The Lamb Creek School, which is now the Priest Lake Public Library,
was build in 1934 and was one of the last log schoolhouses to be
built in Idaho. Local people cut, hauled, and peeled the logs to
build the school. The U.S. Forest Service issued a Special Use
Permit for the land and the school opened in 1935. The school was
in operation until 1961, when a new Priest Lake Elementary School
was opened. The log school building was used as a teacherage for
the head teacher of the new elementary school until 1973.
In 1973, the small community of Priest Lake established a
volunteer library. Building materials and furniture were donated,
along with the books. The library still receives and welcomes book
donations today. The library now houses over 13,000 books plus a
large collection of videos, DVD’s, books on tape, and provides
computers and free WiFi for their patrons.
The dedication of the Priest Lake Library took place in April
1974. In 1996, the Roy Burns Annex was dedicated. In 1999, the land
on which the library sits was acquired and the old log building was
placed on the National Historic Register. That same year, the
voters approved supporting the library with tax dollars, and it
became the Priest Lake Public Library.
The library has a good regional collection, a wonderful
children’s section and a friendly, helpful staff. An added bonus is
the Book Barn, where used books can be purchased at a very
reasonable price.
Library hours are 10-5 Monday thru Friday,
10-3 on Saturday.