How was the Library started?
The Community Library Association was organized in 1955 by 17 local women who each contributed one dollar to a treasury and opened the Gold Mine Thrift Shop in a small log cabin. In 1957 the first library was built and opened to the public. It now houses the Gold Mine. The current Library building was built in l976 and expanded to double the original size in 1986. The Lecture Room and Audio/Visual Room were added in l989. The new Children’s Library was added in 1996 and the Regional History Department and Reference Room expanded in that same year. You can read more in The History of The Community Library. [Top] [Home]
How is the Library supported?
The Library receives no tax money from any Federal, State, County or City agencies. We are solely supported by memberships, special gifts, memorial contributions, and, our primary source of income, the Gold Mine Thrift Shop. The Gold Mine sells used articles donated by the community and provides much of our money. We have an endowment fund and we use most of the interest for operating expenses but have never touched the principal. Special projects, such as the Tour of Homes and our annual Brochure mailing, also provide additional funds.[Top] [Home]
What does it cost to run the Library?
In l961 the total expenses for operating the Library and the Gold Mine were $4,435.99. In 2005, the projected cost of operation of the Library, the Gold Mine, and the Association is in excess of $1,500,000. [Top] [Home]
How is the Library run?
The Community Library Association Board of Directors consists of 25 people. There are nine officers and 9 committees. Each director serves at least eight volunteer hours a month. A staff of seventeen paid employees, under the direction of the Executive Director, handles the daily operation of the Library. [Top] [Home]
How many books are there in the Library?
There are 126,000 books, 500 music cassettes, 5,300 talking books 3,500 videos, 1400 music CDs and 500 DVD’s. The Regional History Department has 726 oral history tapes, 9,500 photographs, 175 videos, and many other related materials. [Top] [Home]
What services does the Library provide?
The usual circulation of hardcover books, cassettes, compact discs, DVDs and videos; a Reference library, an extensive Regional History Department, 175 periodicals and newspapers, paperback book trading, interlibrary loans, a copy machine, one typing room, public access computers for word processing and Internet access, an audio-visual room, a twice-weekly Story Time for preschoolers, library science training for elementary-aged school children during the school year, a summer reading program for children, and special programs in the Library Lecture Room. The Library’s Catalog is available on the Internet from our Website at http://www.thecommunitylibrary.org. [Top] [Home]
How do I get a library card?
If you are a high school student or older, simply fill out a registration card at the
adult library’s circulation desk, sign it, present a picture ID, and you may check
out items. Students in Grades 6 through 8 will need a parent's or guardian's signature and
may sign up at the adult library's circulation desk. Children from age 3 and students from
Pre-school through Grade 5 may sign up in the Children’s Library and will need the
signature of a parent or guardian who must also have a library card. [Top] [Home]
Do I have to live in Ketchum to get a library card?
No. The Community Library is open to all, no matter where you live. [Top] [Home]
How much does a library card cost?
There is no charge for a library card. [Top]
[Home]
Do I need my library card to check out books?
No. The librarians at the circulation desk can look up your name on the computer.
Children up to Grade 5 who sign up through the Children’s Library are not issued
physical cards—that way, they need not worry about carrying their cards with them. [Top] [Home]
How long is the check out period?
For most items, the check out period is two weeks. Exceptions are New Fiction
books, which have a one week check out period (and a 25-cent "rental" fee due to
their popularity) and videos which also have a one week check out period. [Top] [Home]
Can I renew my book on the web site or over the phone?
Yes, items may be renewed twice and may be renewed either from our web catalog by phone. Exceptions are for
New Fiction books (see above) and for books someone else has asked to reserve. To renew an item from our web catalog, click on "Patron Review" and follow the prompts. To renew by phone, call the
Library during open hours. [Top] [Home]
Can I reserve books?
Books or other items that are checked out may be reserved with one exception.
Because of their popularity, New Fiction books ("rental books") may not be
reserved. To reserve an item, ask a librarian at the circulation desk or call the Library
during open hours. You may reserve an item yourself at one
of the Library on-line catalog terminals or via your modem from home if you previously
arranged for a PIN (Personal Identification Number) at the circulation desk. Ask a
librarian for details. [Top] [Home]
What happens if my book is overdue?
If, after a short grace period, your book is still overdue, the Library will mail
you a postcard reminder. If another week goes by, a second postcard will be sent out. If
the item is still not returned, a librarian will contact you to ask that you return the
item. Only if the item is considered lost or damaged will the Library issue a bill for the
item. [Top] [Home]
Can I use my card at other libraries?
No. Currently, the Community Library card is good only at the Ketchum location. [Top] [Home]
When is the Library open?
The Library is open 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday. There are evening
hours Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. For more details visit our Hours & Location page. [Top] [Home]
What do you have besides books?
The Library has books, audio books (cassette tape & CD), musical CDs and cassettes,
videos, DVDs, newspapers and magazines, free paperback book exchange, and more. Feel free to
check out our Library Services page. [Top] [Home]
Do you have computers available for the public?
Yes. The Library offers computers for Internet access, word processing, periodical
full-text and abstract searching, and for use of the Library’s Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). In addition, the Library offers specialized computer workstations for small business development, mapping and geography, and with assistive technology for those who are blind, have low vision, or have other physical needs. [Top] [Home]
Can I search the Internet from the Library?
Yes. We have adult access in the Reference Room and children's access in the Children's
Library. There is no charge, and you must sign up before using the Internet. Before using the Internet, please review our Internet Policy.
[Top] [Home]
What kinds of activities are there for kids?
Besides a wealth of great books, videos, DVDs, and music on CD and cassette, the Children's Library offers Story Times for ages 3-5
each Tuesday and Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:00. Periodically, the Library offers
special entertaining and educational programs as well—for more details, check our Events Calendar page. [Top] [Home]
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Updated 2 July 2005
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