A Taste of Life in a Public Library

Ever wonder what life in a public library is REALLY like? Try reading Free for All: Oddballs, Geeks, Gangstas in the Public Library by Don Borchert. Borchert works in a public library in southern California and offers a fresh perspective on the sometimes funny, sometimes poignant life that is the public library. With many anecdotes Borchert shows that a library is not just a collection of materials but it is the people who come to use all of its resources and the staff who work so hard behind the scenes to make it possible.

We're BUSY!

Our libraries were busy places yesterday. At the Main Library in Kalispell, 1,008 people walked through our doors between 10 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. At our Whitefish Branch, 437 people visited between noon and 8 p.m., and 209 ventured into the Columbia Falls Branch. (Bigfork and Marion are closed on Monday.) Mondays typically bring the most customers to those facilities that are open, and with the beginning of the summer season and not-so-nice weather yesterday, we broke an attendance record at the Main Library. WOW! over 1,000 people in one day.

As I've said before, we consider our libraries the living rooms of our communities. To continue the metaphor, all the relatives and friends were visiting yesterday, and the living rooms were packed. Keep in mind the positive effect that the presence of a library has on the community--economically, socially, and recreationally--we're the happenin' place!

Stef Johnson

We'd like to say thank you to Stef Johnson for her 7 years of serving the public and helping staff. Many patrons and staff have shared their gratitude because of her wit, knowledge and enthusiasm to help out. We'll miss you and wish you the best of luck at the Butte Silver Bow Public Library and also, in the completion of obtaining your master's degree. Stop by and say hello to her when you're cruising I-90 & I-15. Feared by computers and appreciated by everyone, Stef- thanks for the memories!

The Great Bird Debate

While I was hiking, I was fortunate enough to come across this good looking bird. I had a few ideas what it could be and because of a couple good librarians, the mystery was solved. Of course, we have wonderful bird identification books in the Flathead County Library.

So, what kind of bird is it? Comment away and we'll unveil the answer next week.

Blue Grouse is the winner, to avoid copyright issues, I'll not post pics but you can do a Google Image search and find some great shots...

Memorial Day

Thank you to all those who have defended our freedoms.

Honoring Local Authors

Yesterday the Whitefish Branch Library hosted an open house to honor many of our local authors...lots of wonderful refreshments and great conversation! These authors have written about so many different things, it would be hard to describe them all here. Many authors had their books and magazine articles available to look through. One of most interesting parts of the afternoon was hearing about their inspiration, whether they were writing fiction or nonfiction. There are quite a few books and articles coming out this year, too. We definitely have an energetic and prolific group of writers in our midst!

A tent in the library?

Thaaaaaat's right, it's storytime- Wednesday at 11 am in Kalispell, there will be a tent set up. We had a great time today and hope to see you at the library soon. You might just be surprised what you find where you least expect it!