Reprinting Local History Preserves Libby’s Heritage

Lake Koocanusa stretches 90 miles from Libby to British Columbia. The reservoir, a hub for local boating, camping, fishing, and environmental education, is engrained in the Libby community, as is its history. But that history is at risk of being lost. There are few sources of information for residents to learn about Lake Koocanusa, the Kootenai River, and Libby Dam. One of the few sources, “Waters of Wealth: The Story of the Kootenai River and Libby Dam,” has gone out of print and is no longer available to locals. A board member with the Libby Dam Cooperative Association had the idea to reprint the book, but the project faced a series of hurdles. In need of help, he reached out to LOR. LOR’s funding will help the association cover publisher, printing, and document fees and support a local historian working to update the book. The book will be republished in print and digitally, ensuring Libby’s history and heritage live on.