POST FALLS - When the Post Falls Library Foundation needed help with its bike rack project, North Idaho College's welding program provided a spark.

The foundation found a partnership in college welding students and, as a result, the 16-slot rack will be installed next Thursday, far ahead of when foundation members originally thought.

"I thought we'd be years out," said Rebecca Melton, Post Falls librarian.

The foundation still needs $600 to finish off the project. Tax-deductible donations can be made to the nonprofit foundation and dropped off at the library at 821 N. Spokane St.

Those who donate $300 or more will receive sponsorship naming rights on the rack.

"If donations are generous, another bike rack will be commissioned," said Anne Abrams, Community Library Network spokeswoman.

About $600 has been raised so far, including from the foundation's Guitar Hero contest fundraiser last fall and a $200 donation from Bicycle Sales and Service.

The rack will have the word "imagine" in colored steel letters on it to stay with the theme of the children's section inside the library.

"I like to do these projects for the community because they correlate with everything we've taught them throughout the year," said Earl Dreisbach, NIC welding instructor. "Students can actually put the skills they've learned to use."

Dreisbach said it's a win-win.

"The library is getting a custom-made bike rack and students get experience," he said.

NIC students have put about 20 hours toward the project. The labor is donated and the foundation only has to pay for the cost of the materials.

"This cut the cost for the rack by about a third," said Jame Davis, the foundation's secretary.

A plaque thanking sponsor-level donors will be fabricated by the students, who are also installing the rack.

Having a durable rack with more slots, which will replace the current 12-slot one, is a priority for the foundation because there has been a problem with stolen bikes at the library. Also, with the Boys and Girls Club to be built next to the library starting this month, the rack is expected to get more use.