Kellogg library opens doors at 'new' building

KELLOGG — After months of preparation, the Kellogg Public Library officially opened its doors at a new location along the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes earlier this week. 

Now located in the historic Union Pacific Railroad Depot, the move marks a new chapter for the library, its staff, and the community. 

The library was previously housed in a building that once served as city hall, police station, and library. After the city sold the building, it continued leasing the space for several years. Meanwhile, the city-owned depot had been home to the Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce until the organization opted to go virtual last year. 

The city then decided to relocate the library to the depot. Before the move, the century-old building underwent extensive renovations to improve accessibility and functionality—expanding office space, leveling floors, enlarging the bathroom, and making the building as ADA-compliant as possible. 

Interestingly, the idea wasn’t new. The city considered moving the library to the depot back in 1996 but ultimately decided against it. 

The library closed on March 11, and the move began on April 24. Staff worked quickly to minimize any disruption to public services. 

“Construction was still going on when we were moving, so we just kind of worked around each other where we could,” said former library director Danni Boylan. “It took us a couple months to unpack everything, but we knew the collection wouldn’t fit in the space, so as we were unpacking, we were thinning the collection.” 

More than 1,000 books were given away during the transition. 

At a brief opening ceremony, Boylan thanked city officials and the public for their support and patience during the remodel and move. After six years as director, Boylan is stepping down and passing the reins to Chris Rocha. 

“Libraries are critical,” Rocha said. “Having access to books is the most important thing, and encouraging kids to read is massive.” 

In addition to books and media, the library offers a variety of programs and activities, including early literacy initiatives, seasonal reading programs, trivia nights, and art classes. 

“Whatever ideas we have, we try,” Boylan said. “We also look to see what other libraries are doing and see if we can implement anything into what we’re doing.” 

The library even has a YouTube channel featuring children’s book readings for families to enjoy at home. 

Rocha believes the new location will boost the library’s visibility and accessibility, especially given its proximity to I-90 and the popular trail. 

“I think the move is going to be a good thing, and visibility is going to go up dramatically,” Rocha said. “When we first moved to Kellogg three years ago, it took me a month to find the library, but now we’re right here.” 

The library is governed by the city council and overseen by a board of directors appointed by the council. One of those board members, Mary Cobb, has served for 23 years and spent 43 years as a teacher and school librarian. She had the honor of cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony. 

“She is an experienced library mover and has started libraries from the ground up, so we were excited to have her on our team as we did this,” Boylan said. 

Cobb also founded the Friends of the Kellogg Library, a nonprofit that raises funds for items not covered by the library’s operating budget – everything from books and furniture to art supplies. All donations are tax-deductible, and Cobb asks that anyone interested in donating please contact the library.  

The Kellogg Public Library is now located at 10 E. Station Avenue and is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page or call (208) 786-7231.