here’s what your friends and neighbors are saying about the library!

“Our library provides access to a rich world of ideas and experiences. Via interlibrary loans and e-readers, I feel I have extraordinary access to new books and old books.”
Sparky Easom
Long-time Stanley Resident
The Stanley Community Library’s special programs for kids and adults bring the community together all year round. Book Club, Story Time, and the summer reading program always give us something to read and talk about.
Amy Klingler
PA, Salmon River Clinic and Mother
“Libraries open the world and equalize opportunities and information for all!”
Lisa Muscavage
Retired Stanley teacher
“Redfish Lake Lodge loves the Stanley Library! Our crew of over 60 employees uses the library and my children do the same. The library is not only needed, it is a tremendous blessing to this beautiful area.”
Jeff Clegg
Local Business Owner and Father
“I love discussing books with our library's Book Club. I read books I wouldn't otherwise, and hearing other people's perspectives opens my eyes and heart to experiences and opinions outside of my own life.”
Julie Rember
Library volunteer and former trustee
"The Stanley Community Library provides vital services to our rural area from educational programs to opportunities to gather, exchange ideas, and build community. We are grateful for our partnership with the Library that allows SIHA to better share our Oral History archive with the public and plan to continue working together into the future.”
Lin Gray
Sawtooth Interpretive and Historical Association
“The library is a center point for the town and you make it a welcome place for visitors to gather and get information.”
Janice Holman
Long-Time Summer Visitor
“The Library, in our estimation, is at the heart of the community and deserves support. We are proud to do so and encourage the participation of others.”
Keith Reese and John Dean
Sawtooth Valley Builders