High hopes for Columbia Falls Library

GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News

A contract has not been signed yet for Columbia Falls Library's new location at First Best Place on Nucleus Avenue. There are high hopes, but no deadlines for remodeling, moving or completion.

Price tag is about $2 million, through a combination of private, public and First Best Place Foundation, according to Kim Crowley, director of Flathead County Library.

Providing about one-third more space is given as prime reason for moving the library. Books would be on the main floor of the former bank. Entire downstairs would be used as a community room.

Crowley explained one of library purposes today is to provide a living room for the community.

There is limited off-street parking in the proposed First Best Place location. Other parking would be along Nucleus Avenue (actually Highway 2) on the east side, Fifth and Sixth Streets, north and south sides.

It was 44 years ago when this building was built for Bank of Columbia Falls. Grand opening was held June 19 and 20,1965. Next it was First Citizens Bank NA followed by Glacier Bank.

Auditorium in the former Anaconda Aluminum Co. Club, and became home for Columbia Falls Library with grand opening in November, 1973.

The A.A.C. Club was obtained by the City of Columbia Falls, I think for $1, and remodeling was underway. Bar and lounge became city clerk's office with volunteer firemen's room, police and dispatcher's offices, jail cells, city judge's chambers, more city offices, storage rooms created.

I was president of Columbia Falls Library Association when the newquarters in former A.A.C. Club were obtained. Board members met at least once weekly to negotiate plans with Mable Brewer, county librarian, state librarian, Flathead County Commissioners and City Council members.

Move 36 years ago was from a small building which served as a contractor's office during A.A.C. construction. Volunteers cleaned, painted, obtained shelving and were happy to donate their time. It was a unique arrangement as Columbia Falls Library Association owned the building, School District No. 6 owned the land and Flathead County owned books.

I vehemently oppose giving any Columbia Falls Library Association funds to the First Best Place coffers. Citizens have donated money, books and memorials to our library for years. Library boards have worked by corporation rules and preserved funds for necessary local expenses.

There is no agreement or guarantee for money's return if not used to move the library as First Best Place and county library director desire.

Columbia Falls Library Association is a separate entity incorporated by the State of Montana, Dec. 2, 1955. It is not to be controlled by other interests. I hope library officers continue the 54-year trust left for them.

I am a past president, secretary, former 40-years-plus board member.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News