The Community Library

In 1955, 17 open-minded women from central Idaho founded The Community Library Association, which they operated with funds from a one-room resale shop called the Gold Mine Thrift Store. Their mission—which persists to this day—was to create a place “of the people,” where members of their community could be exposed to diverse ideas in ever-changing forms. 

After two years of fundraising at the Gold Mine, the founders were able to open a physical library location in downtown Ketchum. However, when the community showed up in even larger numbers than expected, the library outgrew this site and moved to a much bigger space nearby. (The original location has since been converted into a retail outlet of Gold Mine, which has itself become something of a local legend.) 

After its last renovation in 2019, The Community Library now encompasses nearly 28,000 square feet, including newer additions like the Children’s Library and the Regional History Department. Today, over 5,000 people (and counting) hold library cards at The Community Library, and people from all over the globe tune into its programming. Local residency is not required to check out books, so visitors are always welcome to stop by and take advantage of the many resources available. 

The resource is especially appealing in the winter months, when visitors can cozy up with a new favorite book by the library's fireplace.

The library's diverse programming has something for everyone, from writing workshops to crafting workshops and musical performances. Between English language classes and documentary screenings, the Community Library offers many educational opportunities, helping to foster lifelong learning and curiosity. 

The Community Library is also associated with the historic Hemingway House, which contains a collection of artifacts from Ernest Hemingway’s time visiting and living in Idaho. The Library holds the distinction of being the custodian of Hemingway’s final home along the Big Wood River, and each July, the Hemingway Distinguished Lecture is held to honor the month of the author’s birth and death.

The Wood River Museum of History & Culture, which hosts interactive exhibits, is also a part of The Community Library.

A Library-run Bookmobile travels through the area with free books, library cards, and other fun initiatives. Though the Bookmobile was first established to help prevent learning loss during the summers, it now operates all year long and can often be found at community events around town and at local preschools. 

The Bookmobile is but one small part of The Community Library’s greater mission to get kids reading; it also organizes The Sun Valley Early Literacy Summit—a multi-day event that brings together Idaho’s teachers to explore reading as a science—and hosts storytimes and crafting sessions for kids. You can even find book ideas for young readers on the Library’s weekly blog, where staff members provide thoughtful recommendations.