Library can’t continue to rely on gifts
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Editor,
The Polson Library has been a valued part of the community for almost 100 years. However since 1992, the library has not received any taxpayer dollars for books, newspapers, periodicals, DVDs, CDs or online services such as the Shared Catalog Partner’s system in Montana. Only one other library in Montana receives no taxpayer monies for materials – pretty sad.
True, you can request a book from another library to be sent without a fee, but this service is available only because our library pays to be a part of the system. Without the levy, the library will have to cut these kinds of services.
The Library Board of Trustees and library director have worked hard to keep the library operating, and have counted on gifts for 35 percent of the budget. Not one of us would like to depend on gifts to make ends meet. In the past few months, Drummond, Belgrade, Sanders County and Carbon County have passed levies to help maintain their libraries. We can do the same.
People in Polson, Valley View, Big Arm, Elmo, Proctor, Dayton, Rollins and East Shore to Yellow Bay are being asked to form a North Lake County Library District. The formation of a district will ensure equitable and stable long-term funding and will retain the library as a dynamic center of learning and community life. If other libraries in Lake County reconsider the initial invitation sent out four years ago to work together toward a sustainable and equitable means of funding, they could also join the district.
Libraries help everyone. You’re not turned away or charged a fee because the Montana State Code mandates that Montana libraries be available to all. A community depends on the library the same way it depends on police officers, firefighters and educators. Even though you may not need these services, they are there when you do need them.
Think about the value of the Story Shuttle traveling to the daycares and preschools and providing after-school programs to elementary school children. As a retired educator I know the importance of developing a love of reading at an early age. It is priceless.
Bonnie Triepke
Polson
