Library Director Craig Anderson announces retirement

The Boundary County Library board is saddened to announce the retirement of library director, Craig Anderson effective April 1, 2021.

The board would like to thank Craig for the hard work he has put into the library these last few years. As an English teacher at the high school, ‘Mr. A.’ was a well-known and beloved member of the community and has been a positive influence for decades of Bonners Ferry High School students. He didn’t work nearly as long at the library but he brought the same positive, inventive, inclusive and creative attitude that made him such a cherished teacher.

Craig’s love for others and his giving attitude are obvious in his ability to overlook people’s flaws and see the best in others. From convincing libraries across the country and around the world to join him in a spring Hawaiian themed event to chase away the last chilly days of winter to bringing boxes of donated books to detainees (many his former students) at the jail to fighting to ensure a continuous supply of large print and audio books were available for Restorium residents, Craig has a heart of service that will continue to be an inspiration to the community no matter where he ends up next.

As we begin the search for a new director to carry on the legacy that so many amazing directors have created at the library, we know that the decision cannot be taken lightly. In order to help with a smooth transition process, the board has chosen long time library IT manager Derrick Grow to serve as interim director until a suitable candidate for the permanent position is identified. We are also pleased to announce that former director Sandra Ashworth has volunteered to come out of retirement to help as a consultant in the transition process, and to identify problems and provide solutions in the library’s management.

Finally, the board would like to extend a huge thank you to the hardworking employees of the Boundary County Library. They have performed admirably in the face of so many challenges in the last year and without them, our library could not be the safe, productive, educational, community-building place that it is.