Being The Best

Have you ever thought about what makes your experience in a library special? We all have expectations. Some people expect to be able to walk into a library to grab a book or movie like you would run into the grocery store to get a gallon of milk. Others like the technology aspect of using a library which could mean using a computer to look at a digital photo of a friend’s trip to Rome, playing an online game, looking up information to conduct genealogy research. Of course, the library might be the only place a person can send or receive email. Some of the youngest library users like to come and hear stories and maybe do a craft project.

A recent article that I read was talking about how make an experience for a library user the best possible. The author states that “people want a unique experience in which they are recognized and treated with a personal touch.”
He goes on to say “libraries need to keep their services basic and to the point, so that librarians can spend more time creating relationships with [library users]”, which will be “more meaningful in the long run than lots of databases and technology options.”

What are your expectations when you enter any Flathead County Library System branch? It’s something to think about as we move farther into the 21st century and see how libraries will change to provide the best experience possible for you, our library users.

Did you know...

that we had bugs for lunch today in the Children's Area? On the menu were spiders, ants, ladybugs,and even worms in some dirt! Who knew these critters could be so tasty?

Celtic Dancing In Kalispell

You might have thought the Children's Department in Kalispell was a lovely Scottish glade or an Irish meadow today. We were all treated to authentic music and dance performed by the Miles City Caledonian Society Dancers. These energetic and talented dancers have been on tour throughout Montana during the past few weeks. In between dances the dancers told us about the origins of the different tartan kilts they were wearing, the significance of each dance movement, and some Celtic customs. A few kids got to try playing the bagpipes and found out how hard it can be! One of my favorite parts of this event was listening to Amazing Grace being played on the bagpipes...it soothes the soul.

New Book Reviews

Congratulations to our volunteer book reviewer, Joan Smith, of Whitefish. She recently published a book of her reviews entitled Books Worth a Look!. We have added some new reviews to our web site http://www.flatheadcountylibrary.org/reviews.htm. If you have never accessed this portion of our web site, click on Adults and then on Book Reviews and you can easily view a number of reviews.

Having a baby soon?

One of the most overwhelming aspects of pregnancy has got to be the decisions to be made about baby gear. What do I need to buy? When should I buy it? Do I need a baby bathtub? What's the best kind of car seat? Enter Heather Maclean and Hollie Schultz, authors of The Baby Gizmo Buying Guide. This book is a veritable encyclopedia of baby gear. Rather than recommend specific brands, the authors explain the differences between types of baby contraptions (activity gyms vs. activity centers, for example). Extremely helpful for first time parents made dizzy by all the options out there for strollers, infant carriers, slings, and swings.

Things are buggy around here!

The 2008 Summer Reading Program is off to a great start! So far, over 600 kids have signed up to keep track of their reading to earn some prizes. If they read any extra hours, they can be part of Readers to the Rescue, which is helping the Flathead County Animal Shelter this year.

We have discovered facts about butterflies, ladybugs, ants, beetles and spiders. During the next few weeks you can visit us and learn about bees, worms, and even bugs that you can eat!!!

One of the most interesting things that we have in our branches are the space age ant colonies. NASA engineers figured out how send ants into space safely and we have an example of the kind of colony they used. Come and see how these fascinating creatures have built their tunnels in the special gel. It's pretty awesome!

The Whitefish Branch is 10 years old!

Please join us in saying "Happy 10-year Birthday!" to the Whitefish Branch Library building. Well over 10 years ago, a group of community-minded citizens came together with a vision to create a first class library space for the town of Whitefish. Today we laud their efforts that have resulted in the beautiful building that serves today as the centerpiece of the community. The Flathead County Library staff also deserve a big round of applause for making the Whitefish Branch a welcoming and vibrant environment for all who pass through its doors. We are grateful to the incredible core of volunteers who are dedicated to helping us to serve our public well. We especially appreciate the gracious efforts of our branch librarian, Joey Kositzky, who for over 20 years has seen the library through struggles and good times. Kudos to all!