Between the Stacks

By the time you read this I will be almost done with a week at the Montana Library Association (MLA) annual meeting in Billings. MLA provides a myriad of training in all types of areas and relevant issues relating to library funding, new laws, the latest technology, and more.

It is also a chance for libraries to network together with new ideas and share programming that has worked well in their communities or maybe not worked so well.

It is a mix of academic librarians, school librarians, specialty librarians, and of course, public librarians who face different challenges within the library world. By attending the conference I will have a chance to improve our library’s service to everyone and hopefully be able to stay on top of issues that may affect our patrons.

Don’t forget the Friends of the Library meeting on April 6 at 5:00 pm. The county Library Board will also be meeting in Whitehall this month on April 20 in the basement. If you have any suggestions or concerns please let me know.

If you have comments about the Library you would just like to share, there are note cards in the front entry way. These are presented to the Board during the meeting to help Board members keep up on how you think the Library is doing or things you would like to see provided.

Did you know that all public libraries in Montana state standards? I am learning all about these standards and how they apply to Whitehall. Some of the things I have learned include the fact that public libraries have to be legally established in order to receive state aid, Library Boards review and update their bylaws as needed every three years, and the Library Board must meet regularly. Our board here in Whitehall combines with members from Boulder to create a joint board. They are very committed and meet every month to take care of library concerns, sign financial claims and listen to the librarians inform them of upcoming special events, programs, and other news.

Your representatives on the Library Board for Whitehall are Diane Ward and Valerie McOuat. They have given countless hours of service to the Library as both Board members, as members of the Friends, and as great supporters of the staff.

If you would like to become more involved with the Library just stop in to find out how or give us a call at 287-3763.