PNLA Quarterly, Vol. 63 No.2 Winter 1999

IDAHO ANNUAL REPORT, 1997-98
Kevin Booe, Idaho Representative

LEGISLATION PASSED

The Idaho state legislator appropriated approximately $500,000 to help establish the Lili project, a statewide database resource sharing network. Through the Lili website, publicly funded libraries in Idaho will be able to access several online databases such as SIRS. The statewide project will save individual libraries money and will enhance Idaho library service. The appropriation was the largest library funding effort in state history.

LIBRARY DISTRICTS CREATED/BOND ISSUES PASSED

Several Idaho libraries passed bond issues this year to build new public library buildings. The Kuna Community School library passed a 1.2 million dollar bond to build a new public library. The library currently shares resources with the Kuna High School. Eagle also passed a 1.5 million dollar bond and has broke ground on a new facility. Likewise, Bonner County passed a 3.5 million dollar bond which will help fund a new building and services.

Cooperation has been the key this year in the minds of voters and library staff. The voters in Kooskia voted to become a branch of the Nez Perce/Lewis County library district. Library districts continue to grow in Idaho as libraries look at consolidation. The Treasure Valley Library Association was formed this year which includes Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle, Garden City, and Ada Community libraries. The libraries have agreed to allow patrons unrestricted access to each collection. In addition, the LYNX consortium will be adding Eagle Public and Garden City Public to the shared database during the 1998/99 fiscal year.

ALBERTSON FOUNDATION GRANT

The Albertson Foundation has awarded the Idaho State Library $373,164 for 3 years to expand or start *Read to Me* programs in 5 public libraries. The *Read to Me* program is a statewide literacy program geared toward early intervention programs to reach families with critical literacy needs. The programs are established in public libraries. Idaho was one of 5 states to pilot the program last year.

FUTURES CONFERENCE

The Idaho State Library sponsored and facilitated the Library Futures Conference. Participants were asked to come up with a futuristic vision of Idaho libraries. Among the desired elements: flexible fun buildings with virtual reality booths, 24 hour reference service, well trained staff, cutting edge technology, user education programs, and private/public partnerships to enhance library services. The participants viewed the public library of the future as the community center. Complete conference results are available at http://www.lili.org/isl/future.htm.IDAHO LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

The Idaho Library Association continues to pursue hiring a lobbyist for legislative affairs. The association was very active this year in gaining legislative support for the Lili Project. The Association's Web Page now has a web master and is available at http://www.idaholibraries.org. The incoming ILA president, Dawn Wittman, has worked on this year's joint conference with PNLA and has earned the unabashed respect of this member!