Library district will help with new school library

North Central Regional Library is going to assist the school district here when it sets up its two libraries in the new school complex.

Dan Howard, executive director of the 29-community library district, was in Coulee Dam last week to meet with Grand Coulee Dam School District Superintendent Dennis Carlson and tour the new school site, paying particular attention to the two library spaces in the new building complex in Coulee Dam.

One library will serve grades 7-12 and the other grades K-6.

The school district faces the task of moving its three libraries into the two spaces, and sorting through its book collection to see what it will retain, then prepare to order new books and other library materials.

That’s where North Central Regional Library steps in.

Howard said the library district could help local school librarians go through their collections and plan orders to augment them. He said North Central would be willing to purchase some of the new library collection for the school district and help move the libraries to the new school.

“We are experts in moving libraries,” he said.

Howard also said his district would be interested in including school librarians in any training sessions North Central puts on.

“We are eager to help in the transition,” Howard stated.

North Central Library District has previously furnished books for the local schools, and has assisted at Nespelem, Keller and Inchelium, as well as at the library at the Colville Tribal Correctional Facility.

“We love to provide materials and services to schools,” Howard stated.

Carlson said the district is anxious to work with North Central as it moves ahead with its library collection, planning and moving.