Inkom Opens Its First Public Library After More Than 20 Years of Community Effort
INKOM — A small Bannock County community reached a milestone Monday when residents, local officials, and state library representatives gathered at 321 Holstein Street to mark the grand opening of Inkom’s first public library — a project more than two decades in the making.
The new branch, part of the South Bannock Library District, occupies a 3,190-square-foot building and opens its doors with more than 3,000 books across a range of genres, with additional titles expected to be added throughout the coming months. The district also serves Downey, Lava Hot Springs, and McCammon.
A Long-Awaited Resource for Inkom Families
For years, Inkom residents who wanted access to public library services had to travel to a neighboring town. That changes with the new facility, which will offer far more than a book collection. Library staff say the building will provide audiobooks, DVDs, magazines, newspapers, homeschooling resources, an Idaho history section, and community programs designed for both children and adults. A dedicated children’s area gives young readers their own space to browse and explore.
South Bannock Library District Director Megan Short said the demand for a local library has existed in the community for a long time. “Residents of our community have wanted, and needed, their own library service for a long time, and we are so appreciative of everyone who helped bring a library to Inkom,” she said.
Short added that the facility is designed to serve a broad range of visitors. “It’s a place to access creativity and technology and a quiet place to come and sit,” she said.
Grant Funding and Community Support Made It Possible
The project got its financial footing when the Idaho Commission for Libraries awarded the South Bannock Library District a $500,000 Facilities Improvement Grant in 2023. That award was part of a broader $3.25 million distribution to 15 Idaho libraries, funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund. A subsequent local levy passage helped bring the project to full funding.
Consultant Marcy Price, who was instrumental in securing the grant funding, received the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon at Monday’s celebration. “It’s just a wonderful thing to have this building for the community and this library district and everything it has to offer,” Price said.
Idaho State Librarian Dylan Baker attended the event and reflected on the years of effort that preceded the opening. “It is so rewarding to see the culmination of the years of planning and hard work that went into bringing this beautiful new library to Inkom,” Baker said. “I know that the community will enjoy not only the books that the library provides but the many other programs and services, as well.”
The opening adds a permanent civic anchor to a community that has historically lacked dedicated public library infrastructure. For families with children, homeschoolers, and lifelong learners across the area, the library offers local access to resources that previously required a drive out of town — a practical change that library officials say has been anticipated for generations of Inkom residents.
Library staff say they look forward to welcoming the public throughout the summer. More information about programs and services is available at the South Bannock Library District’s website.
Inkom’s library opening comes as Bannock County communities continue to see civic investments across the region. Earlier this month, hundreds of residents packed a Pocatello City Hall hearing over a proposed Hoku data center, reflecting broad public engagement in local development decisions throughout Southeast Idaho.
What Comes Next
Library staff plan to expand the collection in the months ahead and roll out community programming for children and adults as the facility settles into regular operation. Residents interested in library cards, hours, or upcoming events are encouraged to visit southbannocklibrary.org for current information. The South Bannock Library District has not announced a formal programming calendar for the summer season, but staff indicated plans are underway.