Libraries in Idaho Receive $10,000 Gifts Ahead of 250th Anniversary

Donations from the Carnegie Corp. of New York will help improve facilities and resources at libraries in Moscow, Lewiston, and other cities.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Libraries across Idaho, including in Moscow and Lewiston, are receiving $10,000 gifts from the Carnegie Corp. of New York to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. The donations will help the libraries improve their facilities and expand the resources they offer to their communities, such as providing access to WiFi, tools, and other community-oriented services.

Why it matters

The gifts come at a critical time for libraries, which have faced increased pressure from state legislatures, including a 2024 Idaho law requiring public schools and libraries to move material deemed harmful to children to 'adults only' sections. These donations will help libraries continue serving as important community hubs, especially in rural areas with limited internet access and transportation options.

The details

The Carnegie Corp. of New York is sending $20 million in gifts to hundreds of Carnegie libraries across the country, including the Moscow library, which opened in 1906. The donations will help the libraries address structural issues and expand their offerings, such as 'curiosity kits,' sewing machines, and a planned tool library. Libraries in Boise, Idaho Falls, and Lewiston are also receiving $10,000 gifts.

  • The nation's 250th anniversary will be celebrated in 2026.
  • Idaho passed a law in 2024 requiring public schools and libraries to move material deemed harmful to children to 'adults only' sections.

The players

Carnegie Corp. of New York

A philanthropic organization that is providing $20 million in gifts to hundreds of Carnegie libraries across the country to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary.

April Hernandez

The director of the Latah County Library District, where the Moscow library is located.

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What they’re saying

“Especially in those locations where cellphone service is not the greatest and there's not a lot of options for WiFi, then I think that's a really critical thing that we offer, but just being able to let people have access to the wider world in those very rural locations, when some of them probably don't have great transportation.”

— April Hernandez, Director, Latah County Library District (dailyfly.com)

“We have 'curiosity kits' and we have a sewing machine; we're working on a tool library right now. So, we provide so much more than people realize – and I think that's important.”

— April Hernandez, Director, Latah County Library District (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The donations will help the libraries in Idaho address structural issues and expand their community-oriented services and resources ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.

The takeaway

These donations to libraries in Idaho demonstrate the crucial role they play as community hubs, especially in rural areas with limited internet access and transportation options. As libraries face increasing pressure, these gifts will help them continue providing vital resources and services to their local communities.