The Athol Branch Library originated as the Open Book Library Club and soon blossomed into a city operated public library in 1971. Retaining the Open book name, it continued to grow, eventually adding a paid librarian. Joining the Panhandle regional Library System (now dissolved) enabled it to share State library programs and ideas with other Northern Idaho member libraries. A contract with the Kootenai County Library System allowed patrons outside the city to be served. In 1985 city and county residents voted to join the newly formed Consolidated Free Library District (Kootenai County Libraries). On March 12, 1991 Kootenai county voters approved a bond issue which provided them with new facilities at Athol, Rathdrum, and Spirit Lake, expanded Hayden and purchased a new bookmobile. Also added were a new computer system, patron computers, and increased the number of books at all branches. Ground breaking was spring 1992 with the dedication of the completed building on October 7, 1992.