About Us
The Idaho Commission for Libraries assists libraries to build the capacity to better serve their clientele.
Register for a Library Card Online
The Commission houses a professional library development collection to serve as a resource for libraries and librarians in the state. It is not the intention of the Commission to serve as a public or academic library.
Hours and Directions
How to visit us. Includes maps and a picture.
History
Our history of pioneering new frontiers in library service.
Governance
The Commission's governing structure. Includes pages for the Idaho Commission for Libraries Board of Commissioners.
Staff Listings
A listing of our staff, with contact links.
Advisory Groups and Task Forces
Includes links to: Access for All Steering Committee | Advisory Council | LiLI Advisory Board | Library Law Task Force | Talking Book Service Advisory Committee
Strategic Plan SFY 2008-2011
Our Strategic Plan that outlines our plans to assist libraries to build the capacity to better serve their clientèle.
Volunteer Opportunities
How you could help us provide library services in Idaho.
Advisory Council
Advisory Council
The Advisory Council is appointed by the State Commission Board in accordance with the Library Services and Technology Act, P.L. 104-208. The Council broadly represents the library community and library users, and serves to advise the State Commission Board as outlined below:
Membership
The Advisory Council shall be broadly representative of all types of libraries and users of such libraries. The minimum number of Council members shall be eight, and the maximum 12. In addition, the State Librarian and the Associate Director for Library Development may be designated as non-voting members of the Council. The Board may appoint members from the following groups:
- Different types & sizes of libraries
- Users of libraries
- Library consortia or cooperatives
- Library governing bodies
- Library advocacy groups
- Community partners
- Other ICFL advisory groups
- Geographic areas of the state
Term of Office
Members of the Advisory Council shall serve for terms of five state fiscal years (July - June). Terms shall be staggered so that at least one position expires each year. Members shall be eligible for reappointment, but no person shall serve more than two consecutive full terms at a time as a member of the Council.
Officers
The Advisory Council shall elect a chair and a vice-chair at the first meeting following July 1st of each year. The ICFL Grants Officer may be designated as Secretary for the Council without voting privileges.
Functions
The Advisory Council shall advise the State Commission Board on the development of the state plan for the Library Services and Technology Act, the annual LSTA program, and evaluation of LSTA grant applications and projects. The State Commission Board may also seek Council advice on other matters related to library services. Council members, both individually and as a group, are expected to advocate for improvement of library services in Idaho. Individual members may also be asked to represent the Council interest on other State Commission-appointed advisory groups.
Meetings
The Advisory Council shall meet during the work week in a variety of formats that will be dictated by the business to be conducted. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson at the request of three (3) or more Council members. Members are reimbursed for necessary travel expenses in accordance with State Law and procedures.
Current Awareness
State Commission staff will assist Council members in maintaining current awareness of library trends, projects, and issues through the following means:
- Using E-mail, including postings on the LibIdaho list serv, to Council members
- Publishing relevant information on the ICFL home page and in the ICFL Newsletter
- Arranging site visits to libraries for Council members
- Involving Council members in peer evaluation of grant projects
- Appointing Council members as liaisons to other ICFL advisory groups
| Jim Fullerton Idaho State University Pocatello, ID 83204 fulljim@isu.edu June 30, 2008 |
Ellen Duncan Idaho Falls High School 601 S. Holmes Ave. Idaho Falls, ID 83401 duncelle@d91.k12.id.us June 30, 2007 |
| Diane Prorak University of Idaho Library PO Box 442350 Moscow, ID 83844-2350 prorak@uidaho.edu June 30, 2009 |
Dawn Wilson Idaho Department of Education PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0027 dwilson@sde.state.id.us June 30, 2008 |
| Vicki Kreimeyer Boise Public Library 715 S Capitol Blvd Boise, ID 83702-7122 vkreimeyer@cityofboise.org June 30, 2009 |
Tim Hillebrand Synergetics International 857 Orchard Ave. Moscow, ID 83843 chief@synergetics.org June 30, 2006 |
| Cathy Poppino Magic Valley Regional Medical Center Library PO Box 409 Twin Falls, ID 83301 catherinep@mvrmc.org June 30, 2009 |
Lee Starr Kootenai-Shoshone Area Libraries 8385 North Government Way Hayden Lake, ID 83835-9280 leestarr@cin.kcl.org June 30, 2007 |
For more information about LSTA, contact State Commission Grants Contract Officer Sonja Hudson at Idaho Commission for Libraries, 325 W State Street, Boise, Idaho 83702, (208) 334-2150, fax (208) 334-4016 or E-mail Sonja
Or
Marj Hooper, Associate State Librarian, Idaho Commission for Libraries, 325 W State Street, Boise, Idaho 83702, (208) 334-2150, fax (208) 334-4016 or E-mail Marj.
2007 Summer Reading
Get Ready for Summer Reading 2008!
Thank you for sending us your statistics to help us document the impact of summer reading. One hundred sixteen (116) libraries have reported 44,600 children participated in 2007 summer reading. Congratulations!
The 2008 summer reading manual "Catch the Reading Bug" has been mailed to public libraries. Included is information on the Summer Reading Outreach Incentive Program.
Read to Me, a service of the Idaho Commission for Libraries, is delighted to give you a preview of the mysteries in store for your summer readers.
Our program is part of the Collaborative Summer Library Program. We support summer reading because we know that children who read over the summer will maintain or improve their reading readiness when they go back to school. We also know that libraries and kids go together! What better place to satisfy your curiosity than at your public library?
Participate in 2008 Bright Futures Outreach
Streamlined Summer Reading Outreach Opportunities
Join the fun and "Catch the Reading Bug! @ Your Library!" For those who want to apply for outreach opportunities, this year we streamlined the process! There is no pre-application required. Simply fill out the program forms you want to participate in and return them to us. Libraries that applied for these programs last year can apply again. Select your opportunities today! Find a link to each application, print it out and mail it by March 14, 2008!
Back by popular demand, your library can apply to participate in one or more of the following programs:
Underserved Children: Partner with one or more agencies or organizations in your community. Together with your partner organization, plan at least two programs outside of the library in June, July and/or August that target underserved children. You'll receive one of three paperback book packages-grades K-2, grades 3-4, or bilingual -to be given away to children attending the program. You'll also receive painting sheets for the kids and a standup display for your program! Send the completed form by March 14 to qualify!
School Visits: Receive free summer reading plush "bugs" for students if a library staff or volunteer visits one or more schools to promote your Summer Reading program. Classroom visits, assemblies, and field trips to the public library qualify. You'll also receive two "Catch the Reading Bug" tote bags for your library and two for each school. There is no limit on partner schools. Submit elementary school enrollment numbers and K-3 Idaho Reading Indicator scores with your application by March 14!
Read for Your Library: Partner with 1, 2 or 3 elementary schools and you are on your way to "winning" $200 in books for your library AND $200 in books for your partner school(s)! You and your partner(s) will also receive a Summer Reading flag, suitable for official flag pole duty. To qualify, submit Idaho Reading Indicator scores for each partner school, a letter of support from each principal, work with each school to set participation goals, set up a recognition event at each school, track the results, and make at least one presentation to parents, educators, or community members. Start planning now for the March 14 deadline.
Steering Committee The first 25 libraries that form a summer reading steering committee are eligible for $100 in free books plus 15 "Catch the Reading Bug" buttons. Submit the names of committee members and their community positions by March 14. We'll send you the books upon receipt of your first meeting's notes. The last date to send in your meeting notes is June 2.
Summer Reading Webpage: Set up or update your Summer Reading page with a link to your home page by June 2 and receive a "Catch the Reading Bug" vinyl banner AND 50 bug jugs! Just send us the link to your website and brand it with the Read to Me logo and we'll send you the incentives upon receipt!
Print the forms, fill them out, and then mail the form(s) along with supporting material to the Idaho Commission for Libraries (our address is on the cover sheet):
Help for filling out those mysterious forms
You'll notice some of the program forms request information like IRI scores, total school attendance and letters from the principal. This information helps us make a case for continued funding of the Read to Me program. We've followed the clues and have links below to help you gather your information.
IRI Scores- School Enrollment Numbers 2006-07
- Principal Letter & Working with Schools Tips
- Summer Reading Partnership Flyer
Presentations
Sometimes even the hard-boiled cases find they get cold feet when it comes to giving presentations. You'll find your staff are much more willing to pitch in when they know why Summer Reading is important. In fact, given a chance, they come up with some cool ideas on how to handle the summer-rush stress. And trustees are very good at advocating for your library when they know what to do. That's why 
you'll find two "in-a-box" staff and trustee mini-workshop sessions below. And for those educator, parent and community presentations, we've developed power points to help you along. Let Anne Abrams know if you want the Mini Workshop DVD or PowerPoint presentations (with scripts) sent to you.
Download the Seven Minute Video Here (30MB File)
Parent/Community PowerPoint (Powerpoint or pdf) & script
Educator PowerPoint (PowerPoint or pdf)
What Really Counts
We know it's not the prizes or praise from the Idaho Commission for Libraries that makes you come into your library with a smile on your face and a song to share. We know it's the kids. That's why it is so important for us to share your successes. Your Summer Reading Report Form is due August 31. Thank you!
Mini Workshop for Trustees
Mini Workshop for Trustees
Suggested Materials
Summer Reading DVD (7 minutes; download 30 MB file or ask your director if s/he received one)
A print out of your neighborhood elementary school(s)’s IRI scores
A summary of your library’s Summer Reading program (excel form)
Trustee Kit (fun incentive item, your business card, Summer Reading Program Summary, IRI score(s) & contribution cards)
For more information or ideas on how to work with trustees, contact Anne Abrams.
Governing Structure
The Idaho Commission for Libraries is located in the Executive Branch of Idaho state government under the State Board of Education. The Commission is governed by the Board of Library Commissioners . The Board of Library Commissioners consists of five members who are appointed by the State Board of Education.
The Board of Library Commissioners
Board Documents, Calendar, and other resources.
By rule, the State Board of Education has delegated authority for the governance of the Commission to the Board of Library Commissioners and, except for the appointment of Commission Board members and financial oversight.
In practice, this means the Board of Library Commissioners has responsibility for all policies, rules, and personnel actions related to the Commission. The Management Team, with input from Commission staff, prepares a budget that is reviewed and approved by the Board of Library Commissioners. The approved budget is then forwarded to the State Board of Education for its review and approval. Once the Commission's budget has been approved by the State Board of Education it is submitted to the Division of Financial Management (the governor's budget office) and the Legislative Budget Office. Because the Commission is an executive agency, the governor includes our budget request, usually in an amended form, in his budget recommendations to the Legislature. The Legislature has final fiscal authority and sets the budget under which the Commission will operate in the next fiscal year. The Board of Library Commissioners can seek funds from sources other than the state's general account, for example the federal Library Services and Technology Act or the Idaho Council for the Humanities, but even then, the Legislature has the final say in granting spending authority for all funds administered by the board of Library Commissionrs. Board meetings are open to the public. Agendas are posted in public areas prior to each meeting.
The State Librarian
By statute, the Board of Library Commissioners appoints the state librarian, who must be a graduate of a library school accredited by the American Library Association. The state librarian serves at the pleasure of the Board of Library Commissioners. The state librarian is charged with implementing the Board's policies and rules including the day-to-day operation of the Commission.
History of the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Pioneer Days
Early in its statehood, stagecoaches delivered traveling libraries to Idaho settlements, mining camps, and outposts. The wooden boxes contained volumes for every age and every interest. The "Traveling Library," the precursor to the Idaho Commission for Libraries, was formed by the Colombian Club of Boise in 1899.
The 1901 Idaho Legislative Session created the State Library with an annual operating budget of $3,000. Charged with organizing new libraries and improving existing ones, Idaho took pride in its State Library services. The traveling library brought a civilizing and educational force to 51 settlements - including large towns like Boise, Moscow, and Pocatello and small ones like Preston, St. Anthony, and Salmon. By 1904, 100 communities were receiving books.
Growing New Libraries
By the 1920s, every major city in Idaho and many smaller communities boasted a library. Ten of those were built with Carnegie grants. These grants required local community support, much like private and federal library grants of today. The State Library continued to deposit collections of books throughout the state. In the 30s, continuing education to improve local library services began and continues to be in demand.
In 1957, the Idaho Legislature more than doubled the State Library's budget, allowing the agency to receive federal grants. With these monies, local libraries demonstrated innovative services such as bookmobiles and children's story times. These early grants were the precursors of $900,000 in federal funds administered by the State Library in Idaho today.
After the Library Service Act was revamped in 1964, federal dollars went toward library buildings - the final grant was awarded in 1998. In 1973, the Talking Book Library began to serve people whose disabilities made it difficult to use printed materials. Today, special playing machines and recorded books are sent statewide to provide free literature to thousands of patrons.
On to New Frontiers
In the mid-seventies, the State Library ushered in technology by awarding library automation grants. That legacy continues today through the Libraries Linking Idaho Network (LiLI). The network hosts the popular LiLI databases, paid for by state dollars. Plans for LiLI include the development of statewide networking activities.
The State Library strives to reach new frontiers by working with public libraries to offer high tech services. And while high tech may be the wave of the future, equally important is the high touch afforded through many local libraries. Through partnerships, the State Library works to impact lives on the community level, delivering both books and bytes.
Although library books no longer arrive by stagecoach, Idaho citizens still look forward to library services whether they come from a traditional library building or through a computer 24 hours a day. And the State Library is prepared to take Idahoans into tomorrow as it continues to pioneer new frontiers.
New Name for the Idaho State Library
Effective July 1, 2006 the Idaho State Library changed its name to the Idaho Commission for Libraries and the board of trustees were renamed the board of commissioners. "The change in name reflects our mission to assist libraries to build the capacity to better serve their clientele," State Librarian Ann Joslin stated when asked about the name change.
Hours & Directions
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday, except holidays from 8a.m. - 5p.m. (Mountain Time).
Directions
The Idaho Commission for Libraries is located between North 3rd and North 4th Streets and West State and West Jefferson Streets, three blocks east of the Statehouse. The entrance, which is handicapped accessible, is on the south end of the building, near the fountain and Jefferson Street. To get a better idea of where we are located, check out the map and photograph. And get a closer look at the block where the State Commission resides. Google Map Link.
Visitor parking is available on nearby streets or in the lot at the corner of 4th and West State Street. Spaces are reserved for handicapped visitors.
The library is near a regular city bus route. Please call Boise Urban Stages at (208) 336-1010 for information.
There is a bike rack located next to the entrance.
The Commission has field offices located in Idaho Falls and Moscow.
Library Law Task Force
Library Law Task Force
|
Kevin Booe |
Judy Dewey |
|
Wayne Gunter |
John Hartung |
| Patty Younger Director Meridian District Library 1326 W. Cherry Lane Meridian ID 83642 208-888-4451 Fax: 208-884-0745 E-mail: director@mld.org |
ILA Legislative Co-ChairLarry Almeida |
ILA Legislative Co-ChairErin Hasler |
ILA Legislative LiaisonJohn Watts |
Idaho Commission for Libraries:
Ann Joslin 334-2150; 800-458-3271; Contact Ann Joslin
Erin McCusker 334-2150; 800-458-3271; Contact Erin McCusker
Frank Nelson 525-7211; 800-548-6212; Contact Frank Nelson
Jan Wall 882-8882; 866-212-8646; Contact Jan Wall