Who doesn’t like a place, that is open to the general public, and where they can lend books without paying anything? At the same time build a community of readers with whom you can bond over books and preferences. Well, a public library provides the best opportunity for that.
A public library is a library open to the general public, where anyone can lend books. The place is run on taxes, and civil servants are responsible for taking care of it. They are the ones who work as librarians and look after the management of the place.
1. About Boise Public Library
Boise Public Library is a public library system in Idaho. It has one main library and several branches of it across the city. The library was founded in 1895 and was initially a territorial library, which was used for meetings in Lewiston. Later on, it was relocated to Boise.
1.1 History:
Boise Public Library can be traced back to 1895. The library came into existence due to the women of the Columbian Club who opened a subscription library and maintained a free reading room in City Hall.
The reading room was maintained for a decade, and simultaneously the members of the club were engaged in arranging funds from Andrew Carnegie so they could establish a real-standing library.
In the 1900s their efforts were rewarded when Andrew produced library grants to 1406 communities. This was with the provision that the communities would take responsibility for the land, and look after the maintenance.
The Columbian Club members then, approached the Boise City Fathers to provide the funds necessary for the administration and maintenance of the Carnegie Library.
Finally, it was on the 22nd of June, 1905 that Boise’s Carnegie Public Library opened its doors to the public at 815 W. Washington.
1.2 Relocations:
The public library had to undergo a lot of relocations to establish itself as one of the renowned public library systems in Idaho.
The library remained at its initial location in Washington till 1973. After that, the library was moved to its present location at 715 South Capitol Blvd.
The Boise Towne Square reading library came about in 1989.
1.3 Bookmobile Service:
In 1965 the library came up with a bookmobile service. For this purpose, they purchased the big Bookmobile bus. The bus became popular among the citizens. The bus operated five days a week and served eight locations across the city. Eventually, the service was reduced to three days, serving six locations. This was because there were newly opened branches across three neighborhoods.
However, due to the bus not being used as often and the difficulty of replacement for a big vehicle, the service was discontinued in October 2012.
1.4 Homebound Service:
The library initiated a Homebound Service to serve the people for whom it was not possible to physically visit the library and access it.
2. Mission of Boise Public Library:
The library is run on the mission of improving community members’ life by providing ways to “enhance knowledge, realize the creative potential, and share ideas and stories“.
2.1 What are the values they are committed to?
Boise Public Library is committed to “intellectual freedom, universal access, innovation, and providing a world-class experience for all members of the community“.
3. Fundings:
Boise Public Library is a component of the City of Boise and is funded through the aid of local property taxes.
The Trustees of the library govern the rules for operations, and the other institutions such as Friends of the Boise Public Library and the Boise Public Library Foundation provide financial aid whenever necessary. There are 130 employees at an approx. and a lot of other volunteers who work together as a community to provide the best library services to the community.
4. Programs and Services:
There are multiple programs and services that the library provides for the citizens, and anyone is free to avail of them.
4.1 Computer Access and Printing:
4.1.1 Computer Access:
The library has made computers available for use. They are available to use for two hours per day, from the time the library starts its operation until 10 minutes before it closes.
The library has public Wi-Fi which can be accessed at all hours, and in the library parking lot too. The Wi-Fi access is filtered and usage of library computers and the Wi-Fi is free of cost.
Other facilities such as printing, copying, faxing, and scanning are also available. However, they will be charged as per the library chargesheet.
4.1.2 Mobile Printing:
The members of the library with a valid library card have the facility to upload the files for printing from their mobile at home or within the library if they need it to be printed on the same day. For further information visit the library’s website.
4.2 Curbside Hold Pickup:
The library visitors can make use of the Library curbside hold pickup. The service can be used by placing an order online, using the Ida app, or even driving or walking up. This facility is available only in five locations.
4.3 Home-based Services:
The library provides home-based services to a few members who are unable to make it to the library physically. This is mostly for the users who are a victim of old age, disability, or long-term illnesses. They serve residential communities, public housing, and individuals and their caregivers.
To sign up, one has to sign up online or download the application form online, which is available on the website.
In addition, they serve over 30 residential communities through a pop-up library experience. This makes it possible for the residents to get their hands on regular and large-print books from the comfort of their communities. They also provide DVDs on request.
4.4 Programs:
Several programs are held in the many rooms, and auditoriums of the library. If anyone wishes to attend these, there is a program and events calendar made available on the website. It is important to note that the programs are subject to cancellation, depending on the weather and public health protocols.
5. Boise Comic Arts Festival:
The library holds an annual comic art festival. This festival will run for its 11th year, this time. The festival is a wonderful opportunity for young and aspiring comic artists to unleash their passion for art. At the same time, there’s a mentorship program available to guide the students correctly. One can also choose to contribute to the festival by volunteering for it.
5.1 Artist’s Alley:
This time Boise Comic Festival will be holding an Artist’s Alley with several artists, creators, and vendors. They will be at the Zoo Boise and Julia Davis Park.
In addition, there will be 30 creators at the venue for the festival. The list of the creators has been announced on the website.
5.2 Comic Creation Contest:
This contest is a chance to show off one’s art, creativity, and comic skills. One may show off their skills by crafting a single page of comic to showcase their idea, or intention, introduce a character or tell a story.
To participate in this contest, one can look up further information on it, on the library website.
5.3 Volunteering Options:
One can also contribute to the Boise Comic Festival by volunteering for it and aiding the staff to ensure proper management of the festival.
In addition, the library will send a t-shirt, poster, and their gratitude to whoever decides to volunteer. The volunteering form is available on the website. One may sign up for it, if interested.
5.4 Library and Educator’s Day:
The festival is also having a library and educator’s day which is for giving a professional development opportunity to the librarians and educators.
As a part of this year’s festival, library and Educator’s Day will be held on the 29th of September at the Idaho State Museum.
There will also be an option to receive a professional development credit from Northwest Nazarene University if one can complete the coursework which will follow after the event.
The event is free for the attendees but registration is required.
5.5 Cosplay:
There is also a cosplay contest for adults, teens, and kids. One’s costume, if designed skillfully and with creativity, can get them a lot of awards.
5.6 Gaming:
The gaming enthusiasts will not be disappointed as the gaming roleplay will also be a part of the festival. The participants can bring their friends or make new ones in the gaming adventure.
5.7 Teen Comics Mentorship Program:
The Teen Comics mentorship program is an excellent opportunity for aspiring young teens to hone their skills, and even receive suggestions for improvement.
The participants will be provided with the necessary tools and resources to improve their skills. They will also have an opportunity to table at the Artist’s Alley.
They will get the opportunity to be mentored by a local comic artist, have their portfolio reviewed by a guest creator, and have access to networking events with BCAF guest creators, vendors, and exhibitors.
6. Summer Reading:
The Boise Public Library is holding a summer reading program. It started on the 20th of May and will go on until the 15th of August. The theme for this year is “All Together Now”.
The participants can win prizes as they go on to complete their reading goals.
7. Idaho Teen Reading Challenge:
Idaho Commission for Libraries hosts an Idaho Teen Reading Challenge for teens between the ages of 12-19. For this, the registered teens must complete a challenge of reading 8 books across 8 categories between October 2022 to April 2023.
The list of the categories is available on the website of the library.
The participants can win prizes after completing every challenge.
8. Writer Residency Program:
Emerging writers can apply for a 6-month residency program at the Boise Public Library. The main purpose of the program is to connect the writers to their local audience, through literary programs that are arranged by the management.
They also have several responsibilities under them as a residency writer, an overview of which is available on the website.
9. How to get a Library Card for Boise Public Library?
Only the residents of Boise and those having property are the ones who qualify for a free library card.
Others can get a library card through an application. One can go in person to fill out applications or can complete the same applications online.
10. Locations:
The library has a main branch and four other neighborhood branches in Boise, Idaho.
10.1 Main Branch:
715 S. Capitol Blvd.
Boise, ID 83702
Located in Downtown Boise
10.1.1 Hours:
- Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Tuesday – Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Sunday, Closed
10.2 Library at Bown Crossing:
2153 E. Riverwalk Dr.
Boise, ID 83706
Located in east Boise’s Bown Crossing neighborhood
10.2.1 Hours:
- Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Tuesday – Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Sunday, Closed
10.3 Library at Cole and Ustick:
7557 W. Ustick Rd.
Boise, ID 83704
In the Library Plaza Shopping Center at N. Cole and Ustick roads
10.3.1 Hours:
- Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Tuesday – Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Sunday, Closed
10.4 Library at Collister:
4724 W. State St.
Boise, ID 83703
At the corner of State and Collister, near Treasure Valley Skate and Baskin-Robbins
10.4.1 Hours:
- Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Tuesday – Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Sunday, Closed
10.5 Library at Hillcrest:
5246 W. Overland Rd.
Boise, ID 83705
10.5.1 Hours:
- Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Tuesday – Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Sunday, Closed
11. Conclusion:
The Boise Public Library in Idaho is a perfect place for someone to relax while flipping the pages of their favorite book. The library builds a community of book nerds with excellent services, such that people of all ages feel welcomed.
The library staff is professional and ensures that the best of their services are received by kids and elders alike. To ensure this, they have made arrangements for the home service too, so that none of their customers receive any less of their service.
In addition, the library makes itself a very firm platform for aspiring and budding writers to flourish through excellent development programs. The librarians also receive a platform for themselves through the BCAF, further facilitating community building and prospects of improvement and learning.
Rest assured one is sure to have a wonderful time at the Boise Public Library!
