The Kootenai County Library District reported a record year for circulation in 2025, with over 380,000 items checked out — a 12% increase from the previous year driven primarily by a 35% surge in digital lending through the library’s OverDrive and Libby platforms. The growth reflects both the expanding population of Kootenai County and a shift in how residents consume books, audiobooks, and other media in an increasingly digital world.
Physical book circulation remained stable at approximately 260,000 checkouts, while digital lending of e-books and audiobooks jumped to 120,000 — up from 89,000 in 2024. The digital growth was distributed across all age groups but was particularly strong among adults aged 25-45, a demographic that library staff attribute to the convenience of borrowing and reading on smartphones and tablets.
How the Library Serves Kootenai County
The library district operates branch locations in Coeur d’Alene and serves residents throughout Kootenai County through inter-library loan partnerships, a bookmobile program that visits rural communities, and digital services accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. The district’s annual budget of approximately $2.2 million is funded primarily through a dedicated property tax levy.
“Libraries are no longer just buildings full of books,” the library director said. “We’re community hubs that provide internet access, job search resources, children’s programming, meeting spaces, and increasingly, digital content that people can access from their couch. The growth in our circulation numbers tells us that Kootenai County residents value what we provide.”
The children’s programming department reported that over 4,500 children participated in the 2025 summer reading program, a 15% increase that the director attributes to expanded outreach at schools and community centers. Research consistently shows that children who participate in summer library programs maintain or improve their reading skills during the break, avoiding the “summer slide” that disproportionately affects lower-income students.
Technology and Community Resources
Beyond lending, the library provides free public internet access and computer workstations that serve as a critical resource for residents who lack home internet — a significant population in rural areas of Kootenai County. The library’s meeting rooms hosted over 800 community events in 2025, including book clubs, author talks, technology workshops, tax preparation assistance, and English language learning classes.
What Comes Next
The library district’s 2026 programming schedule includes expanded STEM workshops for children, a new homebound delivery service for seniors, and a seed library program in partnership with the Kootenai County Master Gardeners. Library cards are free for all Kootenai County residents and can be obtained at any branch or online at the district website. Summer reading program registration opens May 1.