The East Bonner County Library District’s Sandpoint branch will launch a major facility expansion this Friday, August 10, adding nearly 4,700 square feet of new space across two levels. The $2.5 million project is expected to be complete by March 2027.
The expansion will occupy the northwest corner of the existing building and will introduce several amenities patrons have requested. New meeting spaces and study rooms will provide quieter areas for research and collaborative work, while behind-the-scenes workspace will give staff room to manage collections and operations more efficiently. A café featuring a coffee bar will also open within the expanded footprint, operated by a local business or entrepreneur during standard library hours.
Parking and Access During Construction
Library officials have prepared for the disruption that construction will bring. Safety barriers and temporary parking corrals will be erected around the building site, and the Library Garden parking lot will be partially enclosed to serve as a construction staging area and equipment storage.
On-site parking capacity will be reduced during the construction period. The library is directing patrons to use additional parking on Oak Street and at the North Summit Church parking lot on Division Avenue. Despite the construction activity, the library does not anticipate closing to the public, though officials warn that noise and limited space closures may occur as work progresses. Physical signage will be posted as needed to direct patrons and alert them to any temporary access changes.
What Comes Next
The expansion reflects growing community use of the Sandpoint library and the library district’s commitment to modernizing its flagship facility in the heart of town. Residents should expect to see active construction traffic and equipment on the property beginning Friday. The project remains on schedule for a spring 2027 opening, at which point the library will offer expanded programming capacity and improved patron amenities without relocating services.
For updates on construction progress and any temporary access changes, patrons can contact the East Bonner County Library District directly or monitor signage at the building.